crystal symphony vs. mariner - quick ?'s

[heidik]

Hi - newbie here........I have searched and read the "comparison threads" and have not found answers to my questions below. I am trying to make my decision and have not cruised on crystal either...

 

I am considering a 24 day Mariner b2b - the first leg a wonderful TA. How is the library on Mariner? I saw the photo and got a really good feeling about it - is there a librarian or is it a "free for all" like Princess :mad: Also, I prefer traditional, "nautical classic" decor - which line would you recommend for that type of environment?

 

Thank you!

[LHT28]

The library is open for all

 

I have never entertained the thought of sailing Crystal so...

 

some questions to ask yourself which may help with your decisions

Do you prefer formal nights?

Set dining?

very limited smoking policy?

[wripro]

Since you only say Mariner without a qualifying cruise line, are you referring to the Regent Mariner or Oceania Marina? Since this is the Oceania board I am assuming you mean the latter. But comparisons will differ between the two lines and Crystal.

[heidik]

thank you - is the library open 24/7?

[heidik]

Yikes - where did I get "Mariner" from? :eek: Too much information overload....

 

I, of course, am inquiring about the Marina :o

[LHT28]

thank you - is the library open 24/7?

yes

[JimandStan]

Hi - newbie here........I have searched and read the "comparison threads" and have not found answers to my questions below. I am trying to make my decision and have not cruised on crystal either...

 

I am considering a 24 day Mariner b2b - the first leg a wonderful TA. How is the library on Mariner? I saw the photo and got a really good feeling about it - is there a librarian or is it a "free for all" like Princess :mad: Also, I prefer traditional, "nautical classic" decor - which line would you recommend for that type of environment?

 

Thank you!

 

To begin with, because you posted this here, I'm answering these questions as if you are referring to the Oceania Cruise Line ship MARINA

 

Sorry, You won't find a librarian on the Marina.

 

Decorwise, I always say that Crystal ships look like the Asian idea of what a California millionaire will like.... and I find it a snooze

 

 

Oceania varies from traditional to very contemporary, but they never bore us

[nancygp]

Decorwise, I always say that Crystal ships look like the Asian idea of what a California millionaire will like.... and I find it a snooze

 

 

 

FYI, this picture isn't current, quite old actually and the Lido cafe on the Symphony looks nothing like this today.

 

Here's a current photo:

http://www.crystalcruises.com/files/gallery/webres/CS_Refurb_LidoCafe_TableView_72dpi.jpg

 

Nancy

[JimandStan]

FYI, this picture isn't current, quite old actually and the Lido cafe on the Symphony looks nothing like this today.

 

Here's a current photo:

http://www.crystalcruises.com/files/gallery/webres/CS_Refurb_LidoCafe_TableView_72dpi.jpg

 

Nancy

 

FYI, I was being charitable, that new version is worse! :p

 

Either that rug goes, or I do! :D

Of course, it IS a step up from the "Golden Girls Lilac" version.........how did they EVER Keep that clean?

[Andromeda93]

For us, the very-restrictive smoking policy and no-children's-facilities attributes of Oceania sealed the deal in the favor of Marina.

 

The idea that we could end up setting sail in a cabin that had just been occupied for weeks by a chain smoker is enough to turn us off of Crystal, Silversea and Seabourn, at least until they change their policies.

 

Having fewer families w/ kids aboard (I saw no kids on our Oct-Nov cruise) also made the deck and dining areas relatively tranquil (aside from occasional snoring near the pool :) ).

 

We also found the open dining and relaxed dress code of O very much to our liking. Packing for a month in Europe (we did pre- and post-cruise land travel on our own) is challenging enough, without formalwear complications. But that's just us.

[goldengatecruisers]

I am curious as to the smoking policy on board Oceania ships. As a non-smoking Crystal passenger I have always had a hard time with the smoking areas in their bars and knowing a previous guest has been smoking in my stateroom is not a great feeling either. But for me, the cruise line is almost faultless so I deal with it and will continue to do so. On Oceania, are passengers permitted to smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies? Does the ship have a restrictive policy toward smoking on board?

JimandStan I had to have a chuckle on your comments. I like your sense of humor although as Nancy points out the new Lido on Symphony is a far cry from the teal and lilac days. Whoever picked out that fabric and thought it was a good idea needs a good talking to! :) However, I must say the recent renovations on both Symphony and Serenity are quite outstanding. I just returned yesterday from a month on board Serenity and the decor is a step in the right direction. But I will agree with you in that the decor on Marina and Riviera will no doubt lead the industry. I am really excited about my first Oceania experience in a few months on Riviera.

To the original poster, Heidi - just to let you know if you are not a fan of formal nights on board Crystal you are welcome to dine in the Tastes restaurant which, although not open every night, can provide a wonderful 'casual' alternative to the formal main dining room. The main dining room also has an open seating option if the classic early or late seating does not meet your needs. You have to opt for this seating choice prior to sailing and you simply show up between 6-9pm and get seated in a designated area reserved for open seating guests. As for the smoking, its true passengers can smoke in their staterooms although not on the balconies. Some do, of course, and thats hard for the ship to monitor so occasionally you will get a wiff of smoke if someone is breaking the rules. Nearly all of the public areas have smoking sections including around the pool which can be bothersome.

I think we should try many cruise products hence my upcoming Oceania voyage. Regardless of your choice I think either cruise line would provide a wonderful travel experience.

 

Ashley

[JimandStan]

On Oceania, are passengers permitted to smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies?

In a word, NO. :D Not in ANY stateroom or on ANY veranda.

Does the ship have a restrictive policy toward smoking on board?

Yes, one small indoor and one small outdoor smoking section, and that is it.

 

It is amazing how many people we talk to (some of them former smokers) who name this as a prime reason for staying loyal to Oceania.

[LHT28]

On Oceania, are passengers permitted to smoke in their staterooms or on their balconies? Does the ship have a restrictive policy toward smoking on board?

 

 

Ashley

This should help answer your questions

Q: Can I smoke onboard?

 

A: For the safety and security of all guests and staff onboard, Designated Smoking Areas are available on Deck 9, the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck, and Deck 10, in the aft, port corner of Horizons. These areas are comfortably furnished and conveniently located near food and beverage areas. Smoking is expressly forbidden in all Staterooms and Suites, on verandas, or in any areas of the ship other than officially Designated Smoking Areas. Smoking in a stateroom or suite represents a serious fire and safety hazard to all guests and staff. Guests chosing to disregard this policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be subject to additional fees that will be imposed to cover the costs associated with any damage to and the required cleaning of furnishings, verandas and surrounding deck or accomodation areas. All areas other than those specified as Designated Smoking Areas will remain smoke-free. This includes all guest suites and staterooms,verandas, restaurants, public areas, the Casino and all other areas of the ship. Cigar and Pipe smoking is only permitted on the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck.

 

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/guestservices/faq.aspx?Cat=All

[skandls]

It took a minute - but I could not see why someone would want to compare the Crystal Symphony to the RCI Mariner OTS. Then I remembered I was on the Oceania boards and they meant the Marina. Those senior moments .....