To begin, it must be stated that I am a world traveler having visited 5 continents extensively by age 27 as a student of culture. However, as a solo traveler who had never done a cruise, the goal was to have a FABULOUS first experience. I wanted to be blown away. Unfortunately, the trip fell short for many reasons, but it was likely better than most people's cruises on less premium lines.
To begin, do not allow a cruise line to book your airline tickets unless it is a special, upgraded deal in business or first class that arrives early or is a non-stop flight. My initial flight was canceled due to a broken part that needed immediate replacement and would not leave the tarmac for at least 24 hours. The itinerary was changed twice, but I did arrive on time for embarkation minus the extra room comfort seat for the transatlantic leg for which I had paid an additional fee. This was irritating to say the least as I was sandwiched between a very large woman and an annoying inexperienced traveler, but it was only minor in hindsight as I discovered that my luggage was nowhere to be found upon landing at my final destination after nearly missing the connection in Frankfurt. Interestingly, I was behind other passengers on the cruise at baggage claim who had also suffered from lost luggage. After a lengthy airport lost claim process, I allowed Oceania to escort me to their transfer limo and shuttle me promptly to the ship. It was an overcast, ugly gray day in Rome that was a foreboding message of a possible expensive mistake.
After many checkpoints of upright, terse 20-something Gen Zers at Rome's embarkation port, I was lightly directed to ascend the gangway with the brightest blue carpet that made me feel like an alternative movie star. It wasn't very friendly or inviting. They seemed annoyed. Upon entering, the ship smelled of fresh carpet and seemed nearly untouched by human hands, feet and breath. As a germaphobe, this made me very happy. There were cameramen everywhere and well-dressed guests and staff. As passengers grew and grew at ship capacity, I felt the energy of a small town. Thus, this fresh feeling turned into a busy ambiance of inquisitive grown-up children in awe of their choice to journey on a new ship. Meanwhile, I was with reception staff who handled my lost luggage complaints with much photocopying and scheduling of appointments with the head concierge. I was so confused and stressed that I canceled my specialty dining reservation only to reschedule for the same venue at an earlier time after waiting 20-30 minutes at the dining reservation desk having no fresh clothes (let alone dress clothes).
Inspiring, natural