Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Oceania Cruises' REGATTA ~
Caribbean
Hideaways
Debarkation and lasting impressions
All good things must come to an end
and our cruise was no exception. After an early breakfast and final
cup of coffee, it was time to report to the Regatta Lounge to claim
passports and pass through US Immigration. That process was smooth and
efficient. Unfortunately, what followed the announcement that we were
cleared to debark the vessel wasn't pleasant.
US Customs officials were NOT waiting
to examine our forms in the terminal—for some reason, they were
still aboard the ship! (Drinking coffee and eating croissants?)
When they finally manned their stations, a couple of them were
arrogant beyond belief. The head-agent-in-charge stormed through the
terminal, by now filling with passengers anxious to leave, and
declared the ship was NOT cleared and no one could leave until HE
straightened out "the cruise line's mess." I found this
attitude toward the cruise line and statements to passengers
insulting. Whatever the problem was, we didn't create it and there was
no need to treat us like criminals.
Most Americans understand the need
for security, but according to Oceania spokesman Tim Rubacky: "For
those cruising in the near future from/to US ports, be prepared for
the possibility of a rather lengthy disembarkation process. Today
(January 2, 2004), in Miami, after ships went through the normal
clearance procedures and guests were allowed to proceed ashore,
Customs/INS officers stood at the head of the gangway and checked
EVERY passport of EVERY guest. Some guests were also pulled aside for
random questioning (some US citizens, some non-US citizens). Guests
then went through passport control again along with customs after
claiming luggage."
Personally, I feel the treatment
passengers are being subjected to is quite heavy handed and
unnecessary.
If you go...
What
You WILL Find:
-
Lovely, soothing
interior spaces
-
Remarkably
comfortable Tranquility Beds™
-
High end toiletries
in every stateroom bath
-
Activities and
entertainment that appeal to a wide range of interests and age
groups
-
Oceania@Sea computer
classes
-
Exquisite
meals, creatively presented
-
Open-seating dining
-
Alternative
restaurants with no cover charge
-
Service by a
professional, attentive staff
-
Onboard duty
free shops with an assortment of affordably priced merchandise
-
A small self-service
passenger laundry room with ironing facilities
-
A Cruise Consultant
to book future cruises
-
Longer itineraries
to some of the world's most desirable ports of call
-
Film processing and
photographic services
-
Oceania Spa operated
by Harding Brothers
-
Complimentary
Thalassotherapy pool and private spa sun deck
-
Jogging/walking track
& fitness program
-
Butlers for suite
accommodations
-
73% of all ocean
view staterooms with private verandahs
-
Teak decking and
padded chairs and loungers poolside
-
Two areas set aside
for smokers—in Horizons Lounge and near the Pool Bar; smoking is
prohibited in staterooms, on balconies, and in all other public
areas on the ship
What
You WON'T Find:
-
Excessive PA
announcements, particularly in staterooms
-
Splashy
"Broadway" and "Vegas" style production shows
-
A playroom
and organized children's program
Fast
Stats from the Bridge
30,200 gross registered tons- 593.7 feet long
- 83.5 feet wide
- 19.5 feet draft
- Cruising speed 18 knots
- Nine passenger decks
- Capacity 684 (double occupancy)
- European officers & staff
Bon Voyage!
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