Oceania- NEVER AGAIN !!!

[LuAnn]

Many thanks PAULCHILI.

 

Believe it or not, I read every new Oceania and Regent post everyday.

I choose sparingly and hopefully, wisely when to post and comment.

 

I believe that CC is the most unbiased, unfiltered and direct source of what guests really like, dislike, want etc. and we take your thoughts very, very seriously.

 

It doesn't matter what I think, or what others in the office think (we're not the ones bookinbg a cruise), what matters is what you guys think and I sincerely appreciate all your comments, both positive and negative.

 

We're not perfect, but as a friend of mine who runs our tours in Rome often says, "we strive for perfection and settle for excellence".

 

FDR

 

all of us on CC appreciate your interest, comments and feed-back!! I'm not surprised that you read each and every post...that is the type of CEO you have been and continue to be...to your credit!!! and your attention to detail creates the sailing experience that we all love!! LuAnn

[agnesd]

Or is the saying "Can't tell the trees from the forest." Whatever, the tone of the original letter instigates feelings rather than an evaluation of the facts. This is sad since one loses important constructive criticism.

 

Many of us are well traveled and some ports are repeats. When this happens many people don't want to take a tour. They want to "hang around the town." It would be wonderful to know a shuttle bus was waiting at the pier to take them to town. I would expect to pay for this service as I have on all the other cruiselines.

 

I would hate to see this important point ignored because we all feel so strongly about Oceania cruises.

[yorkiemomjn]

I also wanted to express my thanks. Don was on the roll call for our first O cruise and he was one of the first to reply to one of my posts. I was uncomfortable about posting, but he was so helpful and made me feel welcome. He had his stroke before the cruise and I never got to meet him. Maybe on a furture O cruise!

I am very impressed that the CEO would take the time to read our posts here on CC. It says so much about the way Oceania cares about their customers! I felt special on the cruise and now I feel that way here on the Oceania forum!

Thank you both, again!:)

[hondorner]

FDR says he chooses sparingly before responding, which shows his wisdom as opposed to many of us who shoot off their mouths rather quickly in some situations. That's why many of you may not have seen similar posts. Those of us who go back several years with the forum have seen those responses in the past, however, and believe it or not, we sense his presence. That makes our responses both easier and more difficult. They are easier, because we know he has our back and as long as we are fair, and post things that are reasonable, they will absolutely be true. They are, however, also more difficult, because we know the man is reading, and we will gently remonstrated if we post something that is blatantly false or that cannot be accomplished by the cruise line.

 

Many of you have had kind words for me, and especially for Jim and Stan, who deserve them so much more. I've spent time with Jim and Stan, and we've discussed our posts. We all agree that we, ourselves, are nothing special. We have simply chosen to take a fair and moderate position regarding the cruise line and the CEO responsible for it's success, and perhaps we are a bit more wonky with the details than most.

 

In other words, a little like FDR himself, who has just one word to describe Oceania -- Taste.

[yorkiemomjn]

FDR says he chooses sparingly before responding, which shows his wisdom as opposed to many of us who shoot off their mouths rather quickly in some situations. That's why many of you may not have seen similar posts. Those of us who go back several years with the forum have seen those responses in the past, however, and believe it or not, we sense his presence. That makes our responses both easier and more difficult. They are easier, because we know he has our back and as long as we are fair, and post things that are reasonable, they will absolutely be true. They are, however, also more difficult, because we know the man is reading, and we will gently remonstrated if we post something that is blatantly false or that cannot be accomplished by the cruise line.

 

Many of you have had kind words for me, and especially for Jim and Stan, who deserve them so much more. I've spent time with Jim and Stan, and we've discussed our posts. We all agree that we, ourselves, are nothing special. We have simply chosen to take a fair and moderate position regarding the cruise line and the CEO responsible for it's success, and perhaps we are a bit more wonky with the details than most.

 

In other words, a little like FDR himself, who has just one word to describe Oceania -- Taste.

 

Wonky???? I am going to have to look that up! :D

Also, no more shooting my mouth off!!:o

[hondorner]

Wonky???? I am going to have to look that up! :D

Also, no more shooting my mouth off!!:o

I should have used "wonkish" rather than "wonky". It involves being a wonk, with a bit of geek and nerd thrown in. FDR himself is a CPA -- one with good taste, to be sure, but a CPA nevertheless.

[yorkiemomjn]

I should have used "wonkish" rather than "wonky". It involves being a wonk, with a bit of geek and nerd thrown in. FDR himself is a CPA -- one with good taste, to be sure, but a CPA nevertheless.

 

I understand. My husband just retired (Friday) from Raytheon after 39 years of being in accounting/finance/cash mangement!! ;)

[Snoofer]

You are one of the very few posters that actually gets it. I have always thought that in America, if you express your opinion in an open dialogue or review site such as this, that it would be respected as such, and not immediately attacked just becasue someone doesn't agree with your findings or opinions. For example the post by StanandJim is one such example. They have nothing to say other than being sarcastic and rude to someone who posted something just because they disagree with the poster's comments. Frankly, I find their post to be the most offensive and childlike post on this site. For their information, Crystal is not really much different in pricing than is Oceania. Crystal includes in their pricing several shipboard allowances so when you calculate it out, they are really not much different. However, they do provide complimentary shuttles into each town if not in walking distance, and do permit you to select where you would like to eat- including the specialty restaurants- at all times, and do charge half the O price for the use of the internet. There is no dining restriction and furthermore, you can always order special meals for the next evening in advance should you wish to do so. We were not permitted to do this on O. And- Yes- they do charge something like $20 or $30 to use the speciality restaurants, but when you're paying close to $1000 a day for the cruise, I guess another $20 or $30 isn't really very much to pay for having your choice of any specialty restaurant at any time, is it ?

 

Again- thank you for your post and your courtesy. A few posters on this site can learn from you.

 

 

I'm so utterly sorry you have been attacked for your opinion! That should not be! I respect that you have every right to think/say/feel and post as you did. I have never sailed Oceania and I appreciate your input. When you pay a lot of $$$$ for a cruise, you have every right to expect a certain level of service, etc. Some cruisers are so "pro cruise line" they don't care how much they are taken advantage of. Years ago, cruising was so different and we just have to know now that IF we chose to cruise these days, it certainly won't be as it should or as it was!!!!! Cruising sure has changed! Now it is nickel and dime you and some cruisers defend the cruise lines for this. Personally, I don't get that, but that is their perogative. But you (and me) also have our perogative to know (and post) the difference! Please don't let all these negative posts here deter you from further posting! Not all cruisers feel the same!

[hondorner]

... Now it is nickel and dime you and some cruisers defend the cruise lines for this.

 

You have every right to your opinion, and I respect you for it. I have no intention of attacking you in any way. This is truly just a request for more information in order to educate myself.

 

The request is this: this is the Oceania forum; I assume you are referring to Oceania when you make this remark. Can you give me an example of the nickel-and-dime-ing I can expect aboard Oceania in order to prepare myself for it?

[Snoofer]

You have every right to your opinion, and I respect you for it. I have no intention of attacking you in any way. This is truly just a request for more information in order to educate myself.

 

The request is this: this is the Oceania forum; I assume you are referring to Oceania when you make this remark. Can you give me an example of the nickel-and-dime-ing I can expect aboard Oceania in order to prepare myself for it?

No, it is just a general observation of all cruise lines since we started cruising many, many years ago -- they are all pretty much cutting corners where they can. I could give lots of examples on cruise lines in general but I do not have personal experience with Oceania. It is one cruise line I have considered, though. Maybe someone else can give you specifics. My only point was that in this present day if you choose to cruise, you have to realize it will not be the same as it once was and that things that were once provided as complimentary might not be presently. Quality and service have also suffered greatly. Every time we cruise, things that were included previously are no longer... we have just noticed a general "change" in the way cruise lines operate over the years.

[fjdelrio]

I'm happy and proud to be a WONKER!!

FDR

[JimandStan]

I'm happy and proud to be a WONKER!!

FDR

 

I'm smelling a tee shirt motto!

:D

[Emdee]

Snoofer,

In some ways cruiselines have changed for the worse and in some ways for the better. I have only been cruising since 94 but I do take a few cruises a year so I have seen some things change over the years.

I like the idea that premium lines like Oceania and Azamara offer soft drinks and water as included ( this was not included in the mid price cruises before). Its a nice and convenient addition. I love the idea that Regent is fully all inclusive even more. In the past only expedition ships provided excursions included. I love the Casinos and some of the entertainment on the monster ships. So, whatever is your pleasure you can find it among the various lines. There is a cruise for your every mood so to speak......

 

There is not point in dwelling in the past.... enjoy the present and look forward to the future.

[BaltiGator]

Hi Baltigator. I loved your post...

 

Thanks! And thank you for your informative reply. A wait time of 5-10 minutes in the dining room wouldn't bother us much (as long as our cocktail glasses haven't run dry yet). But I'm sure there are people who would consider it a major annoyance, and they are certainly entitled to that perspective.

 

As for the shuttles, based on your comments and others it does sound like Oceania only needs to consider them in select ports. All the more reason they should start a pilot program and see how it goes.

 

I think we probably will be happy with an Oceania cruise, but in the end the only way we'll know for sure is to try one. Whether we decide it is worth our extra dollars remains to be seen.

[caribbeansun]

This isn't unique to the cruise industry - taken a flight anywhere recently - talk about the absurd!

 

Pricing is a fine balance - the more you can strip out the lower price you can post amongst your competition and the uninformed (some would say lazy) don't bother to invest the time to do the apples to apples.

 

Having said that there's also a matter of materiality - I don't like being nickel and dimed any more than the next person, I hate reaching into my pocket every time I do something but I'm also not going to worry about spending a few bucks here and there to the detriment of my vacation - you can wear yourself down worrying about $5 here and there.

 

My only other experience with cruising was with HAL and I must say that I feel much less angst with O. Other than a healthy bar tab at the end we don't really incur much other costs directly with the line.

 

No, it is just a general observation of all cruise lines since we started cruising many, many years ago -- they are all pretty much cutting corners where they can. I could give lots of examples on cruise lines in general but I do not have personal experience with Oceania. It is one cruise line I have considered, though. Maybe someone else can give you specifics. My only point was that in this present day if you choose to cruise, you have to realize it will not be the same as it once was and that things that were once provided as complimentary might not be presently. Quality and service have also suffered greatly. Every time we cruise, things that were included previously are no longer... we have just noticed a general "change" in the way cruise lines operate over the years.

[cruisingallthe time]

Snoofer- Thank you for your kind post. I agree completely with everything you wrote. We have been cruising for over 30 years, as have our married children for the past several years. Believe me- we know what we are talking about. If O was priced like the mass lines such as HAL or RCCL, etc., I would understand several of the issues we raised. The problem, though, is that they are priced like a premiere cruise line but offer "nickel and diming" (to use your expression) product.

 

FJDelRio : When a passenger is spending close to $1000 a day for a PH, to charge them $2 to use a washer or dryer just seems petty to me. Obviously it's not the money, but more so just a petty thing to do. To leave off elderly passengers (which is the majority of your clientele) at the pier to find taxis to and then back to the ship in ports like Dublin where the town is a good 20 minute drive from the port, is just not right in my view. For there to be absolutely no entertainment other than primarily ship board cruise staff, is again, less than desirable in my view. After all, how much can someone play trivia ? We just chose to go to our room early every night and watch the DVD's we brought with us. And what's with this deal in the speciality restaurants that seat 100 people each, only allowing 40 to come at 6:30 each night, then 20 at 7:30, 20 at 8:00 and 20 at 8:30. Don't they turn ANY tables so that people can go more often ?? And- finally - these internet charges. Your crew pays the concessionaire 20 cents a minute for use and the concessionaire makes money on that. While I don't mind paying much more than the crew, do you really have to charge almost $1 minute which is twice any of the other cruise lines ? Don't you think there are passengers on your ships that need to stay in touch with their offices or with ill family members back home ? Are you aware that one of your internet packages is being charged at $500 to use the internet ?? And, this being such a small ship, shouldn't it be possible to be flexible in the MDR for passengers to place some special orders for the next evening in advance s you can on much larger ships ?

 

Bottom line is this. While there are different horse for different courses, these comments are constructive and if I were the CEO of this cruise line, I would be looking carefully at ALL passengers comments and not just the same old "I loved the way Connie sang Heart of My Heart" on our last sailing , didn't you ?" I'm sure you know what I mean.

 

Improvement and excellence comes from constructive criticism and self examination. Hopefully you take this comments in that way and to Snoofer- I respect the way you look at things. That's what makes for positive discourse.

[Marebear]

Snoofer- Thank you for your kind post. I agree completely with everything you wrote. We have been cruising for over 30 years, as have our married children for the past several years. Believe me- we know what we are talking about. If O was priced like the mass lines such as HAL or RCCL, etc., I would understand several of the issues we raised. The problem, though, is that they are priced like a premiere cruise line but offer "nickel and diming" (to use your expression) product.

 

FJDelRio : When a passenger is spending close to $1000 a day for a PH, to charge them $2 to use a washer or dryer just seems petty to me. Obviously it's not the money, but more so just a petty thing to do. To leave off elderly passengers (which is the majority of your clientele) at the pier to find taxis to and then back to the ship in ports like Dublin where the town is a good 20 minute drive from the port, is just not right in my view. For there to be absolutely no entertainment other than primarily ship board cruise staff, is again, less than desirable in my view. After all, how much can someone play trivia ? We just chose to go to our room early every night and watch the DVD's we brought with us. And what's with this deal in the speciality restaurants that seat 100 people each, only allowing 40 to come at 6:30 each night, then 20 at 7:30, 20 at 8:00 and 20 at 8:30. Don't they turn ANY tables so that people can go more often ?? And- finally - these internet charges. Your crew pays the concessionaire 20 cents a minute for use and the concessionaire makes money on that. While I don't mind paying much more than the crew, do you really have to charge almost $1 minute which is twice any of the other cruise lines ? Don't you think there are passengers on your ships that need to stay in touch with their offices or with ill family members back home ? Are you aware that one of your internet packages is being charged at $500 to use the internet ?? And, this being such a small ship, shouldn't it be possible to be flexible in the MDR for passengers to place some special orders for the next evening in advance s you can on much larger ships ?

 

Bottom line is this. While there are different horse for different courses, these comments are constructive and if I were the CEO of this cruise line, I would be looking carefully at ALL passengers comments and not just the same old "I loved the way Connie sang Heart of My Heart" on our last sailing , didn't you ?" I'm sure you know what I mean.

 

Improvement and excellence comes from constructive criticism and self examination. Hopefully you take this comments in that way and to Snoofer- I respect the way you look at things. That's what makes for positive discourse.

 

It seems to me that you prefer the manner in which the mass market cruise lines run their ships rather then the way Oceania does their cruises. Most of us on this board prefer the Oceania cruises precisely because of the manner in which they are run - the speciality restaurants, the GDR, the quiet entertainment and the ports. Can't we just leave it at that. We'll continue with Oceania while you are free to choose any line that has cruises that you prefer.

 

I have only cruised in a PH on Oceania and it has not cost us $1000.00 a day and a comparable cruise on Crystal in so much more expensive than Oceania - a slightly longer cruise on Crystal was quoted to me at $35,000.00 per couple.

[carolian]

Having just today taken a provisional reservation on Nautica for next March we are now having a major rethink.

We have researched this cruise as much as we can, are quite happy with the dining arrangements, the entertainment etc. but the SHUTTLE BUSINESS is another matter.

We have cruised before, South America, Asia (Japan/China/Vietnam/Thailand etc), Alaska, Indonesia, Australia/New Zealand etc. etc. and we cannot recall any destination that did not have transportation where it was necessary. Rarely was the shuttle free, but there was one.

OK, upon arrival in port the taxis are usually lined up waiting but getting back to the ship can be a very different matter. It would be a question of balancing precious time on shore against worrying about getting back before the ship leaves without us.

So, can anyone tell us the realistic chance of having a shuttle at any of 8 ports we will visit.

We will of course call Oceania tomorrow to ask them directly but meantime any help will be very much appreciated.

[Friscorays]

.... Whether you stay in an inside cabin, or a penthouse, we were treated like cattle....

 

....Improvement and excellence comes from constructive criticism and self examination. Hopefully you take this comments in that way and to Snoofer- I respect the way you look at things. That's what makes for positive discourse.

 

Now that I know your very first post was meant as constructive criticism meant to serve only as a tool to further positive discourse, I read the first paragraph of your initial post (excerpted above) in an entirely new light.

 

.... Crystal is not really much different in pricing than is Oceania.... However, they .... do permit you to select where you would like to eat- including the specialty restaurants- at all times.... And- Yes- they do charge something like $20 or $30 to use the speciality restaurants, but when you're paying close to $1000 a day for the cruise, I guess another $20 or $30 isn't really very much to pay for having your choice of any specialty restaurant at any time, is it ?....

 

....The problem, though, is that they are priced like a premiere cruise line but offer "nickel and diming" (to use your expression) product....

 

FJDelRio : When a passenger is spending close to $1000 a day for a PH, to charge them $2 to use a washer or dryer just seems petty to me. Obviously it's not the money, but more so just a petty thing to do....

 

It seems to me that you will not be satisfied unless FJDelRio decides to run Oceania cruises in specifically the way you desire rather than in a fashion which keeps the majority of people who cruise with Oceania quite pleased.

 

You would be more than happy to spend $20 to $30 to eat in the specialty restaurants (a service currently included free of charge on Oceania) and would not view this added fee as "nickel and diming." At the same time, you view spending $4 on a load of laundry as a "petty" example of "nickel and diming." I just do not get it....

[pacheco18]

You are doing what the OP should have done. If shuttles are important to you, you need to find out if they are available.

 

 

If you want to smoke, sail HAL, not O

If you want your kids to be entertained, sail Carnival, Disney or RCCL, not O

If you want to wear shorts to the dining room, sail NCL, not O

If you want to be able to bring on all the wine you want in each port, sail O, not Celebrity (and stop figuring out ways to smuggle it on)

If you want free cappuccino, sail O, not Celebrity.

If you want all your alcohol to be free, sail Regent, not O

If you want splashy evening entertainment, sail Carnival, NCL EPIC, not O

If you want formal nights, sail HAL, Princess or Celebrity, not O.

If you want free laundry, sail Crystal, not O.

 

If you are craving a great hamburger, don't go to a fish restaurant and complain that the hamburgers are awful.

 

Know what you are buying. Every cruise line is different. You are not ENTITLED to anything more than the cruise line offers in the first place - even if you are in an Owner's Suite. If you don't like what a particular line offers (or fails to offer) go elsewhere. You have many choices and many resources for getting good information.

 

I for one offer no apologies to the OP whose post was simply a factor of her not knowing what she was buying and then complaining after the fact.

[pacheco18]

"FJDelRio : When a passenger is spending close to $1000 a day for a PH, to charge them $2 to use a washer or dryer just seems petty to me. Obviously it's not the money, but more so just a petty thing to do...."

 

Personally, I think all passengers should be banned from doing laundry on a cruise.LOLOL

[Friscorays]

....I have never sailed Oceania and I appreciate your input. When you pay a lot of $$$$ for a cruise, you have every right to expect a certain level of service, etc. Some cruisers are so "pro cruise line" they don't care how much they are taken advantage of.... Now it is nickel and dime you and some cruisers defend the cruise lines for this....

 

.....Can you give me an example of the nickel-and-dime-ing I can expect aboard Oceania in order to prepare myself for it?

 

No.....

 

I think everyone is entitled to share opinions and experiences and that this goes both ways. The OP posted experiences and opinions so completely opposite to the experiences and opinions that I (and many others) formed after sailing with Oceania that I felt complled to post.

 

This thread now has more views that any other thread in the Oceania forum so far this year. Train wrecks tend to draw attention but a post by someone saying Oceania Cruises treated them like "cattle" can be very damaging, particularly if no one speaks up to say that this was absolutely not their experience.

 

I have sailed on plenty of cruise lines, including Crystal and Regent. I do not find the fact that I enjoyed cruising on Oceania, and plan on sailing with them again, to be evidence that I am a "pro cruise line" "cheerleader" who is too ignorant to know any better. I simply think both sides should be made available so that a reasonable reader can form their own conclusions.

 

I felt the level of service I received on Oceania exceeded that which I might have expected based on dollars spent. The fact that I occasionally have to open up my wallet to purchase the occasional service on-board does not make me feel nickel and dimed. Perhaps that is how I have managed to enjoy all my cruises no matter how "mass market" or "exclusive" the line and why I plan on many more cruises in the future.

[chefboz]

Our first time with Oceania and our first real cruise. I see the OP had some good points, we observed some of the same, but saw it differently. I liked the smaller entertainment shows. A magician, accompished Spanish guitar, singers, etc. But no Vegas style shows, and that is what we expected and preferred. I LOVED the string quartet ! I loved the smaller focus on gaming and the variety of locations to sit and relax. The staff was great, and over 14 days did not have any issues, and even when trying to listen in and evaluate staff performance when no one was looking, they did great. The GDR was crowded and loud, but this isn't unusual where I come from ( Chicago) and thought the food in the specialty restaurants was "special", I didn't find the GDR to be all that. I actually preferred Tapas on the Terrace because of the casual atmosphere and being able to eat outiside. I agree with the the shuttle or at least better communication of the options. We did do our homework so we only had one port where we could have done better, or used more help from "O". Overall we were very pleased. The rooms were clean and quiet, the more relaxed dining atmosphere was more about what I want, the staff was great.

[Snoofer]

I think everyone is entitled to share opinions and experiences and that this goes both ways. The OP posted experiences and opinions so completely opposite to the experiences and opinions that I (and many others) formed after sailing with Oceania that I felt complled to post.

 

This thread now has more views that any other thread in the Oceania forum so far this year. Train wrecks tend to draw attention but a post by someone saying Oceania Cruises treated them like "cattle" can be very damaging, particularly if no one speaks up to say that this was absolutely not their experience.

 

I have sailed on plenty of cruise lines, including Crystal and Regent. I do not find the fact that I enjoyed cruising on Oceania, and plan on sailing with them again, to be evidence that I am a "pro cruise line" "cheerleader" who is too ignorant to know any better. I simply think both sides should be made available so that a reasonable reader can form their own conclusions.

 

I felt the level of service I received on Oceania exceeded that which I might have expected based on dollars spent. The fact that I occasionally have to open up my wallet to purchase the occasional service on-board does not make me feel nickel and dimed. Perhaps that is how I have managed to enjoy all my cruises no matter how "mass market" or "exclusive" the line and why I plan on many more cruises in the future.

 

 

Friscorays.......it's wonderful you enjoyed your cruise and will keep on cruising with Oceania... cruisingallthetime still has a right to her own experience and opinion as well as expectations. The forums, I think, are a place to exchange ideas and experience -- it's completely subjective. I think cruisingallthetime has been sufficiently and undeservedly berated in these posts - maybe it's time to just let it go.......

[happy cruzer]

Our first time with Oceania and our first real cruise. I see the OP had some good points, we observed some of the same, but saw it differently. I liked the smaller entertainment shows. A magician, accompished Spanish guitar, singers, etc. But no Vegas style shows, and that is what we expected and preferred. I LOVED the string quartet ! I loved the smaller focus on gaming and the variety of locations to sit and relax. The staff was great, and over 14 days did not have any issues, and even when trying to listen in and evaluate staff performance when no one was looking, they did great. The GDR was crowded and loud, but this isn't unusual where I come from ( Chicago) and thought the food in the specialty restaurants was "special", I didn't find the GDR to be all that. I actually preferred Tapas on the Terrace because of the casual atmosphere and being able to eat outiside. I agree with the the shuttle or at least better communication of the options. We did do our homework so we only had one port where we could have done better, or used more help from "O". Overall we were very pleased. The rooms were clean and quiet, the more relaxed dining atmosphere was more about what I want, the staff was great.

 

Thanks for adding the report. And for adding a bit of normality to the discussion. There has been alot of VERY negative and positive opinions posted about subjective items. A view from the eyes of a "newbie" is refreshing! Glad you were pleased.