Tender process on Oceania

[Vineyard View]

We have two tender ports on our sailing next year. Santorini, which I have booked a yacht sailing, and Sorrento. We’ve been to the Amalfi Coast several times, but we would like to get off as early as possible to hope over to Capri or Positano most likely. What is the tender process with Oceania?   
our Seabourn trip this year had a lot of tender ports, but it was incredibly easy and frequent. Of course it was a smaller ship, but it has me thinking about how it works here. Guessing booked excursions go first? What would be a fair expectation on wait time to catch one in the morning?  How often do they run in planning on our return?

Thank you 

[EJL2023]

11 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

We have two tender ports on our sailing next year. Santorini, which I have booked a yacht sailing, and Sorrento. We’ve been to the Amalfi Coast several times, but we would like to get off as early as possible to hope over to Capri or Positano most likely. What is the tender process with Oceania?   
our Seabourn trip this year had a lot of tender ports, but it was incredibly easy and frequent. Of course it was a smaller ship, but it has me thinking about how it works here. Guessing booked excursions go first? What would be a fair expectation on wait time to catch one in the morning?  How often do they run in planning on our return?

Thank you 

In our recent cruise there were a couple of tender ports. If you want off early I’d recommend going to the lounge at the same time as those with the earliest excursions are departing.  We had a DYI tour on one of the tender ports and they had a separate pool for non Oceania excursions that they mixed into the tender departure que.  In both of our tender ports it went very smooth.  A lot depends on the port and the ports ability to tender. Their capacity and number of other ships in ports. 

[Vineyard View]

4 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

In our recent cruise there were a couple of tender ports. If you want off early I’d recommend going to the lounge at the same time as those with the earliest excursions are departing.  We had a DYI tour on one of the tender ports and they had a separate pool for non Oceania excursions that they mixed into the tender departure que.  In both of our tender ports it went very smooth.  A lot depends on the port and the ports ability to tender. Their capacity and number of other ships in ports. 

Thank you. I know that some lines require you receive a boarding number ahead of time. I just wasn’t sure how Oceania operates.  This is very helpful

[ORV]

13 hours ago, Vineyard View said:

Thank you. I know that some lines require you receive a boarding number ahead of time. I just wasn’t sure how Oceania operates.  This is very helpful

They require a number up to a certain time, then open it up to just going straight to the tender area. As already explained you get your number in the Lounge. I've read the top suites get escorted straight to the tenders. 

[Vineyard View]

Thank you for explaining that part. I am not surprised about the suites, but for the rest of us, Is that time generally the first hour, two hours, or can it be longer?  I m wondering how it might impact DIY day plans. 

[LHT28]

14 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

Thank you for explaining that part. I am not surprised about the suites, but for the rest of us, Is that time generally the first hour, two hours, or can it be longer?  I m wondering how it might impact DIY day plans. 

When you are ready to get off   go to the lounge  a bit before    then get a number  & wait for it to be called

Once the Oceania tours  go  & sometimes they will put  DIYers  on the same tender  

They do  a head count for the tender  when it reaches the magic number you wait for the next tender

usually they open tenders up to all about 10 am or  soon after  then there is no need to go to the lounge

 Just read the instructions in the CURRENTS  the night before  

enjoy

[Vineyard View]

Thank you LHT28! 

[gcmv]

Santorini might be special as there is a new and an old port!

Ship excursions might use the new one as there are parking facilities for the coaches.

Doublecheck where your individual yacht is waiting for you ...

[arima22]

Three years ago, Santorini provided the tender services, not the individual cruise ships.

[arima22]

here is info: Santorini Greece Cruise Port (whatsinport.com)

[EJL2023]

18 minutes ago, arima22 said:

Three years ago, Santorini provided the tender services, not the individual cruise ships.

When we there in May, as you indicated the port provided the tenders and we were dropped off at the new port. 

[Hambagahle]

We were in a tender port on Riviera in the Caribbean (can't remember which one).  We hadn't planned to go ashore so hadn't booked any excursion (O or otherwise).  Our butler (the unforgettable Churchill) told us that the port was worth seeing, could be explored on foot and we had to go.  Those who have had the fortune to have Churchill as their butler will know when he says go - you go!

 

So we went.  But had no tender ticket.  So went back to the suite.  Churchill asked what we were doing there.  We said - no tender ticket.  He said - show them your key card and that will work.  We did.  it did.  

 

All of which to say is that I think if you are in a suite you can "jump the line".  And just get on a tender.  Otherwise you wait until all tours are gone.

[EJL2023]

We were not in a suite. And we were probably placed on the second or third tender to leave and were mixed on the tender with those that had O excursions. While the suite may get you to the front of the line, by no means did we have to wait until all the tours were gone.  The lounge was quite full yet when we left it to catch our tender. 

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, arima22 said:

Three years ago, Santorini provided the tender services, not the individual cruise ships.

Same  in 1986  

But you still need to follow the rules of Oceania to get on the tender

[pinotlover]

1. Santorini has long provided the only tenders into town. They managed the arrival at the various ports based on the total number of ships and passengers at dock on any given day. It’s not based on Oceania needs alone.

 

2. typically Oceania tour groups are given tour numbers. Independent travelers are given colors. Tender groups are called by number and color codes.

 

3.  Get all your group together and be in the Lounge early. Often the first one or two tenders gets independents interspersed, then it’s mostly only so tours for a couple tenders. 

[Vineyard View]

Thanks for all this information. I wasn’t all too worried about Santorini since we used SM to book a sailing on a yacht. I am pretty sure we will be given specifics on that. I am not sure how we will decide on the rest of that day with 10k cruise passengers scheduled. As much as we have not been before, and Oia as well as other places look beautiful, it sounds pretty crazy. Then add in the whole elevator deal. 

I am wondering a bit more about how the process will be in Sorrento with our having  no excursions booked. 

[the more ports the better]

In Santorini the ships tours bus and mini bus trips go first so independents have to wait until all the ships tours are finished.  This is because all the tenders are run by the Santorini port.  The bus tours go to the new port and the tenders go there first.

 

Once all the people on vehicle tours are finished at the new port, the tenders switch to the old port where independent travelers and boat tour passengers are let off.  Independents are not permitted to go to the new port.

 

Also, keep in mind that all passengers regardless of where they started have to finish in Fira and either take the cable car or walk the donkey trail.

 

Last week the cable car wait to come down was 2 hours and several passengers walked the donkey trail.  It is steep and slippery.  Many many people of all ages from several different ships slipped and were hurt. It was crazy.

 

We had a great day on a boat.  The crew made us a fabulous lunch, we swam and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Then we made the mistake of going up into town mid afternoon.  No wait on the way up but a zoo once we were there.  I would advise avoiding it unless there are only one or two ships in port.

[the more ports the better]

Sorrento is simple for tendering.  Just go to the lounge early and get tickets.  O usually mixes some independent travelers with tour tenders so you will be off soon.  The O tenders hold a lot of people.

 

We vacation at the Grand Vittoria in Sorrento every year.  The ferry to Positano in September is at 9:15 9:30 10:30 11:00 and is 40 minutes.

 

To Capri it runs every 20 minutes or so and takes 20 or 30 minutes depending on the ferry.

 

naplesbayferries.com is fantastic.  They have the schedules for all the ferry companies.  I sometimes book on the website a few hours beforehand if it’s crowded and I think the ferry I want may sell out.  Or I pick up return tickets.  When you buy tickets online, you still have to go to the counter of the corresponding ferry company to pick up your tickets.  They scan the QR code on your phone and give you paper tickets.  They cannot scan the QR on the ferry.  
 

Just remember some of the ticket offices are across the street from the main ticket area in Sorrento and Positano.

[Vineyard View]

39 minutes ago, the more ports the better said:

In Santorini the ships tours bus and mini bus trips go first so independents have to wait until all the ships tours are finished.  This is because all the tenders are run by the Santorini port.  The bus tours go to the new port and the tenders go there first.

 

Once all the people on vehicle tours are finished at the new port, the tenders switch to the old port where independent travelers and boat tour passengers are let off.  Independents are not permitted to go to the new port.

 

Also, keep in mind that all passengers regardless of where they started have to finish in Fira and either take the cable car or walk the donkey trail.

 

Last week the cable car wait to come down was 2 hours and several passengers walked the donkey trail.  It is steep and slippery.  Many many people of all ages from several different ships slipped and were hurt. It was crazy.

 

We had a great day on a boat.  The crew made us a fabulous lunch, we swam and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Then we made the mistake of going up into town mid afternoon.  No wait on the way up but a zoo once we were there.  I would advise avoiding it unless there are only one or two ships in port.

Was the boat the ‘private yacht’ that Oceania advertises? If so where were you dropped off at the end? Thank you for this info 

[Vineyard View]

19 minutes ago, the more ports the better said:

Sorrento is simple for tendering.  Just go to the lounge early and get tickets.  O usually mixes some independent travelers with tour tenders so you will be off soon.  The O tenders hold a lot of people.

 

We vacation at the Grand Vittoria in Sorrento every year.  The ferry to Positano in September is at 9:15 9:30 10:30 11:00 and is 40 minutes.

 

To Capri it runs every 20 minutes or so and takes 20 or 30 minutes depending on the ferry.

 

naplesbayferries.com is fantastic.  They have the schedules for all the ferry companies.  I sometimes book on the website a few hours beforehand if it’s crowded and I think the ferry I want may sell out.  Or I pick up return tickets.  When you buy tickets online, you still have to go to the counter of the corresponding ferry company to pick up your tickets.  They scan the QR code on your phone and give you paper tickets.  They cannot scan the QR on the ferry.  
 

Just remember some of the ticket offices are across the street from the main ticket area in Sorrento and Positano.

Thank you for this. We will be there in late May no think Positano might win as we have been to Capri a few times. Not a bad choice either way. I appreciate this link and the tips! 

[the more ports the better]

Yes, that is the same tour in Santorini.  It is done very well.  We had six couples and everyone had a great time.  O does not advertise that lunch is included but it is and it is also very good!

 

They pick up and drop off at the old port so it is the last of the O excursions to leave.  All the bus tours go first as they go to the new port.  The boat is spotless and has two bathrooms and plenty of space.

 

if you like to hike and can swing the path of the gods it is fantastic.  Otherworldly.  There is a company who will pick you up in Sorrento, bring you to Bomerano to start, pick you in up in Nocelle after the hike, then take you to LaTagliata for lunch, then drop you back in Sorrento.

 

They take 6 people for 350.00 or 8 people for 370.00.  https://www.positanotaxi.net/en/hiking-path-of-the-gods.  We were happy with them.

 

Otherwise, if you do not like to hike, the ferry to Positano is easy.  You can get a taxi up to LaTagliata for lunch, it is spectacular.  You can taxi or walk down 1500 steps to Positano, shop around then catch the ferry back to Sorrento.  It’s challenging but a nice 30 to 40 minute walk.  This is the view from the restaurant, it is fabulous.

 

Don’t discount Sorrento either.  If you want to see the Amalfi coast drive, there is a “City Sightseeing” Big Red Bus that goes from the Sorrento train station to Positano and on to Amalfi then loops back.  It wasn’t running in Sept after COVID but it may start up again.  The SITA busses are last resort but they get you where you need to go.

 

In Sorrento, there is a second port on the other side of town with great seafood restaurants.  Bagli delfino is very good.  Also, o Parrucchiano is an experience.

 

Enjoy, it certainly is my favorite place!

 

All in all though, the ferries are the fastest and most reliable mode of transport.

[Tr1v1alCru1ser]

Never heard of the top suites being escorted straight to the tenders!

 

Our recent experience was that those going on O excursions get off first, based on time of excursions, then they have open tender tickets.  

[Fam_Cruise]

58 minutes ago, Tr1v1alCru1ser said:

Never heard of the top suites being escorted straight to the tenders!

While that was the case on pre-Covid cruises, that was not the case on Riviera September 2022.  We tried showing our key cards and were told we needed tender tickets.  We went and got tender tickets and were given tender tickets for the next tender, so almost the same but not quite as convenient.

 

If this has changed on more recent cruises I'd love to hear about it, as we're heading out on Riviera again mid-October.  I'll also ask our butler. 

[zteamtwo]

Just to be clear--for new people on Oceania--when you hear the term "tender"--do not think about some luxury boat that takes you to the port dock--IT'S THE LIFEBOATS!  Very cramped--knee to knee with the person across from you.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

[EJL2023]

9 minutes ago, zteamtwo said:

Just to be clear--for new people on Oceania--when you hear the term "tender"--do not think about some luxury boat that takes you to the port dock--IT'S THE LIFEBOATS!  Very cramped--knee to knee with the person across from you.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

Not what we experienced on our cruise in May and the two tender ports. They used the port authority to transfer. Never used the lifeboats on the ship at all.  It was actually a pretty smooth operation and in both instances the tender boats were fine. Crowded yes but you had rows of benches.