Celebrity vs Oceana

[mcrcruiser]

For those who have cruised both lines ,how would you rate each line with regards to :

 

Overall Service

 

Serive in dining rooms

 

Food quality

 

Food presentation

 

entertainment quality & variety

 

port destinations

 

time at each port

 

Price compare adding airfares to Celebrity ,since Oceana includes air fares in pricing

[ECCruise]

For those who have cruised both lines ,how would you rate each line with regards to :

 

Overall Service

 

Serive in dining rooms

 

Food quality

 

Food presentation

 

entertainment quality & variety

 

port destinations

 

time at each port

 

Price compare adding airfares to Celebrity ,since Oceana includes air fares in pricing

 

We've done a number of cruises on each of these lines.

 

Really, no comparison in alot of areas. We've found the food on Oceania in the MDR better than any specialty restaurant on Celebrity (except for Ocean Liners/SS United States/etc. many years ago.) Specialty restaurants on Oceania are free and exceptional (the number of dinings you can have there varies by cabin class). Service, although wonderful on Celebrity, is a notch above on Oceania. Entertainment goes to Celebrity by a large margin (remember, you are comparing ships with 650-1250 pax--O--to those with 2100-2800 pax--X). Port destinations will almost always be better on Oceania--the ships are smaller can can visit less traveled ports.

 

If all things were equal, we would always choose Oceania. Unfortunately, they are NOT equal and, to be honest, the sometimes HUGE difference in price cannot be justified for us. Guess that is why we've sailed Celebrity about 5 to 1 to Oceania. :)

[waterbug123]

For those who have cruised both lines ,how would you rate each line with regards to :

 

Overall Service

 

Serive in dining rooms

 

Food quality

 

Food presentation

 

entertainment quality & variety

 

port destinations

 

time at each port

 

Price compare adding airfares to Celebrity ,since Oceana includes air fares in pricing

 

I will be able to answer the service and food related questions in early July after we get back from our Oceania cruise. Much of the rest you should be able to answer for yourself though.

 

Port destinations? You can research itineraries on both lines on their websites, and if you have questions about particular ports there are ports of call message boards here for most areas.

 

Time at each port? Again, you should be able to find this in the itinerary details on teh cruise line websites.

 

Prices when adding airfare to Celebrity? Prices for both lines are available on the website, and you can use airline websites, Expedia etc. to find out what airfare would be for you for a particular Celebrity cruise.

[mcrcruiser]

We've done a number of cruises on each of these lines.

 

Really, no comparison in alot of areas. We've found the food on Oceania in the MDR better than any specialty restaurant on Celebrity (except for Ocean Liners/SS United States/etc. many years ago.) Specialty restaurants on Oceania are free and exceptional (the number of dinings you can have there varies by cabin class). Service, although wonderful on Celebrity, is a notch above on Oceania. Entertainment goes to Celebrity by a large margin (remember, you are comparing ships with 650-1250 pax--O--to those with 2100-2800 pax--X). Port destinations will almost always be better on Oceania--the ships are smaller can can visit less traveled ports.

 

If all things were equal, we would always choose Oceania. Unfortunately, they are NOT equal and, to be honest, the sometimes HUGE difference in price cannot be justified for us. Guess that is why we've sailed Celebrity about 5 to 1 to Oceania. :)

 

We have done many Celebrity cruises & we constantly get Oceana catalogues mailed to us . Oceana always puts in the included airfares in their catalogues.

 

We do feel that you are correct in your analysis & we thank you:) . Oceana is far more pricier than a comparable Celebrity cruise;)

[rebeccalouiseagain]

For those who have cruised both lines ,how would you rate each line with regards to :

 

Overall Service Service was good

 

Service in dining rooms Good

 

Food quality Very Good

 

Food presentation Very Good

 

entertainment quality & variety Best Entertainment was Afternoon Tea with 3 piece orchestra- superb. It's every day

 

port destinations I only did the Caribbean but it was great.

 

time at each port plenty of time in port

Price compare adding airfares to Celebrity ,since Oceana includes air fares in pricing

Oceania is still more than I am prepared to pay for a cruise. I have just as much fun (if not more) on Celebrity.

Edited May 25, 2014 by rebeccalouiseagain

[Dr65]

DW and I have sailed once on the Nautica and maybe 15 times on Celebrity. There are,of course, pros and cons to both. We feel, in our opinion, that Aqua Class on the S class ships was a far superior product than Oceania. The food and service in Blu was over the top. Waiters were incredibly friendly and acted like they enjoyed interacting with us. Nautica's staff seemed cold and aloof. The food, to us, was much better than on Nautica. The specialty restaurants on Celebrity( yes I know you pay extra) blew away Oceania's. The overall vibe on the S class ship was more exciting with many things to do. Celebrity' s entertainment, while not great, is much,much better. Main advantage with Oceania is there are far less passengers and the R class ships have the feel of a luxury yacht. For us, if we can get a good deal in Aqua class we would rather do Celebrity. However, in the last year or so, Celebrity pricing has become ridiculously expensive. Oceania's included air is now comparable to Aqua Class pricing. Either way you'll have a great time. Such First World Problems!

[Dick in Falls Church]

We've done a number of cruises on each of these lines.

 

Really, no comparison in alot of areas. We've found the food on Oceania in the MDR better than any specialty restaurant on Celebrity (except for Ocean Liners/SS United States/etc. many years ago.) Specialty restaurants on Oceania are free and exceptional (the number of dinings you can have there varies by cabin class). Service, although wonderful on Celebrity, is a notch above on Oceania. Entertainment goes to Celebrity by a large margin (remember, you are comparing ships with 650-1250 pax--O--to those with 2100-2800 pax--X). Port destinations will almost always be better on Oceania--the ships are smaller can can visit less traveled ports.

 

If all things were equal, we would always choose Oceania. Unfortunately, they are NOT equal and, to be honest, the sometimes HUGE difference in price cannot be justified for us. Guess that is why we've sailed Celebrity about 5 to 1 to Oceania. :)

 

Pretty much agree with this response. But keep in mind that you are comparing two different kinds of fruit. A comparison with Azamara is much more appropriate--even some of the ships are basically the same (R ships).

 

We've done a few Oceania, more than a few Azamara, and most on Celebrity. While my wife says she would rather have one trip on Azamara than 2 on Celebrity, it would be closer to 1 Azamara (or Oceania) to 3 Celebrity.

[BosoxI]

We've done a number of cruises on each of these lines.

 

Really, no comparison in alot of areas. We've found the food on Oceania in the MDR better than any specialty restaurant on Celebrity (except for Ocean Liners/SS United States/etc. many years ago.) Specialty restaurants on Oceania are free and exceptional (the number of dinings you can have there varies by cabin class). Service, although wonderful on Celebrity, is a notch above on Oceania. Entertainment goes to Celebrity by a large margin (remember, you are comparing ships with 650-1250 pax--O--to those with 2100-2800 pax--X). Port destinations will almost always be better on Oceania--the ships are smaller can can visit less traveled ports.

 

If all things were equal, we would always choose Oceania. Unfortunately, they are NOT equal and, to be honest, the sometimes HUGE difference in price cannot be justified for us. Guess that is why we've sailed Celebrity about 5 to 1 to Oceania. :)

 

You are on the money. It's hard to justify the huge price difference. The big seller for Oceana would be the itinerary. If that were markedly better, we'd pay the freight.

Edited May 25, 2014 by BosoxI

[KirkNC]

We've done a number of cruises on each of these lines.

 

Really, no comparison in alot of areas. We've found the food on Oceania in the MDR better than any specialty restaurant on Celebrity (except for Ocean Liners/SS United States/etc. many years ago.) Specialty restaurants on Oceania are free and exceptional (the number of dinings you can have there varies by cabin class). Service, although wonderful on Celebrity, is a notch above on Oceania. Entertainment goes to Celebrity by a large margin (remember, you are comparing ships with 650-1250 pax--O--to those with 2100-2800 pax--X). Port destinations will almost always be better on Oceania--the ships are smaller can can visit less traveled ports.

 

If all things were equal, we would always choose Oceania. Unfortunately, they are NOT equal and, to be honest, the sometimes HUGE difference in price cannot be justified for us. Guess that is why we've sailed Celebrity about 5 to 1 to Oceania. :)

 

I think that is a great and fair appraisal.

[DesertPesce7751]

Our Oceania experience was a total nightmare. Never have I been more elated to disembark. The silver lining? Now we know we aren't missing anything by sticking with our favorites. Never have I seen such a lack of attention to detail as I did on Oceania.

[ohiorob63]

Oceania cruisers don't seem to complain on their forum near as much as Celebrity cruisers do. That's a plus.:p

[sealover155]

We too have been tempted by Oceania after hearing great reports from friends. It seems, however, that each time we've looked into it Oceania has very few sea days included in their itineraries. This has been true for every Mediterranean cruise we've considered.

 

After exhaustive port days we relish the luxury of a relaxing day at sea now and then. So, maybe transatlantic crossings might be the answer, although we have nothing but blissful memories of our 3 T/A's on Celebrity.

Edited May 25, 2014 by sealover155

[MVPinBoynton]

We did our first Oceania cruise last month and loved it. Due to the pricing, we won't be doing many O cruises compared to the number we will do on X. But the service and food was outstanding. You can check out lots of photos of our Bermuda cruise on the Oceania Regatta on our website www.thepreismans.com.

 

I have also included menus and food photos; as well as the daily activity magazine. With it being a small ship, there aren't many activities and the "production shows", if they can be called that, are just 4 singers; but we had a great time anyway.

[NYAS]

We chose Oceania over Celebrity last year for our Baltics cruise because their itinerary included a 3-day stay in St. Petersburg, which allowed a (long) day trip to Moscow on the middle day. We were on the Marina, 1250 pax, much smaller than the M- and S-class Celebrity ships we've been on, but the density on the ship in the public areas seemed comparable. Can't comment on Oceania's smaller ships (650 pax). The furnishings and finishes throughout the ship were a cut above those on Celebrity. The food was very good, and we liked the variety of specialty restaurants and other dining options. On Celebrity we choose Aqua because we like the food and scale of Blu. We found the service comparable. Our itinerary was very port-intensive, so we didn't get to take advantage of as many shipboard activities as we would have liked, but we enjoyed our veranda and the one sea day we had. We would choose Oceania again for the right itinerary, which is our first consideration.

[NLH Arizona]

We did our first Oceania cruise last month and loved it. Due to the pricing, we won't be doing many O cruises compared to the number we will do on X. But the service and food was outstanding. You can check out lots of photos of our Bermuda cruise on the Oceania Regatta on our website www.thepreismans.com.

 

I have also included menus and food photos; as well as the daily activity magazine. With it being a small ship, there aren't many activities and the "production shows", if they can be called that, are just 4 singers; but we had a great time anyway.

The desserts look fantastic. Did anyone try the white snow dessert, that looks awesome! Thanks for sharing, but now I'm hungry!!!

[Solon]

We have cruised both Oceania and Celebrity. Both products are very different and even within each brand the ships are also very different.

With Oceania, we prefer the larger ships to the "R" class smaller ships. With Celebrity, we like both "M" and "S" class ships for different reasons, but prefer the "S"s. It's horses for courses.

As to earlier comments, I must disagree that the food is better with Celebrity. Oceania is far and away the best. They even have a teaching kitchen on the larger vessels for us aspiring chefs. These classes are a lot of fun. Oceania takes their food very seriously and their passengers appear to as well.

Where Celebrity wins out though is with the Molecular bar! :D Not sure I would choose to cruise with Celebrity just for that reason, but it is a very good reason!

As for costs, Celebrity appear to be priciing themselves out of the market particularly with regard to the Med. Their Caribbean prices are very reasonable. But with their 2015 pricing for the Med they are getting close to Oceania, and that is ridiculous when you compare like with like.

Don't get me wrong. We do very much like Celebrity and already have several more trips planned with them.

What also impresses me with Oceania though is that their CEO actually reads and posts under his own name "FDR" on CC. That is impressive! And you certainly have the feeling that Oceania does listen to its customers.

To the other comment earlier, there are complaints on Oceania as well. It usually concerns the temperature of the food. Every cruise line seems to have their common complaint themes on these boards. It makes me laugh. :)

[MVPinBoynton]

The desserts look fantastic. Did anyone try the white snow dessert, that looks awesome! Thanks for sharing, but now I'm hungry!!!

 

Sorry, didn't try it. I think I ate enough without that one. :p O does a great job of making the food sound so good. I did think their desserts were the weakest items; but somehow I found some I could eat. :D

[parallax]

We love Oceania. For some, the smaller ships are a drawback but we loved it. With a smaller ship, they are able to attend some more unique ports of call. When we did our Istanbul--Greek Island cruise, we hit some islands that are not common on the bigger cruise lines. There was nothing more satisfying than spending the day out and then have an excellent meal in their MDR or one of their speciality restaurants. The evening entertainment was never spectacular but I feel the same way about Celebrity. I find most of the entertainment mediocre. How many salutes to rock n roll of the 50s and 60s can one seat through?

[true45]

Oceania - very impressed with the food. So much to love in all the different venues. Service in dining rooms good except main dining room on O. Celebrity dining service mostly good. Room service breakfast wonderful on C but even verandas do not receive hot breakfast only concierge and higher on O. I'm a big fan of breakfast on balcony especially b4 early excursions so plus to C

 

Entertainment better on c

 

Service in general better on celebrity

When there is an issue on the ship Celebrity will address it and solve the problem. Had a couple of issues on Oceania (not minor) and customer service agents were cold and indifferent

 

Times in port varies in both lines. We had a short stop In a great port on Oceania but I knew ahead when I booked look closely at itineraries

 

Also pricing. You really have to compare all costs including airfares and including any promotions offered by each. Also,are you a cappuccino addict which adds to the onboard costs on Celebrity? Do you like to eat in specialty restaurants every night? Oceania there is no extra cost

But sometimes celebrity prices are great and you can add the extras you like and still be ahead.

 

Consider the prices of excursions Also

 

Not easy making decisions but the process can be fun.

 

We will stick with C for now although we do look around at other alternatives on occasion

 

Happy sailings

 

 

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[Dr. Cocktail]

We have spent about 240 days on Celebrity on all classes of ship (including the Meridian!) and only 20 on Oceania on their O Class ships (Marina/Riviera).

 

We really have no desire to return to Celebrity but are looking forward to our next Oceania cruise.

 

Oceania (on their O class ships) surpasses Celebrity in food, service, accommodations, bedding, fit and finish of cabins and provides many "complimentary" inclusions such as water, juice and soft drinks.

 

Where Oceania does lag is in entertainment ... there is minimal lounge entertainment and there is usually only one show time for their production shows which forces you to eat early if you want to see it.

[NLH Arizona]

Since I cruise Celebrity and Crystal (for my luxury line), I thought I would do a little research Celebrity vs Oceania vs Crystal. I looked at a 7 day cruise, for a solo. Both Celebrity and Oceania were San Juan to San Juan and Crystal was Miami to San Juan for a solo traveler.

 

Celebrity was the most reasonable (went with the price I'm paying for this cruise in January), as far as price was concerned and surprisingly Crystal was next being double the price and then Oceania at $1,300 above Crystal. I priced a concierge class on Celebrity, veranda on Oceania and Crystal. So for solo travel, Crystal seems to be a much better deal than Oceania, but for two traveling in a cabin Oceania is less expensive than Crystal by $500 or $600.

 

If it were me, I would gladly pay the additional $500 or $600 to cruise on Crystal versus Oceania.

[richstowe]

We too have been tempted by Oceania after hearing great reports from friends. It seems, however, that each time we've looked into it Oceania has very few sea days included in their itineraries. This has been true for every Mediterranean cruise we've considered.

 

After exhaustive port days we relish the luxury of a relaxing day at sea now and then. So, maybe transatlantic crossings might be the answer, although we have nothing but blissful memories of our 3 T/A's on Celebrity.

This is a perfect example of the "different strokes for different folks" adage.

My top 2 cruises were extremely port intensive.

These were a Med cruise on the Mariner and a Southern Caribbean cruise on the Summit with just a single sea day.

Vive la différence.:)

[Prada Cowboy]

Oceania is in comfort, food, service, quality, space, extras included 5 steps above Celebrity!

 

 

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[susietb]

Not much night life on Oceania. By ten o'clock the whole ship is asleep.

[scotslizzy]

We got a special deal last year to sail on Oceania's Riveira and as the ship was only a year old at that time it was in great condition.

 

There is just no comparision with the food on offer between these two lines . Oceania is street ahead but......... it was a dead as a dodo at night.

 

Example after a delicious meal in one of the speciality restuarants you are too late for the show in the theater so where do you go ? Horizons lounge (gorgeuous) but there is a distinct lack of atmosphere as not many people about. Casino? A very disjointed room and only one roulette table more slot machines than needed.

 

We had a penthouse suite (their entry level suite) and it was much better than Celebrity's offering allowing you to order from the speciality restuarants with no extra charge, soo much better than Celebrity.

 

So why are we back with Celebrity ? Overall at the moment Celebrity are a better all round "fit" for us but I will reserve my judgement for after our next cruise in Sept this year.

 

Scotslizzy