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April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183648 04/02/06 07:53 PM
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Today is the first day to book the new Europe itineraries for 2007..I am sure B and K has group departures as do we..call your travel agent to see what is available..Oceania is a cruise line that sells out very quickly so dont wait, better to be safe than sorry!! (You can always cancel)
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183649 04/03/06 03:40 PM
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Thanks for the reminder - have friends interested and just called them and told them to call Linda at B&K - thank goodness for this wonderful board and talented B&K TA'S!!!!! For any newbies Linda is a delight - I have not booked Oceania but friends have and said she is SOOOO outstanding and knowledgable - we have booked 7 or 8 cruises with Ngaire she is someone you will want to try believe me - friends claim Linda was magical - Joanna


Joanna
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183650 04/03/06 03:50 PM
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Friend just called me back and said to call Susan at B&K too - hey they all are great!!!


Joanna
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183651 04/04/06 08:21 PM
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Hope she books a lot of cruises..I may meet her on board..I would love to meet you on board also Joanna
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183652 04/05/06 04:45 AM
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We can't sail Oceania cause half the family smokes - but I have to chime in and say that Linda is terrific to work with! Patience of a saint when dealing with my entire clan and all of our idiosyncracies! (Spelled wrong but sounded better than odd quirks!)


Sue
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183653 04/05/06 06:15 AM
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My sister was all ready to call B & K to book 3 cabins on Oceania (my BIL's married kids too) but like you Sue, the no-smoking doesn't work for them. Maybe my sister and BIL will still go alone (non-smokers)? Married kids need cheap cabin and can't afford RSSC. Sometimes it's hard finding the right ship to fit everyone's needs and budget.


Marcie

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183654 04/05/06 06:26 AM
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If Tim and I were traveling alone we'd consider Oceania. Though we'd have to upgrade enough to get a balcony - RSSC really spoiled us so we don't like to cruise without one any more.


Sue
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183655 04/05/06 06:53 AM
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I am glad the smokers changed their minds ..Oceania is not going to put up with any smoking on balconies it will be a zero tolerance and people will be put off..Please make sure if anyone smokes they know this!!
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183656 04/05/06 07:14 AM
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Jan, I think that fact has pretty well been emblazoned across the internet for the last week or so.

I can't see sailing on Oceania; don't you have to upgrade drastically to get any space at all in your quarters, and then STILL have to pay for everything? I just wouldn't consider that a really smart move. YMMV, obviously.

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183657 04/05/06 08:37 AM
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Sorry Pam, didnt realize I was being so redundant about the smoking..but in speaking to Oceania each day that is a big topic of our conversation!!
You do have to go to a penthouse to get 322 square feet..but a Penthouse on Oceania including the 2 for 1 and free air is still less than Regent
The reason I like Oceania (we are retired) is the lenghth of the cruises..I do not like to go anywhere for less than 14 days..but that is personal..living in California makes flying so far difficult for us for 1 week..
That said..I love Regent and take trips on them as often as I can..
Can you tell me what YMMV means?? Computer illiterate here! smiles
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183658 04/05/06 08:44 AM
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I want to know what that YMMV stands for also..
I wasn't going to ask..but since you did Jan I'll bite too


Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183659 04/05/06 08:48 AM
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Claudia Offline
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Quote
Originally posted by petlover:in part

My sister was all ready to call B & K ... but like you Sue, the no-smoking doesn't work for them.
I still think you guys don't understand..it is not a NON smoking ship..you just can not smoke in your room/balcony.
Which in my opinion is a godsend...the smell of cigars and cigs being smoked on balcony next to your cabin and coming in to yours is just too much for me.


Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183660 04/05/06 08:49 AM
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Your Mileage May Vary?

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183661 04/05/06 10:11 AM
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Olivia is right on, sorry. I thought that one was a common one.

Claudia, I think we all understand perfectly what it means. I don't smoke -any more- but when I did, my eyes weren't open until I had at least two cigarettes. My staggering to find that one little smoking area while still in my jammies and robe, hair on end, teeth not brushed...well, you get the idea that it wouldn't be a pretty picture. I do have to leave a machine in the casino now if a heavy smoker sits down beside me, but I'll do it without uttering a word. I was that person for nearly 40 years.

Jan, you have said that you played a big part in the formation of Oceania, and now you talk to them each day. Are you a partial owner of that line? No problem if you are, as far as I'm concerned, but if you are, I can certainly understand why you love them so much.

Thank goodness for forever edit! Can I be lazy and ask (without having to go look it up) what is included in the fare? I saw some incredible menus at that Polo restaurant, is there an extra charge to eat there?

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183662 04/05/06 01:03 PM
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Jan, I'm with you on liking the longer cruises. Oceania does sound interesting. I just can't find anyone in my family who is game for them, though. Their itineraries look great. Do they have open seating at dinner?

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183663 04/05/06 01:10 PM
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Yes they do 4 venues open from 6:30 until 9:30 just like a restaurant and country club casual dining no formal nights..all I can say is "try it you will like it!!"
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183664 04/05/06 01:12 PM
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Claudia, Google gets you just about any information you want! (Jan, I too, am computer illiterate)

I think it is nice that there is a line where non-smokers don't have to be around the likes of me and other nicotine addicts in the bar or casino, or most other areas of the ship. By not being TOTALLY non-smoking, Oceania is at least opening the door for an occassional smoker. Just a little trouble to get to those areas at the times Pam talked about. If totally non-smoking made sense for the lines that tried it, they would not have abandoned the concept. So Oceania tried a compromise, and now seems to be serious about enforcing it.

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183665 04/05/06 01:12 PM
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Olivia, I wish I was part owner but alas no..I just know everyone there for years so I feel very close to them!!
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183666 04/05/06 01:19 PM
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Jan, I knew you weren't part owner! That was not me! I was only trying to help another computer illiterate like me with the YMMV! You have already told us that you are a TA, and I remember your history.

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183667 04/05/06 02:10 PM
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Pam, your post made me laugh because it sounds like what I heard (via my sister) when she was relaying what her DIL said. My sister and BIL are non-smokers but their daughter-in-law does smoke. I guess she looked into the area where you are able to smoke and it was outside.?? She says there's no way she's going out there early in the morning with her coffee, in her robe and be blown around. LOL...most of us are kind of scary looking in the morning! My sister and BIL went ahead and booked a med cruise on Princess with their 2 married "kid" couples but may someday try Oceania on their own.


Marcie

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183668 04/05/06 04:31 PM
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Olivia, sorry it was Pam that asked me..I still wish I could answer yes.. smiles
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183669 04/05/06 06:04 PM
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Pam,
There are no extra charges to eat at the Polo grill and when I sailed with them, I made it a point to eat there as often as possible. Of course, I am a carnavore so I was in my element. They have a number of cuts of meat I have not seen often on ships i.e. porterhouse. I found the quality to be quite good for a ship.

Oceania's pricing initially is 2 for 1 and free economy air. If you elect to do your own air, you receive an air credit. There are air fuel surcharges, fuel surcharges,and government taxes in addition. You have open dining. Gratuities are added to your shipboard account, $15 per person per day for Penthouse and above. $11.50 per person per day below Penthouse. You must purchase bottled water, soft drinks, and all alcoholic beverages. They do not keep you from bringing your own drink selections aboard but request you consume them in your suite and not in common areas. You can purchase wine and bring onboard but there is a $20 corkage fee in the restaurants. When we sailed last summer, we brought on bottled water, Cokes, mixers, a bottle of Rum, and Amarula. We had our own bar in our suite and it worked out perfect as well as we had bottled water for shore excursions.

On most of our groups, we offer prepaid gratuities, which is an additional savings.

While I thoroughly enjoy Regent, Oceania does have some interesting itineraries and I agree with Jan once you take a long flight it is nice to sail more than 7 days. However, it is a challenge to find the time off. With four children to put through college it will probably be a long time before I can afford to join you in retirement Jan and sail the world.


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183670 04/06/06 03:53 AM
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Susan,

As always, your full and complete information is greatly appreciated. All of you at B&K do a great job of answering our seemingly endless questions not only about Oceania, but Regent, SS, etc. Thank you!


Denise

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Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183671 04/06/06 04:45 AM
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Susan, thanks! One day we'll sail together again, but right now it won't be on O. I drink bottled water constantly, and need several bottles in my little fridge. BTW, I read elsewhere that there aren't fridges below a certain category cabin; what about people who have to refrigerate medication?

Amarula; I just discovered that in the Crown Room in Ft. Lauderdale, on the way home from our Navigator cruise. Is that not THE BEST stuff? Right now, drinking something that rich is empty calories for me, but I have to give in and have a little bit ever so often. I found a store here that gets in smaller bottles (1 pint) so I don't have to keep it as long in the refrigerator.

I'll keep an eye on the Oceania itineraries, but right now we have British Isles this year on Voyager (after ROAR) and Dag's Homecoming next year. Both of those are over 7 days.

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183672 04/06/06 07:29 AM
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Hi Susan,
The "only" good part of getting "older" is the ability to pick up and travel at any time we want to..although we did not travel at all last year after Stu had his heart attack..I am trying to make up for it by going 6 weeks in October/November first on Viking River cruises and then flying to Barcelona and doing 22 days on Oceania Regatta and then in March we are doing 35 days on Nautica from Hong Kong to Athens..a route that has some ports we have not been to..
I feel any of us are so lucky to be able to travel..my mentor in the business (40 years ago, told you I am OLD)told me once "Life without travel is like reading a book without opening the cover" and I took it to heart as I am an avid reader smiles..I look forward to meeting you on a cruise someday, I do think we would have a great time!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183673 04/06/06 07:05 PM
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Jan,
I am sorry to hear about Stu's heart attack but sounds like you are living life to the fullest as it should be. I will be curious to hear your review of the river cruise.

I am planning on sailing on the June 26 Insignia. While I am excited about the cruise I am also excited because my son is studying abroad this summer in London and we will go in early to have some time with him.

Sorry I can't do the 22 or 35 day cruises yet, so don't think we will meet up unless you do a 14 day or less. It would be fun to meet up on a cruise.

Hope you have a great weekend too! I know I will as we are going to Austin to an awards presentation at the University of Texas were my oldest will be honored as a University of Texas College Scholar.


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183674 04/06/06 07:21 PM
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Pam,
I would love to travel with you and Mark again. Thanks for the good visual of you in the morning before you had your two "cigarette" wakeup.

You need to have a suite A3, which is the lowest Concierge level veranda stateroom, and above to have a minifridge. I am sure you could have your medication refrigerated in the medical center which is quite convenient, right on deck 4 close to reception.

I agree, Amarula is great. First had it in Kenya and plan on consuming my fair share in June when I travel in South Africa. I actually put it in my coffee for an after dinner drink and it is great. You should be able to enjoy Amarula to your heart's content on ROAR.

Wish I could go on Captain Dag's trip. I know that will be truly special.


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183675 04/06/06 09:10 PM
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Susan,
Frank and Marcia Delrio, their daughter Christine and grandson Dominick will be on the June 26th reunion cruise..be sure to introduce yourself..he is a terrific guy and really friendly..I also have several clients from San Antonio on board that you will probably meet..really nice people ..
Have a great trip!!
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183676 04/07/06 01:59 PM
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Jan,
Thanks for the best wishes. I plan on enjoying myself. My husband is a blue blood Scot. His parents immigrated here from Scotland so I am looking forward to visiting his parents native land. I hope to have the opportunity to take your advice and meet the Delrio family. No chance of you joining?


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183677 04/07/06 05:13 PM
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Wish we could but our grandaughter is graduating high school (gulp).Check and see if David Kelly is the GM he also is from Scotland..I can hardly understand him..LOL
regards,
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183678 04/07/06 05:35 PM
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Jan,
I know what you mean. I can barely understand my husband's uncles and aunts; their brogue is so heavy. The majority of them are still in Scotland.


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183679 04/11/06 09:06 AM
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Susan, I just found out the Delrios will not be on June 26, (they are expecting a new grandchild) The EVP will..be sure and ask for him..
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183680 04/11/06 10:08 AM
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Jan/Susan - know you are still waiting for my review of the Regatta, I PROMISE to get it done in the next week or so. Thought I would get it done last week, but just didn't. Maybe I can work on it bit by bit and then just post it.


JoAnn
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183681 04/11/06 05:51 PM
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JoAnn,
I appreciate it always time to find the time to write things down. Whenever you find a moment, I am sure everyone will be pleased to read whatever you have time to share.


Susan
Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183682 04/11/06 07:56 PM
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JoAnn..not to worry, we will all be here when you find the time to write!!
Jan

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183683 04/15/06 01:35 PM
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I just quickly read through this thread, and, having cruised on both the Insignia and Nautica, and Radisson three times, can say that Oceania compares very favorably with Rad/Regent. In fact, in a few facets, they probably excel!

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183684 04/19/06 12:48 PM
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Quote
Originally posted by dooley:
I just quickly read through this thread, and, having cruised on both the Insignia and Nautica, and Radisson three times, can say that Oceania compares very favorably with Rad/Regent. In fact, in a few facets, they probably excel!
Hi Dooley,

Could you elaborate in your comparison of Regent and Oceania? You have piqued my interest!

Re: April 3 first day to book Europe 2007 #183685 04/19/06 02:14 PM
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I cant wait to see what Dooley says..anyone going on Regatta 11/3 or 11/15..would love to meet up with you..Those dates were such a great deal!!
Jan


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