Oceania vs Crystal

[hypercafe]

I was thinking of trying Crystal and was wondering how it might compare to Oceania. I did a search however most of the info is old. I realize it is all inclusive on the ship, I was thinking more about the service and atmosphere on the ship. Thanks for the help.

[Caroldoll]

The service is beyond good. The staff remembers your name and especially on the Lido Deck the wait staff are helpful with trays and anything else you might want.

 

The butlers and housekeepers are perfect.

 

Our last Crystal was last Christmas and we cancelled four other cruises, mostly because of their smoking policy which they have now changed. It isn't all bad..we found Oceania.

 

We love the size of the OS on Oceania. On Crystal all suites are considerably smaller. Check the sizes carefully. If you don't mind small, Crystal is good.

 

Lectures are great and they bring entertainment on at several ports, so entertainment is fresh and good.

 

If you like all inclusive, Crystal has it. Even cavier!

 

They only have two specialty restaurants and of course the Asian one is fabulous since Crystal is owned by NYK.

 

If you have specific questions, I would be glad to help.

[Caroldoll]

The ship is always spotless. Demographics are on the high side, 70 and up. Guests are well traveled and extremely nice. Trivia is not run well, but they have it. We don't like assigned seating, but they have kind of a modified any time if you make a reservation every day.

[JimandStan]

I was thinking of trying Crystal and was wondering how it might compare to Oceania. I did a search however most of the info is old. I realize it is all inclusive on the ship, I was thinking more about the service and atmosphere on the ship. Thanks for the help.

 

We last cruised with Crystal in 2007, and the ships are lovely, if VERY California inspired, and the service was quite good. At that time, the hotel management on the ships was heavily Asian, so the staff were more formal than most Americans are used to. We didn't mind that so much, but packing for Formal Nights was beginning to become tiresome, and people REALLY DRESS on Crystal.

 

Ours was a cruise to Scandinavia, we were amazed at the furs and jewelry.

 

After that cruise, we eliminated Crystal from consideration, mostly because of their almost nonexistent Smoking Policy, and because we TOLD them why we were leaving, they now send us updates every time that they revamp their rules.

 

Even their 2014 regulations are still too lenient for our liking, but here they are:

 

Effective with the first cruises in 2014, indoor smoking is permitted

only in the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge. Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor areas of the ship

including all other public rooms, lounges, corridors and restaurants, as well as all staterooms, suites and

verandahs. Please note, if smoke is detected in a stateroom or suite, a cleaning fee of $250 per incident will be

billed to y our account. Outdoor smoking is allowed in a limited number of designated spaces as follows:

 

Cigarette smoking

• Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
  
• Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity
  
• Seahorse pool area, port side only
  
• Promenade Deck
  

Cigar & Pipe smoking

• Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
  
• Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity
  

[JVNYC]

I have also been looking at Crystal and considering giving them a try but after reading Jim and Stan's post about smoking, that is a deal breaker for me. One of the things that I really like about Crystal is the wrap around Promenade deck...but seeing that you can smoke on it is not pleasant.

 

I'm hoping the new Regent ship has a promenade deck. I really miss those on the Oceania Riviera and Marina.

 

Also, I'm not thrilled with the formal nights and having more kids on board.

 

Guess I'll stick with Oceania! =)

[hypercafe]

Smoking outside doesn't bother me, I just do not want a cabin that stinks like a ashtray, they have addressed that. The formal stuff was a turn off but they have changed it to formal optional. I found a trip on them that is about the same price as O if you factor in the tips and drink package, guess I'll give them a try, we really like the shows at night and my wife loves to go to the different classes. That seems to be a strong point for them. Each line is different.

[vistaman]

crystal use to be superb and excellent before they moved to all inclusive - a lot of nice - sometimes small details - items are given up for " unlimited free drinks" and "average free wines "

it is still very good especially food and service but lost some glitter

on Oceania there are more European touches in the food and menu's

breads and pastries are better on Oceania

Crystal does have a far better entertainment programm - lecturers classes

however not so formal anymore , people are still dressed up on Crystal

a penthouse experience is better on Crystal - price is a lot higher as well.

the buffets on the open deck ( terrace or lido ) for breakfast and lunch are better on Oceania

the casino is bigger on Crystal - non complimentary drinks : in the bars Oceania wins - winelist Crystal wins for sure

in general Crystal is also more expensive

[digtexas]

As of January 2014 Crystal will have less indoor smoking than Oceania. Smoking is only allowed in the fully enclosed cigar/cigarette bar on Crystal, while O still allows smoking in the semi enclosed room in Horizons. Both allow outdoor smoking which can be annoying depending where you are sitting near the pool.

Bottom line: both have acceptable smoking restrictions.

Crystal has a couple of formal optional nights, with a tie never required. The rest are casual (collared shirts) or informal, meaning jacket and slacks.

Crystal has wonderful lectures, wonderful piano bar and wonderful coffee/ snack bar called The Bistro, but unlike Baristas, it is roomy, with tables, and friends gather there during the day.Crystal has a full wrap around promenade deck and a movie theater.

Crystal has more classes and more to do.

Crystal has two excellent specialty restaurants, one a Nobu inspired Japanese restaurant with a first come first served sushi bar. We also enjoyed the specialty restaurants on Riviera as well as casual dinners at the a Terrace cafe.

Cabins are a little larger on Riviera but fine with us on Crystal.

Service is more attentive and personal on Crystal. Crystal has 2 fixed seatings with the ability to dine at different times by reservation. O has true open seating. Both work or us.

 

Both are great lines and I would sail on either if the itinerary and price were right.

[digtexas]

Let me add that alcohol and gratuities are included on Crystaland not on Oceania.

We drink very little so the change to inclusive alcohol does not much affect us as long as the prices do not rise significantly on Crystal. Actually on most itineraries O is as expensive or more expensive than Crystal these days.

[barcrab]

We have just returned from Oceania Marina cruise on August 10 and had been on Regatta in 2008. We had a wonderful time on our

British Isles cruise on Marina. Our prior three cruises were on Crystal.

Our opinion:

Crystal service is warmer and makes one feel more "at home", regardless of number of times sailing with them. Sometimes I felt like the "body snatchers" had taken away the personality of the Marina staff.

That being said, there were no issues with bad service and everyone was very pleasant.

 

Staterooms in normal outside category are similar, but we prefer bathrooms on Crystal with 2 sinks. I suspect those that would like a larger stateroom will love the fact that a penthouse stateroom is available on Oceania at less cost than similar size on Crystal. We are perfectly fine with outside on Crystal. Oceania beds are great!

I have never had a cigarette, and never had any problem with smoke in staterooms prior to policy change on Crystal, although my husband and I awoke in the middle of the night on Marina convinced someone was smoking adjacent to us. There is also plenty of outside smoke on Oceania around the pool area.

 

Food is excellent on both lines. We had issues with so much confusion on alcohol "packages" etc on Oceania. Cocktails and wine are a real issue with us on Oceania...poor value and quality of wine by the glass. Crystal wins on quality. Palm Court on both Crystal ships is far superior to Horizons.

 

Enrichment no comparison..Crystal wins.

 

Verandah deck on both Crystal ships is fabulous if you are a walker!!! Gym similar.

 

Kids...if you want to sail with them, apparently Crystal is catering to that option now. Not for us and Oceania clearly wins.

 

Embark/Debark no particular difference other than Oceania feels a need to differentiate between levels of "fare paid "in lines.

 

Attire on both lines was appropriate in the evenings and really not that different on most nights. We think black tie optional is a lot of fun and we enjoy seeing people dress up a bit. Life seems kind of boring with the endless country club casual world....our opinion only.

 

Both Oceania and Crystal are great lines and working hard to make money to appeal to a segment of passengers. It is not easy to make the shipboard experience "perfect" for everyone in the quest to stay in business. If one has the opportunity to try both....how LUCKY!

[Travelcat2]

OMG -- does anyone not see the elephant in the room? Crystal is suppose to be a luxury cruise line while Oceania claims to be premium plus. IF Crystal cannot blow away Oceania, I wonder why it exists:confused: BRAVO OCEANIA....... your service, food, etc. have effectively made Crystal a non-issue in both the premium plus and luxury categories:D :D :D

[digtexas]

OMG -- does anyone not see the elephant in the room? Crystal is suppose to be a luxury cruise line while Oceania claims to be premium plus. IF Crystal cannot blow away Oceania, I wonder why it exists:confused: BRAVO OCEANIA....... your service, food, etc. have effectively made Crystal a non-issue in both the premium plus and luxury categories:D :D :D

 

I wouldn't go quite that far. Crystal does less nickel and diming, and more importantly, one does not feel class distinctions on Crystal, even if staying in the cheapest cabin. No areas reserved exclusively for higher categories, no priorities boarding or disembarking or getting on tenders and, of course, included alcohol and gratuities.

One can stay in the most modest cabin and still be treated like a king or queen by the warm, welcoming staff, which never likes to tell passengers "no". I would call that luxury.

[dorisis]

Between Oceania and Crystal. I choose Regent. Oceania is not a luxury line.

[LHT28]

I have never had a cigarette, and never had any problem with smoke in staterooms prior to policy change on Crystal, although my husband and I awoke in the middle of the night on Marina convinced someone was smoking adjacent to us. There is also plenty of outside smoke on Oceania around the pool area.

 

 

Did you report your suspicions to reception??

 

Are you saying people were smoking around the pool deck & not in the designated area??

That is not right

[Travelcat2]

I wouldn't go quite that far. Crystal does less nickel and diming, and more importantly, one does not feel class distinctions on Crystal, even if staying in the cheapest cabin. No areas reserved exclusively for higher categories, no priorities boarding or disembarking or getting on tenders and, of course, included alcohol and gratuities.

One can stay in the most modest cabin and still be treated like a king or queen by the warm, welcoming staff, which never likes to tell passengers "no". I would call that luxury.

 

You did a great job of describing the differences between luxury and premium cruising. I agree with the last poster...... if I had to choose between Oceania and Crystal, I'd pick Regent:)

[Host Sharon]

I wouldn't go quite that far. Crystal does less nickel and diming, and more importantly, one does not feel class distinctions on Crystal, even if staying in the cheapest cabin. No areas reserved exclusively for higher categories, no priorities boarding or disembarking or getting on tenders and, of course, included alcohol and gratuities.

One can stay in the most modest cabin and still be treated like a king or queen by the warm, welcoming staff, which never likes to tell passengers "no". I would call that luxury.

 

Whilst only having sailed once with Oceania, I can honestly say I found no class distinctions visible. Everyone mixed happily. What areas were reserved for higher categories? We were among the first to embark the ship and the first independents to tender into Geiranger.

[Paulchili]

Whilst only having sailed once with Oceania, I can honestly say I found no class distinctions visible. Everyone mixed happily. What areas were reserved for higher categories? We were among the first to embark the ship and the first independents to tender into Geiranger.

 

The O class ships have lounges accessible only by the suites and concierge passengers. These are akin to airline lounges at the airport - a perk that you have paid for and not a necessity :)

The suites have other privileges as well (butlers, more specialty restaurants, etc) but they do not amount to "class distinction".

I agree with you - I have sailed on O many times and have never experienced class distinction.

Now, Cunard does have what I would call class distinction with three levels of restaurants for different classes of cabins (and different food).

[hypercafe]

Oceania does give perks to higher cat cabins, I guess most if not all lines do. The only two that really put me off are the advanced times to book special restaurants. Just because I have a ocean view cabin I should not be locked out of a choice time to eat in a special rest. I should also be allowed to have a hot breakfast in my room, after all the person is coming there anyway, you can not afford to put some eggs and bacon on the plate? Sounds nuts doesn't it!

[orchestrapal]

Oceania does give perks to higher cat cabins, I guess most if not all lines do. The only two that really put me off are the advanced times to book special restaurants. Just because I have a ocean view cabin I should not be locked out of a choice time to eat in a special rest. I should also be allowed to have a hot breakfast in my room, after all the person is coming there anyway, you can not afford to put some eggs and bacon on the plate? Sounds nuts doesn't it!

 

Those who book and pay for suites are "entitled" to whatever so- called extras

they get. It's just like payIng for first class/business class on a plane or for a suite at a hotel. If you want the perks you do pay for them, your choice.

[hypercafe]

Those who book and pay for suites are "entitled" to whatever so- called extras

they get. It's just like payIng for first class/business class on a plane or for a suite at a hotel. If you want the perks you do pay for them, your choice.

 

Yes that is very true, if you sail with Oceania them are the rules!!, and that is what makes it more like a two class system and not as attractive as other lines.

[vistaman]

I wouldn't go quite that far. Crystal does less nickel and diming, and more importantly, one does not feel class distinctions on Crystal, even if staying in the cheapest cabin. No areas reserved exclusively for higher categories, no priorities boarding or disembarking or getting on tenders and, of course, included alcohol and gratuities.

One can stay in the most modest cabin and still be treated like a king or queen by the warm, welcoming staff, which never likes to tell passengers "no". I would call that luxury.

 

that is very true exception made for one of the crystal society hostesses only paying attention to penthouse guest or higher or 50 + pax

otherwhise you get a condenscending look

[wiks]

Since it is highly unlikely it will change, it would seem a lot easier to me for those who are upset to book their cruises on a line that gives them what they are looking for and leave Oceania to those of us who do not view these kinds of issues as that important in the scheme of things.

 

Wiks

[digtexas]

that is very true exception made for one of the crystal society hostesses only paying attention to penthouse guest or higher or 50 + pax

otherwhise you get a condenscending look

 

Vistaman,

I have also been unimpressed with the Crystal Society hostesses and how they flit around the really high multiple cruisers, and take important passengers to dinner, etc.. On the other hand, extremely loyal multiple cruisers who spend big bucks in big cabins probably do deserve a little extra attention and I am sure that they receive it as well on O. I have no problem with any cruise line providing perks for those who pay a lot for them or who have sailed untold numbers of times. I just don't want to be told that I have to wait for a privileged class to get on a tender or shuttle before me or that I have to wait to disembark.

[vistaman]

Vistaman,

I have also been unimpressed with the Crystal Society hostesses and how they flit around the really high multiple cruisers, and take important passengers to dinner, etc.. On the other hand, extremely loyal multiple cruisers who spend big bucks in big cabins probably do deserve a little extra attention and I am sure that they receive it as well on O. I have no problem with any cruise line providing perks for those who pay a lot for them or who have sailed untold numbers of times. I just don't want to be told that I have to wait for a privileged class to get on a tender or shuttle before me or that I have to wait to disembark.

 

and once again i do agree on that

you better never go on a cruise on a Cunard ( i left in 1999 ) where there is still a "full class system"

however i think on nearly all companies penthouse pax do receive more :

ranging from better bathroom amenities to priority for speciality resto's

[digtexas]

By the way, all passengers on Crystal may make specialty reservations online starting 6 months before the cruise, once they have paid in full. On Oceania, unless you are in concierge class or higher, you can only make specialty reservations once you board the ship.