Dmgmd50 Posted February 12, 2011 #1 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I am considering taking a cruise on the Marina. Have most recently sailed on Silverseas and Seabourn, both of which I truly enjoyed. How does Oceania compare to those lines? I have also sailed on Regent (Radisson), Windstar, and Princess and have had postivie experiences on those as well. On the luxury lines, I tend to take a relatively low priced outside cabin (sometimes with a veranda) and do not need a large suite. The ambience of the ship is more important than the size of the cabin to me and I even found the Windsurf cabin to be comfortable. I just read a review from someone on Oceania who raves about the ships but claims he is a smalltown boy who doesn't like staying in hotels, which is rather different from my background. Also, though the Marina sounds like a lovely ship, the fact that Mary Hart is so prominently displayed is not really a plus for me. Your opinions would be helpful. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted February 12, 2011 #2 Share Posted February 12, 2011 It’s a tough choice with some pluses and minuses for both lines. In the end it will be one's personal preferences that will determine which cruise line is better suited for them. In general, Silversea wins in the level of personal service, especially on the Wind/Cloud. The difference in service is less obvious on the Spirit (a ship I did not care for very much). The food is a tossup; I think Oceania is every bit as good as Silversea. On Silversea they are more open to special request (foie gras, etc). Their pool BBQ parties are also very special. The standard cabins on Oceania are smaller but the PH and up are very nice; the picture improved significantly with the introduction of Marina (read the blog by David from Marina’s maiden voyage). http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1339111 There are a couple of things I do not care for on Silversea – the formal nights and the more liberal smoking policy (though the latter is more of a potential than a real problem, IME). We do not drink, so the all-inclusive policy of Silversea is not a benefit to us. Because of that, we can generally do much better pricewise on Oceania. I love the country club casual dress code of Oceania - that alone can be a deal breaker for us. While we have met very nice people on both lines, I find the people on Oceania a bit more approachable (generalizations can be “dangerous”). In summary – I have thoroughly enjoyed our cruises on Silversea (especially on the Wind & Cloud) but I can no longer justify paying that premium (unless the itinerary is truly unique). We are very comfortable on Oceania and I believe Marina will make a big difference with larger cabins/bathrooms and so many wonderful dining options. Although we have not sailed on her yet (will be in 2 weeks), I think she will be superior to the Spirit in every way. This is only my opinion - YMMV PS Have not sailed on Seabourn as yet (will later this year); our single experience on Regent was not a memorable one (certainly would take Oceania over them) I think you should try the Marina and decide for yourself :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmgmd50 Posted February 12, 2011 Author #3 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I meant Mary Hartman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwelsh Posted February 12, 2011 #4 Share Posted February 12, 2011 With only one voyage on SS, several on Regent and several on "O" we found the cuisine and service very comparable. Pax we found on all 3 lines to be well travelled and mostly very friendly. The trump card for "O" is their smoking policy which is much more restrictive on smoking - As close to a smoke free environment as is possible - Bravo "O." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qldtraveller Posted February 12, 2011 #5 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I am considering taking a cruise on the Marina. Have most recently sailed on Silverseas and Seabourn, both of which I truly enjoyed. How does Oceania compare to those lines? I have also sailed on Regent (Radisson), Windstar, and Princess and have had postivie experiences on those as well. On the luxury lines, I tend to take a relatively low priced outside cabin (sometimes with a veranda) and do not need a large suite. The ambience of the ship is more important than the size of the cabin to me and I even found the Windsurf cabin to be comfortable. I just read a review from someone on Oceania who raves about the ships but claims he is a smalltown boy who doesn't like staying in hotels, which is rather different from my background. Also, though the Marina sounds like a lovely ship, the fact that Mary Hart is so prominently displayed is not really a plus for me. Your opinions would be helpful. Thanks. Hi As has been said it is what you want. However, for us there is no comparison, Silverseas, Seabourn and RSSC are way ahead when you want to look at standard cabins and overall comfort. Yes, small vessels they all are so it makes cruising much nicer and I include O in this. Not everyone travels on O in the PH. Again this is our feeling and again it is very difficult as you are the only one who what you want from a cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmgmd50 Posted February 12, 2011 Author #6 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Thanks for your responses. Country club Casual: Does not that mean "jacket, no tie" are acceptable most evenings for dinner? I think I would prefer that to formal evenings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted February 12, 2011 #7 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Thanks for your responses. Country club Casual: Does not that mean "jacket, no tie" are acceptable most evenings for dinner? I think I would prefer that to formal evenings. All evenings. Even more relaxed. No jacket required - however you can wear one if you like :). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 12, 2011 #8 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I meant Mary Hartman I think you were right the first time. Having sailed on Silversea & Regent(although only Paul Gauguin which is not a true comparison) I would have to say that putting cost & itinerary aside there is no doubt that Silversea is a superior experience. BUT, you have to factor in cost & itinerary. Unlike many others I wasn't that impressed with the food on my one Oceania cruise. I do hope my opinion on that changes on my next cruise with them. I personally was bored with their menus and felt most of the food was real average on Insignia. That in no way impacted the enjoyment of my cruise, just my take on the food. Seeing that Seabourne just rated 4 out of the top 5 small ships on the latest Conde Nast Poll I wouldn't mind trying them out sometime. Of course all three O ships ranked in the top ten in the large ship category. l don't put too much stock in that though as most of the time those are just a popularity poll. The bottom line they're all a great time, my advice is take an Oceania cruise and decide for yourself. That's what I've been doing the last 7 or 8 years, exploring different products. Discounting our early Carnival cruises I would have to say that Princess has been the line we enjoyed the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted February 12, 2011 #9 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Discounting our early Carnival cruises I would have to say that Princess has been the line we enjoyed the least. Really? You mean Costa was better than Princess? That surprises me :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 12, 2011 #10 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Have you ever cruised Costa? This was on one of their new ships in the Caribbean. I had no fault with Costa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted February 12, 2011 #11 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I am a very frequent Seabourn sailor and love the line. However, I also love Oceania and have two cruises booked for the next few months, one on the Marina at the end of March to which I am very much looking forward. However, personally, I would not sail on O in anything less than a PH because I like the space. That brings the cost of an O cruise very close to Seabourn, especially after you factor in tips and alcohol. I do not think you will be disappointed on O even after sailing on luxury lines. The on;y think I miss on O is the leack of anything to sign....ever. It is a great advantage imo of a luxury line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmgmd50 Posted February 12, 2011 Author #12 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Are tips included in the fare on Oceania? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted February 12, 2011 #13 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Are tips included in the fare on Oceania? Many TAs will include them. Normally they are not included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 12, 2011 #14 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Are tips included in the fare on Oceania? Shop around some TA's include them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceans&Rivers Posted February 24, 2011 #15 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Are tips included in the fare on Oceania? It depends. Pre-paid gratuities are often included on Oceania cruises and always included by some TA's. Some TA's on some cruises also offer OBC in addition to the pre-paid gratuities and may also offer other benefits to their clients. If you book through an educational alumni group, you will not get pre-paid gratuities. Those groups usually offer their own amenities (typically a bottle of wine, welcome aboard cocktail party, escort onboard). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spindrift Posted February 24, 2011 #16 Share Posted February 24, 2011 We've been on Silver Seas several times, and truly enjoy them; however, O is one of our favorites because of the informality, i.e., country club casual. With suitcase restrictions these days, it is much easier to pack for a cruise on O (not to mention the fabulous staff). Yes, the rooms are smaller than on SS & Seabourne. We used to do PH on O, but we really found we didn't need the extra room, thus our move to the Concierge level. The Marina rooms are so much better. We were on the Maiden Voyage in a Concierge, and were extremely pleased. We have been on O 10 times and, of course, look forward to future cruises with them. Actually, I think the food on O is superior. I will say that we are anxious to try Regent as our neighbor is on them several times a year and is sold and not willing to change to another line anymore. She likes the staff, the room, the food--everything. I think Regent (even tho owned by the same company as O) offers better air options than O, which I hope will be comparable to R some day. Princess, the smaller ships, are wonderful. We have 16 on them, and I have found their loyalty benefits the best in the industry, which is very enticing to us. We will continue with Princess as the food has been very good and the staff wonderful. Take advantage of what each line has to offer, and you will find your niche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findacruise Posted February 24, 2011 #17 Share Posted February 24, 2011 If you book through an educational alumni group, you will not get pre-paid gratuities. Those groups usually offer their own amenities (typically a bottle of wine, welcome aboard cocktail party, escort onboard). Not always true - we went with an alumni group last year on Insignia to South America. In fact, it was the only way we could get a reservation as the ship was otherwise sold out. We got the amenities mentioned plus pre-paid gratuties and free air with no add-on even though we are usually and add-on airport for O. As with most things, it just depends on the particular offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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