Sthrngary

@molemauiPlease share your experience. There is something so exciting being on a brand new ship. I can't wait to read your review. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@renji A lot is made of what Crystal Cruises was. I will tell you I was quite impressed with the "Personalized Service", "Butler", "Drinks/Lounges" and "Food". I was not impressed at the time with the upkeep of the ship. Oceania will be easy for me to both enjoy and evaluate. The ship was just Drydocked, the food is always highly rated and I love cooking classes. I want a chill cruise experience with my friends joining us vs. a energetic experience. I am at a point where a Scotch and a game of Gin over looking the water is just fine. Age does that to a person. Evolutions. I am happy to report back and thank you for asking. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Part of the power of this and other streams on the Premium Plus Beverage Package is "Real Time" reviews. When things change to report it. The addition of the Free at Sea PLUS program that included the Premium Plus Beverage Package added many people to get this package. Every year NCL makes changes to this package. Not that they have real interest in it, some of those change are good but most of those changes are restrictive. They claim many are Supply Chain issues and I call foul. I just cruised on the Breakaway and when you have to go from Bar to Bar for a decent Chardonnay something is not the same. My heart indicates this is just another cost cutting effort with fully filled ships. It seems, once the guests came back, some of the benefits of this and other programs have taken a hit. When a company loses as much as NCL did, something had to give. Please keep the real time data coming. I will not be cruising on NCL for a long time. I will be cruising on one of there sister brands Oceania. That choice was selfishly to have a smaller ship, that could go into smaller port in Europe, with far less young children, and a much older crowd. I am giving up Water Slide for cooking classes. So I hope those posting here will continue to do so. Thanks to everyone for thinking this topic is a good topic. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

That is disappointing. Things, they are changing. Thank you for reporting this to us.

Oceania for Coach is $1,000.00 per person Europe. Regent for Business Class is $2,500.00 per person Europe. Restricted Business class and Coach to the connecting city to the international location. That is what my research has told me. I did a Excel on many brands including Oceania, Regent, Viking, Celebrity Retreat, NCL Haven. Under Oceania I did Penthouse and the level below it. On Regent I did the same. My goal was to attempt and I do mean attempt to get an apple to apple comparison. The best value because it has the most A la carte options, was always Oceania. Regent was always the highest. The term, you get what you pay for holds try. We as consumer have to look at our budget, what we will utilize or not (This reference if you drink or not or if you do an excursion every port or not), the stateroom ect. Regent being the most expensive seems to always have better everything (some exceptions so please understand my point) however is those extras with the premium. Everyone has to make their own decision. Just do your due diligence. Really can't go wrong. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Wow, those were the days. I just had to use One Million Delta points for two Delta One Europe round trips. I am now officially out of points on every thing. loved the Norway. Cruise well and Enjoy every moment.

@mauibabes You message to me holds more truth than you will ever know. Building up something to be more than it is in reality is a HUGE mistake that I have personally made in the past. In my life, when I make a emotional mistake like that is is a lesson not soon to be forgotten. It creates unrealistic expectations. My comments were why I selected Oceania. My goals now are never a perfect cruise because it does not exist simply because of the unknowns no one can control when cruising. To many to list. Instead it was much more about finding an enhanced experience with just a bit more consistency throughout the trip. I think your comment came from both the heart and your experiences. It also was very well written so thank you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Yesimapirate I still love the NCL Haven and I believe you read some of my posts on the subject. I seems to remember responding back to you but I can't remember what I had for dinner yesterday so I might be mistaken. My issue was that the Haven was so much better when the ship did not have 100% or close capacity. NCL with their Bid Up process also always fill the Haven to 100%. I also felt as if the Haven Bar was fantastic except it was impossible to get a seat at it. The same people never left those bar stools then entire cruise. Finally, no enforced policies and the Haven Guest allowed the Haven Pool to be their baby sitter instead of supervising their children. That last comment has gotten me more heat on CruiseCritic.com than you can possibly imagine but it was true. In November 2021, my family of four was in the Haven on the Joy. It was to this point, the very best cruise I have ever been on. Love it. I went back on the NCL Joy three months later as a solo, in a Club Balcony Suite. For a solo, that knew the ins/outs of NCL it was a good trip however it was almost completely full. Significant difference in service if you did not know where and when to go places. You should not have to be educated for months to be able to enjoy fully a cruise experience. What I learned was that the Haven and the Celebrity Retreat were great options if you want the Big Ship Experience. Then the prices went insane and even someone who has promoted the Haven for year like myself saw that at that investments, their was better opportunities. I wanted an experience were the entire ship was the Haven on steroids. I wanted a more relaxing and less busy environment with a bit more class. I wanted more times at more interesting ports. I went on Crystal Cruises when they first got back to cruising. It was nice but had 25% capacity. It was mainly the most loyal of loyal brand guest. They all had a very tight relationship with each other and new cruisers were not always embraced. I found it to be boring even though they spoiled me with great food, great personalized service, great bars and the best cigar lounge land or sea. However I was still bored out of my mind. I wanted the best of the NCL Haven and the experience I had on Crystal. A hybrid of sorts. That is why I choose Oceania. That is why we are going with our very best friends in the world. That is why we are highly recommending our family and other friends join us. That is why we are going to Europe for the first time on a cruise. I don't expect over the top entertainment, I do expect one and only one thing. The entire ship, treating every guest as if they were in those VIP areas of other ship. No differentiation because of cabin type. I also expect a better dining experience then what I have become familiar with. One more thing and it is something I personally love. I will do many of the cooking classes. That will be my entertainment, learning, drinking and education. Sound kind of perfect to me. But every one has different needs and that is why there are so many options out there. Thank you for responding. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

This is Christmas time. It is holiday time. This is social media which is never meant to be complete communication because it is only words. Emails, Text and Social Media has its flaws. It also depends on the person writing and interpreting the message. @jonthomas When I read your message about how your were served, I fully understood what you were saying, and agreed. As a matter of fact, you helped me and I made a mental note for when my family and friends enjoyment for our first Oceania Tea. When I read the responses to your post, I gave a laughing emoji because quite frankly, I found it similar to what I will remember to ask for for myself. My interpretation was pure fun. I say this with true sincerity. I was on another blog for an Ultra-Luxury brand prior to Covid. A brand I REALLY wanted to cruise on. The most loyal cruisers on that brand were obnoxious to each other and especially new guest that never cruised on the brand. I eliminated that brand from my consideration because the guest that cruise the brand most often are as much the brand as the ship is. This situation was not ever close to that experience. At least not in my mind. No one on this blog knows me because I usually blog on the NCL Blog with a focus on the NCL Haven. I can't wait to cruise Oceania. Seems to be a balance of Personalized Service, A la carte choices to better design a much more personalized cruise, an emphasis on Dining which I truly love, and folks that want a enhanced cruising experience without breaking the bank. To every one, enjoy this happiest of times with your family and friends. Life is way to short. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to ALL: On August 20, 2020 I wrote this original thread. I did it because I wanted a way to enjoy the Premium Plus Beverage Package to enhance my cruise experience. To find out there was an amenity available after you left the ship seems a potential disappointment. My question to myself was, "Why is there no Guide to how to utilize the Premium Plus Beverage Program?" My mentor in business who was the smartest person I had ever met said, "No one person is smarter that the masses." My goal in August 2020 was to engage the community in positive realistic conversation on this topic. I had no idea this stream would be so popular. Over the years, through no fault of this community, this and other programs on all cruise brands have had to evolve. Part of that evolution is the more cruise guest learned about how to efficiently utilize this and other programs, the brands started to slowly cut back on it's exclusivity. The main situation that effected it the most was obviously Covid. Now it seems that the "Supply Chain" has effected it. Add to this the capacity of the cruise ships are sailing at close to 100%. This full ship situation has now effected the ability to have drinks like "Shooters" (B52's) eliminated because of the time it takes to make them. In my humble opinion I believe that the lack of higher end brands, the shortage of common brands like Crown Royal or that as common as Bailys is now an extra cost to the regular Premium Beverage Package. I truly believe a lot of these changes are due to cost cutting to make up for the huge losses the brands took by being closed all those months. Economics matters to the healthy survival of all companies. I personally still love this program and will always purchase it for what it does to enhance my cruising experience. Yet I also feel obligated to clearly describe the landscape as history has changed it. Again, with everything I write, it is always about setting realistic expectations so when we all go on our cruise vacations, they are not disappointing. My hopes for the new years is that the members of CruiseCritic.com will continue this thread and education others on their personal experiences. That has always been the intent. I will now focus my main emphasis for the new year on my family, health and exercise. The older I get, the more I want my youth back. I wish everyone reading this and those that don't a great year with peace and love. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

No issue, the waiter will ask how many glasses you want. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@reeinaz Hello, I am the author of this thread. I would usually say to you and other, just go for it. Based on what you wrote, I would suggest you stick with the Premium Drink Package. I just got off the NCL Breakaway and the inventory of good wines, and spirits were lacking. The words used were, "Supply Chain" every time. I knew after I asked for a Crown and Coke and they had NO crown it was a real issue. Just ask what the additional amount is when you want something special. Just my two cents. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@ToxM Please enjoy your cruise. My hope is you have the choice of the tray or cart. I would choose the cart simply to cut down on waste. Either way, lovely experience. I am no longer a member of the "Book of Face". It seems the pictures of the new staterooms are posted there. If it would be possible, could you or would you consider taking some pictures. I DON'T want to infringe on your vacation, just if it is something you do anyway. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I remember Crystal doing that and I felt the same way. I hate waste. It seems so unnecessary. My quote was from a video from YouTube of a couple during their presentation of the Riviera. This was their one and only complaint. That was where the notion came from. Your opinion comes from a position of strength and should be embraced. Like every product, service, or cruise experience; it is clear not everyone is on the same page because most experience are relative to what we are used to in our normal life. I hope the tray or the trolly are available. I would 100% choose the trolly as well. Thank you for the feedback and comment. It makes a difference. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I am new to Oceania and just want to give a perspective. My experience is on 24 mainstream cruise brands over 43 years and one luxury brand. We love high quality food, great service, lovely environment and a wonderful presentation. There was a significant different between the 24 mainstream cruise food and the one luxury brand. My wife and I were blown away completely. Two examples were a fabulous mushroom soup in a bread bowl. My wife loved it so much she had it three times. For me it was the veal parm which was HUGE and GREAT. We also loved the Asian Restaurant that was the least popular on the ship. Again, the difference in the food, dining experience even in the Main Dining room was so much better than what we were used too. YET, the frequent loyal cruisers complained openly and loudly in the dining rooms so the world could hear their views. I would look at my wife and we both were totally confused. We loved the food and felt it was very rude that these folks had to have an audience during a cruise to complain about the food in public. I fully expect to have the same positive experience my first time on Oceania. The key is why. Because of what we have had in the past which for the most part was average to below average. For Oceania to survive long term, they have to gain as much conquest business from the Mainstream brands as they possibly can. Folks that never had a real afternoon tea so the first experience will be amazing. Folks that are not used to personalized service and when they have it, they will clearly see what they were missing. Folks that are used to a 20 oz Prime Rib that is big, tough and over cooked compared to a perfectly prepared yet a smaller portion with a lovely Sauce. Realistic Expectations is the key so when all you really know is Mainstream, you have a higher likely hood of being very pleased when you cruise on a Premium-Plus/Luxury segment. Just my two cents ONLY. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

This is obviously from the afternoon tea. Thank you for such a great shoot/pic. I am new to Oceania and will be on the Riviera in Nov 2023. I watch every video, read every posting I can find. What I have heard on a recent YouTube video was a complaint. They were cruising on the Riviera prior to the drydock. They said that the afternoon tea was missing the small tray (Just like this one) and that the two carts that were moving around could not service the room. This picture seems to show, Oceania was listening. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@PATRLR I thought the same thing until I had an NCL member tell me what it included. This information is important because when ALL the week Vibe Passes were gone on my last cruise, several Cabana's were still available on embarkment day. Glad the review helped you. May I ask if you could look up the same review on CruiseCritic.com review section and check it as helpful. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I also wanted to see the interior of the newly drydocked Riviera. I when on YouTube and put in video's of Oceania Riviera over the last month. I believe one or two came up. Try that. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I choose the 10 day because regardless of what we do, the travel and time change from the US to Europe takes some out of you. The 10 days gives a cushion to relax and get used to the time change. I am glad you responded to my post. We have some of the same experiences and it seems, different itineraries open up different brands. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@rachiem I read ALL the replies for your post. My first time on Oceania (Riviera) will be November 9, 2023. My friends, wife and I were originally booked for October 2020 but obviously got cancelled. I have followed all the advice from ALL of the frequent Oceania Cruisers here on this blog. Where I might be able to assist you is with the justification value proposition. Our friends joining us were on a budget so I was wanting to blend luxury, personalized service, dining experience, drink package with a cruising experience elevated or exceeding what I have been use to receiving. To do this, I created an excel spread sheet. I also have cruise in normal staterooms and VIP suites (Haven, Retreat, Yacht Club) on the brands you mentioned above over the years. My research was very interesting. Basically we wanted a 10 Day Mediterranean Cruise. My wife and I are spoiled and enjoy some occasional luxury in service, dining and over all experience on cruises. Not the way we live our normal lives for sure. We have gravitated to the VIP sections on the Main Stream Cruise Brands and have been quite satisfied. So when I did the comparison, it included standard staterooms as well as Haven and the Retreat. I also had to take into consideration premium items like drink packages, specialty restaurants, ect. to do my best to create as close to an Apple to Apple comparison. An example might be specialty restaurant's on Oceania are complementary for the most part and on NCL you only get two. To play it fair, I added the cost for 80% of the days with Specialty Restaurants. Just an example for as fair a comparison as I could make. The one experience that I have had last year was prior to Crystal Cruise going out of business, I did a week on them. The difference to me was the entire ship was like one of the "Ship-within-a-Ship" concept similar to the NCL Haven. That was extremely nice. Oceania is the same notion, the Haven or Retreat on Steroids. Yet, when you compare the investments, itineraries, amenities, and reputation for both personalized service as well as dining; Oceania was the clear winner. Regent Seven Seas was the most expense, NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat and Viking were on up there from an investment standpoint. The decision seems quite obvious and the icing on the cake was the ship I choose just got out of drydock. When you take what other ships charge for extra's, and what Oceania provides for any stateroom, it was the hands down best value proposition and as many on this stream have educated me, the best experience. The Oceania ships are smaller so they can go into ports in Europe without using tenders giving more time for exploring. The itinerary gives you more time at most ports and every over nights in others. "They Say" the dining in the main dining room (The Grand Dining Room) is better than most specialty restaurants on main stream cruise brands which is a welcome benefit. The evening entertainment is nice but not over the top and most folks don't party all night long. If you do the perk of the wine/beer package, you can inexpensively upgrade to the full package which includes spirits when you get onboard which is my plan. Again, I am NO expert on Oceania and don't claim to be. I did do my due diligence and the decision was quite easy. I hope my experience in preparing assist you in some way. It was fun and educational to do. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I love this review and thank you for the call out. Lynn was awesome. I hope I left some Tequila for you? The crew in the Vibe were the very best to my wife and I. Worth the money every time. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

What is happening to you has never happened to me. It is a computer Glitch. Use a different browser and or try later. There usually is over 100 options for excursions. All I or anyone else can do is suggest a few that we liked. It would help others to give you a better answer if you shared what kind of excursions you like. Just reply to this again with the things you like or would like to do. The issue of only take NCL Excursions is something most cruisers agree with. Everyone is scared of missing the ship and if you are on an NCL Excursion, that can't happen. The reality is if you google excursion on the island you are on, there are lots of extremely well rated providers. I will try to help you with the NCL sponsored excursions I have taken to give you a start. Harvest Caye: The Super Man Zip line is a great experience. If you have an open budget, the Beach Villa is expensive but provides a luxury experience. The reality of Harvest Caye is even when there are more than a couple of ships on the island, it is still easy to get a lounge chair and umbrella by the pool. Save your money and chill by the pool. Roatan: The Jolly Roger Snorkeling is rated one of the best and I enjoyed it very much. Not the best Snorkeling I have ever done but nice. The Over the Water All Inclusive bungalow was also very nice. The right to the place and back is awful but the place it self and the bungalows were an experience. Cozumel: Just do any beach day. Nice beaches. Costa Maya: I like this place because just off the ship is all you really need. We did the Health Relaxation spa which was very nice. Again, my experiences and yours will differ. The site will fix it self sooner or later. I hope I was helpful. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

No not really. Many folks dress up for pictures still. Country Club Casual is usually what is acceptable for dinner in most of the nicer restaurants. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Yes, I would hit up a bar prior to going to the room. Not all but the better ones especially if they were outside a nice restaurant. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

This is Gary, I fully understand your thoughts. Please help the person who asked about the area's. Funny thing, everyone has a different option and everyone is right for them. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.