OzAbroad Posted October 17, 2012 #26 Share Posted October 17, 2012 As someone who has travelled with Oceania with children on a number of occasions I think you might be getting a blinkered view of life on board. No Oceania cruise we have been on was unwelcoming of children, and when a few children are on board the staff have organised low key events for them. I dont subscribe to the modern view that children require Disneyesque entertainment 24/7 to be happy and engaged. I think this is something of a US view probably driven by the summer holiday cruise in the Caribbean market. If your kids do like that then Oceania is not for them. However on all our cruises there have been a small number of well behaved children and teens well supervised by parents, none of whom have made a nuisance of themselves, or been so morose that they have wandered around the ship looking like inmates in a prison camp. They have behaved in a civilised fashion and interacted with adults, staff and each other politely and amicably. I have been on non Oceania cruises and experienced something a little different in terms of child and young adult behaviour but the Oceania demographic seems to make that a rare event. Dont be put off, I think families travelling together and experiencing new places together is a wonderful thing, and Oceania is a civilised and elegant way to do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candbgirl Posted October 17, 2012 #27 Share Posted October 17, 2012 We have really only cruised with Disney because it was the first cruise line we we ever tried. It was my mother-in-law's idea and the kids really loved it. Like I said, they're not in the kids clubs, rather doing character animation classes, swimming, watching movies, mini-golf, ping-pong,etc. They also really get a kick out of the family game shows and they wouldn't think about missing the shows DCL has every night. I do understand your thought that they might be bored..however, I really think that on this trip we will be off the ship for most of the time. They are very adventurous; they really do want to visit the ports rather than just stay onboard. We have visited foreign countries before and, as a parent, I can really tell they took a lot out of their trips. (We were in Germany very recently and they did not want to leave!) I realize we might miss (out on) the Disney traditions...such as the deck parties and developing such good friendships with our waiters, but I think maybe this trip will be more of a "cultural" journey than a laid-back escape to the Bahamas. If these are the activities your children like to do when onboard a cruise they will be totally bored on Oceania. There is no character animation class, the pool is small, movies would have to be in your cabin(although there was a movie shown one night.) I don't remember any family games shows and the evening shows cannot even be compared to anything Disney does. I enjoyed the shows but I am in my 60s. There are ping pong tables that get pretty heavy use. And I do think they have mini golf someplace/ Are your children used to long and leisurely dinners? That is one of my favorite things about Oceania. Have you thought about checking out Celebrity? We did the Baltics on celebrity a few year back and it was amazing. Their ships are so much larger (but not overwhelming)and really offer so much more for active kids. It might be a great fit for your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joysav Posted October 17, 2012 #28 Share Posted October 17, 2012 The kids are not like most we see on the Disney ships. I don't think any of them even set foot in the kids clubs on our most recent cruise. I am slightly confused how they were able to achieve this on Disneys Cruises . From 2 recent Doco's they were claiming that the Kids and Adults are virtually segregated , whilst on board the ship for leisure activities. :confused: . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rprbp24 Posted October 17, 2012 #29 Share Posted October 17, 2012 My husband and I are taking our first O cruise in February. We thought long and hard, as we are in our early 50's and thought that we might be bored. We are not book worrms, we enjoy late night music, we are not big drinkers or partiers. We have 3 boys 16, 19 and 22. We would never tk them on an O cruise. We have always done Carnival, NCL and RCCL in the past. They like the scavenger hunts , big pool slides etc. Let's put it this way, my family and I are more Magic Kindom people then Epcot People. If your family is more Epoct related and likes educational things, then this cruise should work for you!! Good Luck!! If you do take them , I would love top hear how it all turns out! Enjoy! Pam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kissing Seahorses Posted October 17, 2012 #30 Share Posted October 17, 2012 I think that it is just too great a change from Disney to Oceania, going from a primarily child centric to adult oriented line could be a very abrupt change. I would rather suggest a "bridge" line such as RCCL or NCL that are more family oriented and have far more activities and entertainment for all ages. Your children are older, but I'm sure they would appreciate an environment that better takes their needs into account. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted October 17, 2012 #31 Share Posted October 17, 2012 A recent survey was conducted on Oceania passengers 95% responded that the reason they took Oceania was so that they would be on a total kid free cruise( for which they paid big buck$ for..) Of Riverias 1250 passengers, that means 1187 people are going to be really hacked off at any kids and even more at anyone who brought them. Oh, There is no mini golf on Riveria, its a golf putting green... nothing like minature golf where adults practice their game and their putt.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letvl Posted October 17, 2012 #32 Share Posted October 17, 2012 I was on Marina for the Aug. 21st sailing of the Baltic Treasures cruise. From what I saw there were a few couples who had infants and I estimate that I saw two young boys about 10 and 14. Other that the 18 hole minature golf, the shuffle board, crochet, the paddle court, and ONE ping-pong table there was very little available for children of the ages you are speaking about. It certainly isn't that Oceania would discourage you from bringing your children it is just that this line is very much geared to the middle aged and older demographic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisewmn Posted October 17, 2012 #33 Share Posted October 17, 2012 mfldclcruiser- I'm an experienced cruiser and mother of a 16 year old son. My DH and I cruised on RCCL for our honeymoon and were hooked. When my son was of an age to start cruising, we chose DCL and loved it -- so much so that we are Platinum level on DCL. As my son aged (and my DH and I along side of him), we branched out and tried other cruise lines. We've tried NCL, Celebrity, and Seabourn. Our first cruise with Oceania is next summer on the Marina. From all of my research, it appears that the clientele on Oceania is similar to that of our Seabourn cruise: significantly older and upscale, preferring a quiet cruise on a beautiful floating hotel with excellent dining. Other guests will not appreciate groups of kids taking over the small pool, roaming the halls in packs, etc. I'm by no means saying your kids would do that, I'm just saying that this kind of behavior would be upsetting to other guests. There is no arcade or area for them to hang out. There may be a few other kids on board, but don't count on it. Dining will be similar in feel to going to DCL's Palo every night (with out the required jacket for men). Free time at night would probably be spent hanging out in the cabin watching TV. If the above sounds like something your kids would enjoy, go for it. My son loves this kind of a cruise. He's quiet, enjoys adult company, reads or uses his iPad during free time, and is a foodie. We've taken three European cruises and find them to be an excellent way to see the sights and spend quality time together as a family. After a full day of touring, we are happy to come back to the ship, eat a nice dinner, and go to bed. If the above puts you off, I'd suggest Celebrity. They have a more adult feel, but also offer kids activities. If you like suites, nothing is better than NCL's Haven. It has a quiet private courtyard, private restaurant, family friendly 2 bedroom suites, and great specialty restaurants (we're platinum on NCL, too). Honestly, the idea of going on another DCL cruise is out of the question for us - we took two cruises on the Dream and couldn't wait to get off. The music, packed decks, fixed rotational dining, and screaming kids were pure torture. If your family liked the Dream, you probably will not like Oceania. It's going to be the polar opposite. Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzAbroad Posted October 17, 2012 #34 Share Posted October 17, 2012 A recent survey was conducted on Oceania passengers 95% responded that the reason they took Oceania was so that they would be on a total kid free cruise( for which they paid big buck$ for..) Of Riverias 1250 passengers, that means 1187 people are going to be really hacked off at any kids and even more at anyone who brought them. Oh, There is no mini golf on Riveria, its a golf putting green... nothing like minature golf where adults practice their game and their putt.. Intrigued about this survey - The only one I have experienced was the cruisecritic thread which could hardly be described as a survey with any statistical strength. Is there another? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepawa Posted October 17, 2012 #35 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Here is one survey with a fairly small sample. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1684776&highlight=survey Cheers, Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzAbroad Posted October 17, 2012 #36 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Here is one survey with a fairly small sample. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1684776&highlight=survey Cheers, Don Thanks Don - that was the one I was referring to which I agree only involved a minute sample of Oceania cruisers and only those that frequented cruise critic when the thread was active. As a statistical sample its has some serious limitations although it certainly has value in indicating the view of cruise critic posters. Roll calls and meet and greets will reveal however that we are a very small proportion of the pax onboard the average cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted October 17, 2012 #37 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Everyone -- adults and kids -- wants to have fun when they vacation. Even on the most port intensive cruises and even with the most "cultured" kids who enjoy sightseeing and history, at the end of the day when the tours are over the ship becomes a floating resort. On Oceania there is something for adults to do -- upscale dining, a game of team trivia, drinks in one of the bars, listening to the pianist or the string quartet, cabaret type show, the casino. There is nothing for kids to do. That's why it is inadvisable to take kids on Oceania. They are entitled to some fun and they really won't find any on O. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted October 18, 2012 #38 Share Posted October 18, 2012 This whole question has been answered by FDR When the head of the cruise line says in a interview with other cruise line CEOs that Oceania is not for kids, what more information would anyone need? He has spoken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted October 18, 2012 #39 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Hopefully those who are contemplating cruising on Oceania with children do not need all of the happy Oceania cruisers to chime in. We choose and like Oceania the way it is with no children. Must we all chime in for the point to be made?:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candbgirl Posted October 18, 2012 #40 Share Posted October 18, 2012 I don't want to get away from kids. I was a teacher/principal for 36 years. I love kids. I have nieces and nephews who I adore and have taken on many cruises and land vacations. They range in age from 24-31 and I would hesitate to take them on an Oceania cruise. There just isn't enough to do and I can't see them retiring at 11pm. As someone said above even kids are entitled to have some fun on a cruise. I love Oceania and have recommended this cruise line to several friends. But I am 99% positive I wouldn't take my "kids" on an Oceania cruise. And isn't it wonderful there are other lines available. I do think the OP has already decided to go with Oceania. I think he was hoping for more positive posts to quiet his questioning mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mura Posted October 18, 2012 #41 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Candbgirl, Your children are old enough to be considered adults (!) and while they might be disappointed with the "night life" on O, that isn't necessarily the case. I've seen 20- and 30-somethings on board and they seemed to be having a great time. True, people in this age range probably would prefer a port intensive cruise to a transatlantic ... But you shouldn't count them out, anymore than the rest of us "older fogies" should assume that pre-teens are always obnoxious. Mura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted October 18, 2012 #42 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Who saved and paid for an adult child free cruise only to to have their experience ruined by some new age "family" eager to do their thing at all costs and prove they can do any darn thing they want. . Lets use the word selfish to describe an intentional disrespect for the vast majority of passengers so demonstrated. Face the reality :rolleyes: that no how well behaved the little darlings are their mere presence totaly up-sets the dynamics of any activity they attend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzAbroad Posted October 18, 2012 #43 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Lets not be rude, and that selfish tag might just run both ways. I suspect the OP has long fled the thread overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and friendliness of the responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candbgirl Posted October 19, 2012 #44 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Candbgirl, Your children are old enough to be considered adults (!) and while they might be disappointed with the "night life" on O, that isn't necessarily the case. I've seen 20- and 30-somethings on board and they seemed to be having a great time. True, people in this age range probably would prefer a port intensive cruise to a transatlantic ... But you shouldn't count them out, anymore than the rest of us "older fogies" should assume that pre-teens are always obnoxious. Mura Thanks Mura. I do consider them adults and they might like an Oceania cruise just fine. But spending all that money just makes me think Celebrity might be better. I am sort of planning/looking for a cruise to celebrate the 24 year old's graduation from Law School and passing the bar. I'd love to take her on Oceania. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted October 19, 2012 #45 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Compare the price. The 7 day Celebrity cruise we looked at turned out to be more expensive than the 14 day Riviera cruise we actually booked. To be exact, it wasn't an even comparison because the 14 day cruise is the second part of a b2b. Still, the comparison our TA did for us was worth it. My 30+ children would love and enjoy an Oceania cruise, especially my daughter-in-law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies4u Posted October 19, 2012 #46 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Compare the price. The 7 day Celebrity cruise we looked at turned out to be more expensive than the 14 day Riviera cruise we actually booked. To be exact, it wasn't an even comparison because the 14 day cruise is the second part of a b2b. Still, the comparison our TA did for us was worth it. My 30+ children would love and enjoy an Oceania cruise, especially my daughter-in-law. You've got 30+ children, wow! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louby-Lou Posted October 19, 2012 #47 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Who saved and paid for an adult child free cruise only to to have their experience ruined by some new age "family" eager to do their thing at all costs and prove they can do any darn thing they want. . Lets use the word selfish to describe an intentional disrespect for the vast majority of passengers so demonstrated. Face the reality :rolleyes: that no how well behaved the little darlings are their mere presence totaly up-sets the dynamics of any activity they attend. Have you been on Oceania?? Oceania is not an 'adult child free cruise' line. If that's what you want I suggest you try P & O which has 'adult only' ships. In the meantime, if people are willing to pay the money - they are free to choose where they go and how :p. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted October 20, 2012 #48 Share Posted October 20, 2012 So I guess nudists who pay for a room are free to parade through the lobby of the Four Seasons in their birthday suits. Some people find loud, screaming kids more offensive than the naked body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marebear Posted October 20, 2012 #49 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Have you been on Oceania?? Oceania is not an 'adult child free cruise' line. If that's what you want I suggest you try P & O which has 'adult only' ships. In the meantime, if people are willing to pay the money - they are free to choose where they go and how :p. Oceania is not designed for children and, as a result, has nothing for children to do. That is exactly why we sail on their ships. If YOU want to sail with children, I would suggest you sail on other lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted October 20, 2012 #50 Share Posted October 20, 2012 Oceania is not designed for children and, as a result, has nothing for children to do. That is exactly why we sail on their ships. If YOU want to sail with children, I would suggest you sail on other lines. We get it. FDR ANNOUNCES it. Yet there are some people who think their kids can and should go anywhere. These people are going to keep posting until we all stand up and say, "Sure, Oceania is great for kids. Bring them along!" There are places to take children and places NOT to take children, especially when doing so interferes with others' enjoyment of an experience (fine dining restaurants come to mind). For some, there is no distinction. It is unfortunate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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