Family Travel Story Posted May 31, 2011 #1 Share Posted May 31, 2011 My wife and I are very experienced cruisers with just about 16 or so cruises under our belt over the past 7 years. However, our cruising has been mostly on the larger mass passenger lines, like Carnival, NCL, Disney, and Celebrity. With that said we are planning a big trip for my 35th birthday and saw the unbelievable deals that are being offered on the Oceania's Sapphire Seas 12 night Western Caribbean. Will we feel out of place on this ship, or are there many other cruisers in their mid 30's?. Also, does this line offer many shows at night and other things to do after dark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spindrift Posted May 31, 2011 #2 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Oceania doesn't have "Sapphire of the Seas." Could you mean Royal Caribbean? I would say that the average age of "O" cruisers is 60. We are in our 70's and have over 50 cruises under our belts. We love the "O" travelers as they have so much experience and have no pretenses. What a delight to visit with the various passengers. Be sure and check the line you will be on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted May 31, 2011 #3 Share Posted May 31, 2011 On our very recent Oceania cruises, with exception of two twenty somethings with their grandparents, you would probably have been among the youngest. My guess would be that the average age was well north of 60 with Alaska having a slightly younger crowd which was mostly made up of non-Oceania repeaters. If your not looking for big production shows and other entertainment but for all the wonderful things Oceania does have to offer, we older folk will make you feel welcome.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted May 31, 2011 #4 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Oceania doesn't have "Sapphire of the Seas." Could you mean Royal Caribbean? I they mean the name of the Cruise is Sapphire seas http://www.oceaniacruises.com/findcruise/caribbean/mna111210/default.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunding Posted May 31, 2011 #5 Share Posted May 31, 2011 My wife and I are very experienced cruisers with just about 16 or so cruises under our belt over the past 7 years. However, our cruising has been mostly on the larger mass passenger lines, like Carnival, NCL, Disney, and Celebrity. With that said we are planning a big trip for my 35th birthday and saw the unbelievable deals that are being offered on the Oceania's Sapphire Seas 12 night Western Caribbean. Will we feel out of place on this ship, or are there many other cruisers in their mid 30's?. Also, does this line offer many shows at night and other things to do after dark? To be completely honest here, I think you would not be very happy campers on an Oceania cruise. "O" is -- mostly, and blessedly (IMO) -- down-to-earth people who have...um...been around most blocks several times, but who are of a -- cough -- certain age, and are more, perhaps, retrospective in their outlooks than the prospective, active seekers that you are, or at least seem to be, from your post. I think you would have more fun on another line and on other ships. But I would love to meet you and buy you a drink! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted May 31, 2011 #6 Share Posted May 31, 2011 We have seen all ages on Oceania but if you are looking for nightlife this is not the cruise line for you Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurelhollow Posted May 31, 2011 #7 Share Posted May 31, 2011 We have seen all ages on Oceania but if you are looking for nightlife this is not the cruise line for you Lyn I'll second that opinion. The cruises are usually very port intensive and most of the pax just come back to the ship, have a lovely dinner and go to bed. Nightlife is, basically, non-existent. Mostly what they have are cabaret acts, instrumentalists and small, intimate performances. However, they do have a disco with a nice dance floor from around 10PM but I'm not sure how many cruisers show up there. You might find some of the crew. You have to remember that most of the ships are small (680 pax). You won't get the frenzy that you would get on a ship holding 2500-4000 pax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bw333 Posted May 31, 2011 #8 Share Posted May 31, 2011 :o My husband and I enjoy the variety of cruisers on Oceania, not to mention the sevice and food! We always find a variety of people that are close to our age, and some who are older, who have similar interest as ours and keep the same time schedule. After dinner, there is some form of entertainment, and later- the late crowd tends to go to the Casino. The Casino is smoke free as is most of the ship. I believe Oceania cruisers are better educated in nutrition and healthy lifestle habits, which in turn makes everyone act and look a lot younger for their age. Give Oceania a try, I am sure you will find some cruisers who share your interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aZ4me Posted May 31, 2011 #9 Share Posted May 31, 2011 When we were on Marina in April (Pearls of the Riviera), Frank del Rio mentioned that the average age on that particular cruise was 60.1 years and that the average age on O is 67 years. *He did note that those under the age of 18 are not factored in, as they would skew the average. Everyone we met was extremely friendly, and we enjoyed the company of some 20-somethings in La Reserve, who said they had had a wonderful time on the cruise. You'll probably enjoy the attitude on board and meet some wonderful new friends. We did. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be disappointed with the overall Oceania experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoHoHo Posted May 31, 2011 #10 Share Posted May 31, 2011 ... We are in our 70's and ... WHAT?!?!? I don't believe that. C'mon, the poster was looking for an honest response! To the OP, yes, the average age is well over 40. There are a few young'ns though. The average pax is great company and that is one of the exceptional pleasures of sailing on O - meeting so many wonderful people. There is a mix of ages, mostly older, travelled and relaxed (Trivia can be an exception.) I agree with the posts though about activity and entertainment. The activity is subdued (no climbing wall; the Library is a focal point). Entertainment is cabaret style. We have shut down the bar in Horizons on a few occasions after Karoke. Not hard to do. There are only a few of us there late at night but would enjoy to have you along. Fun is where you find it. <snip>Also, does this line offer many shows at night and other things to do after dark? DW says no. I believe this is in reference to shipboard actitivy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbeansun Posted May 31, 2011 #11 Share Posted May 31, 2011 We've determined that O is not our preferred line for the Caribbean. Age demographic aside their lack of entertainment and other on board activities is painfully obvious in the less active Caribbean. Now as far as Europe goes their itineraries are among the best and on board activities aren't an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillPizzaiolo Posted May 31, 2011 #12 Share Posted May 31, 2011 It is certain that you would be "outliers" in statistical terms as far as age demographics. There would be a few folks of you age or want to be your age on board. You would be a welcome balance to the population. Our experience in past O cruises included many nights at happy hour and dancing in Horizons as well as hanging out with the barista. The culinary classes are top notch. Their classroom kitchen is a multi-million dollar room that any chef/teacher would die to have. The European port intensive cruises and Miami to San Francisco are our favorite so far. GO FOR IT! We need you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marebear Posted May 31, 2011 #13 Share Posted May 31, 2011 It is certain that you would be "outliers" in statistical terms as far as age demographics. There would be a few folks of you age or want to be your age on board. You would be a welcome balance to the population. Our experience in past O cruises included many nights at happy hour and dancing in Horizons as well as hanging out with the barista. The culinary classes are top notch. Their classroom kitchen is a multi-million dollar room that any chef/teacher would die to have. The European port intensive cruises and Miami to San Francisco are our favorite so far. GO FOR IT! We need you. This post specifically refers to the Marina and, next year, the Riviera. The smaller ships do not have a barista or offer culinary classes in the culinary center. Instead, they have 1 or 2 cooking demonstrations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisedreamer1 Posted May 31, 2011 #14 Share Posted May 31, 2011 On our 24 day Amazon Cruse, the age range was best described by a 70+ woman who texted her daughter saying, my, god, the passengers are like Grandma's people in the nursing home(her mother is 92). Yes, there are plenty of walkers and slow movers but their minds were sharp and very interesting people to chat with at dinner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted May 31, 2011 #15 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I doubt my two cents are worth anything but I'll toss them into the pot anyway. Yes, the average age is way over your age range, although I would guess the average age is lower on a Caribbean cruise -- but maybe not. On our Norway cruise last year I saw many more walkers and wheelchairs (and of course canes) than I've ever seen on an Oceania cruise. A fellow passenger suspected that it was these people (by and large) had been everywhere else. I wouldn't have thought this would be a cruise for people who weren't as mobile as they had once been, but they all seemed to enjoy it. On our first Renaissance cruise (back in 1999) my husband guesstimated that the average age was 70. We had dinner one night with a young couple (in their late 30s) and I asked them how they felt about the age range since they were the ONLY people under 50 on that cruise. They were having a great time. (This was Lisbon-Barcelona for what it is worth.) They had been taken aback as they were boarding when they saw four wheelchairs being lifted aboard, however. As has been said, if you want night life, Oceania probably isn't for you. If there is one regular complaint about Oceania, this is it. On the other hand, if you like good food ... Have a happy cruise whatever you decide to do. Mura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted May 31, 2011 #16 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I doubt my two cents are worth anything but I'll toss them into the pot anyway. On our first Renaissance cruise (back in 1999) my husband guesstimated that the average age was 70. We had dinner one night with a young couple (in their late 30s) and I asked them how they felt about the age range since they were the ONLY people under 50 on that cruise. They were having a great time. (This was Lisbon-Barcelona for what it is worth.) They had been taken aback as they were boarding when they saw four wheelchairs being lifted aboard, however. Mura Mura, Interesting, that was our first Ren. cruise also and it was a wonderful 2 weeks. We found that on our Panama Canal in April/May the number of wheelchairs and walkers was very small but in San Francisco when the Alaska passengers boarded we were shocked at the large number. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrammieK Posted May 31, 2011 #17 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Funny you should mention it, but that was our first Ren cruise (1999), also ( but ours was Barcelona to Lisbon.) What a blast. I would have to say that the average age was much older then....oh wait, maybe because I am 12 years older now it only seems that way. Back then, it seemed to us that almost everyone was older by a lot of years! We are catching up fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbeansun Posted May 31, 2011 #18 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Actually, we observed the exact opposite. We've found the age of O passengers on European itineraries to be younger in general than those in the Caribbean (do keep in mind this is just our experience and a very tiny sample size so drawing broad conclusions may be inappropriate). There were dramatically more mobility challenged people on the Caribbean cruise. We joked that it seemed as though they'd emptied out the nursing homes for that particular outing. In fact, one passenger didn't make it back to Miami having suffered a life ended heart attack while on board and they had to air lift the body back to the US from somewhere off the coast of Cuba :eek:. Yes, the average age is way over your age range, although I would guess the average age is lower on a Caribbean cruise -- but maybe not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted May 31, 2011 #19 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Caribbeansun, it has always seemed to me (my perception only) that the European itineraries would require a more "active" passenger than the Caribbean. And that seemed to be true on the two whole Caribbean itineraries we have done. But just because it's true for one cruise doesn't mean it's going to be true for all of them! Very sad about the fatality on your cruise. We've been on cruises once or twice where someone had to be airlifted off the ship (one was a crew member), but as far as I know they survived ... I don't suppose we should be surprised if someone has a serious health crisis on board, given the general demographics of passengers. __________ Oops! I misspoke myself when saying earlier that I thought the age range was younger on Caribbean cruises. I meant just the opposite! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanny18 Posted May 31, 2011 #20 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Funny you should mention it, but that was our first Ren cruise (1999), also ( but ours was Barcelona to Lisbon.) What a blast. I would have to say that the average age was much older then....oh wait, maybe because I am 12 years older now it only seems that way. Back then, it seemed to us that almost everyone was older by a lot of years! We are catching up fast. Same here...it was our first one also -- Sept/Oct. 1999-- celebrated my birthday -- and I was in my 50's then!!! We all get older, but not many of us get 'old'....we met people on our last cruise in April who were in their early 40's and we had a wonderful time. I don't think the number counts...it's the attitude and the desire to travel that separates us. Arlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted May 31, 2011 #21 Share Posted May 31, 2011 We all get older, but not many of us get 'old'....we met people on our last cruise in April who were in their early 40's and we had a wonderful time. I don't think the number counts...it's the attitude and the desire to travel that separates us. Arlene I agree age is just a number We met a wonderful couple on one of our cruise they were in their late 80's they had more energy than we did at 60 I hope when I have to use a scooter or wheelchair people will not be avoiding me just because I am old & mobility challenged :D Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbeansun Posted May 31, 2011 #22 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I've met some very "old" people in their 40's and some very "young" people in their 80's. Same here...it was our first one also -- Sept/Oct. 1999-- celebrated my birthday -- and I was in my 50's then!!! We all get older, but not many of us get 'old'....we met people on our last cruise in April who were in their early 40's and we had a wonderful time. I don't think the number counts...it's the attitude and the desire to travel that separates us. Arlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKS Posted May 31, 2011 #23 Share Posted May 31, 2011 You don't mention if you have children, but at 35 you may still have children at home. Be aware O has NO facilities or activities for children or teens onboard. They are welcome, but you need to understand there are not the facilities for children as on the large ships you mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Family Travel Story Posted May 31, 2011 Author #24 Share Posted May 31, 2011 I want to thank eveyone for thier input. It sounds as if the Oceania is a very laid back line that pampers guests, but does not provide the big shows. This is actaully a great thing for me, as I tend to like to go to a small show at night after dinner and then go to bed, so I can get up early for the following day's ports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nparmelee Posted May 31, 2011 #25 Share Posted May 31, 2011 LOL! When we were disembarking our last O cruise, the Cruise Director commented that the "youngsters" were disembarking, I was 44 and hubby was 57 at the time, but in fairness to the CD, we both look considerably younger than that. It just depends, we have never been the youngest on our cruises and no where near the eldest. We have met some great people of every age and have always found something to sit and discuss with those around us. Some of our best friends are in their 20s and others are in their 80s. If you need to be entertained, then O is probably not a good choice. If you like to make your own entertainment, it can be a great choice. We usually look at ports first and make a decision based on that first and cruise line second, but our last 2 cruises were with O and DH wants the next one to be with O as well if we can find the right cruise with the right schedule that fits our timetable. We'd have a tough time going back to larger ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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