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2 registered members (Ngaire, 1 invisible),
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 We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
#237927
06/16/13 02:51 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434 |
I was speaking with Linda Litteken about a question regarding DOLPHIN, and she casually mentioned that she and Ron were booked on an 18-day Oceania cruise from Santiago to Papeete over New Year’s on the Marina. We've wanted to try one of Oceania’s new ships and see for myself what the experience would be like. We are especially interested in trying the food at the numerous dining venues. We also figured that this was an excellent way to experience this unusual itinerary. The ship departs Santiago December 28th. See Pacific Paradise Cruise. The cruise itinerary is similar to the first portion of the Regent cruise that Ngaire escorted a few years ago from Santiago to Sydney. It stops at Robinson Crusoe Island, overnights at Easter Island, and also stops at Pitcairn Island. Going East to West also means one gains hours during the cruise, which is always nice. We’re doing this cruise “on the cheap” having booked just a standard verandah cabin. The cruise has a number of nice promotions including free Internet, free gratuities, and a $500 cabin shipboard credit. The fare came to a little over $6K per person (not counting the BK rewards or any adjustment for the special promotions). It includes Economy air, and we easily obtained exactly the flights we wanted to Santiago for just a deviation fee of $150 per person, which we would have paid anyway to get in a day early. (Oceania is still apparently negotiating the return flight from PPT.) By comparison, Silversea has an almost identical 17-day cruise in the reverse direction, leaving Papeete on November 3 for $11K per person (including their Economy Air). I realize that this is somewhat comparing apples and oranges, but I think it is useful information. If you’re looking for something interesting to do over New Year’s, join us. --------------------- Eugene and Gail
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237928
06/16/13 04:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 558
TedC
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Joined: Mar 2005
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It appears to be a stellar itinerary.
When we were at Easter Island a few years ago the crew said they usually are able to stop at Easter Island only one of four times so we were fortunate - there was a bit of rain, but nothing that spoiled our visit.
At Pitcairn, most of the villagers came out to the ship in a long boat with their crafts - it was hot!
 "Life is far too serious to be taken seriously."
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 Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237929
06/16/13 04:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434 |
That's why we're really glad that there is an overnight at Easter Island. Hopefully, we'll be able to stop at least on of the days.
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Eugene
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237930
06/16/13 05:23 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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Posts: 6,352 |
Eugene, fantastic itinerary and great price. I hope you get ashore on Pitcairn as did passengers on the Navigator some time back.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237931
06/16/13 11:03 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,079
DenaH
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Sounds great, Eugene - I wish we could do it! As even one more added bonus, you may have a chance that Siglo will be on board. They were on the Marina earlier this year.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237932
06/16/13 01:11 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434 |
Dena, I gather that what I feared is true--Siglo is no longer on the PG. Does anyone know who we'll hear on DOLPHIN?
The Eastern European band that was on our last PG cruise, which was 7 years ago I think, was horrible.
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Eugene
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237933
06/17/13 02:43 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,923
Ngaire
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Joined: Mar 2004
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I really enjoyed that cruise and I think you will too.
Robinson Crusoe Island has the most delicious lobster I have ever eaten. Regent bought a ton of them onboard for lunch and grilled upstairs and steamed in the dining room. I had a responsiblity of course to try lobster both ways.
We had a great day at Easter Island the weather co-operated and the day seeing the MOI was great. We rented a car and driver (once on shore they were all lined up on the dock) and went all over the place.
It is almost an impossibility for a ship of this size to land passengers on Pitcairn Island. It is very treacherous to get ashore. An adventure ship with zodiacs can but not large tenders. Marc, I am surprised the Navigator got ashore did not know that. Must have been picture perfect conditions. However, it is still fascinating to have the islanders come on the ship. We enjoyed it a lot.
Think this is a great plan Eugene!
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237934
06/17/13 03:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434
Dreps
OP
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,434 |
Ken Simpson sent me a few photos including one of the lobster feast. He also sent one of the visit from the people of Pitcairn and one from Easter island. Lots of lobsters: ![[Linked Image]](http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc182/Dreps48/DSC03792.jpeg) Ken said that all the inhabitants of Pitcairn Island coming across for the day and brought their home made goodies to sell: ![[Linked Image]](http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc182/Dreps48/DSC03900.jpeg) Easter Island--looked like a spectacular day: ![[Linked Image]](http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc182/Dreps48/DSC03835.jpeg) --------------------- Eugene
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237935
06/17/13 08:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171
KarenS
Moderator
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Joined: Jan 1970
Posts: 15,171 |
Fantastic photos and such perfect weather!
Karen
Live long and prosper
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Ngaire]
#237937
06/17/13 03:51 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,352
Marc
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It is almost an impossibility for a ship of this size to land passengers on Pitcairn Island. It is very treacherous to get ashore. An adventure ship with zodiacs can but not large tenders. Marc, I am surprised the Navigator got ashore did not know that. Must have been picture perfect conditions. However, it is still fascinating to have the islanders come on the ship. We enjoyed it a lot.
Think this is a great plan Eugene!
Ngaire, according to this report, Navigator put passengers ashore for around 20 minutes in 2002. http://www.eptours.com/T0303-pitcairn-island.htm
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237939
06/18/13 10:07 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,212
jbittle
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As Cookson said, they had to get on the island using the locals' longboats. It takes quite a while to travel from the island to the ship and it would take some time just loading & unloading the longboats. The Navigator must not have had many guests or only a select few made the journey to shore. How would the Marina choose which guests would get the opportunity and what kind of rebellion would there be amongst the unchosen? Jim ![[Linked Image]](http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc399/jbittle/Pitcairn/Longboat10_zps29502ffa.jpg) It's not easy getting off the longboat ![[Linked Image]](http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc399/jbittle/Pitcairn/Pitcairn8_zps6adee10d.jpg) The longboats have to get into and out of this small cove, usually under rough sea conditions. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc399/jbittle/Pitcairn/Pitcairn38_zpsa077618d.jpg) Here's a longboat heading back into Bounty Bay ![[Linked Image]](http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc399/jbittle/Pitcairn/PITCAIRN_zps5e0874db.jpg) Here are a couple of pirates with us.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237940
06/18/13 10:13 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,212
jbittle
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Posts: 1,212 |
We did get to set foot on Pitcairn soil. ![[Linked Image]](http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc399/jbittle/Pitcairn/Dirt4_zps5523a436.jpg)
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237941
06/18/13 05:20 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,923
Ngaire
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Posts: 8,923 |
Jim thanks for posting that GREAT SHOTS. That was a great day I remember it well. Really enjoyed seeing all those pictures.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Ngaire]
#237945
06/19/13 05:10 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 447
pammy
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That was a great trip with great people. Weather was great even if we did have to miss a few landings. Loved the people and there crafts from Pitcairn. They gave a very informative lecture about life on their island. Things have changed for them now that they have internet. Jim's shots brought back great memories for us too.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#237949
06/19/13 10:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,217
RachelG
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Great pics!
I saw a Globetrekker episode that featured Pitcairn Island. The guy took a cargo ship to get there (and got really sick on the journey). It was very interesting, so if you can find it on Netflix, I would rec watching.
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238849
09/08/13 02:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516
Lee
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516 |
Having just returned from a wonderful time on the PG and Tahiti, I need to plan for next year. Michael has come up with an Oceania cruise from Lima to New York - any comments on that?
We really don't want to leave Regent having had so many wonderful cruises with them but their itineraries haven't changed much. I've heard mixed reports about Oceania and would love to hear from anyone who has sailed with them, particularly the Marina (would love it to be Mariner).
Thanks in advance.
Lee (and Michael)
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238898
09/12/13 01:21 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516
Lee
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516 |
Help! Isn't there anyone out there who has cruised on Oceania? I'm not too fussed about their gratuity and alcohol rules though. Lee
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238899
09/12/13 04:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,033
lonestarlady
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Joined: Dec 2008
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I know there are folks on this board who have sailed Oceania before and like it - not sure why they aren't responding!
We are trying Oceania for the first time over the Christmas Holiday (LAX to MIA), although it is on one of their smaller and older ships (Regatta). We just did not want to fly overseas, so this was the best and most reasonably priced itinerary we could find for a quick getaway. We are a very nervous about it, as we love Regent and we know it won't be the same.
We bought the premium alcohol package, as my dear hubby does enjoy his beer, and can drink quite a few throughout the day (and does not want to be restricted to meal time only). I also enjoy my wine and a nice scotch now and then, and felt the package would be cheaper than buying a bottle and a drink at a time. Anyway, I know it's still a ways off, but we will post a report after our cruise.
Cindy TravelingTexasDuo.com"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: lonestarlady]
#238900
09/12/13 07:16 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,512
Ms Understood
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Joined: Aug 2005
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We have sailed twice on Oceania: once on regatta some years ago to Greek islands and Istanbul and just last year on riviera from venice to athens. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips. The food is excellent consistent w their reputation. We had concierge- level cabins both times. Although a tiny bit on the small side the cabins were fine for us. I actually cannot think of any particular negative. It s not regent but its not carnival either. It is in my opinion a very well priced product that is accurately in my view described as "regent-lite" I am sure you will enjoy it .
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Helen
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238925
09/16/13 09:07 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 808
Susan W
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Posts: 808 |
Helen,
I agree with you. I have sailed on two of the R ships and both O ships and feel they are well priced. As you say the cabins are smaller than the luxury lines but still comfortable. Food is comparable to most of the luxury lines though. Definitely better than the mass market lines such as Carnival and Norwegian.
Susan
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238926
09/16/13 10:53 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 934
RPM
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Posts: 934 |
I sailed on the Regatta a couple of years after it came into service with Oceania.
Shared a cabin with my classmate on a trip from Miami to La through the canal.
We booked a concierge cabin and it was soooo tiny, however it worked out ok. Book as high a grade as you can, as you get extra dibs for restaurants. We were not able to get a larger class of cabin or I would have.
I have to say that the food was the BEST that I had on any ship, and that includes Crystal and Regent.
This was the first time that I experienced "Open Seating" and really enjoyed it....The specialty restaurants were awesome...especially Tapas.
Thought the bar prices were high. We had our own Vodka and Martini glasses with us for drinks while we were getting ready for the evening meal.
There were NO drink packages available at this time
The entertainment was practically nil, but that was ok with me.
The Trivia was pretty good though.
The shore excursions were nothing to write home about (IMHO).
No dress code, had dinner one night with a young guy in cargo shorts, think he was from Alaska, traveling with his Dad.
Laundry: you have to buy tokens for the machines.
Had to buy ALL sodas and bottled water at that time....nickled and dimed to death.
All in all I enjoyed it but I don't think Ray would like it due to its size and the motion you get on it.
Would like to try the Marina some day since it is much larger and newer.
Hope you have a good trip,
Pat
Pat and Ray
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Re: We're Trying Oceania Over New Year's
[Re: Dreps]
#238933
09/16/13 01:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516
Lee
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,516 |
Thanks to all for your input. Will report back when we have made a decision. Lee
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![[Linked Image]](http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/jbittle/media/Pitcairn/Longboat10_zps29502ffa.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/jbittle/media/Pitcairn/Pitcairn8_zps6adee10d.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/jbittle/media/Pitcairn/Pitcairn38_zpsa077618d.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/jbittle/media/Pitcairn/PITCAIRN_zps5e0874db.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/jbittle/media/Pitcairn/Dirt4_zps5523a436.jpg.html)
