Oceana E718 review 22/07-29/07 the long version!

[trfccruiser]

Oceana Longer review E718

Just some more details about important things like food entertainment ports etc,apologies if it’s long hopefully will be of interest.

22nd July.

Embarkation-most people ignore their check-in time(including us) travelling down day before we had stayed in the Holiday Inn so wanted to get on early. Holiday Inn was excellent and it was great to open the curtains in the morning and see Oceana waiting for us.

We arrived at 12.15 and there were big queues already too about 10 minutes to get to the desk and then about 10 to process us as we were a party of 6 in 3 cabins.

Waiting in Mayflower, called by letter allocated when you arrived in lounge, got on just after 1pm.Just as we got on board the announcement came over that cabins were ready but this didn’t sink in with the guy staffing the lift who said we couldn’t go to our cabins yet .I repeated the announcement had just been made but it cut no ice, an early sign that SOME of the staff had a bit of an “edge” to them. I wasn’t that distressed to have to go to the plaza buffet though and we had a lovely lunch and this was the first and only time the Plaza wasn’t very crowded. I had roast Pork with crackling and Meuille Feuille.had a wander round ship and then to cabin which reeked of smoke cabin steward said she would spray but didn’t solve problem. Partly dissipated by Anniversary package

Then had lifeboat drill we were in Le Club it was packed out to a degree that I would say wasn’t safe God knows what would happen in a real emergency, God forbid.

We reserved a table(Freedom dining) but they got our time wrong they had written it in the wrong column because I had picked a busy slot! Was resolved but had to stand my ground.

Meal though was excellent good service and food top notch, I had Duck & Orange pate, Lamb and Rhubarb Souffle.

23rd July at Sea Dublin 6pm.

Rachel our youngest wanted to go to club and enjoyed it staff very nice and made her welcome .Also had a swim pool nice but air temperature when you got out a bit of a challenge.

Played Cricket on Sports Court quite a few decent cricketers on show played with my son and we won! Went for early meal so could get off in Dublin. Had Cauliflower Cheese soup delicious followed by game Mixed grill(Ostrich and rabbit) may sound horrible to some but was excellent.

Caught shuttle into Dublin all shuttle we very good and prompt and am so glad P&O don’t charge unlike most cruise lines now.

Sampled some Dublin bars just for atmosphere Dublin is beautiful but very packed with tourists.

24th Dublin-again!

Went on open top tour this is brilliant for seeing lots of sights without too much walking and the inevitable crowds! Our ticket got us on the Red and Green buses the Red has recorded commentary but the green which we got later on (as it is hop on hop off) was live commentary and hilarious. Some of the Americans just didn’t understand the Irish humour though. The guy at the start said “we are just waiting to sober up the driver by walking him up and down for a bit!” some looked genuinely worried. Got on and off at few places spent most time at Jamesons Distillery nice pub/restaurant round the corner.

Had nice meal in restaurant until I bit on something hard in my main meal didn’t really want to make a big deal but it chipped my tooth restaurant staff were very nice but reception staff seemed bit suspicious. Head waiter arranged for me to see nurse very promptly and saw purser next day. P&O have agreed to pay dental costs am awaiting treatment still.

25th Bay of Biscay!!! In a force 7 the ship rolled and all public rooms were packed with people looking bored/ green. Not ideal for Cocktail party but it had calmed quite a bit by then. Went to see Jimmy Nairn show he is very versatile (plays numerous instruments) and quite funny too.

26th Bilbao Had arranged a private tour through totally Spain very reasonable private minibus all day for 450 Euros. Only problem was that the driver spoke 2 words of English “Good Morning” so we had to struggle with my rudimentary Spanish and getting others to translate. We went to the Guggenheim just to have a look which is stunning the flower Dog statue impressed us all young and old. Then went to Bakio via fantastic scenery rolling green hills with lots of Swiss style cottages, lovely unspoilt beach resort with fantastic surf .The on to a church that is on an outcrop of rock San Juan de Gaztelugatxe however you have to walk to it and its very hilly and takes about an hour on the way back,we didn’t have the time or stamina really but the views were absolutely fantastic.

Went back to Bilbao via the Transporter bridge quite near the terminal in Santurce which basically has a hanging compartment that carries cars and passengers very impressive feat of engineering and very old 1880’s.

Evening entertainment was Mike Doyle comedian who was so-so.

27th our wedding anniversary in La Rochelle

Had champagne breakfast in cabin but they sent double quantities! Sent a lot back but was nice start to the day.

Had been to la Rochelle before which is a lovely harbour town but as we had been we went to a water park in the next resort along at Chatellaion-Plage.It was very cheap to get into (4 Euros) and had indoor and outdoor pools and slides the kids loved it.

Came back to ship and had quick snack at Horizon grill impressed with food there had a chicken fajita which was spicy but delicious kids said the burgers were very good.

Had lovely meal Cheese and bacon soup Beef Medallions and Meringue.

Waiters brought cake and sang Congratulations very nice. Went to see “Seven” I thought some of the singing was distinctly average ,it was a lively show but volume doesn’t substitute for talent.

28th Guernsey. Tendering took AGES I got a ticket and was told it would be about a 40 minute wait it took an hour and 40 minutes for us to be called. Loud cheers every time a number was called. Met up with my Mum’s friend who was evacuated to my Mum’s house in the war and just pottered round shops.

Nice final meal Brie and Cranberry tart steak and Apple and blackcurrant Crumble Pie. Saw Gary Newbon who spoke for an hour had some amusing stories to tell especially about Brian Clough.

29th disembarkation we had an afternoon flight so we didn’t have to fight to get of in fact our luggage was the last in the hall!! Still only 10 am though when we left.

Overall excellent food some good entertainment some patchy stuff and service good in parts some quite surly some very good and friendly.

I would certainly recommend the anniversary package £55 for chocolates, bottle of champagne, half bottle of champagne on day you have breakfast in cabin and a voucher giving you a free formal photo of your choice More that 55 if you bought those items singly.

[daiB]

I always get the bug again when I read someones report and am itching to sail away again. I can taste the cauliflower and cheese soup. thank goodness only 17 days to go.:D

 

Thanks for your report.

 

 

 

 

:)Happy Cruising:)

 

 

 

 

 

:cool:

 

 

Dai

[trfccruiser]

Hi Dai,enjoy your cruise!I was doing the same for weeks before our cruise checking out all the websites to get in the mood,part of the enjoyment for me.If you've not been to the fjords before(I haven't been to the fjords you are going to but went to Gerainger on the QE2) I would recommend a seaplane trip for the views of the fjords Spectacular.Bit bumpy though.