Dutch Explorers Posted January 26, 2011 #1 Share Posted January 26, 2011 We are really interested in more information on what La Reserve has to offer. On the Oceania site the only information we can find is that you can enjoy a 7 course dinner with matching wines at a cost of $75 plus gratuity. Can anyone share their experience (we know the maiden voyage just started last weekend.... ;))? perhaps some other insights on wine tastings etc? Brgds, Marco&Jessica Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAG Posted January 26, 2011 #2 Share Posted January 26, 2011 We are on the next Marina cruise and have made our reservations for February 19th. We can get back to you after that and let you know. There were only 2 nights available, which means a total of 48 individuals will be able to have this experience on the next cruise. We are looking forward to enjoying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searanch queen Posted January 26, 2011 #3 Share Posted January 26, 2011 We are booked for May 12th. It is a joint project with wine spectator. All indications are that is is well worth the extra charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted January 26, 2011 #4 Share Posted January 26, 2011 La Reserve sounds very much like a small restaurant that was at the top of the World Trade Center. We dined there several times and it was always marvelous. They took a space in the center of the floor that had no view and turned it into a private restaurant (with live classical guitar music being quietly played in the backgound) and matched the meal to the wines. If you wanted to continue drinking a particular wine rather than switching, that was fine with them. It was a MUCH better deal than "Windows on the World" but of course "Windows" had spectacular views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aruba Posted January 26, 2011 #5 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Sadly, "had". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted January 26, 2011 #6 Share Posted January 26, 2011 Yes, Aruba. Very sadly, "had". The view I had of the towers crumbling to dust is a picture I'd like to erase from my mind ... but I can't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted January 29, 2011 #7 Share Posted January 29, 2011 We are booked on 3/28 cruise. I had wanted to host another couple and surprise my husband for his 70th birthday with dinner. I had my TA call the first morning we could book (60 days out) and the slots were all filled, as PH and above had already done dining reservations. Oceania said that at present they are only opening La Reserve 2 nights a cruise for dinner, even though our cruise is 19 days. My understanding of the reasoning: they have to pull so much regular staff to serve the special meal, wines etc. I am hoping when/if there is a demand for this that they change the 2 night policy so more people can book it. I hadn't realized it would be a problem and was so excited to surprise my husband with something different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted January 29, 2011 #8 Share Posted January 29, 2011 We are booked on 3/28 cruise. I had wanted to host another couple and surprise my husband for his 70th birthday with dinner. I had my TA call the first morning we could book (60 days out) and the slots were all filled, as PH and above had already done dining reservations. Oceania said that at present they are only opening La Reserve 2 nights a cruise for dinner, even though our cruise is 19 days. My understanding of the reasoning: they have to pull so much regular staff to serve the special meal, wines etc. I am hoping when/if there is a demand for this that they change the 2 night policy so more people can book it. I hadn't realized it would be a problem and was so excited to surprise my husband with something different. I'm so sorry that you were unable to get the reservation that you wanted. :( We're also celebrating a "destination birthday" on our upcoming Marina voyage so we know exactly what you are feeling. All may not be lost however, for two reasons: 1) It is my understanding that some reservations are being held back so that there will be availability for those who wish to book during the cruise. 2) At this early point in the new reservation process, people seem to be booking reservations just because they are entitled to them. Knowing how life seems to intrude on even the most carefully made plans, I wonder how many "pre booked" reservations will wind up being cancelled. If I were you, I'd make it a point of getting to the ship early, and have what my father used to call "a talk" with whomever is booking La Reserve, onboard. ;) Oh, and don't forget that you could also book Privée if you wanted to go for something more private and swank Privée stands alone as Oceania Cruises' most opulent, indulgent, one-of-a-kind dining experience. Even superlatives pale when describing Marina's ultimate venue, which you may reserve solely for exclusive parties of as many as eight privileged gourmands. Outlandishly decorated with Ferrari Red carpeting, oversized white baby crocodile throne chairs, ornate Baroque millwork, and flanked by backlit onyx-clad walls, the setting for Privée is absolutely exquisite. A custom-made oval table, illuminated by a white Venini glass chandelier, lies at its heart, accentuating the culinary magic that awaits you. The seven-course gourmet Menu Degustation is custom created to fulfill your desires. Simply meet with Marina's Executive Chef beforehand, make your request, and it will be masterfully prepared and impeccably served. Within the sanctum of Privée, dining engages all the senses, leaving you and your guests immensely fulfilled. This dining extravaganza can be reserved for $1,000 per evening for a party of up to 8 guests. To reserve Privée for the evening, log into your Already Booked account or by contacting Reservations at 800-531-5619. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dino2067 Posted January 29, 2011 #9 Share Posted January 29, 2011 We are booked on 3/28 cruise. I had wanted to host another couple and surprise my husband for his 70th birthday with dinner. I had my TA call the first morning we could book (60 days out) and the slots were all filled, as PH and above had already done dining reservations. Oceania said that at present they are only opening La Reserve 2 nights a cruise for dinner, even though our cruise is 19 days. My understanding of the reasoning: they have to pull so much regular staff to serve the special meal, wines etc. I am hoping when/if there is a demand for this that they change the 2 night policy so more people can book it. I hadn't realized it would be a problem and was so excited to surprise my husband with something different. Hi findacruise, We are also hoping that because of the overwhelming response to La Reserve, that additional nights might become available during the TA sailing. Why not come join some fellow Marina passengers over at the roll call for the 3/28 TA: Miami to Barcelona - March 28, 2011 Kathleen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sldispatcher Posted January 29, 2011 #10 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Take it for what it is worth, but any comment I have heard was extremely positive. I'm thinking they could easily go for 1 out of every two nights (i.e. 14 night cruise would have 7 tastings). The food is all fabulous and the space for Reserve is gorgeous! I'm sorry we didn't do this tasting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted January 30, 2011 #11 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Thanks to all for your encouragement and suggestions. I talked to my TA who will be at the festivities next week in Miami and the expansion of days will be a suggestion that will be made. I also have been know to have very nice conversations (talks) to try to accomplish my goals - one of my former lives in the custmer service arena does come in handy at times! With 7 weeks and 3 more cruises before ours,I am hopeful for a change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted January 30, 2011 #12 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Perhaps once they see how popular La Reserve will be they will add more than 2 nights It seems like a waste if it is only utilized 2 nights even on a 10 day cruise Maybe the problem is staffing Time will tell Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted January 30, 2011 #13 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I see Dave posted they were open every night on the maiden voyage see message #271 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1339111&page=7 I wonder if it is a special thing just for that cruise or misinformation on the part of the Res agents ...again :confused: I guess time will tell Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pvan Posted January 30, 2011 #14 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Does anyone know if the menu is the same for every night offered or does it change? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Explorers Posted January 31, 2011 Author #15 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I just got off the phone with guest relations of O. Lucky us, we were able to make a reservation :D:D on our cruise (Caribbean Pearls, march 16th) There were only 2 evenings offered and we still had a choice of both evenings. It took some effort to make the reservation as I felt they are not used to this kind of reservation at a surcharge. At first they told me it could only be booked on board but after double checking I was able to book it. You have to pay it at the time of booking. I will give a detailed review after our cruise. Anyone interested, on the Caribbean Pearls cruise the 20th and 26th are still availbale for reservations as per guest services. Be quick as the space is limited!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolphinmar Posted January 31, 2011 #16 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We just booked ours last Friday on the July 29th Treasures of the Continent. They were offering three nights on this 12 day cruise. Oceania will process the charge immediately as it has already hit my credit card account. We booked through our TA. I am really looking forward to this event and can't wait to hear about your experiences, Dutch Explorer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted January 31, 2011 #17 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Does anyone know if someone who does not drink alcohol can dine at La Reserve without the wine pairing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillianrose Posted January 31, 2011 #18 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Does anyone know if someone who does not drink alcohol can dine at La Reserve without the wine pairing? You don't have to drink the wine, but it is likely that you will pay the same charge as everyone else in the room, even if you don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted January 31, 2011 #19 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Does anyone know if someone who does not drink alcohol can dine at La Reserve without the wine pairing? In this crazy world, they probably would allow that option. However, I have to ask -Why would somebody who didn't drink want to attend a wine pairing? :confused: La Riserve is not a "for a fee" specialty restaurant, it's a wine bar that serves food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted January 31, 2011 #20 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We just booked ours last Friday on the July 29th Treasures of the Continent. They were offering three nights on this 12 day cruise. Oceania will process the charge immediately as it has already hit my credit card account. We booked through our TA. I am really looking forward to this event and can't wait to hear about your experiences, Dutch Explorer! Interesting as I had been told we had to wait until the same time frame as for specialty restaurants. Had I not waited, then I problably could have gotten in since I had been planning to do this since I first read about La Reserve. Well, I'll just keep my fingers crossed they add more seatings and I have my TA checking about a waiting list. But no matter what we'll still celebrate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillianrose Posted January 31, 2011 #21 Share Posted January 31, 2011 In this crazy world, they probably would allow that option. However, I have to ask -Why would somebody who didn't drink want to attend a wine pairing? :confused:La Riserve is not a "for a fee" specialty restaurant, it's a wine bar that serves food. Does this room serve more than one wine/food pairing per night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmark14 Posted January 31, 2011 #22 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Thank you for the info re La Reserve. We are on the same sailing and just booked through our TA also. I would never think that we would be able to book so early. BTW, are you interested in a private excursion, from Le Verdon, of the medoc wine region? I have corresponded with a company recommended on these boards. We are looking for 2-4 other people to join us. Thanks again for the heads up-- Marcia bonvoyage14@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted January 31, 2011 #23 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Does this room serve more than one wine/food pairing per night? No, but there may be additional pairing events or tastings during the day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searanch queen Posted January 31, 2011 #24 Share Posted January 31, 2011 My husband and I are booked for may 5th, the night the ship stays in Venice. All those going out of Miami please let us know what you think. We booked with our TA way in advance and had our pick of nights. You do have to pay right away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyndenfa Posted February 1, 2011 #25 Share Posted February 1, 2011 No, but there may be additional pairing events or tastings during the day We enjoyed LaReserve completely. The first two nights were booked before we boarded and we went to the conceirge as had been instructed by the O rep, DJ. Another two evenings were opened up with a third possible if there was enough request. We were told the $75.00 fee was for the wine only, and not the food, the food being separate and no charge. We were all able to keep the menu and learned there is an alternate menu. I don't believe there is a third, yet, but if La Reserve is a hit there may be more available. There have also been wine tastings on board, today it is a Premium tasting at $50.00 pp. We will not attend that! Somewhere else on these boards I wrote a bit more of a description of our evening, how much personal assistance, how friendly the staff and fellow diners. I highly recommend La Reserve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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