[QUOTE]Originally posted by cruisinsince75:

you wrote (in part as I deleted those q's that I don't have answer for)...
We have not done TA cruise on O or R ships when they were Renaissance but have taken now including our cruises w/ O -16 cruises on these ships..I think it depends on where you are TA to and from..and time of year.


"I see that the ships are about 30,000 tons but have about 680 people onboard. Did you ever feel crowded? "

Never.. same as Radisson

"Any problems getting a chair by the pool?"

not really.. but just like every other ship when it's a gorgeous day and folks leave all their "stuff" on the chaises and go have lunch somewhere ( and never come back)..time to move their stuff wink

"a table at the restaurants?"

no problem there.. specialty restaurants are by reservation.. main dining room sometimes takes a few minutes depending on what time you are going to eat , say if everyone shows up at same time and you request just a table for 2 or something like that can be short wait..

" or a seat in the theatre?"

they don't have a "movie theater" but if you are referring to their show lounge never a problem with seating..unless you show up really late..


"If we use their air but want to stay over a couple of extra days in Provence and don't want to use their hotel package, is it possible and what is the addional charge?"

They require you to pay a deviation fee for changing the airfare to your requested flights
(you pick- times, date and airline).. if they can arrange the flight and all at the same cost to them as the original air tickets cost them then they do not charge you any additional ..if your requested dates and times ( and/or airline) flight costs more they will tell you and you can decide if you want to book the flights and pay that extra cost whatever they tell you it is.
The deviation fee "was" $50.00 per person I am assuming it is still the same and I believe if you ask them to check on deviating flights is not refundable if you change your mind about doing that. They usually have a pretty good aircredit if you just want to book your own flights which you might check on.. sometimes it works out in your favor that way. Where in Provence are you staying? We just got back and stayed at some amazing hotels.

"How do they compare to Silversea and RSSC?"

Never been on Silversea( next one!) but as far as Radisson in size basically the same.. as far as Prettier Oceania wins. Standard balcony cabins about the same in size although the bathroom and closet areas on Radisson larger.

"We know that the tips and beverages are not included, but do they provide any complimentary beverages such as bottled water and sodas?"

nope- just cappachino <sp?>

"Also, how reasonable are their wine and beverage prices?"

They seem to have revamped their wine lists so they do have reasonably priced wines now.. they were pretty pricey but they got complaints.
their cocktails run from about $6.50 to $9.50
beer around $3.75 I think.. ( don't really drink it too often so don't recall)..
they allow you to bring all the booze you want on the ship for in cabin consumption .. if you want a bottle of your ( brought on) wine opened at dinner $20.00 corkage


"We are looking at one of the balcony staterooms. Is there enough room in the cabins?"

Depends what you want to do in there wink


"What about balcony size? Is it worth the extra expense to upgrade to the concierge level?"

Balcony size in standard has room for the 2 chairs and small table. I am pretty sure but can't remember how big balcony was on Radisson but I think it is the same size..the concierge level and the other category ( on O)are the
same size cabins but w/ concierge you get perks.. check their website because I think they keep adding things..like extra reservations at the specialty restaurants .. early boarding etc.


"What things do you like best about Oceania"

ships are the prettiest at sea.. food is spectacular

"and what things do you like the least? "

internet access slow.. and pricey!

If you have any other q's just ask away!