What are your favorite pre-cruise requests?

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

I'm thinking of ordering  one of the most inexpensive Bon Voyage gifts to appear in our room, just for something different.  (See O website, bottom, or maybe you'll receive a list like we did when we made final payment.)

Edited January 26, 2023 by IWantToLiveOverTheSea
typo, of course!

[LHT28]

9 minutes ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

I'm thinking of ordering  one of the most inexpensive Bon Voyage gifts to appear in our room, just for something different.  (See O website, bottom, or maybe you'll receive a list like we did when we made final payment.)

What is inexpensive  ??

[GeezerCouple]

1 hour ago, 1985rz1 said:

We ask for hypoallergenic/non-feather pillows and duvet.  Also non-scented, soaps and shampoo.   

 

Interesting.

 

Do you remember if they are simply "non-scented/fragrance free" or "non-allergenic", which usually means other additives (e.g., colors, and who-knows-what) are left out as well?

We request that some harsh cleaning agents/supplies not be used, and even that once the cabin has been thoroughly cleaned after the previous guests, that certain chemicals just not be used at all until we leave.

 

We always travel with little bars of Dove Sensitive Skin (or whatever it is called).  When it became difficult to find the official little bars, we simply started to accumulate some of the various sized "small bits" from our soap dishes.  An assortment of sizes go in a ziplock with us.  For example, little slivers are used for one-nighters, such as the night before a flight at the airport hotel, etc.  The larger are used for multi-night stays.  We don't bother packing up any wet soap this way; we just toss the "even smaller sliver" at each departure. 😉 

 

Pretty "soap dishes" that allow the soap bar to take nice leisurely baths make no sense.  Why all bathroom sink surfaces don't have at least one small indented, slanted area with a small cut-out to drain water from under the soap bar... that's beyond me.  A bar of soap that keeps getting left "somewhere" on the sink counter makes a lot more mess...

End mini-rant.  As problems go, we'll take this one any time!

 

Someone/somewhere on CC recently mentioned putting the wet soap bar on a folded washcloth.  Brilliant!

Thanks!  That's definitely a "why didn't we think of that?" idea!

 

GC

 

[Sthrngary]

Interesting thread.  Especially for a new Oceania Cruiser.  Most items poster mentioned were soda. When you are usually cruising on a Mainstream brand, the Mini-fridge is for sale items.  On Oceania, the soda's and waters are complementary and refreshed daily upon request.  That is a simple yet very nice amenity that we are not used to receiving.  

 

I consider Oceania to be a Premium-Plus/Luxury brand.  Unlike other brands like Regent and Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection as Ultra-Luxury.  We would be foolish to think a Premium-Plus/Luxury Brand would provide the same amenities as a Ultra-Luxury Brand. You get what you pay for in our world.  What is a significate plus is to see how much more you gain by moving up from Mainstream.  

 

The ability to call and make special requests is only something that can be done if you are in the special VIP area's of Mainstream Cruises with a few exceptions.  Nice to know it exists even I we have no cause to utilize them.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Acrusa]

When we get on board request the room stewards to make sure covers are untucked 

[Robjame]

3 hours ago, IWantToLiveOverTheSea said:

I'm thinking of ordering  one of the most inexpensive Bon Voyage gifts to appear in our room, just for something different. 

I ordered flowers which were in our room when we arrived. The cost was less than $50 and was ordered through our TA. It was described as a “medium arrangement” and was a lovely tropical selection.

[osandomir]

32 minutes ago, Acrusa said:

When we get on board request the room stewards to make sure covers are untucked 

We also like it that way. So much easier when we’re ready to go to bed 😀

[jonthomas]

"Someone/somewhere on CC recently mentioned putting the wet soap bar on a folded washcloth.  Brilliant!

Thanks!  That's definitely a "why didn't we think of that?" idea!"

 

thats me....that is what I do....keep it on the washcloth, it does not melt away on it...the soap dish is useless....

[1985rz1]

5 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

Do you remember if they are simply "non-scented/fragrance free" or "non-allergenic", which usually means other additives (e.g., colors, and who-knows-what) are left out as well?

Actually I don't remember, although we may have specified hypoallergenic  for the soap.  We did it through our TA who knew what was possible.

Edited January 27, 2023 by 1985rz1

[Mura]

7 hours ago, Acrusa said:

When we get on board request the room stewards to make sure covers are untucked 

You and my husband are kindred souls!!!  Sometimes it's a battle to get the stewards to comply since we have been told at least on one occasion that the supervisor would criticize them if they left the bedding untucked. In that case we spoke to the supervisor as well.

[GeezerCouple]

18 minutes ago, Mura said:

You and my husband are kindred souls!!!  Sometimes it's a battle to get the stewards to comply since we have been told at least on one occasion that the supervisor would criticize them if they left the bedding untucked. In that case we spoke to the supervisor as well.

 

Thanks for the idea about speaking with a supervisor if we want some service done differently, and especially if it might appear that the steward was being inattentive or such.

 

And I hadn't thought about asking to keep the bedding untucked.  Problem is... we need that on only one side.  But once we settle on "which side", we'll let the steward know.

I suppose they are accustomed to learning about the various quirks of the passengers...

😉 

 

One that is an ongoing struggle for me is *not* to put out the little mat next to the side of the bed in the evening.  We always travel with slippers, and I immediately slip them on my feet to keep them from touching the floor anyway.  But worse, I *always* seem to end up tangling that little mat up... and then tripping over it.  😡

 

GC

[LHT28]

6 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

one that is an ongoing struggle for me is *not* to put out the little mat next to the side of the bed in the evening.  We always travel with slippers, and I immediately slip them on my feet to keep them from touching the floor anyway.  But worse, I *always* seem to end up tangling that little mat up... and then tripping over it.  😡

 

GC

When we return to the cabin I put the "placemats" on the desk  problem solved

I gave up asking them not to put then down by the bed

[GeezerCouple]

10 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

When we return to the cabin I put the "placemats" on the desk  problem solved

I gave up asking them not to put then down by the bed

 

"Placemats" is an apt word.

If they weren't so "flimsy", it probably wouldn't be such a problem.  I still would dislike having them there, but at least they'd be less dangerous.

 

GC

[Acrusa]

9 hours ago, Mura said:

You and my husband are kindred souls!!!  Sometimes it's a battle to get the stewards to comply since we have been told at least on one occasion that the supervisor would criticize them if they left the bedding untucked. In that case we spoke to the supervisor as well.

also to take those heavy bolsters and store than away LOL

[NeedToChill]

On 1/25/2023 at 11:18 PM, LHT28 said:

Yes your TA should be able to do it

 

If one has booked direct, is there a department at Oceania one should contact? Or just the 'specialist' you booked through?

 

I thought there would be a pre-cruise questionnaire or something, but perhaps this has to all be done proactively.

 

--Julian

[schmerl]

50 minutes ago, NeedToChill said:

 

If one has booked direct, is there a department at Oceania one should contact? Or just the 'specialist' you booked through?

 

I thought there would be a pre-cruise questionnaire or something, but perhaps this has to all be done proactively.

 

--Julian

 

We booked directly with Oceania and I contacted  Special Services for my requests.... .SpecialServices@oceaniacruises.com

Edited January 28, 2023 by schmerl

[muggo11]

Wow. . . I had no idea.  Thank goodness for cruise critic!  I just asked my TA to request diet Dr. Pepper. . . This will be a first for me on a cruise ship!  Hurrah!

[rbtan]

On 1/25/2023 at 5:03 PM, Dougolly said:

I'm curious what are your usual/important pre-cruise requests that you like to have in your cabins upon arrival? Going in March on Marina!

Thanks!

No real requests. We all know there will be plenty of soft drinks.  Robes slippers & often a bottle of wine/cheap Champagne/ or good Champagne awaiting.

[rbtan]

For those(my spouse included) that have CPAP, you really do NOT need the distilled water. Your humidifier tank will be fine. When you get home, just fill the tank with a good white vinegar overnight. It will remove any "scale" that might form. Not all lines have distilled. Most do. We're on the MSC Divina next year & they really don't provide much for CPAP users. As there are NO plugs at all bedside(very strange?!) we will have to bring an extension cord to reach the plugs across the room.

Edited January 29, 2023 by rbtan
spelling

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

On 1/26/2023 at 1:15 PM, LHT28 said:

What is inexpensive  ??

$30

[Dougolly]

7 hours ago, muggo11 said:

Wow. . . I had no idea.  Thank goodness for cruise critic!  I just asked my TA to request diet Dr. Pepper. . . This will be a first for me on a cruise ship!  Hurrah!

We asked for that too and Fresca... Husband is a diabetic. Maybe they'll stock some if enough people ask!

[GICNJC]

On 1/25/2023 at 11:12 PM, Astro Flyer said:

How soon before a cruise can these requests be made? Are the requests made through our travel agent?

 

I have always done it by message to Oceania once trip payment is complete.  Feather allergy for spouse, diet non cola soft drinks, and C-PAP distilled water. 

Edited January 29, 2023 by GICNJC
grammar correction

[ToxM]

A more specialised tip for Cpap users. Since I bought my Airmini I have not looked back, as good as my at home unit, I don’t use a humidifier with it and don’t really miss it. Researched enough to know that I should buy a small adaptor from ebay for 10 bucks so I can use my existing hose and mask. It is SO small and has made travelling loads easier. 

[Redtravel]

Never really thought about preordering.  After my December cruise, I might preorder Diet Coke and Sprite Zero.  On previous O cruises, both were available.  They did have diet 7up and Coke Zero.  

[xinnia317]

On 1/29/2023 at 12:27 PM, Dougolly said:

We asked for that too and Fresca... Husband is a diabetic. Maybe they'll stock some if enough people ask!

I am requesting Fresca too - one can hope!!  If they have it, I’ll be an Oceania customer for life! 🤣