Oceana vs Holland America?

[SeaWatch]

I am considering Oceana for our Summer Mediterranean cruise: for those who have sailed both, how do they compare? Thanks

[Baby Hughy]

There is no comparison. Oceania is by far way above the level of Holland America in all aspects.

Bill

[Marebear]

I've sailed both lines (Princendam and Westerdam) and the small ships of Oceania and I really can't compare them because it's like comparing apples to oranges. Smoking is the biggest reason followed close by by size etc.

 

In my case, I much prefer the staff, other guests, the size of the ships, and the terrific dining options on Oceania.

 

Our experience on the Princendam with the set dining times and table partners led us to eat all of our dinners in the Pinnacle.

 

We experienced many unpleasant memories of crowding, pushing and shoving on the Westerdam because of its size.

 

We had the big cabin on the Westerdam next to the top cabin (I can't remember the name of it), a two room cabin on the Prinsendam -- both of which entitled us to use the Neptune Lounge. On the Oceania ships we have had PH cabins or an Owners suite once.

[PRWeezer]

I've sailed both lines (Princendam and Westerdam) and the small ships of Oceania and I really can't compare them because it's like comparing apples to oranges.

 

We took our first-ever cruise (on any line) with Oceania last Fall and are booked on HAL/Westerdam next month. So while I can't help the OP in terms of feedback, I did like your comment here Marebear. That's the approach we're taking, that they are two different animals. MrWeezer & I have promised each other we'll minimize the "this isn't Oceania" comments. ;)

 

We had a PH on Nautica and have booked a 'deluxe verandah suite' on Westerdam that's on the aft, port side & has a wrap-around balcony, which we're looking forward to enjoying.

[Darrell6t]

I have sailed on both and they are quite different in many respects. One of the things I like about HAL is the friendliness of the crew. Service on both lines is pretty good, with dining room service on Oceania being more attentive, but also more distant and formal. The cabin stewards on HAL are wonderful, while on Oceania it wasn't the same, but still good. I think that having staff that is only from one country like HAL employs, makes for a different atmosphere that I enjoy.

[capecodder2]

We have cruised both (HAL before Oceania came into business) and the smoking all over the ship was disgusting on HAL. You couldn't even get away from it in your own cabin.

It is Oceania for me, no contest.

[JimandStan]

We took our first-ever cruise (on any line) with Oceania last Fall and are booked on HAL/Westerdam next month. So while I can't help the OP in terms of feedback, I did like your comment here Marebear. That's the approach we're taking, that they are two different animals. MrWeezer & I have promised each other we'll minimize the "this isn't Oceania" comments. ;)

 

We had a PH on Nautica and have booked a 'deluxe verandah suite' on Westerdam that's on the aft, port side & has a wrap-around balcony, which we're looking forward to enjoying.

 

We were in 5191 on the maiden voyage. The veranda was truley spectacular, but we really needed our running shoes to get up to the Neptune! That's where you really miss an Oceania Butler, I don't think that I ever got a single hot canapé outside of the Ocean Bar.

Hal did a nice job with those aft suites, and we got to use ours before anyone could smoke in it!

 

I hope that you enjoy your cruise!

[esther e]

We also have sailed on both lines. And as someone said, it's apples and oranges. However, I have never seen shoving or pushing, etc.

 

Both lines are wonderful in our estimation. There is a tremendous difference in price and many times that has been our determining factor. We have always had a superior suite on HAL and it is huge. The bathroom is great -- two sinks and a separate shower stall, as well as a tub. The bedding on HAL is the best in the industry; although I have heard O has very comfortable beds now. I am a former smoker (the worst kind) and have never had an issue on HAL with smoke or the smell.

 

Food is subjective, but O has a reputation for excellence.

 

We personally would never have a problem sailing either line. And we are definitely not cheerleaders for any specific line. The ONLY drawback I have at the present time is the size of HAL. My husband is having mobility issues and even a mid-ship suite makes for a lot of walking for him.

[PRWeezer]

We were in 5191 on the maiden voyage. The veranda was truley spectacular, but we really needed our running shoes to get up to the Neptune! That's where you really miss an Oceania Butler, I don't think that I ever got a single hot canapé outside of the Ocean Bar.

Hal did a nice job with those aft suites, and we got to use ours before anyone could smoke in it!

 

I hope that you enjoy your cruise!

 

We'll be in 4180, port side, and thanks for posting your pictures, I can't get enough of them! And I actually need to give you credit for us making that choice! ;) I've seen your posts about the extended balcony cabins on Marina & when we saw this one was available on HAL we jumped all over it. Looks like the suite itself is slightly smaller, but small consolation for what we have now nicknamed Babs, our big-a$$-balcony. :D

 

I think they have adjusted their smoking policy where you can't smoke in your cabin any more, which just pushes people out to their balconies, but we hope it won't be too bad. May bring along a battery-operated fan just in case. We're driving to the port this time around, which is justifying a more liberal packing job than if we were flying.

[SeaWatch]

Thanks for the great comments. Non Smoking could be a deal clincher.

[LHT28]

Thanks for the great comments. Non Smoking could be a deal clincher.

 

You should check the smoking policies of both before you decide if you are a smoker

 

Most Oceania cruisers appreciate the limited smoking areas on the ships

[RandB_Toronto]

There is no comparison. Oceania is by far way above the level of Holland America in all aspects.

Bill

 

Well, I would have to disagree on just one aspect -- entertainment. HAL's entertainment may not be great, but O's is worse. (Not that we care -- that is not why we go on a cruise.)

 

We've been on both and enjoyed both. O's food is definitely better though (and we're not gourmets by any stretch of the imagination!) Also, HAL has "formal nights" which we really do hate!

[bbwex]

While HAL likes to say it is a "premium" line, it is not in the same class as Oceania, which is sometimes now referred to as high or ultra premium.

 

We had a suite on HAL so I cannot compare their service in a regular cabin, but the service was good, the cabin stewards very friendly and attentive. That being said, in our experience, the cabin stewards on Oceania (in a B cabin) were better -- every bit a friendly, but even more attentive, and took better care. While HAL is not bad, per se, we found the staff friendliness, helpfulness, and attitude across the board to be much better on Oceania.

 

The food does not compare between the two lines. HAL's MDR food was ordinary at best, and the specialty restaurants were no better and sometimes worse than the MDR. Oceania's food is far better. The O MDR, while not fantastic, is very good, and the specialty restaurants are indeed exceptional dining experiences. And then there is the daily high tea at Horizons, and the great sandwiches during the day at Waves!

 

The smoking is limited on Oceania, but is also now limited on HAL. We are non-smokers, but were never bothered anywhere on HAL except near or walking through the casino.

 

Entertainment is one area where HAL wins hands down. Oceania's entertainment is limited. On the R ships, it's more cabaret-style entertainment, while HAL has production shows and an appropriate stage facility. I know Oceania has better facilities on the Marina class ship(s), but from what I have heard, it is not at the level of what HAL provides.

[doowopbob]

We have cruised 3 times on HAL, the last time in one of their Deluxe suites. We always enjoyed the service and the food on HAL. This last Nov we sailed on Oceana for the first time, on Marina. We both feel that the service and food on Marina is even better than that on HAL. We were in a Penthouse which while not as large as the Deluxe on the Westerdam was very comfortable. The free specialty restaurants, no formal nights and most of all, the smoking policy bring us back to Oceana (just finished booking the Regatta in Nov). I really got tired of having to hold my breath going through the casino to get to the showroom on the Westerdam. Smoke was everywhere, and having a wonderful deck means nothing if the people on either side of you are puffing away.

[camlachie]

Just had to weigh in ! WE have travelled on both lines but in recent years Oceania has been our line of choice.Our most recent cruise on HAL ,Dover to New York via Iceland and Greenland in Aug.2011, was chosen mainly for the itinerary and was very enjoyable.That being said,we were most disappointed in the quality of food offered and the pervasive smell of smoke in our hallway and casino.Our ship,the Eurodam,seemed very congested in the buffet area and crowded in most public areas.On the other hand, our recent cruise on Oceania Marina was most pleasurable ,with outstanding food ,a strict smoking policy and easy flow of accessability throughout the ship. The speciality restaurants,the superb service,the interesting and diverse fellow passengers made for a most memorable voyage this past November.All in all,I find Oceania to be a considerably more enjoyable.

[digby]

HAL has those awful formal nights, Oceania does not!

[BillPizzaiolo]

We've cruised both a number of times. It was two different experiences, both positive and enjoyable. However we prefer Oceania ships over HAL. Our fellow passengers on Oceania seemed to be nicer traveling companions.

[jjeffjb]

As has been mentioned, the price difference in the 2 lines is significant and that's why there is a difference in food and other amenities. We've cruised both lines several times. If you eat at HAL's specialty restaurants every night on a 7 day cruise you feel like you're on an upscale cruise line, at least for dinner. We just got off Westerdam and had dinner at Pinnacle Grill 5 times, once at Le Cirque and once on shore. The menu has enough variety to make this work. They will also bring you anything from the main dining room menu as well. We're 4 star on HAL which means the restaurants are half price. But even at full price, $25 per person, it's worth the money for the experience.

[winegirl]

We have also cruised on Oceania (Insignia, 700 passengers) and Holland America (Westerdam, 2,000 passengers on our cruise.) Due to the numbers of passengers on the Westerdam, it seemed very "busy," everywhere you went. The staff ratio is not as high as on Oceania, so they were not able to give "personal" attention. Staff seemed rushed everywhere you went. The Lido casual restaurant was very busy feeling, and I felt like a head of cattle being moved on down the line. The last day on board, there was no food left for breakfast so we were disembarked with a bad impression. Too many people on board, the ship's size meant it kind of overwhelmed some of the small ports visited as well.

 

The Westerdam S class veranda suite was larger than the Concierge Veranda on the Oceania Insignia. So points to Holland for spaciousness at about the same price point.

 

The food on Oceania was some of the best we've had on any ship. That alone was enough for me to return to Oceania. Specialty restaurants were good on both, a bit more creative on Oceania in my opinion, and there is no extra cost to use them. Westerdam main dining room food was reasonably good, competent. I don't recall any individual meal as being inspired. The Lido casual restaurant was cafeteria style, not my favorite and the food was average, ok but not memorable. Good for families with kids. On the Westerdam, I recall having a "seating" time and a set table of other guests to which you were assigned. There were "formal nights" as well. Our table happened to have another couple from our home state and a very nice younger couple from CA, which made our younger daughter happy. A good table of companionable people. But if they had not been, we'd have dreaded meals.

 

Holland had more "activities," a larger casino, full scale evening "shows." If planned activities are important to you, Holland has more to offer.

 

We cruise for the port experiences and excursions. Dining is secondary but important, with cabins, shows, pools, spas and other ship amenities last in importance. Oceania Insignia had a more intimate feel to us, and the ship passengers were more upscale clientele as well. While the Insignia felt like a "large" ship to us, the Westerdam felt gigantic, and we did not care for that lost in the crowd feeling.