First Timer on Oceania, Couple of Questions

We are thinking of booking a cruise specifically for Lima, Machu Picchu and a Google Search bought up this! Has anyone done this itinerary before? We are very new to cruising, just 1 cruise under our belt which was NCL.

Couple of questions regarding Oceania:-

1) What's the mood like on Oceania? Is it a lot different to NCL? We are a young couple in our early 30's, would it suit us?

2) How about the dress code? Is it formal/relaxed or are there a few formal nights?

3) How much is the daily gratuity?

4) What's the entertainment on board like? We had a blast on NCL, with the band and everything, is it similar here as well? Is there a pool on board?

5) First port it mentions in itinerary is Lima/Machu Picchu (Callao), Peru Embark 1 PM; Deaprt 5 PM- Does this mean we'll have time to see Machu Picchu, or do we have to go there a day early?

Thanks for any replies.

We are thinking of booking a cruise specifically for Lima, Machu Picchu and a Google Search bought up this! Has anyone done this itinerary before? We are very new to cruising, just 1 cruise under our belt which was NCL.

 

 

 

Couple of questions regarding Oceania:-

 

1) What's the mood like on Oceania? Is it a lot different to NCL? We are a young couple in our early 30's, would it suit us?

 

2) How about the dress code? Is it formal/relaxed or are there a few formal nights?

 

3) How much is the daily gratuity?

 

4) What's the entertainment on board like? We had a blast on NCL, with the band and everything, is it similar here as well? Is there a pool on board?

 

5) First port it mentions in itinerary is Lima/Machu Picchu (Callao), PeruEmbark 1 PM; Deaprt 5 PM- Does this mean we'll have time to see Machu Picchu, or do we have to go there a day early?

 

 

 

Thanks for any replies.

Oceania is the "premium" partner in a family that includes "mass market" NCL and "luxury" Regent. It is best known for small and medium sized ships with about 700 or 1200 passengers respectively, excellent food and a clientele that tends to be fairly well educated, professionally experienced and well traveled. Depending on the itinerary, you may find some children and under 40's. But, the bulk of passengers are on the other side of 40 with many retirees onboard.

Entertainment is not too heavy on glitzy Broadway wannabes. Instead, check out the daily piano bar (Martini's) and the string quartet.

Though alcohol and excursions are extra (hence the premium vs luxury moniker), everything else is included in the cabin cost including airfare (or air credit if you choose to do your own).

Extremely restrictive smoking policy, and no formal nights, art shows, photographers, nickel/diming, etc.

In short, O is a class act where someone in their thirties will have an opportunity to have more "how did you get to where you are in your life" discussions, over an excellent dinner with new acquaintances, than repetitive "how 'bout them Niners?" chit chat.

Find a "cruise specialist" TA who is a top-producer for O and you'll be surprised at the bottom line net daily cost when all things are considered.

Been to Lima (not on a cruise). It is a city of sharp contrasts between the haves and the have nots. Haven't been to Machu Picchu. But, have heard it gets pretty crowded with a constant stream of tourists.

I will take my turn. Right now I'm NOT seeing what Flatbush Flyer wrote so there may well be repetition!

We've done a couple of NCL cruises, although not recently (but we are booked on a Boston-Quebec-Boston cruise on DAWN in September). The vibe is very different. We ourselves prefer O, but we are much older than you are. That does NOT mean that you would hate O. It really depends on what interests you, and that is hard for us to say. We have met youngsters on board who were very happy with the O product.

Dress code on O is very relaxed. No formal nights. Don't come into a dining room at night with flip flops on your feet and torn jeans on your lower body, but the dress code didn't seem that different to us from our last NCL cruise (Miami-Venice in March 2009).

Daily gratuity depends on your cabin level. Some TAs give you that as a bonus, but maybe not on your first cruise.

Oceania is not known for great entertainment. We often like it, but we are classical musicians. There IS a pool! It's a small one on the "R" ships, somewhat larger on the newer ships, and there are hot tubs available on all ships. We like the lecturers and the solo entertainers in general. There is no guarantee that you will love the entertainment if you grooved to the NCL bands!

We just got back last month from the Lima-NYC itinerary. We did a pre-cruise trip to Machu Picchu and the Andes -- we spent six days doing so. I think some people on our roll call did just go up and back, but you cannot do it in one day. MAYBE two, but you won't see much. If you want to see Machu Picchu (and it is well worth it), I suggest you spend at least 3-4 days. We liked our 6 day itinerary. It was NOT cheap but it was well worth it.

Bear in mind that it's a 90 minute flight from Lima to Cusco, and then you have to get to Machu Picchu itself. You just cannot do it in one day, and even two days is unrealistic.

If you want to email you I will let you know who we used. It wasn't cheap but it was a wonderful pre-cruise adventure.

Mura

Vibe is more low key than NCL.

Dress code is resort casual... no fancy duds required

Entertainment is good... bands are more subdued.. pool music is rare. "Blast" would not be an attribute I would use. :rolleyes:

For guests occupying staterooms, gratuities of $16.00 per guest, per day will be added.

For guests occupying Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner's Suites where Butler Service is provided, gratuities of $23.00 per guest, per day will be added.

In addition, an 18% service gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa services and dinner at La Reserve.

We are fairly new to Oceania (2 cruises) but are long time Regent cruisers -- another NCL "sister". We found the food on Oceania to be excellent (particularly in the specialty restaurants where there is no charge).

In terms of the ships, Oceania passengers refer to them as "R" and "O" ships which, IMO, is very confusing. The two newer ships - the Riviera and Marina are wonderful but I have concerns about their older and smaller ships that they refer to as "R" ships because their cabins are quite small and there are fewer specialty restaurants.

NCL has a reputation for wonderful entertainment. As the contracts with Oceania's current entertainment company draws to a close, they are changing to NCL's entertainment company. It sounds like this will be much more acceptable than what is currently on Oceania and Regent.

In terms of age, the longer the itinerary, the older the average age of the passengers. Caribbean and Alaska cruises tend to skew lower (as do summer cruises). Longer itineraries skew much older.

Travel Cat,

Maybe it's my perception ... but I wouldn't say that the cabins on the older Oceania ships (the "R" ships) are so terribly small. They are not! Yes, we prefer to sail in the PH or above but we've done several cruises in the "A" cabins (which are the same as the "B" cabins) and they work quite well.

They certainly are smaller than Regent cabins but that doesn't mean they are "terribly" small. (If you think of small cabins, go on a river boat cruise.)

The difference, I think, is that the bathrooms are small, yes. I won't deny that. But the regular veranda cabin on the older ships is not at all intolerable. At least not to us.

It does depend on what people are used to. You being used to Regent may find the "A" and below cabins terribly small ... those of us who started out with Renaissance probably do not.

I do appreciate that I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth in that I say the regular veranda cabins are "comfortable" while I prefer a PH. On the few occasions when we had a VS or OS on the "R" ships, they were absolutely lovely. 900-1000 sf. PLENTY of room! But most passengers don't have that option.

Mura

Questions 1-4 are subjective so I'll just address question 5. Make sure you see Machu Picchu but give yourself time - at least 2 days before cruise. If you rush around any altitude sickness you might experience will be worse.

The site itself is stunning and well worth the extra time.

First, OP is considering Marina, so discussions about the smaller ships can wait.

However, TC is correct about Oceania being a huge step up from NCL. Unless you sailed in The Haven, the price alone is a big step. We have sailed NCL, both in a standard veranda and in a suite, but only on the smaller Jewel and Star, are are booked on the Pearl this November. We have 13 cruises on Oceania and 2 on Regent. Our longest cruise on NCL was 24 days; the others were/will be 10 days and 11 days. If your first NCL cruise was a typical 7 day, just moving to the 14 day itinerary of the Lima/NYC cruise will be a big step.

When we have cruised on NCL, we avoid the Caribbean, sail longer than 7 days, and sail only when school is in session. In that way, other than the larger size of the ships, the NCL cruise is more like Oceania. The guests tend to be older, usually retired (we have longer vacations ;)), and less rambunctious. In other words, more like Oceania.

Still, on any NCL ship there are more evening spots with various entertainment, more bars and pubs, more restaurants, more musicians -- generally more to do. On Oceania in the evening, folks tend to dine a little longer (the food is the best at sea), enjoy the string quartet for a few minutes, probably go to the show (although there is a large number who retire to their cabin after dinner), then head to bed by 11:00pm. There are a few who stay up in the small lounge called Martinis, listening to the piano player and having a drink, and a very few who head up to the larger lounge, Horizons, for a bit of live music some nights, or a DJ, or once in a while karaoke. But, that tends to thin out quickly before Midnight. It is, in my opinion, vibrant or exciting.

The "action" on Oceania is during the day. It is port intensive -- but excursions are expensive -- probably double NCL's in many cases, and really no better. There are also fewer choices - larger ships are more likely to offer more excursions. If it's a sea day, it's pretty quiet -- lounge by the pool, attend a lecture or cooking demonstration, or read. Marina and Riviera both offer a couple of other choices -- culinary classes in a real, hands on "kitchen". You will be paired with one other at work stations with your own cooktop, sink and drawers full of utensils. Assistants will supply already sorted and chopped ingredients, and a chef will show how to prepare the items, which you can sample when complete. They are fun rather than super serious, but you will learn something. They do have an additional fee. Also, there is an Artists Loft, at no charge, which may offer classes in water color painting, fabric art, or photography, depending on who is the instructor.

With just 1200 or so fellow guests, you will find yourself seeing many of the same folks over and over, and make lifetime friends. However, there will likely be very few on board in your age group. We started sailing Oceania in our 60's and are now in our mid-70's, but our best cruise friends are in their 50's.

That's all about the "mood". To your other specific questions, the dress code is "relaxed", country club casual in the evening (long trousers and collared shirts for guys, a sports coat only if you want to wear one, never a tie, "nice" outfits for gals, most think "Chicos" for style, stuff that rolls up and packs easily are great. Many women pack a couple of black dressy slacks and different tops; really no one cares if you wear the same outfit more than once. There are no formal nights, not even "dress up or not" nights. If you want to dress more formally, no one will care, but you'll likely stand out. The founder of Oceania is famous for having said, "If I see someone in a tux on Oceania, I'll think he's a maitre 'd."

Gratuities are more expensive than on NCL, but if you find the right travel agent, they will include gratuities. Sometimes, on special offers, Oceania will include the gratuities; in those cases, a good travel agent may include extra on board credit.

Air fare (coach) is included in your cruise fare, or you may get a relatively small credit and book your own. If you want to arrive early or depart later at the end of the cruise, you can ask for a "deviation", at extra cost (I believe $175 per person currently), and Oceania will work up a specific flight plan for you. The deviation fee is non-refundable if you cancel, but you do not have to pay it until Oceania has provided acceptable flights. In some cases they may also have to get a small "upcharge" for some flights; they'll let you know in advance.

Unlimited sodas, bottled water, fruit juices and such are included in your basic fare, even in your minibar fridge and anywhere on the ship, there is no "soda package". Sodas are from cans.

Smoking is very restricted, nowhere in cabins or on balconies, nowhere in the interior of the ship except one small corner of the Horizons lounge on an upper deck forward, and nowhere outside except one small corner of the pool deck, away from any pool grill or pool bar, and not at all in the casino, which is a major difference from NCL.

Dress during the day is as expected at any resort/vacation -- shorts, tee shirts or tank tops, flip flops if you like, except some ports require more modest dress, especially in cathedrals or mosques.

On Marina and Riviera there are self service launderettes on every stateroom floor, for the modest charge of $2 to wash and the same to dry. There are several machines in each, detergent is supplied you may want to bring your own dryer sheets) and there are two ironing boards in each launderette. You may also send out your laundry for the ship to do, for a fee. On longer cruises, they may offer a "20 item for $20" day, but that is not offered on every cruise.

So, the bottom line is, can you handle a more sedate atmosphere (I doubt few "have a blast" in the evenings); can you handle a more expensive cruise (my guess is the one at which you are looking will run to $15,000 for two, including excursions, etc., in a lower end cabin); can you handle being with a bunch of old fogies (although many will be more active than many youngsters); and can you handle the smaller ship with less to do? If so, you are perfect candidates for an Oceania cruise, and will likely be hooked and never go back to NCL unless your budget is tight, like happens to us.

I'm in my early thirties and have cruised with Oceania many times. My girlfriend is 25 and also loves it. Don't expect a floating club with a great nightlife. You won't get that. But it's ideal if you like to see many places in a short time and combine that with luxurious staterooms, great food and excellent service.

5) First port it mentions in itinerary is Lima/Machu Picchu (Callao), Peru Embark 1 PM; Deaprt 5 PM- Does this mean we'll have time to see Machu Picchu, or do we have to go there a day early?

 

Thanks for any replies.

Machu Picchu is not in Lima. It's high up in the Andes. The airport is in Cusco, from there it is a bus ride to Ollyantambo + train to Aguas Calientes or a very long train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes up the mountain to Machu Picchu.

I recommend to do a separate trip on your own before the cruise. A week would give you time to see the capital and sacred valley of the ancient Inca heartland. We used Escaped to Latin America for the arrangements. I can highly recommend them.

Callao is Lima's port and airport city. The two cities and a few others form one huge traffic choked megacity from the ocean to the mountains.

By the way, google maps is really helpful in researching destinations. I read some of your other posts.;)

A Step Up is a very subjective thing, My take is that anyone who had a blast with the bands on NCL will not enjoy the quiet mood on Oceania. Of course, as so often happens, I could be wrong.

I have to say that since your one trip was on NCL and you really had a great time and loved the pool music and bands and are only 30 Oceania is not for you.

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Wonderful information. Thanks everyone!

Don't miss machu picchu!!!

Travel Cat,

 

Maybe it's my perception ... but I wouldn't say that the cabins on the older Oceania ships (the "R" ships) are so terribly small. They are not! Yes, we prefer to sail in the PH or above but we've done several cruises in the "A" cabins (which are the same as the "B" cabins) and they work quite well.

 

They certainly are smaller than Regent cabins but that doesn't mean they are "terribly" small. (If you think of small cabins, go on a river boat cruise.)

 

The difference, I think, is that the bathrooms are small, yes. I won't deny that. But the regular veranda cabin on the older ships is not at all intolerable. At least not to us.

 

It does depend on what people are used to. You being used to Regent may find the "A" and below cabins terribly small ... those of us who started out with Renaissance probably do not.

 

I do appreciate that I'm speaking out of both sides of my mouth in that I say the regular veranda cabins are "comfortable" while I prefer a PH. On the few occasions when we had a VS or OS on the "R" ships, they were absolutely lovely. 900-1000 sf. PLENTY of room! But most passengers don't have that option.

 

Mura

Hi Mura, I guess "terribly small" wasn't a fair description. And, you are right - I'm used to Regent and my two Oceania cruises were in larger suites (PH and VS). Compared to the some cabins on NCL, even the smallest stateroom on Oceania is a good size.

We are quite anxious to actually tour one of the "R" class ships and hope to do so on December 1st when the Nautica and Regent Mariner are docked together in New London, South Africa :)

Hi Mura, I guess "terribly small" wasn't a fair description. And, you are right - I'm used to Regent and my two Oceania cruises were in larger suites (PH and VS). Compared to the some cabins on NCL, even the smallest stateroom on Oceania is a good size.

 

We are quite anxious to actually tour one of the "R" class ships and hope to do so on December 1st when the Nautica and Regent Mariner are docked together in New London, South Africa :)

I'm wondering if you CAN tour Nautica. Maybe given the closeness between Oceania and Regent you will be able to.

When we were docked in Copenhagen in May 2001 (on the R7) a Danish friend was able to come on board. She had to leave her driver's license and a credit card as ransom, but she was able to see the ship. But on another occasion (I think we're still talking about Renaissance) a friend told me they'd been docked in port and wanted to visit one of the "little ships" that was also in port and even though they were sailing on another Renaissance ship they weren't allowed on board.

Things have gotten awfully tight since 9/11.

It will be interesting to hear how you make out!

Mura

[sNIP] I guess the only thing that we should be worried about is the 14 day, but we have gone on tours that are 14-15 days long so I guess this should not be problem?

From what you said in your last post I think probably you will do well on Oceania, despite the nay-sayers who've encouraged you to stick with NCL. Just because you might enjoy the bands on NCL does not mean you'd hate the quieter time on Oceania.

Since you've done land trips of 14-15 days, I don't see why a cruise would be a problem either. (I've come to prefer longer cruises myself, especially those with a fair number of sea days, although DH still prefers shorter cruises. It never works out that way, though, since I book at least a 14 day cruise with land stays before and after. If he doesn't want to do the work any more, then he has to go with what I have decided.)

The Lima-NYC itinerary does have several sea days but definitely not as many as a transatlantic. Use the time as others have said for lounging around the pool, reading a book, attending a lecture ... On Marina/Riviera there are indeed more options for activities on a sea day.

As to South America as a destination, I can't say we've done all that much (more than in Asia or the Middle East, however). We've done the Galapagos Islands with precruise to Quito for several days (1989), two visits to Rio (1974 and post-cruise in 12/14), the Lima-NYC cruise, and also a Buenos Aires-Santiago cruise (1/02).

It's a great place to visit, and Machu Picchu and the Andes is well worth 5-6 days if not more. Since another poster recommended the outfit they used for the Andes, I will recommend ours: Kuoda Travel. This is a Peruvian agency. From what our guide said (he freelances among many of them) this is the ONLY Peruvian agency. But they did a wonderful job for our three couples. Good hotels, a great guide and a fabulous driver!

I will say that we had REALLY HOT HUMID weather in May/June in Central America ...

And yes, unfortunately we cannot give a TA recommendation here! Rules are rules ...

Mura

We are thinking of booking a cruise specifically for Lima, Machu Picchu and a Google Search bought up this! Has anyone done this itinerary before? We are very new to cruising, just 1 cruise under our belt which was NCL.

 

Couple of questions regarding Oceania:-

1) What's the mood like on Oceania? Is it a lot different to NCL? We are a young couple in our early 30's, would it suit us?.

 

In truth NCL is like a Vegas resort...Oceania is like a sedate country club there will be very few folks under 45-50. It is a huge change from NCL in entertainment, food, passenger demographics and atmosphere. I suspect at 30 you might not enjoy the low key non-busy atmosphere

 

 

2) How about the dress code? Is it formal/relaxed or are there a few formal nights?

There are no formal nights at all and country club casual is the rule, however people tend to dress rather well

 

 

3) How much is the daily gratuity? ....... about $15-20 a day perperson

 

4) What's the entertainment on board like? We had a blast on NCL, with the band and everything, is it similar here as well? Is there a pool on board?

 

Entertainment....most folks are not night owls Most people entertain themselves...While the ship has a pool there are no pool games or deck parties like NCL Where NCL has bands...Oceania has a string quartet playing classic music. Again, the demographics of Oceania are not into rocking the night away and don't care for bands that much.

After 10 most are in their cabins not out and about. Enrichment lectures and hands on cooking and Art classes are the norm... not beach party deck games

 

5) First port it mentions in itinerary is Lima/Machu Picchu (Callao), Peru Embark 1 PM; Deaprt 5 PM- Does this mean we'll have time to see Machu Picchu, or do we have to go there a day early?

 

Machu Picchu requires a full 2 days Just to get there an 1other day to see the place and finaly 1 day to get back...well a half day. So, schedule arriving not less than 4 to 5 days prior..... Its not just a hop skip and a jump Budget about $2000 for 2 forair. train, taxi, admission /guide( required) meals and taxi

 

Thanks for any replies.

So, It is a huge jump in style, quality,and A HUGE change in atmosphere. Dining and lingering over long dinners is the entertainment most come for That and the non nickel and dime Understated elegance and low key may be too quiet for you to enjoy

So, It is a huge jump in style, quality,and A HUGE change in atmosphere. Dining and lingering over long dinners is the entertainment most come for That and the non nickel and dime Understated elegance and low key may be too quiet for you to enjoy

+1 So right! I doubt you would ever hear anyone on Oceania use the term blast to describe their experience.

"While I enjoyed our cruise, the lack of entertainment was unfortunate, and left us very dissapointed".

Will anyone really be surprised when they see this review?

"While I enjoyed our cruise, the lack of entertainment was unfortunate, and left us very dissapointed".

 

Will anyone really be surprised when they see this review?

+1

Unless they are shocked :p

"While I enjoyed our cruise, the lack of entertainment was unfortunate, and left us very dissapointed".

 

Will anyone really be surprised when they see this review?

We like to think of the entertainment as primer to a good night sleep:D We tend to book port intensive itineraries and after a full day exploring we're quite exhausted by 10:30-11. Obviously the wine and martini's don't help but that's mandatory fun while cruising.

"While I enjoyed our cruise, the lack of entertainment was unfortunate, and left us very dissapointed".

 

Will anyone really be surprised when they see this review?

I wouldn't be surprised, as I've seen similar many times. But, I am confused, as I always have enjoyed the entertainment -- except once, a Beatles re-enactment group, on Marina's maiden voyage, who were terrible -- in my opinion. On the other hand, FDR, who sat close to the front on aisle seats, loved it, proving taste is in the beholder.

I wouldn't be surprised, as I've seen similar many times. But, I am confused, as I always have enjoyed the entertainment -- except once, a Beatles re-enactment group, on Marina's maiden voyage, who were terrible -- in my opinion. On the other hand, FDR, who sat close to the front on aisle seats, loved it, proving taste is in the beholder.

What I meant was, that what will not be a surprise, is, when the OP comes back in six months or a year, and posts a review that they sailed Oceania, they were bored stiff, with no bands, no dancing in a disco, very "sedate" older crowd with limited on-board activities.