"Reasonable" Ship Maintenance Expectations

I realize that the term "reasonable" is in itself subjective and because of that perhaps there is no use in even attempting to have a reasonable discussion about ship maintenance. However, I was recently struck by several comments (about another cruise line's ships "of a certain age") made by posters in response to someone's question about "How has (name of vessel) aged?"

Lots of responses about staterooms being "dated" and "looking worn." More than a couple about carpeting. Of particular interest were those which talked about rust "on the balcony" and other places.

Of course, there was the expected, "Rust is the result of sea water and metal 'colliding' and is to be expected." And then the inevitable, "If you want a shiny new ship don't book (name of vessel) but if you have reasonable expectations then you'll be OK." Somebody else defended the state of being with the, "It looked great for something that sees a couple thousand passengers a week."

I'm about to spend 40 to 50 thousand dollars on a cruise. I see all those people in those jump suits with paint cans and rollers on long sticks every time a ship docks but a rusty ship is a "reasonable expectation?" Worn carpets? "Dated" (whatever that actually means) staterooms?

IMO it is nice to think you can rely on something being what is expected. Perhaps "research" on cruise line community "boards" is too scary to be undertaken.

Over the past ten years I have cruised extensively on Oceania, Cunard (including QE2) and Holland America. My opinion is that both O and Cunard meticulously maintain their vessels. Ships do age and, like everything else, eventually wear out but I have yet to take a cruise on a ship that I felt was substandard.

As for decor, if "dated" is something that is unacceptable then the customer should consider booking cruises on only new ships.

Thanks for your response. I keep waiting for someone to describe the rooms in the Palace at Versailles as "dated." And my response would be, "Yes, and aren't they wonderfully so, too?"

I agree about maintenance on some ships. We have certainly cruised on some "vintage" vessels and were fortunate enough to have been on those which were well-maintained.

We have a thread on the value of reviews! Some reviewers seem to believe that anything from Ethan Allan is dated and only Akia is modern. Heaven forbid the presence of dark stained paneling anywhere! A little research would suggest they'd be better off on Viking. For some, this is a really big deal, for others of us,it's way down the line on things that matter. Some people like their food very very plain, with no seasoning, and bitch when any is used on dishes, especially local ethnic ones. Then they'll write a review on how bad the food on XYZ. To each his own (review).

I agree about maintenance on some ships. We have certainly cruised on some "vintage" vessels and were fortunate enough to have been on those which were well-maintained.

My parents made me on their 1960 Mauretania honeymoon, and I had my tenth birthday party in '71 on a Caribbean Cruise on the old (twice removed) Nieuw Amsterdam of 1939.

It takes a lot of time and money to maintain an elegant interior.

On Oceania and off.;)

Thanks for your response. I keep waiting for someone to describe the rooms in the Palace at Versailles as "dated." And my response would be, "Yes, and aren't they wonderfully so, too?"

 

I agree about maintenance on some ships. We have certainly cruised on some "vintage" vessels and were fortunate enough to have been on those which were well-maintained.

The decor of the Palace of Versailles is supposed to be "dated". It's an historical edifice and museum first constructed in the 17th century. The furnishings are actual period pieces or reproductions of them. If I visit Versailles I'll be there for a few hours, not living there for several weeks as I would be on a long cruise.

A cruise ship isn't a museum or historical site. My reaction to the decor on the R ships is that it reminds me of a cross between a funeral parlor, what my grandmother's living room looked like more than 60 years ago and a private club in the NY's Financial District that I occasionally was invited to for lunch almost 50 years ago. None of those places were of any historical significance or particularly attractive even decades ago, much less now. "Stuffy" is the description that comes to mind.

I'm not suggesting that the R ships should be decorated in the most ultra-modern manner, but the decor desperately needs to be updated to be more contemporary than something that was of questionable attractiveness even a half century ago.

The maintenance of the ships is fine as far as I can see. The decor is another story altogether.

John McNeece, a British designer, modeled the interiors of the "R class" ships after an English country home. I think he succeeded.

Another euphemism for dated is classic.

I can understand both points of view regarding so-called "decor" and "decoration." I can also understand the use of the terms "some" when describing those people who are not "of us" when it comes to what is an actual description of values (and which set is the more important one).

When I hear "stuffy" I begin to think about folks who have decided there really is only one point of view and it makes no difference on what they sit or how the room is decorated.

Just commenting on the O & R class ships as those have been the ones we sail most

I like both for what they are

I did not care for the Casino bar on the O ships just too flashy for me ...personal opinion

I like the cozy feel of the R ships, decor & all

maybe some brighter flooring in some areas would be nice but there is nothing that is off putting on either size ships

The maintenance is ongoing ... you can see the workers out painting & repairing as we sail

I mentioned the carpet in our cabin as it was stained as if someone had spilled their wine

I also understand the time restraints they are under on turn around day but it would be nice if they could find a way to clean the carpets when such obvious stains are present

Oceania seems to do a good job keeping the ships in good condition

JMO

..........My reaction to the decor on the R ships is that it reminds me of a cross between a funeral parlor, what my grandmother's living room looked like more than 60 years ago and a private club in the NY's Financial District that I occasionally was invited to for lunch almost 50 years ago. None of those places were of any historical significance or particularly attractive even decades ago, much less now. "Stuffy" is the description that comes to mind.

 

I'm not suggesting that the R ships should be decorated in the most ultra-modern manner, but the decor desperately needs to be updated to be more contemporary than something that was of questionable attractiveness even a half century ago.

 

The maintenance of the ships is fine as far as I can see. The decor is another story altogether.

Maybe you would be happier sailing on Azamara who have 'updated' their R class ships.

Whilst I haven't sailed on Azamara since the refurbishments, the new look seems to have robbed the ships of their elegant style.

Maybe you would be happier sailing on Azamara who have 'updated' their R class ships.

Whilst I haven't sailed on Azamara since the refurbishments, the new look seems to have robbed the ships of their elegant style.

I did cruise on Azamara in the past, but also not since the ships' refurbishment, so I wouldn't venture a guess as to what my opinion of the new decor might be.

I try not to express a strong opinion about something I haven't experienced.

"Many of us find the decor on Oceania to be elegant, understated and charming."

As my grandmother used to say, "Everything in a room needn't revolve and play music".

Precisely my feelings! The R ships' decor is formal and gracious. If I could afford it, my home would be much the same, and stuffy I am most assuredly not! (OTOH, when I see passengers putting their feet on the R ships' lovely sofas, I want to swat them--so perhaps I am stuffy after all.)

The maintenance of the ships is fine as far as I can see. The decor is another story altogether.

The décor and ambiance of the R Class ships is exactly why I feel at home on Oceania. A subjective subject, much like food IMHO.

Joe

The decor of the Palace of Versailles is supposed to be "dated". It's an historical edifice and museum first constructed in the 17th century. The furnishings are actual period pieces or reproductions of them. If I visit Versailles I'll be there for a few hours, not living there for several weeks as I would be on a long cruise.

 

A cruise ship isn't a museum or historical site. My reaction to the decor on the R ships is that it reminds me of a cross between a funeral parlor, what my grandmother's living room looked like more than 60 years ago and a private club in the NY's Financial District that I occasionally was invited to for lunch almost 50 years ago. None of those places were of any historical significance or particularly attractive even decades ago, much less now. "Stuffy" is the description that comes to mind.

 

I'm not suggesting that the R ships should be decorated in the most ultra-modern manner, but the decor desperately needs to be updated to be more contemporary than something that was of questionable attractiveness even a half century ago.

 

The maintenance of the ships is fine as far as I can see. The decor is another story altogether.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder !!! I think most of the Oceania family loves the decor of the R ships. Also the O ships even thou they are both different. They both give us a warm feeling when we are on board. Not like at home, but that is good. Don't always need same old all the time. Change is sometimes good. Miss my grandmothers living room too. Always was nice and clean and fresh. There are different ships for those whose tastes and not what Oceania gives you. :):)

I did cruise on Azamara in the past, but also not since the ships' refurbishment, so I wouldn't venture a guess as to what my opinion of the new decor might be.

 

I try not to express a strong opinion about something I haven't experienced.

I don't believe I expressed a strong opinion, it was merely my reaction to the numerous photos that have been posted of the interiors on the 'reimagined' ships.

Lots of sharp corners, and IMO a case of style over substance.

I am allowed an opinion am I not?

For myself I cannot agree that the style of the Oceania R ships is stuffy.

Each to their own, we shall agree to disagree.:)

John McNeece, a British designer, modeled the interiors of the "R class" ships after an English country home. I think he succeeded.

 

Another euphemism for dated is classic.

You can add elegant to classic What some describe as stuffy....others find warm, inviting and comforting........

We live a block from the sea in Florida. Salt air is punishing and it is easy to fall behind on "reasonable maintenance" inside and out so I appreciate what it takes for any of these cruise lines to keep their ships reasonably maintained. Most do a pretty good job whether large or small. Of course, wine stains on a rug should be cleaned before the next passengers use a cabin (or some apology or credit given if rug cannot be cleaned or replaced in time) and rust on a balcony seems like neglect.

However, this thread now seems to be more about decor. Decor is as subjective as food. Someone mentioned the Viking ships if one wanted something very modern. I loved the decor on our recent Viking Ocean cruise, it was spare (in the Scandinavian way) but calm (there is nothing like a brand new ship if everything is working well) but I did not like it more than the decor on the Marina-both were good just different. We are finally trying an Oceania R ship in the fall. I was looking forward to the smaller size but now from what I read here, I am looking forward to the comfortable if old fashioned decor too!

The décor and ambiance of the R Class ships is exactly why I feel at home on Oceania. A subjective subject, much like food IMHO.

 

Joe

Agreed on both points.

Most definitely a "subjective subject" :D

I like all interiors, with the caveat that they are well done , I have a hankering for a mimilist house , alll white, steel and glass

Be interesting to cruise on a ship with such an interior. Clean and sharp

I like all interiors, with the caveat that they are well done , I have a hankering for a mimilist house , alll white, steel and glass

 

Be interesting to cruise on a ship with such an interior. Clean and sharp

Try Viking Ocean-

Stark as an aardvarks keister

HATED IT

Try Viking Ocean-

Stark as an aardvarks keister

HATED IT

Tell us how you really feel about it :D

Well J&S don't hold back !

I don't think that example is particularly wonderful , especially the terrace area, bit of a mish mash

Well J&S don't hold back !

 

I don't think that example is particularly wonderful , especially the terrace area, bit of a mish mash

I think it is kinda nice. Would like to try it sometime, but don't think I would like a steady diet of that decor. For the most part O does it for us. :):):)