Relaxed dress code for first night?

[Mura]

But is the question about the daily offerings or offerings on boarding day?

 

 

In that case, nothing available after Waves closes until dinner venues open (6 to 6:30 depending).

 

 

We boarded around 4pm about 6 years ago and hadn't had lunch. I'm not sure (memory fails at times) but if you have access to the Concierge and Executive Lounges on Marina/Riviera, then you can usually find something. I'm pretty sure that's what we did that day.

 

 

PLUS ... there is Room Service. But again, maybe NOT on boarding day! They have lots to do in preparing the ship for new arrivals so not everything is available on that day. On any other day ... yes.

 

 

Mura

[LHT28]

Heaven forbid, but if you're hungry between 4pm and 6:30pm where can you go? Does Oceania have a tea or some other sorts of snacks available at that time?

Are you asking about other than embarkation day or regular cruise days ??

 

Embarkation day the Terrace & waves are usually open until 5pm then you will have muster drill about 5:15-5:30

 

once that is done the bars may have some snack items (nuts, pretzels) until dinner

 

other days there is room service 24/7 if you miss a time where food is not served someplace on the ship

[Borman51]

Mura- One person on CC mentioned that one has to be careful making reservations in a specialty restaurant on the first night in case you are interrupted by muster drill. Have you found that to be the case?

[LHT28]

Mura- One person on CC mentioned that one has to be careful making reservations in a specialty restaurant on the first night in case you are interrupted by muster drill. Have you found that to be the case?

not Mura

 

but Muster is usually done around 5:15 or 5:30 PM no matter what time you sail

 

dinner does not start until 6:30

Never had muster during dining hours & we have some late sailaways

JME

[Mura]

Absolutely NOT. First of all, on our cruises over the past few years (at least 3-4) the drill is held around 5-5:15, regardless of when the ship actually pulls out. So we have been going immediately to the M&G. Recently we had first reservations in the specialties available at 6pm but previously it had been 6:30. We always make our reservations for dinner at 7:30.

 

 

The ship isn't going to be able to interrupt dinner with a boat drill because one of the main muster locations is the Grand Dining Room ... they want this done before dinner.

 

 

We've never had a problem with the drill interrupting dinner.

 

 

Mura

[Borman51]

This is what I love about CC. Not only did I get my question about dress code answered, but I learned about places/times to get snacks and what time muster drills are. Thanks everyone!

[pinotlover]

I may have made the comment in question. Muster drills do start at 5-5:15 as Mura and Lyn commented and last an indefinite length based on several factors. They are always finished before actual dining hours begin. I have never done a seven (7) day cruise, therefore have never seen a 18:00 dining room opening, only longer cruises with 18:30 openings. On those, I have seen the muster last beyond 18:00 , but finished before 18:30.

 

My comment was we don’t make Specialty reservations that night for multiple reasons, but if one did, not to make them at 6:30 because they would/should need be dressed appropriately for dinner when they go to the muster. Mura wisely said she makes reservations that evening for 7:30 not 6:30! Make sense?

[ORV]

I never make reservations in advance for the first night, but frequently check to see if I can get an extra night(especially Red Ginger) on that first night. It generally is not very busy as many people don't want to book it.

[Borman51]

Pinto lover- Yes, that makes sense. We will not try for specialty restaurants for the first night (7 day cruise) because my DH is diabetic and we need to eat early.

Thanks

[Sny]

Our experience has been that specialty restaurants are generally not fully booked on embarkation night. On our first cruise on Riviera, we were approached by staff at the entrance to the MDR and asked if we'd like to share a table with another couple in Polo. We agreed, and the four of us were escorted to Polo. We had an unexpected specialty meal and made new friends in our tablemates.

[pinotlover]

Borman51;

 

Because of your husband ‘s condition, you need to understand the dining routine of the GDR and the Specialties. For those restaurants, Oceania embraces a more European approach to dining. Dining is paced for the enjoyment of the food and company, not as biologically required regime as in many US restaurants. Therefore, 1.5-2 hour dinners should be expected. One will find service is typically excellent, however this may mean that one with a 18:00 reservation ( available on your 7 day cruise) may not see the first course delivered to the table until 18:30 or after. I love this type of dining and likewise avoid many of the US restaurants with their “ flip that table “ mentality. Others disagree with me immensely, lol? I only bring this to your attention because, if this protocol results in problems for your husband’s early eating needs, he may want to snack earlier as at 4:00-5:00 at the afternoon tea so to hold him over until food is actually served to the table in those venues.

[Borman51]

Thank you to all of you who have been so kind to point out where we can get snacks and what time those places are open to tide my DH over until dinner time. We will certainly take advantage of them.

[LHT28]

Thank you to all of you who have been so kind to point out where we can get snacks and what time those places are open to tide my DH over until dinner time. We will certainly take advantage of them.

The only problem day is embarkation day

other days if you cannot find food someplace order a snack from room service

enjoy

[keithm]

Not only do they have tea but they have the VERY BEST tea at sea - and that includes all of the “luxury” lines and even Cunard which theoretically should know most about tea. :)

That said, tea is not offered on boarding day.

As good as the tea service is (it is!)The tea service in the Cunard Grills is better, though not by much. The sweets & savories on the Riviera were certainly better than the standard offering in Cunard's Queens Room. The Queen's Room still has a great ambience, however.

[Hawaiidan]

Is Waves now open at dinner time??

This must be new

 

No waves closes at 4. and If I recall waves is closed on embarkation day only the Terrace is open but they use some of the seating areas on Waves to accommodate the passengers Waves Bar is open however booze only Waves is not open on embarkation day only Terrace. After 6 things will open and the world is your oyster

 

Dont fret on Luggage In all my cruises it has arrived before the safety briefing at 5. Plenty of time to go back ant throw on a golf shirt and some dockers..North. Face or REI lightweight hiking pants with zip off legs/ They look way nicer than Jeans.

[welshfamily]

We are longtime Azamara cruisers new to Oceania.

I notice a post says the barista closes early evening. Does the Insignia have an evening coffee service/ coffee shop. We eat early due to our sons health needs and therefore usually prefer to drink coffee in a venue other than the speciality restaurants or Main dining room. I must admit to being a bit of a coffee addict but I like it freshly made. Please tell me I won’t struggle to find coffee in the evening.

[Paulchili]

You get get coffee from the espresso machine yourself or from the bartender - both are in the Terrace Cafe.

Although I am not sure but I expect that you can order coffee in Martini’s as well.

[welshfamily]

Thank you.

It’s going to seem weird being on an R ship with a different cruise company but friends have recommended Oceania and we are excited to be going. It’s always nice to try something new.

[LHT28]

We are longtime Azamara cruisers new to Oceania.

I notice a post says the barista closes early evening. Does the Insignia have an evening coffee service/ coffee shop. We eat early due to our sons health needs and therefore usually prefer to drink coffee in a venue other than the speciality restaurants or Main dining room. I must admit to being a bit of a coffee addict but I like it freshly made. Please tell me I won’t struggle to find coffee in the evening.

Barristas close around 6pm but I think on the small ships they will still serve you a coffee in the GDR Bar/Barristas

 

You can get brewed coffee in Horizons bar or cappuccinos from the machine there as well as the Terrace

 

When you say you eat early what time is early for you?

The restaurants do not open until 6:30pm but room service is 24/7

[RachelG]

No waves closes at 4. and If I recall waves is closed on embarkation day only the Terrace is open but they use some of the seating areas on Waves to accommodate the passengers Waves Bar is open however booze only Waves is not open on embarkation day only Terrace. After 6 things will open and the world is your oyster

 

Dont fret on Luggage In all my cruises it has arrived before the safety briefing at 5. Plenty of time to go back ant throw on a golf shirt and some dockers..North. Face or REI lightweight hiking pants with zip off legs/ They look way nicer than Jeans.

Waves is open on embarkation day for lunch. Never for dinner. I was on board last week, so know this for a fact.

 

As far as the best Teatime on a ship, obviously the person who stated that has not sailed Regent or Silversea. Both are equal or better.

[Paulchili]

 

As far as the best Teatime on a ship, obviously the person who stated that has not sailed Regent or Silversea. Both are equal or better.

 

I am the person who stated that and there is nothing “obvious” about your statement.

To set the record straight - I have sailed on multiple Silversea and Regent cruises.

I still say that Oceania tea is not equal to but rather far superior to either one of those (and I will include our recent Crystal cruise to complete my comparison)

What is obvious is that this is not a fact but rather my opinion, to which I am entitled just as you are entitled to yours.

[RachelG]

I am the person who stated that and there is nothing “obvious” about your statement.

To set the record straight - I have sailed on multiple Silversea and Regent cruises.

I still say that Oceania tea is not equal to but rather far superior to either one of those (and I will include our recent Crystal cruise to complete my comparison)

What is obvious is that this is not a fact but rather my opinion, to which I am entitled just as you are entitled to yours.

You are definitely entitled to your opinion. But Silversea tea has a wide selection of high end loose leaf teas, far superior to both Regent and Oceania which are just plain old Twinning.

The pastries on Silversea are not as good as Regent or Oceania, I will give you that, but I am referring to tea. As far as pastries, Regent gets the edge because of greater selection.

[Paulchili]

You are definitely entitled to your opinion. But Silversea tea has a wide selection of high end loose leaf teas, far superior to both Regent and Oceania which are just plain old Twinning.

The pastries on Silversea are not as good as Regent or Oceania, I will give you that, but I am referring to tea. As far as pastries, Regent gets the edge because of greater selection.

 

OK - we are obviously talking at cross purposes.

When I say “Afternoon tea” I don’t mean just the tea itself - I also include the sandwiches and desserts as well as the ambience and presentation. Personally, I don’t even get tea most of the time - I usually get water or coffee. I go for the sandwiches and desserts - and those are the best on O IMO.

Obviously, YMDV (Your Mileage DOES Vary) :D

[StanandJim]

Have to agree with Paul.

The tea itself is part of the larger PDS (Pastry Delivery System). :D

The purists will now scream no, but the truth is that 98% of them would not even attend Tea if the goodies were not piled on as high as an elephants' eye.

.....not exactly gasping for a quality cuppa;p

[Hawaiidan]

Waves is open on embarkation day for lunch. Never for dinner. I was on board last week, so know this for a fact.

 

As far as the best Teatime on a ship, obviously the person who stated that has not sailed Regent or Silversea. Both are equal or better.

 

 

Thanks for the correction, It has been my observation that Waves was only open for extra seating.

Glad to see them now open.... In either case I have made it a practice to board much later and skip the food frenzy enjoying some relaxed casual shore side venue. Showing up at 3pm or a bit after but at least 2.5 hours before sailing.. ( last time I did this in Miami, I was the only passenger in the reception lounge... and my baggage beat me to the cabin by the time I got on board. )