ak1004

Yes, found it, thanks!

So you know for sure that Quest is chartered for a “Lifestyles “ cruise at those dates? is it published anywhere? How do people know about those cruises?

First cruise ends on Dec.30, next one starts on Jan 7. Why there is a gap? P.S. Our friends mentioned that they sail from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires at the end of December to first week of January. This matches the end port of the first cruise, but why nothing is shown for this week?

I looked at Viking as well, but their itineraries look very limited. For example, 9-11 nights in Mediterranean, there are only 2 itineraries. And the prices seem way too high, much higher than O. We enjoyed SS. Prices are higher, but many times there are promotions, especially p2p. And they have amazing itineraries, better than O, with longer stays in ports and more overnights. Azamara has some amazing itineraries if you are willing to ignore the older ships and tiny showers (this is why we prefer O class on Oceania). Also some good promotions. Next year we are trying SB. Like SS, prices are typically higher, but select itineraries have prices that are pretty close to O current prices (and might be even lower after O hikes their prices). To us, itinerary is number 1 factor, but we also need to have good food (as close as possible to O) and good service. I think all lines I mentioned fit the bill.

https://www.silversea.com/best-luxury-cruise-deals/single-occupancy-supplements.html 25% single supplement on over 10 sailings.

To me, Azamara, SB and SS. But of course it will depend on the new pricing.

Lost revenue from excursions is a fact. On board spending will never cover it. Not to mention that they added an overnight in Cadiz, so everything was closed for another day. Lets stop being so negative. Agree 100%. This horse was beaten enough.

We had only 4 cruises with O, but unfortunately I have to agree with every word. We were on the same cruise, took 3 ships tours and 2 private tours, and you can clearly see the difference. 14-18 people compared to 40 people, guides who didn't know when the ship departs etc. Till now O was our favorite line, but we will definitely re evaluate once the new pricing is published (and I'm not optimistic, my estimate is at least 10-15% increase).

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you based on our recent experience on the Riviera. Not to mention that they now squeeze 40 people into buses (previously we usually had around 25-30). And the tour guys asked the guests what time the ship is leaving.. But the new Simply More model will force you to take at least few tours from the ship, otherwise you just lose the credit.

This was our experience as well. 3 cruises after Covid, food was between very good and outstanding on all of them.

Not to mention the revenue they lose from shore excursions. Probably at least $50k per port.

We usually book 2 years in advance - my understanding is that Viking requires full payment even if it's 2 years in advance. To me this alone is a deal breaker. Why would I give a cruise line an interest free loan, especially in the current high interest rates environment? Some other lines give an option to pay in full as well, but in return they give a nice discount (15% for P2P SS, Uniworld 10% etc). To pay 2 years in advance and not get anything in return? Thank you, but no.

Keith, any idea when 2025 itineraries will be released?

For me the biggest attractiveness of O pricing model was the ability to pay for what I want. The pricing was a bit complicated for many newcomers, but it worked well for people who took some time to understand it. Now with the new model, people are forced to pay for things that don't necessarily use. Same as SB or SS. But if this the case, for many people SB or SS might represent a better value.

Yes, but people always had an option to take a more inclusive option (beverage package, oLife/excursions), but many people prefer not to use that option. But now this more inclusive option is not an option anymore, it's manadatory. If O wanted to make things simpler, they could combine the oLife into one option (simply more) but still leave the cruise only option.

Not according to O website: Regatta: Riviera: Maybe they can fit a sofa on R class because of different furniture arrangement?

I was referring to inside on the Riviera/Marina compared to veranda (or all not suite cabins) on R ships. I'm well aware that veranda on O ships is much bigger than inside on O ships.

I found out that sometimes it might be difficult to make comparisons to something we experienced 5-10 years ago. When something looks different, my wife always says "it's not the room, it's you" 😁 Isn't the inside room exactly the same size as all not suite rooms on R ships? Veranda on R ships might give an illusion of space because it's open, but it looks like exactly the same size (just different arrangement of the furniture).

People who don't drink and don't use ship excursions wouldn't call it "benefits". But I would assume that those who booked under the old program and didn't switch would stay under the conditions of the old program.

O class ships can dock in Bordeaux too. And we don't go to Asia at this point. So except for Sevilia, are there other ports in Europe that only R ships can go?

I know.. itinerary trumps small bathrooms..

100% agree. It's manageable, but all other factors equal, I would prefer the O class.

We are the same. But SS also has some very nice itineraries, with longer stays and overnights. And if you book a suite on Azamara, SS can be a better deal. I don't find suites on Azamara and Oceania a good deal at all, especially not on R ships.

And this is exactly the problem - for the price of Azamara suite, you can book SB or SS (and the cabin will still be larger than Azamara suite). Same with Oceania R class. But I agree about itineraries.

We found food slightly better on O but comparable overall. Service comparable. Less dining options compared to O class, very limited entertainment. Azamazing events are great. We would probably consider them given the right itinerary and price, but definitely prefer O larger ships.