Marina -- August 15 cruise -- LIVE

[What A Market]

Trying again

 

 

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[JVNYC]

Trying again

 

 

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Beautiful photo and day! What did you think of Antwerp?

[What A Market]

Loved it. Really an amazing city. Did a great bike tour with a guide. I am really enjoying using bikes as a way to get around European cities. Of course having a guide helps, particularly with navigating traffic -- including pedestrians, other bikes, and cars/trucks. Still not for the feint of heart. The guide recommended a great pop up bar/restaurant for a beer and lunch.

 

 

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[wally_bushy]

Nice coincidence.

We bought a tapestry from Bruges in August 2012 and finally hung it yesterday. (after procrastinated renovations and having the right spot for it)

Magnificent tapestry of a bookcase and from a distance looks real.

Loved our day there and good to follow your posts.

[What A Market]

Good morning everyone. Morning here at least as we cruise around in the North Sea after our day in Amsterdam. Here's an interesting question: Why are we bobbing around in the North Sea for a day at sea when our next port (Hamburg) is only 240 nautical miles from Amsterdam? I don't think we're fishing. I also don't think we're out here counting oil rig platforms. :) Maybe this distance actually takes a full day at sea due to transit out of canals (locks) in Amsterdam and the journey down the Elbe to get to Hamburg. Regardless, nice to have day at sea to relax and recuperate after some busy, busy days in multiple ports.

 

We had a fairly late night departure from Amsterdam with all aboard at 10:30PM. But for a city like this, that would be considered very early. We tried to enjoy all its pleasures for as long as we could and were the last foursome on board as we walked on at 10:25PM.

 

I don't think Amsterdam really gets going until sometime after 10:00PM. Nevertheless, we squeezed in some fun. We enjoyed a couple of cocktail bars (cocktails only -- no beer, no wine). As in the States, cocktails are the rage in Amsterdam, with rock star like status mixologists. The first place we stopped, HPS (stands for "Hiding in Plain Sight") was definitely a highlight if you enjoy cocktails. One drink called The Walking Dead had no listed ingredients. They wouldn't disclose even when asked. We ended up passing on that. :) HPS is in the Centrum, but a hike to anything else. That said, it is closest, coolest, Hipster-ish bar to Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. Probably less than a five minute cab ride. (By the way, Uber works great in Amsterdam.)

 

For dinner we had scouted a restaurant called van Kerwijk. Selected because it was one of the top gluten free restaurants in the city. Turns out, it's highly rated altogether. Tiny place and it was packed. Mostly locals and some fellow tourists. While waiting in the bar (all eight feet of it), we bumped into the four gals that were flight attendants for Delta. They choose the restaurant because it was a highly rated spot as voted on by locals. Great meal and fun to rub shoulders with the locals.

 

More to come.

 

 

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[What A Market]

A note about internet speed. All things considered, surprisingly speedy. Even on a sea day, with everyone logged in, it still seems like speeds are decent.

 

I know there has been discussion on this Board about Oceania's upgrade to their internet. For this humble reporter, they seem improved.

[What A Market]

A comment about why we ended up on this cruise.

 

Prior to this summer, I've been fortunate to be able to book several annual cruises. Three with Oceania (including the Riviera's maiden voyage) and one with Celebrity. Last summer, we were on the Insignia from Southampton to Barcelona. Great cruise, which was a bucket list itinerary. After all these back to back trips, DW and I thought we would take a break from summer cruises. Nevertheless, I am always looking at Oceania's website for interesting cruise itineraries. As I noted earlier, I was particularly interested in a Northern European cruise that didn't include Russia.

 

Like many of you, I'm usually looking out at least a year to book my next cruise. As the calendar rolled into the end of spring, I was pretty much thinking of cruises for summer or fall of 2017. But also like many of you, I keep my eye open for cruises a little closer in that don't seem to be selling. The problem with considering cruises in Europe on short notice is coordinating air travel on short notice -- particularly trying to use miles on a specific British Air flight (direct from Phoenix to Heathrow).

 

Well, events converged to get me on this cruise. I started tracking how well this cruise was selling early in the year. It was clear it wasn't selling. Just for the heck of it (and without discussing with the DW), I started looking at my British Air flight. No "miles" seats available and prices for business class were at their usual astronomical levels. As such, I kept my focus mostly on 2017.

 

And then the horrible tragedy of the EgyptAir flight that crashed in the Mediterranean Sea took place. Within two days, my British Air flight was showing prices reduced by as much as 40 percent. I booked tickets without any further thought. I hadn't book a cruise and hadn't discussed with DW. Next step: Quick phone call to my TA. I love my TA. I think many of you use her or her mom as well as experts on bookings with Oceania. I'll wrap up this post by saying there were some great deals to be had on this cruise. More to follow.

 

 

 

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[Macirish]

I have been tracking the temperature for the various ports but was wondering what temperature they keep the ship at ?

 

Most of the ports for our cruise predict a high of 70 but didn't know what to expect on board.

 

Short sleeve temp ? Long sleeve ? Sweater ?

 

Also, what does mostly everyone wear to dinner ?

 

I'm working on my packing list and my wife and I are flying to Copenhagen to board the Marina on Friday !

[LHT28]

I have been tracking the temperature for the various ports but was wondering what temperature they keep the ship at ?

 

Most of the ports for our cruise predict a high of 70 but didn't know what to expect on board.

 

Short sleeve temp ? Long sleeve ? Sweater ?

 

Also, what does mostly everyone wear to dinner ?

 

 

I would take a wrap or sweater for your wife some rooms tend to be chilly others not so much

Some people feel the cold more than others

it depends on many variables ;)

[What A Market]

Agree with previous comment. From person to person, it's hard to say who may or may not think temp is too cold. Every room is air conditioned, so be prepared for that.

 

As for variability within a room -- you'll experience that as well. Last night we did dinner in Red Ginger. Back of the restaurant was overly warm. Front of restaurant was cold. This is the only space where I've seen that degree of variability in temp.

 

Overall, I think the temp has been pleasant. Maybe a shade the the warm side.

 

 

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Edited August 21, 2016 by What A Market

[Macirish]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Are the men wearing sports jackets in the evening ?

 

Ladies in dresses ?

[Ozzie's Mom]

What A Market,

We chose a cruise on Marina precisely for the same reason: Northern Europe without Russia. Devouring your comments, hoping for tips and tricks and things you would do differently next time.

[What A Market]

Some men in jackets, but perhaps only in the Specialty restaurants. Seems fewer than what I've seen before, particularly on a European cruise. I brought a jacket, per usual, and have yet to wear it. Ok, remember this next part is coming from a man -- Are ladies wearing "dresses"? Well yes, if you mean as opposed to slacks. Nothing elegant obviously. Incrementally, I've always felt the ladies dressed a bit nicer than the men on Oceania. But again slightly more casual than our last couple of European cruises.

 

We have Polo tonight. If people are going to dress up anywhere it will be there.

 

Red Ginger last night. Photos coming.

 

 

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[What A Market]

Newer items from Red Ginger. Here is a photo, partially eaten, of a "To Share" platter for two people. Items include: skewers of shrimp, beef, chicken, and pineapple. Also there was sushi and tempura of rock prawn and calamari.

 

 

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[What A Market]

Another new item: Bulgogi Ribeye Steak. Cooked medium rare, and perfectly so. Blaine (the "SO" to Shannon) has had Bulgogi several times in the States. He and I both thought the sauce was overpowering. Ribeye was a very nice piece of meat.

 

 

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[LHT28]

Newer items from Red Ginger. Here is a photo, partially eaten, of a "To Share" platter for two people.

 

I am shocked they would serve you a partially eaten platter :eek:

 

I would complain

 

Enjoying your posts

 

Lyn

[What A Market]

Cast iron tea pot and one of the chopstick options. (Numerous to choose from.) Both represent some of the more unique aspects to eating in Red Ginger. People may argue over the fact that it is not "real" Asian food or not real Chinese. Probably true, but some of the dishes are outstanding and it's a fun and engaging way to dine with family and friends. As others have noted, order lots and share. Don't get hung up on authenticity. (You're on a cruise ship after all. Not exactly the place to find a true "local" experience. LOL )

 

 

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[What A Market]

Hey Lyn

Wait until you see the Watermelon Salad -- two-thirds consumed. The Horror! :)

 

 

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[What A Market]

By the way, sorry for the poor-ish quality of the photos. Shooting off my old iPad without a flash. Didn't want to disturb anyone during the feasting. I've seen some great food "porn" photos posted over the years. Hard to live up to that.

 

 

 

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[What A Market]

Hi Ozzie's Mom

Love your screen name. While in school, both my son and I had Ozzie applied to us as a nickname due to our last name.

 

As to your question on whether I would do anything differently, so far I haven't been able to come up with anything I would have done differently.

 

Trying to balance the needs/wants on three different generations has been a bit trying. Longer walking tours on the "grandmas" can be a bit tiring. While the "kids" want to go faster, climb higher, etc. The trick has been to arrange my walking tours earlier in the morning for shorter durations, leaving time later in the day for me, Heidi, Shannon, and Blaine to tear around on our own.

 

Dining presents its own challenges, with one of the grandmas preferring to eat very early. We don't always dine together which solves for some of that. Otherwise, we swing back and forth with dining times starting at 6:30 or 7:30. Last night was a much anticipated night in Polo. Reservation was set for 7:30. The evening was a fiasco.

 

More on that later.

[Ozzie's Mom]

:-o

[What A Market]

Quick photo on father and daughter in Kristiansand -- luckiest man alive!

 

 

 

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[LHT28]

Great photo

Shannon is so beautiful

[rgaudet]

We are on board with you...love the posts! Curious to hear about your polo fiasco. We haven't done polo...rest of meals were great aside from our own fiasco at Rd ginger. Think they had a serious off night.

 

Winding down now..[emoji24]

 

Rob

 

 

 

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[floridatravelersforlife]

We are on board with you...love the posts! Curious to hear about your polo fiasco. We haven't done polo...rest of meals were great aside from our own fiasco at Rd ginger. Think they had a serious off night.

 

Winding down now..[emoji24]

 

Rob

 

 

 

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Funny, we cycled through all the specialty restaurants three times during our 18 day cruise on Marina. Polo had one disappointing meal - the porterhouse. The other visits to Polo were great. The other specialities were always great.

 

We also loved luncheons at the MDR. ( we had a lot of seadays)