faqs

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To view:

• General daily itinerary

• Cruise ship and stateroom information

• Cruise fare inclusions

• Cancellation Policies

You will receive email reminders prior to these dates to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

6-24-25 • Initial Trip Plans App will be ready
7-15-25 • Remaining balance due for Athens package
7-28-25 • Oceania restaurants & spa treatments available to reserve
9-5-25 • Oceania online check-in available
Week of Sep. 8, 2025 • Travel packets will be mailed out
Week of Sep. 16, 2025 • Final update of Trip Plans App and receive Oceania’s Cruise Vacation Guide and luggage tags
Sep. 24 - 26, 2025 • Pre-cruise land extension in Istanbul, Turkey
Sep. 26 - Oct. 3, 2025 • Oceania cruise
Oct. 3 - 5, 2025 • Post-cruise land extension in Athens, Greece

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS >>> CLICK HERE <<<

It is your sole responsibility to confirm requirements in advance and again before travel, as regulations may change. Click the website link to look up each country on your itinerary, including connections.

ENROLL IN S.T.E.P. >>> CLICK HERE <<<
Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free U.S. Department of State service that connects your trip to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Benefits Include:

• Safety Updates: You receive real-time information about travel alerts, warnings, and security situations in your destination country. This could include political unrest, natural disasters, or health emergencies.

• Emergency Assistance: If an emergency occurs abroad—whether it's a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency back home—the U.S. embassy or consulate can better assist you. They will have your location and can reach out with guidance or offer help in evacuating.

• Contact for Family or Friends: In case of an emergency, family members or friends can use the State Department to reach you if you're unreachable by other means.

• Support for Legal and Medical Needs: U.S. embassies and consulates can help facilitate medical assistance or legal resources in case of illness, injury, or trouble with the law.

Etiquette holds significant importance in Turkey and is deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. We want to make sure you are familiar with some very important customs so as to avoid any shock or embarrassment.

COMMON PRACTICES

• Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so it's important to respect Islamic customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques, covering your shoulders and knees.

• In many mosques and homes, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering. Look for cues from your host or signs indicating whether it's required.

• Avoid pointing with your index finger as this is considered rude or offensive in the Turkish culture.

• It's customary to greet people with a handshake, although some locals might prefer cheek kisses among friends and family.

• Turkish people are known for their hospitality. Accepting tea or coffee when offered is a common courtesy, and refusing food or drink may be seen as impolite. Kindly avoid water that is not bottled or has not been boiled.
  

EXPECTATIONS

• As you will likely be near a mosque, expect to hear the call to prayer 5 times per day over a loudspeaker.

• Be extremely respectful at religious sites by dressing modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and speaking softly. For women, it is best to have a scarf to cover your head if asked. 

• Turks may stand closer when speaking than you are accustom to in the US.

• Turkish culture often has a more relaxed approach to time compared to the United States. Expect appointments, meetings, and schedules to be somewhat flexible, and don't be surprised if things start a bit later than planned.

• Dining is often served family-style with shared dishes, and don't be surprised if meals are more leisurely affairs with multiple courses and plenty of conversation.

• While many tourist locations will be well-maintained, cleanliness standards can vary, especially compared to the US. Carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer for your convenience.

• Since Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, pork is rare.

• Water, tea (çay), or ayran (a salty yogurt drink) are more common with meals than soda. Turkish coffee is served strong and unfiltered.

• Bargaining is a common practice, especially in markets and bazaars. Expect to negotiate prices when shopping for goods, but do so respectfully and with a smile. Keep in mind that haggling is not appropriate in all situations, such as in formal retail stores.

• There are 2 types of toilets in Turkey: one similar to what we use in the US which you will see in major cities and the other, a squat toilet. Both will have a water nozzle for cleaning yourself and toilet paper to dry. Typically, toilet paper is not to be flushed. Rather it is to be thrown away in the trash bin.

By having realistic expectations and a willingness to embrace the differences you encounter, your visit will be an enriching and memorable experience.

COMMON PRACTICES

• Modest clothing is required in churches and monasteries. Shoulders should be covered, and women may need to wear skirts or long pants.

• A handshake is customary for first-time introductions, but Greeks can be warm and may offer a hug or a cheek kiss (starting on the right).

EXPECTATIONS

• When dining in the Mediterranean, you will enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables, seafood, lamb, and other grilled meats.

• Authentic Greek salads do not include lettuce, and dressings are typically a simple vignette, rather than creamy.

• Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean which is commonly served with bread as opposed to butter.

• Dining is a leisurely experience, and rushing through a meal is uncommon. The bill will not automatically be brought to the table—you must ask for it.

• Greeks may stand closer during conversations than Americans are used to as a sign of friendliness and tend to be expressive and passionate when speaking.

• Like many other Europeans, Greeks have a more relaxed approach to time, so service and start times may be less prompt than in the U.S.

• Locals dress well, even casually. Americans in athletic wear (like yoga pants) tend to stand out.

• Drivers tend to be more aggressive than in the U.S. Be cautious when crossing streets.

• In some places, especially on the islands, flushing toilet paper is not allowed due to narrow pipes—use the bin provided.

In general, temperatures in late September / early October offer mild, warm days, and cool nights with a mix of sunny and overcast days.

To accommodate our transfers, please limit luggage to 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on, and 1 personal item per person.

CLOTHING

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Hotel Plug Type: Type C and F (European-style two-pin)
Voltage: 230V 

Cruise Ship Plug Type: A and B (standard US) & C (European-style two-pin)
Voltage: 110V & 220V

Be sure to pack a suitable adapter, and check if they are compatible with the voltage to avoid any issues.

Note: Power strips/serge protectors are NOT allowed.

CURRENCY
Turkey • Turkish Iira (TRY)
Greece • Euro (EUR)

Most places of business in tourist areas accept MasterCard & Visa. Only a few places accept American Express.

TIPPING
Cruise gratuities have already been included in your cruise fare. Below are some other situations where it may be beneficial to carry cash.

Turkey

• Porters at Airport/Cruise/Hotel - ₺4 - ₺5 per bag

• Hotel Housekeeping - ₺5 - ₺10 per day

• Restaurants & bars - Look on menu to see if "service charge" is included; otherwise tip 10 - 15% of bill; do not tip for poor service. Tip only in cash, given directly to the server.

• Taxis - Not customary to tip, but you can round up if you wish.

• Tour guide -  ₺10 - ₺15 per person person or couple depending on the length, the size of the group and quality of the tour

• Tour driver - your discretion; ₺3 - ₺4 

• Restrooms - some public restrooms require a payment of ₺1 - ₺2

Greece

• Porters at Airport/Cruise/Hotel - €1 - €2 per bag

• Hotel Housekeeping - €1 - €2 per day

• Restaurants & bars - Look on menu to see if "service charge" is included; otherwise tip 10 - 15% of bill

• Taxis - Round up or leave change

• Tour guide - your discretion; €2 - €15 per person depending on the length, the size of the group and quality of the tour

• Tour driver - your discretion; typically €1 per person

• Restrooms - it is common in Europe to have to pay to use a public restroom; expect to pay €1

RECOMMENDATION

We find it easiest and a great rate to exchange prior to leaving through our bank. We usually need currency right away and may not have time or be able to find an ATM when we need it. 

A week or two prior to departure, take a moment to calculate your estimated tip expenses and, to minimize excessive exchange fees, it is advisable to visit your local bank or credit union in advance to request the necessary currency. Most institutions have some readily available, although a few may require a few days' notice.

If you plan to use an ATM card overseas, make sure it is part of MC or Visa. Otherwise, your bank may not have an international agreement set up. Call your bank to find out. Also, in most cases with ATMs, you will be charged a fee every time you make a withdrawal. If you decide to go to one of the currency exchange kiosks in that country, expect to pay a premium.

If you receive excellent service, be sure to show your appreciation. It will make their day!

DATA PLANS
Before your trip, check with your cell phone provider to learn about international rates and coverage options so you can stay connected no matter where you are.

WI-FI
Hotels will have complimentary Wi-Fi.

Onboard Oceania, guests enjoy unlimited WiFi via Starlink. A complimentary login per guest will be provided with a maximum of two free logins per stateroom (one login for solo travelers), each of which can be used on one device at a time. Additional logins for 3rd and 4th guests in a suite or stateroom as well as upgrade packages are available for purchase on board.

WHATSAPP
This is a free messaging and calling app that works over Wi-Fi instead of traditional SMS or voice minutes. So long as you are logged into Wi-Fi, you will be able text, call, and share photos while using this app.

Travel protection is highly recommended.

KARAVAN TRAVEL (Istanbul & Ephesus)

• Land services can be cancelled free of charge 2 weeks prior to arrival date.

• Cancellations will be charged as full NO-SHOW less than 2 weeks prior to departure.

OCEANIA CRUISE
Days Prior to Embarkation

• 181 days or more • $150 per person admin fee

• 180 - 151 days • $500 per person admin fee

• 150 - 121 days • 25% of full fare

• 120 - 91 days • 50% of full fare

• 90 - 61 days • 75% of full fare

• 60 - 0 days • 100% of full fare

CURATED GREECE (Athens & Corinth)
Days Prior to Service

• Non-refundable deposit of 30%

• 60+ Days prior to departure: non-refundable deposit penalty plus any incurred fees.

• 59 – 46 days prior to departure: 20% penalty of total remaining amount

• 45 – 31 Days prior to departure: 50% penalty of total remaining amount

• Within 30 Days prior to arrival: 100% penalty of total remaining amount

• No refunds will be made for no-shows, early departures or unused services

• All refund requests must be made in writing and are processed within 30 to 60 days

DOGWOOD TRAVEL DESIGNS
Days Prior to Arrival

• 181 days or more • No penalty

• 180 - 151 days • $200 managing fee per vacation package

• 150 - 121 days • $300 managing fee per vacation package

• 120 - 91 days • $450 managing fee per vacation package

• 90 - 61 days • $600 managing fee per vacation package

• 60 - 0 days • $750 managing fee per vacation package