Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We have booked on Oceana for the Christmas 2016 cruise to the Canaries and New Years Eve in Funchal, has anyone done this cruise before ?, I noticed that a similar cruise itinerary is available at Christmas on various ships and was wondering what other peoples experiences are of Christmas cruises.
I know it is early days yet but is anyone else onboard for this cruise ?, we are particularly looking forward to the overnight in Funchal as they have a wonderful firework display on New Years Eve.
I know it is early days yet but is anyone else onboard for this cruise ?, we are particularly looking forward to the overnight in Funchal as they have a wonderful firework display on New Years Eve.
-
- Third Officer
- Posts: 191
- Joined: March 2013
- Location: Wirral
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We did this on Aurora some years ago and the fireworks were great, so good we are going again this year on Cunard! We loved Christmas on board, have tried hotels but just not the same somehow.
Video of the fireworks here
https://youtu.be/DhbLyUpZDMo
Video of the fireworks here
https://youtu.be/DhbLyUpZDMo
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Thanks Joanne, we enjoyed watching the video and can't wait to go on our Christmas cruise on Oceana.
Like you we have had many Christmas breaks in hotels some good some not so good but I know we will be looked after with P&O.
I take it that Christmas Day will be black tie Gala dinner but what about New Years Eve ?, will that be black tie too ?.
Like you we have had many Christmas breaks in hotels some good some not so good but I know we will be looked after with P&O.
I take it that Christmas Day will be black tie Gala dinner but what about New Years Eve ?, will that be black tie too ?.
-
- Senior Second Officer
- Posts: 666
- Joined: February 2013
- Location: North East
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Raybosailor wrote:We have booked on Oceana for the Christmas 2016 cruise to the Canaries and New Years Eve in Funchal, has anyone done this cruise before ?, I noticed that a similar cruise itinerary is available at Christmas on various ships and was wondering what other peoples experiences are of Christmas cruises.
I know it is early days yet but is anyone else onboard for this cruise ?, we are particularly looking forward to the overnight in Funchal as they have a wonderful firework display on New Years Eve.
We are on this one Ray, this will be our 3rd festive cruise. We have done a New Year one a Christmas one and the last was a Christmas and New Year.
I think P&O do Christmas well and far more than we would do at home. Decks, lights, tree, mince pies, carols cake, panto, midnight service, full Christmas Lunch....in the evening. Santa, pressies and on and on.
Gan Canny
Dai
-
- Senior First Officer
- Posts: 3951
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
On Aurora Xmas 2012 to the Caribbean both evenings were 'black tie' P&O formal but everybody was invited to change after dinner on New Years Eve and enjoy the deck party. I have to say that the much-vaunted Christmas dinner was a big disappointment. Cold, small portions and had to be eaten whilst stuffed up like a turkey.Raybosailor wrote:Thanks Joanne, we enjoyed watching the video and can't wait to go on our Christmas cruise on Oceana.
Like you we have had many Christmas breaks in hotels some good some not so good but I know we will be looked after with P&O.
I take it that Christmas Day will be black tie Gala dinner but what about New Years Eve ?, will that be black tie too ?.
-
- Commodore
- Posts: 15317
- Joined: February 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Never done Christmas but we have done New Year in Funchal. The fireworks are amazing and P&O, who have a long relationship with Madeira, usually get the harbour equivalent of front row circle seats. Enjoy.
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
daib GC wrote:Raybosailor wrote:We have booked on Oceana for the Christmas 2016 cruise to the Canaries and New Years Eve in Funchal, has anyone done this cruise before ?, I noticed that a similar cruise itinerary is available at Christmas on various ships and was wondering what other peoples experiences are of Christmas cruises.
I know it is early days yet but is anyone else onboard for this cruise ?, we are particularly looking forward to the overnight in Funchal as they have a wonderful firework display on New Years Eve.
We are on this one Ray, this will be our 3rd festive cruise. We have done a New Year one a Christmas one and the last was a Christmas and New Year.
I think P&O do Christmas well and far more than we would do at home. Decks, lights, tree, mince pies, carols cake, panto, midnight service, full Christmas Lunch....in the evening. Santa, pressies and on and on.
Gan Canny
Look forward to meeting you again Dai, it seems an age since we were on the Arcadia Caribbean together we will have to meet up for a drink.
Ray
Dai
-
- Third Officer
- Posts: 188
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We paid the balance on our Oceana Christmas cruise yesterday and are really excited as its our first time away from home at Christmas and New Year on a cruise. This morning I have been looking at the cruise personaliser, this is the first time we are visiting Agadir on a cruise ship, does anyone have any ideas on what we should do? Should we book an organised tour of the town or is it safe to get off and wander about on our own? Or alternatively should we just stay on board the ship? Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
Many thanks
Lynda
-
- Deputy Captain
- Posts: 5608
- Joined: March 2013
- Location: Instow Devon
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We're going to Agadir in November Lynda and Mrs Barney has already decided she is not getting off.
A few years ago we went to somewhere else in Morocco (can't remember where) and she hated it.
We were only off the ship for about an hour and she was ready to go back.
She didn't like the way they swarm you, looking for business.
Others will have varying opinions.
A few years ago we went to somewhere else in Morocco (can't remember where) and she hated it.
We were only off the ship for about an hour and she was ready to go back.
She didn't like the way they swarm you, looking for business.
Others will have varying opinions.
Empty vessels .. and all that
-
- Captain
- Posts: 12153
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Oxfordshire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We are due to call at Agadir this Christmas too - but on Oriana. It will be our second visit and this time we are most definitely staying on board. Yes, there's a bit of "local colour" but plenty of local aroma too !! The beach and promenade is OK but it is fairly ordinary and you could be anywhere (apart from the beggars and hawkers!)Lynda and David wrote:We paid the balance on our Oceana Christmas cruise yesterday and are really excited as its our first time away from home at Christmas and New Year on a cruise. This morning I have been looking at the cruise personaliser, this is the first time we are visiting Agadir on a cruise ship, does anyone have any ideas on what we should do? Should we book an organised tour of the town or is it safe to get off and wander about on our own? Or alternatively should we just stay on board the ship? Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
Enjoy your cruise Lynda - and don't take any nonsense from Raymondo. Make sure he buys the first round !!
-
- Third Officer
- Posts: 188
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Thanks, looks like we'll be staying on board that day. We'll definitely say hello to Ray and Dai if we see them, I think I'll recognise Dai as he was on a cruise on Azura in 2014 that we were on.qbman1 wrote:We are due to call at Agadir this Christmas too - but on Oriana. It will be our second visit and this time we are most definitely staying on board. Yes, there's a bit of "local colour" but plenty of local aroma too !! The beach and promenade is OK but it is fairly ordinary and you could be anywhere (apart from the beggars and hawkers!)Lynda and David wrote:We paid the balance on our Oceana Christmas cruise yesterday and are really excited as its our first time away from home at Christmas and New Year on a cruise. This morning I have been looking at the cruise personaliser, this is the first time we are visiting Agadir on a cruise ship, does anyone have any ideas on what we should do? Should we book an organised tour of the town or is it safe to get off and wander about on our own? Or alternatively should we just stay on board the ship? Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
Enjoy your cruise Lynda - and don't take any nonsense from Raymondo. Make sure he buys the first round !!
Lynda
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Just make sure your out of Agadir before we arrive Cubie or you'll be tipping up mate, I don't know about Lynda but I know Dai likes a tipple in port and so do we.qbman1 wrote:We are due to call at Agadir this Christmas too - but on Oriana. It will be our second visit and this time we are most definitely staying on board. Yes, there's a bit of "local colour" but plenty of local aroma too !! The beach and promenade is OK but it is fairly ordinary and you could be anywhere (apart from the beggars and hawkers!)Lynda and David wrote:We paid the balance on our Oceana Christmas cruise yesterday and are really excited as its our first time away from home at Christmas and New Year on a cruise. This morning I have been looking at the cruise personaliser, this is the first time we are visiting Agadir on a cruise ship, does anyone have any ideas on what we should do? Should we book an organised tour of the town or is it safe to get off and wander about on our own? Or alternatively should we just stay on board the ship? Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
Enjoy your cruise Lynda - and don't take any nonsense from Raymondo. Make sure he buys the first round !!
As Cubie says you have to be prepared for the onslaught of traders and beggers but I descend from a long line of market traders so they will have a tough time when the Nottingham Bulldog goes ashore.
-
- Captain
- Posts: 12153
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Oxfordshire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
We're there on 28th December, so you'll be OK !
-
- Senior Second Officer
- Posts: 666
- Joined: February 2013
- Location: North East
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Raybosailor wrote:Just make sure your out of Agadir before we arrive Cubie or you'll be tipping up mate, I don't know about Lynda but I know Dai likes a tipple in port and so do we.qbman1 wrote:We are due to call at Agadir this Christmas too - but on Oriana. It will be our second visit and this time we are most definitely staying on board. Yes, there's a bit of "local colour" but plenty of local aroma too !! The beach and promenade is OK but it is fairly ordinary and you could be anywhere (apart from the beggars and hawkers!)Lynda and David wrote:We paid the balance on our Oceana Christmas cruise yesterday and are really excited as its our first time away from home at Christmas and New Year on a cruise. This morning I have been looking at the cruise personaliser, this is the first time we are visiting Agadir on a cruise ship, does anyone have any ideas on what we should do? Should we book an organised tour of the town or is it safe to get off and wander about on our own? Or alternatively should we just stay on board the ship? Any help would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
Enjoy your cruise Lynda - and don't take any nonsense from Raymondo. Make sure he buys the first round !!
As Cubie says you have to be prepared for the onslaught of traders and beggers but I descend from a long line of market traders so they will have a tough time when the Nottingham Bulldog goes ashore.
Me? Drink. Never. I will have you know I am TT. Well until tomorrow.
-
- Second Officer
- Posts: 234
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
I am on this cruise, along with my friend Lizzie, and the Tickets and luggage labels are now available in the Personaliser!!!
And has been mentioned earlier in this thread..........we are not getting off at Agadir either!!
Not long now!!!
And has been mentioned earlier in this thread..........we are not getting off at Agadir either!!
Not long now!!!
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Hi Maureen, I have just logged in to see our eTicket and we have a check in time of 13:30 which is just about right for us, we are staying overnight in Southampton and the hotel check out is 12:00 so by the time we have loaded the luggage into the car and joined the queue for car hand over we should be on time.
-
- Second Officer
- Posts: 234
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Hi Ray,
We are also staying in Southampton the night before with a noon check out. But we both have priority boarding so will aim for an earlier car hand over. Lizzie travels from Devon by train hence our stop over. Can't trust rail timetables to get her to Southampton on the day of sailing, and I drive from London, but over the last 18 months or so have elected to spend the night in a hotel rather than rely on the M25/M3. I feel my odds are ever shortening for an horrendous journey on the day, resulting in missing the ship!! Not worth it!!!
Best wishes
Maureen
We are also staying in Southampton the night before with a noon check out. But we both have priority boarding so will aim for an earlier car hand over. Lizzie travels from Devon by train hence our stop over. Can't trust rail timetables to get her to Southampton on the day of sailing, and I drive from London, but over the last 18 months or so have elected to spend the night in a hotel rather than rely on the M25/M3. I feel my odds are ever shortening for an horrendous journey on the day, resulting in missing the ship!! Not worth it!!!
Best wishes
Maureen
-
- Third Officer
- Posts: 188
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Hello Maureen and Ray
We just spent the last 2 nights on board Oceana; have to say she’s looking good, well cared for by the crew and very clean. We’re really looking forward to our Christmas and New Year cruise on her.
Best wishes
Lynda
We just spent the last 2 nights on board Oceana; have to say she’s looking good, well cared for by the crew and very clean. We’re really looking forward to our Christmas and New Year cruise on her.
Best wishes
Lynda
-
Topic author - First Officer
- Posts: 1195
- Joined: February 2015
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Likewise Lynda, although we have spent many Christmas's away from home this will be our first one at sea and we are really looking forward to it.
-
- Second Officer
- Posts: 234
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Thanks for that info Lynda, good to know. This will be my 3rd Christmas at sea and,like you Ray, am really looking forward to it, especially the fireworks in Funchal!
Best wishes
Maureen
Best wishes
Maureen
-
- Captain
- Posts: 12153
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Oxfordshire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Hope you all enjoy it. I am a great fan of Christmas at Sea !
-
- Captain
- Posts: 12153
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Oxfordshire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Just printed off our tickets for Christmas on Oriana (I know....off-topic again!) and we are allocated a 3p.m. arrival slot. Good job we have priority !
The P&O website still says "You may find that there is a different time on your e-ticket, but we're working to correct that by early 2016." That went well, then, didn't it !!
The P&O website still says "You may find that there is a different time on your e-ticket, but we're working to correct that by early 2016." That went well, then, didn't it !!
-
- Second Officer
- Posts: 234
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
qbman1 wrote:Just printed off our tickets for Christmas on Oriana (I know....off-topic again!) and we are allocated a 3p.m. arrival slot. Good job we have priority !
The P&O website still says "You may find that there is a different time on your e-ticket, but we're working to correct that by early 2016." That went well, then, didn't it !!
Same here......................!!! But the 2 earlier cruises I did this year had the correct priority times on the tickets!! So I naturally thought that P & O had got its act together...........wrong Must have been the luck of the draw!
-
- Captain
- Posts: 12153
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Oxfordshire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
More likely your correct times were a mistake Maureen !!
-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9424
- Joined: January 2012
- Location: Lancashire
Re: Oceana Christmas Cruise E625
Obviously you have not been informed of the changes to the embarkation system that are starting in December.qbman1 wrote:Just printed off our tickets for Christmas on Oriana (I know....off-topic again!) and we are allocated a 3p.m. arrival slot. Good job we have priority !