Oceania vs Celebrity

I'll probably spend the extra $20 per day for drinks. I'm use to Celebrity drink packages - the standard is just lower priced/cheaper booze. But you're not limited to just lunch and dinner. I'm fine with a gin & tonic - but with Oceania, you have to purchase the higher package to get drinks ALL DAY LONG. (I'm thinking pool and after dinner drinks) I understand the economics of solo versus double . . . but when there is space, cut the solo's some slack. I'd cruise more if that happened.

I booked an inside once. Not for me one single bit!

This will be my first Oceania . . . we'll see how it goes! BTW - I had to book concierge to get the nice solo pricing. I'll be sure to experiment with more expensive booze! :-)

I'll probably spend the extra $20 per day for drinks. I'm use to Celebrity drink packages - the standard is just lower priced/cheaper booze. But you're not limited to just lunch and dinner. I'm fine with a gin & tonic - but with Oceania, you have to purchase the higher package to get drinks ALL DAY LONG. (I'm thinking pool and after dinner drinks) I understand the economics of solo versus double . . . but when there is space, cut the solo's some slack. I'd cruise more if that happened.

 

I booked an inside once. Not for me one single bit!

 

This will be my first Oceania . . . we'll see how it goes! BTW - I had to book concierge to get the nice solo pricing. I'll be sure to experiment with more expensive booze! :-)

Or if you don't drink much just take the OBC and pay as you go.

I understand the economics of solo versus double . . . but when there is space, cut the solo's some slack. I'd cruise more if that happened.

 

Do not let some people put you off

Oceania does have some special rates for solo's but might not be on all cruises

Check their website under OFFERS then look for the single supplement it will show cruise with discounted rates

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/

You can always choose the OBC in the O Life deal & just buy the Prestige Package for $60 pd & drink when & where you want or pay as you drink

Depending on what you drink 4-6 drinks a day you will break even or even be ahead of the game

Enjoy the cruise

Was thinking of changing loyalty from Eclipse to Marina.

However, staying with Eclipse - we just love the indoor Solarium pool area. Heated in cooler climes and a/c in hot areas. Also like the variety of slot machines. Always book a 1A balcony cabin and are satisfied - except with the awful food in the buffet.:eek:

Interesting comment. We just got off the Eclipse TA in November, and thought that the buffet's food was the best we have ever had on Celebrity. Hot, well prepared and a lot of variety. The MDR was also top-line on this voyage. Some of this, I think is due to the Executive Chief who was very visible on the entire cruise ( 15N) and should be recognized.

Our first O cruise will be in July. We'll see.

Ed

The entertainment is better on Celebrity because the ship is so much bigger they can afford it, but the food and ambiance on Oceania are far superior.

We are looking now for our Dec.2017 cruise to Caribbean. For 10 nights cruise, Celebrity average prices are around $1,700-2,000 CAD for Ocean view cabin plus ~$150 taxes. For example:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-RF10L071?packageid=RF10L071&dest=CARIB&shipCode=RF&shipName=Celebrity%20Reflection&sailDate=1171208&cabincls=OUTSIDE

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-EC11D011?packageid=EC11D011&dest=CARIB&shipCode=EC&shipName=Celebrity%20Eclipse&sailDate=1171210&cabincls=OUTSIDE

For Oceania, the price for Ocean view cabin is $3,250 CAD. That includes airfare ($450 CAD from Toronto), unlimited internet (around $300 value) and $600 credit. So the extras are around $950 CAD pps, which brings the real cost of Oceania to $2,300 CAD, only ~15% more than celebrity.

In addition, Oceania includes all specialty restaurants, plus shuttles in many ports, which makes the real difference even less. just 4 meals in specialty restaurants are worth around $100 pps.

Am I missing something?

We are looking now for our Dec.2017 cruise to Caribbean. For 10 nights cruise, Celebrity average prices are around $1,700-2,000 CAD for Ocean view cabin plus ~$150 taxes. For example:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-RF10L071?packageid=RF10L071&dest=CARIB&shipCode=RF&shipName=Celebrity%20Reflection&sailDate=1171208&cabincls=OUTSIDE

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-EC11D011?packageid=EC11D011&dest=CARIB&shipCode=EC&shipName=Celebrity%20Eclipse&sailDate=1171210&cabincls=OUTSIDE

 

For Oceania, the price for Ocean view cabin is $3,250 CAD. That includes airfare ($450 CAD from Toronto), unlimited internet (around $300 value) and $600 credit. So the extras are around $950 CAD pps, which brings the real cost of Oceania to $2,300 CAD, only ~15% more than celebrity.

 

In addition, Oceania includes all specialty restaurants, plus shuttles in many ports, which makes the real difference even less. just 4 meals in specialty restaurants are worth around $100 pps.

 

Am I missing something?

2 perks should be available on that celebrity cruise so add in a drink package and some OBC

You also have to keep in mind you're looking at Canadian. Oceania is offering really good exchange rates for Canadians. Your 15% difference would not be the same in US

We are looking now for our Dec.2017 cruise to Caribbean. For 10 nights cruise, Celebrity average prices are around $1,700-2,000 CAD for Ocean view cabin plus ~$150 taxes. For example:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-RF10L071?packageid=RF10L071&dest=CARIB&shipCode=RF&shipName=Celebrity%20Reflection&sailDate=1171208&cabincls=OUTSIDE

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-EC11D011?packageid=EC11D011&dest=CARIB&shipCode=EC&shipName=Celebrity%20Eclipse&sailDate=1171210&cabincls=OUTSIDE

 

For Oceania, the price for Ocean view cabin is $3,250 CAD. That includes airfare ($450 CAD from Toronto), unlimited internet (around $300 value) and $600 credit. So the extras are around $950 CAD pps, which brings the real cost of Oceania to $2,300 CAD, only ~15% more than celebrity.

 

In addition, Oceania includes all specialty restaurants, plus shuttles in many ports, which makes the real difference even less. just 4 meals in specialty restaurants are worth around $100 pps.

 

Am I missing something?

You are also missing free sodas, bottled water and specialty coffees (non-alcoholic) on Oceania and food far superior to Celebrity in all dining venues (IMO, of course :)) BTW, you may have more than 4 specialty reservations - if available and you are flexible - saving you even more money and giving you more pleasure.

Fewer children and smaller ships are pluses for us as well.

We are looking now for our Dec.2017 cruise to Caribbean. For 10 nights cruise, Celebrity average prices are around $1,700-2,000 CAD for Ocean view cabin plus ~$150 taxes. For example:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-RF10L071?packageid=RF10L071&dest=CARIB&shipCode=RF&shipName=Celebrity%20Reflection&sailDate=1171208&cabincls=OUTSIDE

http://www.celebritycruises.com/cruises/cruise-package-EC11D011?packageid=EC11D011&dest=CARIB&shipCode=EC&shipName=Celebrity%20Eclipse&sailDate=1171210&cabincls=OUTSIDE

 

For Oceania, the price for Ocean view cabin is $3,250 CAD. That includes airfare ($450 CAD from Toronto), unlimited internet (around $300 value) and $600 credit. So the extras are around $950 CAD pps, which brings the real cost of Oceania to $2,300 CAD, only ~15% more than celebrity.

 

In addition, Oceania includes all specialty restaurants, plus shuttles in many ports, which makes the real difference even less. just 4 meals in specialty restaurants are worth around $100 pps.

 

Am I missing something?

Do the math for cabins above OV, I think you'll find a big difference.

We are taking our first O cruise late next month and are so looking forward to it. But it is way more expensive than a Celebrity cruise. We are not doing air and are booked in a suite.

Enjoy your cruise next December and I'll come back after our Riveria cruise for a review.

2 perks should be available on that celebrity cruise so add in a drink package and some OBC

 

You also have to keep in mind you're looking at Canadian. Oceania is offering really good exchange rates for Canadians. Your 15% difference would not be the same in US

I believe for ocean view it is 1 perk not 2 - http://www.celebritycruises.com/htmlpage/go-big

Yes, I was very surprised by exchange rate as well.

My point is that it is worth to check and compare apples to apples. The difference might be much smaller than you expect.

On our last Celebrity Equinox cruise, we paid $1,500 CAD pps plus almost $500 for flight and transfers, plus spent another $2,600 CAD on board, most of it was for excursions and internet. That makes it total of $6,600 CAD for both of us.

With Oceania, we will be paying $6,500 CAD for both of us, but that includes flight, internet and $600 on board credit. Assuming we will be spending extra $1,000 CAD on board, this will be the difference - which is around 15%. I believe this is fairly typical - some people might spend the money on drinks on casino. But for us, if we go to vacation and spend $6-7k CAD, paying another 1-1.5k to get higher quality experience (if indeed this is the case) is a totally worth it. If it was 50% more, I would probably think twice.

I believe for ocean view it is 1 perk not 2 - http://www.celebritycruises.com/htmlpage/go-big

 

Yes, I was very surprised by exchange rate as well.

 

My point is that it is worth to check and compare apples to apples. The difference might be much smaller than you expect.

 

On our last Celebrity Equinox cruise, we paid $1,500 CAD pps plus almost $500 for flight and transfers, plus spent another $2,600 CAD on board, most of it was for excursions and internet. That makes it total of $6,600 CAD for both of us.

 

With Oceania, we will be paying $6,500 CAD for both of us, but that includes flight, internet and $600 on board credit. Assuming we will be spending extra $1,000 CAD on board, this will be the difference - which is around 15%. I believe this is fairly typical - some people might spend the money on drinks on casino. But for us, if we go to vacation and spend $6-7k CAD, paying another 1-1.5k to get higher quality experience (if indeed this is the case) is a totally worth it. If it was 50% more, I would probably think twice.

I thought I saw yesterday a flyer about a sale starting that included 2 perks. Can't find it right now though.

EDIT..found it

http://thecelebritycommitment.com/Wave.html

I thought I saw yesterday a flyer about a sale starting that included 2 perks. Can't find it right now though.

 

EDIT..found it

http://thecelebritycommitment.com/Wave.html

That's a good deal. But it's for a limited time.

The problem with Celebrity is that you need to upgrade to ocean cabin to get those perks. With Oceania, you get all the perks even with inside cabin. But number of inside cabins is very small on Oceania.

btw, if you compare inside cabin prices, the difference between O and C is probably even smaller.

That's a good deal. But it's for a limited time.

 

The problem with Celebrity is that you need to upgrade to ocean cabin to get those perks. With Oceania, you get all the perks even with inside cabin. But number of inside cabins is very small on Oceania.

 

btw, if you compare inside cabin prices, the difference between O and C is probably even smaller.

I thought you were looking at booking an OceanView? We just had an inside booked on Oceania, still quite a bit more than X but much less of a difference than balcony level. Neither of us could stand the thought of an inside

I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.

Intangibles.

Of course different things have different values to different people. There have been some folks that prefer cruising on Celebrity over Oceania. I've even seen some that think the food is better on Celebrity.

The point is it's hard to put a value on intangible differences between the lines.

I thought you were looking at booking an OceanView? We just had an inside booked on Oceania, still quite a bit more than X but much less of a difference than balcony level. Neither of us could stand the thought of an inside

Yes, just booked - https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Caribbean-cruises/miami-to-miami-RVA171212/?sr=%2Fcruise-finder%2F%23sailDates%3D2017%7C12%23ships%3DRVA

10 nights to Caribbean, $3,249 for ocean view cabin, and that includes flight, unlimited internet, $300 on board credit per person and pre paid gratuities. Value of all extras is $1,200 CAD pps, so effective rate was around $2,000 CAD pps, not too far from what we would pay for ocean view on Celebrity. Will see if the extra cost is worth it.

Which cruise did you book on Oceania? I see that most inside cabins are sold out well in advance.

Yes, just booked - https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Caribbean-cruises/miami-to-miami-RVA171212/?sr=%2Fcruise-finder%2F%23sailDates%3D2017%7C12%23ships%3DRVA

 

10 nights to Caribbean, $3,249 for ocean view cabin, and that includes flight, unlimited internet, $300 on board credit per person and pre paid gratuities. Value of all extras is $1,200 CAD pps, so effective rate was around $2,000 CAD pps, not too far from what we would pay for ocean view on Celebrity. Will see if the extra cost is worth it.

 

Which cruise did you book on Oceania? I see that most inside cabins are sold out well in advance.

We booked the 19 day Amsterdam to Barcelona for 2018. Booked it opening day.

Didn't realize you were comparing an eastern Caribbean cruise on X to a western on O. Western is always cheaper. 9 day celebrity version of the western Med in November you could have had a balcony, drink package plus another perk for $3830 Canadian for 2

Have fun on your cruise.

I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.

 

Intangibles.

 

Of course different things have different values to different people. There have been some folks that prefer cruising on Celebrity over Oceania. I've even seen some that think the food is better on Celebrity.

 

The point is it's hard to put a value on intangible differences between the lines.

Well said - it does go beyond dollars and cents. One has to be be content with the experience on the ship or else it's not worth it, no matter how much you save.

There are less expensive lines than Celebrity but is one going to be happy there? :)

We occasionally sail on other lines - below and above Oceania - for itineraries. Each time we know what to expect for our money and are thus happy with the result (just about always :))

Well said - it does go beyond dollars and cents. One has to be be content with the experience on the ship or else it's not worth it, no matter how much you save.

There are less expensive lines than Celebrity but is one going to be happy there? :)

We occasionally sail on other lines - below and above Oceania - for itineraries. Each time we know what to expect for our money and are thus happy with the result (just about always :))

I think it's all about expectations. When you know what to expect and don't get it, you are a bit disappointed. You would not expect same things from Carnival and Celebrity, but if Carnival had some unique itinerary that you really wanted, you might go with them, knowing in advance what to expect (or not expect).

As for Oceania/Celebrity comparison - from what people describe, I think that the difference in price might be well worth it, but not everyone would agree with me. To many people, Celebrity is good enough. To me, food plays a big role, and I was not very impressed with food on our last Equinox cruise. Expected more from Celebrity.

I think it's all about expectations. When you know what to expect and don't get it, you are a bit disappointed. You would not expect same things from Carnival and Celebrity, but if Carnival had some unique itinerary that you really wanted, you might go with them, knowing in advance what to expect (or not expect).

 

As for Oceania/Celebrity comparison - from what people describe, I think that the difference in price might be well worth it, but not everyone would agree with me. To many people, Celebrity is good enough. To me, food plays a big role, and I was not very impressed with food on our last Equinox cruise. Expected more from Celebrity.

Just back from the holiday cruise...and we were disappointed in "Blu"...which was sad because we just had done the T/A on "Sillie" and the food was the BEST we had ever in a Blu restaurant...different Executive Chefs?...not sure!!!

And while I spoke to the Executive Chef about the "Mexican food" in the buffet...(runny refried beans and cheese sauce)

...while he agreed and said he would talk to the chef for that section...nothing changed!!! :(

Just a real disappointment after the T/A when the food had been better in "Blu"!!! LuAnn

Just back from the holiday cruise...Just a real disappointment after the T/A when the food had been better in "Blu"!!! LuAnn

LuAnn sorry that Blu did not meet its usual standard. Connie and I did a Summit cruise in Dec and for the first time Blu did not meet our expectations....in our case it was not the food, it was the service. Four out of the seven days we were onboard we had to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a table. Very unusual and has never happened to us before. Other pax were making the same comment.

The waiting did not affect our overall enjoyment but it was a noticeable difference from our past experience.

The biggest lesson I have learned from cruising is that no two cruises are the same and you can go on the same ship more than once and have a totally different experience each time.

This is especially true with respect to food in any given restaurant. The chef, the provisions, the service are not static.

I rarely expect to replicate the food experience from an earlier cruise. I just go with an open mind but I expect variation.

The biggest lesson I have learned from cruising is that no two cruises are the same and you can go on the same ship more than once and have a totally different experience each time.

 

This is especially true with respect to food in any given restaurant. The chef, the provisions, the service are not static.

 

I rarely expect to replicate the food experience from an earlier cruise. I just go with an open mind but I expect variation.

Very true.

We've had some excellent dinners in Polo/Toscana and some very average ones. For some reason RG & Jacques seem more consistent to us.

The majority are very good and that is why we keep coming back. It's the majority of experiences that matter more than the exceptions (as long as the exceptions do not become the rule :D)

Questions to all the recent 2106 posters.

Like many of the about have done many cruises with Elite Plus status on Celebrity. Agree the price point between the two lines is getting (using Oceania)is getting closer each booking.

We have booked are first Oceania have have some questions for you experience people with both lines.

Is there any BAD b4 location cabin.( I can't fine one)

If one gets free internet. Olife and 850 OBC, how does one burn thru all the extra monies. We don't need shore excursions,(cheaper independent), we rarely use spa or casino, no way to get OBC back in cash.

So if I pay gratuities that burns thru 360.(12 day cruise)

Is the Prestige upgrade of 20/pp/per day similar to classic to premium on Celebrity. Is there a price point limit on the Prestige package like in Classic/Premium ? (That burns another 480)We are totally fine have martinis on our veranda if we are allowed alcohol onboard.

Open to all comments. Thanks in advance.

 

Does Oceania have a similar experience like the World Bar or Martini bar.

By shopping in the shops! Lol Buy some duty free to bring home! Or instead of leaving the large unused credit, increase your daily gratuity to use it up. The staff work hard, better they get it than the cruiseline!

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increase your daily gratuity to use it up. The staff work hard, better they get it than the cruiseline!

Totally agree, but not an option on Oceania. :o

Apparently, they learned that it was easier for us to be generous with their money than with our own. :p

Ah well, no free lunch and all of that! :cool: