OLife Ulimate- Worth It?

[Sthrngary]

49 minutes ago, FLConnie said:

How did you go about upgrading the beverage package before the cruise?  Oceania told me we could do it onboard but prefer to do it before. Thanks

@FLConnie I have learned to be very clear and specific with my response to questions on Oceania.  First be clear I have NEVER sailed Oceania before.  Second, I am booked on a Oceania Cruise for November 9, 2023 with two PH3 Penthouses.  One for my wife and me.  The other for our best friends.

 

When I did my research on the drink program I asked a lot of question on this board.  My cruise had only one out of three choices for the perk.  At first, I was going to get the Drink program for two which was Beer and Wine for lunch and dinner and upgrade on the ship.  I found out it was about the same as just booking the Prestige Unlimited package upfront before you cruise.  My cruise is 10 days, the Prestige package was $600.00 per guest. I also found out that when you upgrade onboard, you lose the % off of some the Special Meal Offerings.  

 

Logically, I determined.  Just buy the Prestige package now if you want it.  Get the $600.00 OBC as your perk.  Pay the extra now via my credit card and be done with it.  This gets me the % off and the Prestige Drink Package.  Seemed logical to me.  So I did not upgrade from the perk, I simple bought it up front.  Sorry for the miscommunication.  That was my logic.

 

On another completely different note, I was able to get all of my Restaurant Reservations (four specialty restaurants, four reservations) now for a cruise that is in November 2023.  I thought you could not do that until you were paid in full and closer to the cruise.  No clue why I was called so early by the Riviera Guest Services to be able to have access to that nice pre-cruise opportunity.  

 

I hope I answered your questions.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

[FLConnie]

8 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@FLConnie I have learned to be very clear and specific with my response to questions on Oceania.  First be clear I have NEVER sailed Oceania before.  Second, I am booked on a Oceania Cruise for November 9, 2023 with two PH3 Penthouses.  One for my wife and me.  The other for our best friends.

 

When I did my research on the drink program I asked a lot of question on this board.  My cruise had only one out of three choices for the perk.  At first, I was going to get the Drink program for two which was Beer and Wine for lunch and dinner and upgrade on the ship.  I found out it was about the same as just booking the Prestige Unlimited package upfront before you cruise.  My cruise is 10 days, the Prestige package was $600.00 per guest. I also found out that when you upgrade onboard, you lose the % off of some the Special Meal Offerings.  

 

Logically, I determined.  Just buy the Prestige package now if you want it.  Get the $600.00 OBC as your perk.  Pay the extra now via my credit card and be done with it.  This gets me the % off and the Prestige Drink Package.  Seemed logical to me.  So I did not upgrade from the perk, I simple bought it up front.  Sorry for the miscommunication.  That was my logic.

 

On another completely different note, I was able to get all of my Restaurant Reservations (four specialty restaurants, four reservations) now for a cruise that is in November 2023.  I thought you could not do that until you were paid in full and closer to the cruise.  No clue why I was called so early by the Riviera Guest Services to be able to have access to that nice pre-cruise opportunity.  

 

I hope I answered your questions.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

Thanks.  This will be our first Oceania but our 30th something cruise.  I have been reading the board as well and have learned a lot.  We are Panama Canal in October 2023 in a PH1 and I can only book culinary classes.  From all I have read, restaurants are 75 days out for PH.  Hopefully a glitch in your favor! Thanks for the reply.

[MEFIowa]

11 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

... I am booked on a Oceania Cruise for November 9, 2023 with two PH3 Penthouses. ... On another completely different note, I was able to get all of my Restaurant Reservations (four specialty restaurants, four reservations) now for a cruise that is in November 2023.  I thought you could not do that until you were paid in full and closer to the cruise.  No clue why I was called so early by the Riviera Guest Services to be able to have access to that nice pre-cruise opportunity. ...

I realize you're in a PH3. But being on this same cruise but in an A3 Concierge Veranda, I'm curious as to what your original Guest Statement booking documentation showed as to when you could make specialty restaurant reservations. Mne says,

 

"Open for reservations on: 31-Aug-23".

 

And from my online booking information for this cruise on O's website: 

 

"Dining Reservations are available 60 to 7 days prior to sail date.

 

Your 10-Day Voyage in a Concierge Level Veranda (A3) offers you 1 reservation per restaurant in Jacques, Polo Grill, Red Ginger and Toscana.

 

Please note: Bookings must be paid in full prior to making dining reservations. 

[Sthrngary]

4 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

I realize you're in a PH3. But being on this same cruise but in an A3 Concierge Veranda, I'm curious as to what your original Guest Statement booking documentation showed as to when you could make specialty restaurant reservations. Mne says,

 

"Open for reservations on: 31-Aug-23".

 

And from my online booking information for this cruise on O's website: 

 

"Dining Reservations are available 60 to 7 days prior to sail date.

 

Your 10-Day Voyage in a Concierge Level Veranda (A3) offers you 1 reservation per restaurant in Jacques, Polo Grill, Red Ginger and Toscana.

 

Please note: Bookings must be paid in full prior to making dining reservations. 

 

@MEFIowa I have written about this before.  For what ever reason, about two months ago, I got a phone call from Oceania Riviera Guest Services.  Unexpected yet welcomed.  They asked me if I had an food requirements.  They said they needed to know well in advance due to supply chain issues.  I said, "NO".  They asked if I would have any other requests.  I said yes, could they send me some pictures of the new reno for PH suites, they did.  Then they said, if you need anything else, please let us know.

 

I gave them the dates, times and restaurants I wanted on our sailing.  15 minutes later, it was on my online account confirmed.  I am new to Oceania.  I thought this was normal until I posted it and found out it was unusual.  I simply did not look a gift horse in the month.

 

Now some responded when I posted about the phone call received that I got this because I post so much on CruiseCritic.com.  I did not know I posted so much but ok, I will take it.  One less thing to worry about.  I hope I answered your question.

 

Cruise well, enjoy every moment, I look forward to meeting you on the Cruise. 

 

 

[MEFIowa]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

...  For whatever reason, about two months ago, I got a phone call from Oceania Riviera Guest Services.  Unexpected yet welcomed.  They asked me if I had an food requirements.  They said they needed to know well in advance due to supply chain issues.  I said, "NO".  They asked if I would have any other requests.  I said yes, could they send me some pictures of the new reno for PH suites, they did.  Then they said, if you need anything else, please let us know.

 

I gave them the dates, times and restaurants I wanted on our sailing.  15 minutes later, it was on my online account confirmed.  I am new to Oceania.  I thought this was normal until I posted it and found out it was unusual.  I simply did not look a gift horse in the month. ..

Fascinating. Hadn't seen you discuss this before.

 

The thing that is irritating about such revelations is that once again O's "rules", "policies" and "procedures" appear to be written in invisible ink for some.

 

I don't blame you for the gift horse. That's on O. Secret favoritism & special treatment outside of published guidelines and outside of O Club benefits is something that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of those O customers who get the "standard treatment". If there is ONE thing I've learned since interacting with O since Jan 2021 it is that nothing is set in stone for them and everything is up to them, no matter what they say publicly or officially. Or as Orwell put it in his wonderful words on the Bolsheviks prior to the 2nd Russian Revolution of 1917,"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

Fascinating. Hadn't seen you discuss this before.

 

The thing that is irritating about such revelations is that once again O's "rules", "policies" and "procedures" appear to be written in invisible ink for some.

 

I don't blame you for the gift horse. That's on O. Secret favoritism & special treatment outside of published guidelines and outside of O Club benefits is something that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of those O customers who get the "standard treatment". If there is ONE thing I've learned since interacting with O since Jan 2021 it is that nothing is set in stone for them and everything is up to them, no matter what they say publicly or officially. Or as Orwell put it in his wonderful words on the Bolsheviks prior to the 2nd Russian Revolution of 1917,"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

I get your feelings.  I am sorry I brought it up.  I don't want to hijack this thread.  I really don't want to create negativity.  I had NO idea it was unique or special.  Sorry to the board for even bring it up.  My bad.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[MEFIowa]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I get your feelings.  I am sorry I brought it up.  I don't want to hijack this thread.  I really don't want to create negativity.  I had NO idea it was unique or special.  Sorry to the board for even bring it up.  My bad.

Not your fault at all. That's entirely on O. They should expect that secret and special treatment that isn't discussed in their own rules, policies and procedures will be mentioned in these type forums.

 

So I'm GLAD you brought it up. Shame on O. Unfortunately, deep down we all suspect and really know "whales" and "potential whales" get the "some animals are more equal than other animals" treatment. Cruise ship lines and casinos operate on often very similar marketing and promotion models.

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

Not your fault at all. That's entirely on O. They should expect that secret and special treatment that isn't discussed in their own rules, policies and procedures will be mentioned in these type forums.

 

So I'm GLAD you brought it up. Shame on O. Unfortunately, deep down we all suspect and really know "whales" and "potential whales" get the "some animals are more equal than other animals" treatment. Cruise ship lines and casinos operate on often very similar marketing and promotion models.

I am portly, true; but not a whale.  LOL  Let's just enjoy our research, cruise and vacation.  That is the most important thing. 

[MEFIowa]

3 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Let's just enjoy our research, cruise and vacation.  That is the most important thing. 

Learning about secret favoritism is part of our research as WE here hopefully WORK TOGETHER AS CONSUMERS, helping each other out. Which includes sharing information about sales, promotions, special offers, unique deals, working with O to fix issues or resolve problems, understanding O practices, etc.

[LHT28]

57 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Now some responded when I posted about the phone call received that I got this because I post so much on CruiseCritic.com.  I did not know I posted so much but ok, I will take it. 

 Well  maybe that is why all the  early spots are taken  if frequent posters  get special treatment  😄

Just kidding

 For the record  I have never  had bookings  for earlier that my booking  date  

I guess I am not posting enough 😄

[Psoque]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

 

@MEFIowa I have written about this before.  For what ever reason, about two months ago, I got a phone call from Oceania Riviera Guest Services.  Unexpected yet welcomed.  They asked me if I had an food requirements.  They said they needed to know well in advance due to supply chain issues.  I said, "NO".  They asked if I would have any other requests.  I said yes, could they send me some pictures of the new reno for PH suites, they did.  Then they said, if you need anything else, please let us know.

 

I gave them the dates, times and restaurants I wanted on our sailing.  15 minutes later, it was on my online account confirmed.  I am new to Oceania.  I thought this was normal until I posted it and found out it was unusual.  I simply did not look a gift horse in the month.

 

Now some responded when I posted about the phone call received that I got this because I post so much on CruiseCritic.com.  I did not know I posted so much but ok, I will take it.  One less thing to worry about.  I hope I answered your question.

 

Cruise well, enjoy every moment, I look forward to meeting you on the Cruise. 

 

 

I’m suspecting that Oceania contacted you because you are new to them and that you booked a PH cabin (and if I remember correctly, you booked more than one cabin?).  I firmly believe that cruise lines respond to $$$$ a lot more than to anything we post here.

[Rainbow3fe]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@FLConnie I have learned to be very clear and specific with my response to questions on Oceania.  First be clear I have NEVER sailed Oceania before.  Second, I am booked on a Oceania Cruise for November 9, 2023 with two PH3 Penthouses.  One for my wife and me.  The other for our best friends.

 

When I did my research on the drink program I asked a lot of question on this board.  My cruise had only one out of three choices for the perk.  At first, I was going to get the Drink program for two which was Beer and Wine for lunch and dinner and upgrade on the ship.  I found out it was about the same as just booking the Prestige Unlimited package upfront before you cruise.  My cruise is 10 days, the Prestige package was $600.00 per guest. I also found out that when you upgrade onboard, you lose the % off of some the Special Meal Offerings.  

 

Logically, I determined.  Just buy the Prestige package now if you want it.  Get the $600.00 OBC as your perk.  Pay the extra now via my credit card and be done with it.  This gets me the % off and the Prestige Drink Package.  Seemed logical to me.  So I did not upgrade from the perk, I simple bought it up front.  Sorry for the miscommunication.  That was my logic.

 

On another completely different note, I was able to get all of my Restaurant Reservations (four specialty restaurants, four reservations) now for a cruise that is in November 2023.  I thought you could not do that until you were paid in full and closer to the cruise.  No clue why I was called so early by the Riviera Guest Services to be able to have access to that nice pre-cruise opportunity.  

 

I hope I answered your questions.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment

Wow.

      We are.older and  my husband and I couldn't possibly drink $1200 worth of alcohol in a month. I understand everyone is different but that sounds like an outrageous price.

    We bring bottles of wine onboard to drink on our Veranda. Sometimes we enjoy Happy Hour. Sometimes we bring a fine bottle of wine to the Restaurant. 

    Hope you enjoy Oceania 🎉🌊🎶🥂

 

[Sthrngary]

1 minute ago, Rainbow3fe said:

Wow.

      We are.older and  my husband and I couldn't possibly drink $1200 worth of alcohol in a month. I understand everyone is different but that sounds like an outrageous price.

    We bring bottles of wine onboard to drink on our Veranda. Sometimes we enjoy Happy Hour. Sometimes we bring a fine bottle of wine to the Restaurant. 

    Hope you enjoy Oceania 🎉🌊🎶🥂

 

@Rainbow3fe Neither my wife nor I are HUGE drinkers either. When we are on a cruise, we do drink a bit more because we have a designed driver, or sorts in the form of the Captain.  I have cruised a lot in 44 years.  I am NOT used to nicer cruise brands like Oceania.  I usually cruise in the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" areas on NCL, Celebrity and MSC.  Our cruise length is usually only 7 days vs. the 10 day our Oceania Cruise will be.  What my wife and I usually do on the Mainstream Cruise Brands like NCL we take the Unlimited Drink Package Perk which still cost $300.00 that they call tips.  Not really free at all or a perk. We then upgrade to the Unlimited PLUS perk that is yet another $300.00 per person for nicer brands of spirits and wines.  So to us, the $600.00 is kind of less then what would would usually pay for a 7 day cruise. 

 

After our first Oceania Cruise, if we go on another one, we may change our approach.  The choice to buy the Prestige package was base on past experience.  

 

To that note.  Part of my reasoning makes no sense at all.  Early on in our cruise vacation life, there were "No" drink packages offer except for bottles of wine.  On one trip, we had to many drinks and the bill we got at the end of the cruise was a mortgage payment. That happened decades ago.  Yet I never forgot it.  The truth for my wife and I is, by doing this $600 per guest Unlimited drink package we know we are over paying a lot.  I consider it a convenience charge not to EVER have the bill at the end of the cruise.  Is it a value based on how much we drink, absolutely NOT.  We are over paying without a question.  Again, we might change that in the future. 

 

Part of the game I pay with myself when I book a cruise with a upper end cruise brand like Oceania or NCL/Celebrity/MSC is to make it as "All-Inclusive" a trip as possible.  Based on that approach, it is never really as economical as it could have been.  I am a bit unique in that strategy and most everyone disagrees with my choice.  For me, for what ever reason, having the trip, Drink Packages, Excursions, Cooking Classes, Gratuities and other items pre-paid makes me feel kind of like a "Rock Star".  I know it is all a façade but it works for me.  Hope that makes sense. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Rainbow3fe]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

@Rainbow3fe Neither my wife nor I are HUGE drinkers either. When we are on a cruise, we do drink a bit more because we have a designed driver, or sorts in the form of the Captain.  I have cruised a lot in 44 years.  I am NOT used to nicer cruise brands like Oceania.  I usually cruise in the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" areas on NCL, Celebrity and MSC.  Our cruise length is usually only 7 days vs. the 10 day our Oceania Cruise will be.  What my wife and I usually do on the Mainstream Cruise Brands like NCL we take the Unlimited Drink Package Perk which still cost $300.00 that they call tips.  Not really free at all or a perk. We then upgrade to the Unlimited PLUS perk that is yet another $300.00 per person for nicer brands of spirits and wines.  So to us, the $600.00 is kind of less then what would would usually pay for a 7 day cruise. 

 

After our first Oceania Cruise, if we go on another one, we may change our approach.  The choice to buy the Prestige package was base on past experience.  

 

To that note.  Part of my reasoning makes no sense at all.  Early on in our cruise vacation life, there were "No" drink packages offer except for bottles of wine.  On one trip, we had to many drinks and the bill we got at the end of the cruise was a mortgage payment. That happened decades ago.  Yet I never forgot it.  The truth for my wife and I is, by doing this $600 per guest Unlimited drink package we know we are over paying a lot.  I consider it a convenience charge not to EVER have the bill at the end of the cruise.  Is it a value based on how much we drink, absolutely NOT.  We are over paying without a question.  Again, we might change that in the future. 

 

Part of the game I pay with myself when I book a cruise with a upper end cruise brand like Oceania or NCL/Celebrity/MSC is to make it as "All-Inclusive" a trip as possible.  Based on that approach, it is never really as economical as it could have been.  I am a bit unique in that strategy and most everyone disagrees with my choice.  For me, for what ever reason, having the trip, Drink Packages, Excursions, Cooking Classes, Gratuities and other items pre-paid makes me feel kind of like a "Rock Star".  I know it is all a façade but it works for me.  Hope that makes sense. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I definitely understand your reasoning.

Oceania is wonderful. Enjoy 🎶🥂

Edited May 7, 2023 by Rainbow3fe

[harlor]

On 5/5/2023 at 5:26 PM, FetaCheese said:

Re:  O air.  Found out that O now allows up to 3 days prior and 3 days end of cruise n/c deviation.  

 

I hadn't heard about that change. Does anyone know what happens then to the free transfers from the ship to Port or vice versa that we would normally get with the same day air travel? I'm assuming we would lose them but worth asking.

Thanks

Loretta

[FetaCheese]

45 minutes ago, harlor said:

I hadn't heard about that change. Does anyone know what happens then to the free transfers from the ship to Port or vice versa that we would normally get with the same day air travel? I'm assuming we would lose them but worth asking.

Thanks

Loretta

Yes, you would forgo the O free transfers.

[ORV]

On 5/7/2023 at 12:10 PM, LHT28 said:

 Well  maybe that is why all the  early spots are taken  if frequent posters  get special treatment  😄

Just kidding

 For the record  I have never  had bookings  for earlier that my booking  date  

I guess I am not posting enough 😄

So we can rule out the number of posts as the reason. 🤣

[Sthrngary]

53 minutes ago, ORV said:

So we can rule out the number of posts as the reason. 🤣

Exactly.  I am NO WHALE.  LOL.