Oceania vs Crystal

Very good post Keith.

Thank you very much.

I do sincerely believe one will never know what the experience will be like until they try other cruise lines. We have done that and continue to do that.

Keith

I am reminded that many years ago my wife and I tried one of the former Seabourn triplets for the first time. If after one day you said to me you could leave today and get a full refund I think my wife and I would have taken it. Fast forward and that 18 day cruise turned out to be one of the best experiences we had at sea.

With all due respect, we are surprised that a person with your experience would have even considered taking a cruise of that length as a first cruise on that ship.

As to Ken Yes the cruise lines do go to a lot of nasty places in Africa, Egypt ,Philippines Brazil, and until recently Turkey where the US recently closed an embassy. We all have choices and after enduring a war or two where people were actively seeking to kill me, I have aquired a keen sense of survival and risk taking... I see the forest for the trees as it were. There are some things where think for me are too risky without a reinforced rifle company and air cover.

My DW served for 28 years and I served for 20, so we understand your concern. Personally, we have no desire to go on a cruise up the Amazon River. But, it's not because of the pirates. We just don't want to get that yellow fever shot; although the pirate thing is not a real motivator either.

As far as Mexico goes, the big issue we're hearing about that relates to our cruising plans are bombs on the ferries in Cozumel. Our Celebrity cruise there isn't until next January, so hopefully they'll resolve that issue before then as we want to see Chichen Itza. So if Celebrity and the State Dept say it's ok to go, then we're going. We're also going to Cuba in May.

I get it we need to be cautious and we try to be, but we also believe living in fear of what may or may not happen is not for us.

Hey there Paulchili. I very much enjoyed reading your comparison of Crystal v Oceania. Even though you have way more experience with the Oceania product, I do believe it's possible to make observations and preferences based on a single Crystal cruise. That said, I was a little surprised by your conclusion, mostly because I kinda had us pegged as having similar taste in cruising ;);). However, I can't argue with any of your observations and wholeheartedly agree with many of them ... like what's up with Crystal serving flat "sparkling" water from an open carafe. Like you, I had the Perrier/Pellegrino discussion with them and concluded it was just simpler to order Club Soda.

That said, we were crystallized after our first short getaway cruise on Crystal. Even though it was port intensive, we were blown away by the enrichment and entertainment compared to other cruise lines. Quality enrichment is important to us so it figures highly in our ranking. Food also matters to us and we think it's a draw between the main dining rooms on both Crystal and Oceania. For the specialties, we love Silk Road (Umi Uma) and would always choose Toscana over Prego. Jacques continues to be our all time favorite restaurant at sea. How can you not like the outstanding selection of stinky French/Swiss cheeses? Also high on our list is well appointed accommodation and both Crystal and Oceania provide that, at surprisingly similar price points. For us, the "feel" of a ship is also important and we prefer the Crystal vibe over that on Oceania, mainly because I think all inclusive leads to a more vibrant atmosphere.

Of course, itinerary is still our primary driver and we always consider Seabourn, Crystal and Oceania in our comparisons. At this point, we have future cruises booked on Crystal and Seabourn but none on Oceania. Since my DH strongly prefers the O class ships, our options are somewhat limited.

Thanks again for a great comparative review Paulchili.

PS. Good job at snagging Sherman. The future looks bright again!

Interpenetrating sounds painful.

I'm glad you said it, b/c I sure was thinking it.

Sometimes spellcheck goofs up what we're trying to say. Not sure if this was one of those times or not.

Better avoid schools, movie theaters, nightclubs, and outdoor concerts in the US then.

How about offices, including post offices?

How about, forget guns, in the Tampa area we've had many instances of cars driven in the opposite direction on an interstate -- i.e., they are going north in the southbound lanes. People have been killed.

It's a dangerous world out there.

And every once in a while, an airplane crashes into a house.

Limited breakfast menu and questionable sanitation are NOT facts (not on Crystal, not on Oceania, and not even on Celebrity).

Something about a menu for dinner that doesn't change, on Crystal? NOT true.

Having to dress formally on Black Tie Optional nights, on Crystal? NOT true.

Only fixed dining on Crystal? Totally outdated info.

That's why the only opinion I trust is my own.

With all due respect, we are surprised that a person with your experience would have even considered taking a cruise of that length as a first cruise on that ship.

Back in those days cruises were longer on the luxury lines compared to today.

Plus, we wanted to sail between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires and didn't want to get off in the middle of the ocean. ;p

Keith

Let me take a moment to share with you how we decide if we want to sail on a different cruise line.

If we have someone who we know and respect who has sailed that line who knows us we will just ask them any questions that we have about the line.

We read the information provided on the cruise lines web site. This includes studying the deck plans, reading about how they differentiate themselves and other relevant information. Those deck plans can tell you a lot. We also ensure we understand the accommodations and what is included as part of our cruise fare.

We read reviews but just to get a sense of what people like and don't like. I go with the 80/20 rule which served me well in business. If 80 or more of the people say something is positive or if 80% of the people say something is negative we accept this as fact until we experience it for ourselves.

We seek the input of our Travel Specialist about the cruise line and even the ship if our agent has sailed that line and or ship. Again our agent knows us and that is a big help and we have tremendous respect for our agent.

Since our third cruise I started to read a book that is updated yearly and written by Douglas Ward and published by Berlitz. Back in that day it was more challenging to get information since that was before the Internet was for public use. While he rates the ships based on various factors I appreciate his write-ups along with the many facts he provides. This is a link to Amazon.Com about this book. I get a new update every two to three years but as I mentioned it is updated annually.

https://www.amazon.com/Berlitz-Cruising-Cruise-Ships-Guide/dp/1780049781/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521093292&sr=8-1&keywords=Douglas+Ward

Since I do have a go-to cruise line itinerary is the driver when we try another line/ship.

We have used itinerary as a good opportunity to sail more ships and lines.

As I have said in the end all of the research will not tell you whether or not you will be happy until you experience it for yourself.

Again, do all the research you want about a new car but you won't know until you take it on a test run and honestly even with that you might not know for sure until you have owned it for awhile.

Same goes for most things I can think of.

The approach I have mentioned has worked well for us. We have only sailed with one cruise line that disappointed because it fell under our expectations and a few things went very well. That's not a bad record given how many cruises and cruise lines we have sailed on. Some lines met our expectations and some lines exceeded.

One final thought. I mentioned earlier that no two cruises are the same. Even a line that you might enjoy you may experience a cruise that didn't work well for you. Same happens on land. We have some favorite restaurants at home and when we travel. But even at those restaurants once in awhile service/cuisine/overall ambience is bad. Now if that was my first and only time and you asked me about it my view would be very different then it is after many dining experiences there.

Keith

MightyQuinn,

Thank you for your kind remarks.

I guess we may be similar but not identical? :D

There was much to like about Crystal - especially the enrichment & entertainment - but not enough to overcome the things I missed from Oceania (paying less for PH on O than veranda on Crystal and some others matters as described in my review).

Enjoy your future cruises, wherever they may take you on whichever cruise line.

PS I do not care for Sherman as a person but he is a good player. What will make our future bright again is the new management and coach along with our new quarterback (Sherman might help) :)

PPS - I was looking forward to us sailing together at some point but it doesn’t sound like it will happen anytime soon :(

Limited breakfast menu and questionable sanitation are NOT facts (not on Crystal, not on Oceania, and not even on Celebrity).

 

Something about a menu for dinner that doesn't change, on Crystal? NOT true.

 

Having to dress formally on Black Tie Optional nights, on Crystal? NOT true.

 

Only fixed dining on Crystal? Totally outdated info.

 

That's why the only opinion I trust is my own.

May B,

somewhere along the way I have been misquoted - many of the things you mention where not written by me in the original post.

Breakfast menu was limited by MY TASTES and PREFERENCES and I missed the things I enjoy on Oceania for breakfast; others will have plenty of choices. Though I will say that self service in the buffet is not a good idea for a number of reasons, IMO.

The menu in Tastes does not change - the one in the MDR changes daily.

The dinning was fixed on our cruise but as it was only half full, people were accommodated whenever they wished to dine; if the ship were full it would not be the case. That said, I understand that Symphony has anytime dining and Serenity will have that as well after the refurbishment.

Lastly, while not everyone was dressed formally on BTO nights, many people were. Also, Tastes was closed on one of those BTO nights so you had to wear at least a jacket to the MDR or dine ensuite - that is never the case on Oceania.

This thread has made me feeling more excited about our three upcoming crystal cruises. We have splurged and booked suites. I think we are going to be very happy. All 3 cruises have lots of sea days and we are looking forward to all the great activities. Food is not our first consideration but I doubt we will have complaints

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Better avoid schools, movie theaters, nightclubs, and outdoor concerts in the US then.

Plus 1.

Ivi

Paulchili, thanks again for your comparison. It has given us a good opportunity to think what we like or dislike on a cruise line. It is, as you have said not very likely that we will meet on a Crystal cruise, because you prefer Oceania. Who knows, since we also like Oceania, we might meet onboard one of the Oceania ships.

Ivi

How about offices, including post offices?

 

How about, forget guns, in the Tampa area we've had many instances of cars driven in the opposite direction on an interstate -- i.e., they are going north in the southbound lanes. People have been killed.

 

It's a dangerous world out there.

 

And every once in a while, an airplane crashes into a house.

I don't think you quite got my point. :confused:

Paulchili, i found your review very thorough and interesting. I completed my third Crystal cruise (on Serenity) in December and my sixth Oceania cruise (on Riviera) last week. I agree with much of your opinions esp...the croissants, specialty restaurants on Oceania and the great enrichment opportunities on Crystal. I would add that the ice cream on Oceania beats Crystal's B and J brand. However, our experiences on Crystal exceed Oceania in so many other ways and differ from yours:

1. We found Crystal singers and dancers talent level quite high...near Broadway level...Oceania is closer to high school musical in our view.

2. Crystal main dining room is certainly equal to Oceania with a greater willingness to work with guests and follow through with special requests.

3. We found guests friendlier on Crystal and less clique prone than we have ever found on Oceania.

4. Our biggest objection to Oceania recently has been frequency and length of P.A. system announcements...touting gift shop sales, bingo games and reading lists of activities which guests can read on their own...indeed Carnivalesque atmosphere created by bothersome noisy announcements seriously detract from having a truly luxurious cruise. While the degree of "noisiness" varies by cruise director (David and Julie much better than Corey and Dottie), Oceania needs to address this issue and come up with a consistent...and hopefully quieter policy.

edgee,

Thank you for your comments.

We apparently agree on some things and disagree on some others (e.g. points 1 & 3) - which is only to be expected. Maybe it was just the case on my Crystal cruise.

I certainly agree that there are too many PA announcements on Oceania about things that can easily be found elsewhere.

edgee,

Thank you for your comments.

We apparently agree on some things and disagree on some others (e.g. points 1 & 3) - which is only to be expected. Maybe it was just the case on my Crystal cruise.

I certainly agree that there are too many PA announcements on Oceania about things that can easily be found elsewhere.

Thanks...forgot to mention one other item you mentioned which I can relate to: fresh berries. I discovered the "hidden" berries during Crystal brkfst buffet on first morning of my cruise and enjoyed them each morning after that. I think the hidden berries trick is a little tacky on Crystal's part...a contrast to the large bowls served cheerfully by Oceania staff each morning in the Terrace on Oceania.

I don't think you quite got my point. :confused:

I hope I never get your point, as a victim.

May B,

somewhere along the way I have been misquoted - many of the things you mention where not written by me in the original post.

Breakfast menu was limited by MY TASTES and PREFERENCES and I missed the things I enjoy on Oceania for breakfast; others will have plenty of choices. Though I will say that self service in the buffet is not a good idea for a number of reasons, IMO.

The menu in Tastes does not change - the one in the MDR changes daily.

The dinning was fixed on our cruise but as it was only half full, people were accommodated whenever they wished to dine; if the ship were full it would not be the case. That said, I understand that Symphony has anytime dining and Serenity will have that as well after the refurbishment.

Lastly, while not everyone was dressed formally on BTO nights, many people were. Also, Tastes was closed on one of those BTO nights so you had to wear at least a jacket to the MDR or dine ensuite - that is never the case on Oceania.

Hi Paul,

I realized you were being misquoted, and I should have specified whose falsehoods I was expressing disagreement with!

Besides the two fixed dining times right now on Serenity, there is also Dine by Reservation, which is what Mr. B. and I have enjoyed on four of our five Crystal cruises. It's true that beginning on Nov. 11th of this year, both ships will have completely open dining.

When Tastes was closed on your cruise, I believe some of us who are fans of Crystal were quite disappointed. Indeed, I would describe my reaction more as appalled than as disappointed. But Mr. B. always brings a jacket, so it wouldn't have impacted me. I was appalled for YOU and the other guests who were "stuck".

It reminds me of Galatoire's in New Orleans and one of the restaurants at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. I don't know their current policies, but many years ago they both required a jacket for gentlemen. They had an assortment of sizes hanging on a clothing rack, to accommodate gentlemen who arrived without one.

For some strange reason, I don't even remember the ice cream on O's Riviera. Can somebody please remind me where it is?

Hi Paul,

 

When Tastes was closed on your cruise, I believe some of us who are fans of Crystal were quite disappointed. Indeed, I would describe my reaction more as appalled than as disappointed. But Mr. B. always brings a jacket, so it wouldn't have impacted me. I was appalled for YOU and the other guests who were "stuck".

May B,

Thank you for understanding my “problem”.

I did bring a suit (just for such a case - normally I do not take one on Oceania cruises) and did wear it to dinner that night.

However, that necessitated for me to bring along a second piece of luggage (a clothing bag) which now I have to lug around needlessly.

We are away for 2 months on this trip which involves a 4 day and 5 day land trips betweeen our Crystal cruise and Oceania cruise.

So for that one night I now have an extra piece of luggage that otherwise I would not need.

And before anyone says anything, dining ensuite in that cabin is not an option - certainly not for a luxury line and at that price.

That alone may be a reason for me not to choose Crystal again - especially on longer trips like this one.

BTW, that is the one reason we have avoided Silversea as much as we enjoyed it in other ways - their very strict formal dress code.

For some strange reason, I don't even remember the ice cream on O's Riviera. Can somebody please remind me where it is?

Ice cream on Oceania ships is served in Wave Grille area and also inside the Terrace Buffet area...in addition to restaurants, of course. Milkshakes, malts and Smoothees are served at the Waves Grille location.

May B,

Thank you for understanding my “problem”.

I did bring a suit (just for such a case - normally I do not take one on Oceania cruises) and did wear it to dinner that night.

However, that necessitated for me to bring along a second piece of luggage (a clothing bag) which now I have to lug around needlessly.

We are away for 2 months on this trip which involves a 4 day and 5 day land trips betweeen our Crystal cruise and Oceania cruise.

So for that one night I now have an extra piece of luggage that otherwise I would not need.

And before anyone says anything, dining ensuite in that cabin is not an option - certainly not for a luxury line and at that price.

That alone may be a reason for me not to choose Crystal again - especially on longer trips like this one.

Paul, I understand, 100%. I wish you could see how my vagabond husband travels! He may be THE last person who is sometimes seen lugging his luggage over his shoulder. I guess that's why it's called luggage. ;) However, to take his jacket or tux, he uses a little rolling bag -- and carries most of his clothes in a duffel kind of a thing. And come to think of it, that DOES give him three items, as he always has his carry-on, with travel docs and his shirt that he wears to keep warm on a plane!

Just keep enjoying, wherever you may roam.

Paulchili, i found your review very thorough and interesting. I completed my third Crystal cruise (on Serenity) in December and my sixth Oceania cruise (on Riviera) last week. I agree with much of your opinions esp...the croissants, specialty restaurants on Oceania and the great enrichment opportunities on Crystal. I would add that the ice cream on Oceania beats Crystal's B and J brand. However, our experiences on Crystal exceed Oceania in so many other ways and differ from yours:

1. We found Crystal singers and dancers talent level quite high...near Broadway level...Oceania is closer to high school musical in our view.

2. Crystal main dining room is certainly equal to Oceania with a greater willingness to work with guests and follow through with special requests.

3. We found guests friendlier on Crystal and less clique prone than we have ever found on Oceania.

4. Our biggest objection to Oceania recently has been frequency and length of P.A. system announcements...touting gift shop sales, bingo games and reading lists of activities which guests can read on their own...indeed Carnivalesque atmosphere created by bothersome noisy announcements seriously detract from having a truly luxurious cruise. While the degree of "noisiness" varies by cruise director (David and Julie much better than Corey and Dottie), Oceania needs to address this issue and come up with a consistent...and hopefully quieter policy.

On Riviera, there was very few announcements made. We saw little plugging of the store sales. The sidewalk sales were small & had decent quality merch. None of that gold by the in. garbage. Peter the CD really has really wild outfits, which add to the fun. We hope he's the CD when we do 14 days next Jan. again on Riviera.