Cornishpastyman1 Posted October 21, 2013 #1 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I have just done my first O cruise (Marina) and give everything 10/10 but have one real complaint. The cruise ended at Civitavecchia on 19 October, with the penultimate port of call scheduled to see us anchored for tender at either Sorrento or Amalfi, when there would be a day at sea before docking at Civi at 6 am. The original departure time from our Amalfi coast anchorage point was 6 pm on the 17th, meaning we had 36 hours to cover around 150 nautical miles. In the event the swells were too high to risk tendering so the captain decided to secure a dock and overnight at Naples. Fair enough, of course. Naples was much less convenient for exploring the Amalfi coast, necessitating an unpredictable train or road journey (in terms of time) but at least we could get there, but with a departure time of 6pm so all-aboard at 5.30 it meant that we would have to leave say Amalfi or Ravello at 2.30, having only been able to get there by 10 am - so hardly any time to see Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, when you have to rely on the bus services in that area. I asked the CD why we could not stay in Naples until 10 pm, which would still leave 32 hours to get to Civi, and he said that was a good question, but had no answer, and we did leave at 6pm. Apart from being a great PR gesture, the later departure would have made a massive difference to our day, enabling us to properly look at the Amalfi coast towns, or spending a really full day at Capri. It is possible that 4 extra hours at Naples would involve a cost to Oceania, both in port fees and by not enabling the casino or shops to open for those few hours, but my main point is that we were originally supposed to be floating off the coast, not docked anywhere so why the 6 pm sail time ? Earlier in the cruise we stayed anchored until at least 10 pm on 3 days (at St Tropez, Cannes and Monaco) so why didn't someone at Oceania HQ realise that a late departure time was more value in the Amalfi area, where there are so many excursion possibilities (and a somewhat erratic transport network, especially by road) and swapped one of those for this last call, if the casino/shops thing was the issue ? Several of us tried very hard to get an answer on board, without any joy, so if anyone from O sees this I would love to hear from them. As I said at the start, overall it was a sensational cruise and I am really looking to my next one with Oceania, but the way it ended, having to leave Capri on a glorious day at 3.30 was very frustrating, especially as there did not seem to be any need for it and we could get no explanation as to why it was so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted October 21, 2013 #2 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Good question. I think many of us would like to see an answer. Could happen to any of us and maybe this will give Oceania a chance to re think this kind of policy. They have to be a little more customer friendly when possible.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian_uk Posted October 21, 2013 #3 Share Posted October 21, 2013 The berths at these larger Ports are limited and I would guess that the one they had was booked after 6.30pm. Sadly on cruises these things happen. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TERRIER1 Posted October 21, 2013 #4 Share Posted October 21, 2013 The berths at these larger Ports are limited and I would guess that the one they had was booked after 6.30pm. Sadly on cruises these things happen. Brian This happened to us in Dubrovinik on a R ship and the captain moved from the dock and then tendered us in. We were able to stay longer as originally on the schedule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornishpastyman1 Posted October 21, 2013 Author #5 Share Posted October 21, 2013 The berths at these larger Ports are limited and I would guess that the one they had was booked after 6.30pm. Sadly on cruises these things happen. Brian Hi Brian That is possible, in which case they could have told us, but my main point is docking at Naples was a last-minute decision, and that the original schedule, before the weather intervened, had us anchored off Sorrento but still leaving at 6 pm, so no docking issues to consider. It seems someone didn't bother to think about the customers, when they decided that to leave at 6 pm was of no consequence to how we could use the day, when staying 4 more hours would only involve running a few more tenders at the end of the day. Regards, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna201213 Posted October 21, 2013 #6 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Good question. I think many of us would like to see an answer. Could happen to any of us and maybe this will give Oceania a chance to re think this kind of policy. They have to be a little more customer friendly when possible.:) Last Feb we were on the Riviera in Caribbean and I was wondered why we were leaving so soon at every port and a guide told me that Oceania wants their clients on the ship to spend their money. But we were sad because the departure time was 4.00 or 6.00 p.m. I never saw an island in the dark. You almost can go to next island by swimming so why leaving at 4.00 p.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted October 21, 2013 #7 Share Posted October 21, 2013 There are several reasons why the ship would have to leave at 6 pm. If the ship is in a berth at a dock, they are having to pay for that parking space. Berths are limited in number, and since this was a last minute arrangement, there is also a good chance that another ship was due to dock there later on. This is not so much an issue when the ship is anchored. Also the employees on shore that work for the dock are on a schedule. The company that owns the dock is not going to necessarily want to pay overtime for employees to work later. It is more complicated than the ship just wanting everyone on board to spend money on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted October 21, 2013 #8 Share Posted October 21, 2013 There are several reasons why the ship would have to leave at 6 pm. If the ship is in a berth at a dock, they are having to pay for that parking space. Berths are limited in number, and since this was a last minute arrangement, there is also a good chance that another ship was due to dock there later on. This is not so much an issue when the ship is anchored. Also the employees on shore that work for the dock are on a schedule. The company that owns the dock is not going to necessarily want to pay overtime for employees to work later. It is more complicated than the ship just wanting everyone on board to spend money on the ship. I agree, and let's not forget that those dockworkers are Union Employees and can't simply be ordered to show up or go home at the last minute. In my minds eye, I picture berthing a Cruise Ship as being akin to parking in your Mother-In-Law's Driveway. You probably won't be turned away, but SHE controls the when, where and how long. Sometimes, particularly when there is a last minute change, you just have to smile and say Thank You for accommodating us at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Noxequifans Posted October 21, 2013 #9 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I also see a number of factors impacting the decision ... some not so visible. Among them is the availability of port pilots. I also would not expect that Oceania is obligated to defend decisions by the ships master. This might encourage protracted debate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAexNY Posted October 21, 2013 #10 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Last Feb we were on the Riviera in Caribbean and I was wondered why we were leaving so soon at every port and a guide told me that Oceania wants their clients on the ship to spend their money. I don't know that I would rely on a tour guide's explanation of Oceania's rationale here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted October 21, 2013 #11 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I agree, and let's not forget that those dockworkers are Union Employees and can't simply be ordered to show up or go home at the last minute. In my minds eye, I picture berthing a Cruise Ship as being akin to parking in your Mother-In-Law's Driveway. You probably won't be turned away, but SHE controls the when, where and how long. Sometimes, particularly when there is a last minute change, you just have to smile and say Thank You for accommodating us at all. Usually followed by, thank you captain for keeping us safe. So many factors go into these changes.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmann Posted October 21, 2013 #12 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Hi tony, and let's not forget, with the exception of one seas height dictated issue, O delivered exactly the itinerary we each booked....see you in future. We had fun. Give mum a hug from us. John and paula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted October 21, 2013 #13 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I also see a number of factors impacting the decision ... some not so visible. Among them is the availability of port pilots. I also would not expect that Oceania is obligated to defend decisions by the ships master. This might encourage protracted debate. I am not asking that they have to defend these decisions, but to explain why some of them are being made. It's just being customer friendly to my way of thinking. Good PR for them. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted October 21, 2013 #14 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Look on the bright side You could have had a sea day instead of part of a day in Naples ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornishpastyman1 Posted October 21, 2013 Author #15 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Hi tony, and let's not forget, with the exception of one seas height dictated issue, O delivered exactly the itinerary we each booked....see you in future. We had fun. Give mum a hug from us. John and paula Hi John and Paula That's true, it was a superb cruise and I hope we meet up again sometime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treasure4two Posted October 21, 2013 #16 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I am not asking that they have to defend these decisions, but to explain why some of them are being made. It's just being customer friendly to my way of thinking. Good PR for them. :) I think Oceania is very customer friendly. If every small group of people decided they wanted something different from the schedule and expected Oceania or any other cruise lines to change their schedules they made years in advance to make a small group happy, it would be pure mayhem! Just an example-put 8 people in a large van-now try to make all of them happy as far as temperature of van, windows open or closed, etc-no way. I personally would not care if the departure was 10 PM or 6 PM, I like an early dinner and evening. ...and to listen to the tour people when they say that the ship departs at 6 PM so Oceania could make more money-why do the tour people want you to stay longer in their port-so they can make more money. I agree with many others on this post that things happening in the ports probably are more involved with the docks, employees, etc than what Oceania wants or what a few people on each cruise want. Just feel blessed that you are cruising with such a great cruise line :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted October 21, 2013 #17 Share Posted October 21, 2013 ... a guide told me that Oceania wants their clients on the ship to spend their money... That's probably what the guide has been told by other clients from mass market cruise where one is nickled and dimed to death. But, I have my doubts that a guide who would say such a thing about Oceania has ever been aboard an O ship. sent from Galaxy Note 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted October 21, 2013 #18 Share Posted October 21, 2013 That's probably what the guide has been told by other clients from mass market cruise where one is nickled and dimed to death. But, I have my doubts that a guide who would say such a thing about Oceania has ever been aboard an O ship. sent from Galaxy Note 8 Maybe not But there is a grain of truth to it It is no secret that cruise lines make their money with the sale of items on board ship -- alcohol especially, shops, shore excursions etc. These are all profit centers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlo7 Posted October 21, 2013 #19 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Below is the e-mail address of someone in OC Customer Relations. She answered a question I had very promptly. Why not go to the company instead of seeking answers from people who may not know anything about your question? Dianne Blazquez <DBlazquez@oceaniacruises.com> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted October 21, 2013 #20 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Below is the e-mail address of someone in OC Customer Relations. She answered a question I had very promptly. Why not go to the company instead of seeking answers from people who may not know anything about your question? Dianne Blazquez <DBlazquez@oceaniacruises.com> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted October 22, 2013 #21 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Maybe notBut there is a grain of truth to it It is no secret that cruise lines make their money with the sale of items on board ship -- alcohol especially, shops, shore excursions etc. These are all profit centers. If there was any basis in fact that Oceanis would rather have us aboard than ashore, the cruises would not be so port intensive... sent from Galaxy Note 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted October 22, 2013 #22 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Below is the e-mail address of someone in OC Customer Relations. She answered a question I had very promptly. Why not go to the company instead of seeking answers from people who may not know anything about your question? Dianne Blazquez <DBlazquez@oceaniacruises.com> And you know how, that the company rep. is telling you the truth, or just what you want to hear. And how do you know that they really know the answer. Only top management knows fact from fiction. Just my two cents. Bur probably closer to the truth than farther from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Sharon Posted October 22, 2013 #23 Share Posted October 22, 2013 After 6pm, berthing costs move over to night rates - much more expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turnip eater Posted October 22, 2013 #24 Share Posted October 22, 2013 After 6pm, berthing costs move over to night rates - much more expensive. Hmmmm that makes sense then, for ships to leave early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisewmn Posted October 22, 2013 #25 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I just did a very unscientific look at departure times of major cruise lines from Naples. All of them left between 6 and 7 pm. That was also true of the two cruises I've taken that stopped in Naples. Must be the witching hour. ;) Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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