Thinking about Oceania

[Lynniepoo]

DH and I received an email offering us a 2 for the price of 1 cruisefare with airfare included. We've never cruised on Oceania before, but are really interested in this type of deal (of course!).

 

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between an Oceania cruise and Princess? Princess is the only line we've been on to date. Thanks!!:D

[Floridiana]

We have cruised both and no intention to return to Princess. ;)

[capecodder2]

If you do a search, you will find many threads answering this question. Basically, smaller ships (except for the 2 Princess' R ships), no photographers, no formal nights, smaller casino and entertainment (not the room available on large ships), many food items Princess charges extra for, including the specialty restaurants, are included on Oceania, few kids. They always offer what you have described, it is standard. Will you like it? Depends on what is important to you. If you want the glitz, casinos, show type entertainment, lots of stuff going on, etc., Oceania might not appeal to you.

[Floridiana]

Ok, I'll try again. Our last Princess ship was in bad shape: beds uncomfortable, carpet worn and stained, promenade deck had a warped area. The line has many positives but not enough to repeat the experience unless they offer an itinerary that is interesting to us.

Oceania's ships are in top shape and the food appeals to us. We don't mind that the theater is too small for the type of production shows Princess is able to offer.

[rallydave]

Don't be fooled by the 2 for 1 deal they sent you. That is the norm on how their cruises are priced. Nothing special in a 2 for 1. Simply look at any Oceania cruise and they all will be shown as 2 for 1 with some even discounted from that.

 

That said, you will be much happier with Oceania; better food, more inclusive, air included on all cruises and the ships kept in much better order than Princess.

 

Suggest you take a look at other itineraries to see if you like them better as they will also be "2 for 1". You don't have to stick to the cruise they sent to you. Find the best one you like and you might even save more while taking a cruise more to your liking port wise.

[Emperor Norton]

DH and I received an email offering us a 2 for the price of 1 cruisefare with airfare included. We've never cruised on Oceania before, but are really interested in this type of deal (of course!).

 

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between an Oceania cruise and Princess? Princess is the only line we've been on to date. Thanks!!:D

 

Usually 2 for 1 isn't accurate.

 

Princess has far nicer passengers. Read the O forum and note how the 'respected regulars' regularly attack anyone and everyone who doesn't drink the O kool-aid. I can't imagine being on a ship with that mass of brainwashed zombies.

 

Regardless of line 2 for 1 generally means they're acknowledging that their brochure fares were beyond the pale and they're trying to bring them down to reality.

 

Also for me their service was horrific - first the aforementioned zombies attacking before Id even left for the cruise then on board no one seemed to care about service. Get a dish with only 1/2 the listed ingredients? So what? What are you expecting the high levels that McDonalds can maintain by following a simple menu? Burger done a specific way? They say yes but over a month could never deliver. Put mustard or w/e on a hot dog as listed on the menu? Nope. Prime rib in their steakhouse was freezerburned and had been through several freeze/thaw cycles. Red Ginger was the biggest insult I've seen to Asian food since Panda Express. Jacques had food that was 1. never delivered warm and 2. swimming in oil. The cruise line also holds food over night and between cruises. Ex: First night of a cruise we received a jacques specialty chicken that had been cooked on the previous cruise. Theyd held it and reheated it the next day. Yum. Not. For a foodie cruise they cant poach an egg to save their lives. Any time an egg that wasn't ordered hard boiled was ordered in the GDR staff would stare at you until you cut into the egg to verify the kitchen hadn't once again screwed it up. The Italian restaurant was OK for some things, for others it made me pine for Olive Garden (blech). There were near fist fights to get food at the buffet and from people that would cut the lines in the buffet. This leaves out those that would steal tables (moving silverware/glassware/drinks to other tables).

 

Dining-wise the only bit of the cruise that lived up to hype was the Wine Spectator restaurant. Sadly they only had three menus. But there was the true foodie food and service.

 

Evening trivia was a joke in the bar split into multiple sections. Really?

 

/queue the zombie bobbleheads to defend even though they didnt eat off my plate

Edited February 20, 2015 by Emperor Norton

[wally_bushy]

Usually 2 for 1 isn't accurate.

 

Princess has far nicer passengers. Read the O forum and note how the 'respected regulars' regularly attack anyone and everyone who doesn't drink the O kool-aid. I can't imagine being on a ship with that mass of brainwashed zombies.

 

Regardless of line 2 for 1 generally means they're acknowledging that their brochure fares were beyond the pale and they're trying to bring them down to reality.

 

Also for me their service was horrific - first the aforementioned zombies attacking before Id even left for the cruise then on board no one seemed to care about service. Get a dish with only 1/2 the listed ingredients? So what? What are you expecting the high levels that McDonalds can maintain by following a simple menu? Burger done a specific way? They say yes but over a month could never deliver. Put mustard or w/e on a hot dog as listed on the menu? Nope. Prime rib in their steakhouse was freezerburned and had been through several freeze/thaw cycles. Red Ginger was the biggest insult I've seen to Asian food since Panda Express. Jacques had food that was 1. never delivered warm and 2. swimming in oil. The cruise line also holds food over night and between cruises. Ex: First night of a cruise we received a jacques specialty chicken that had been cooked on the previous cruise. Theyd held it and reheated it the next day. Yum. Not. For a foodie cruise they cant poach an egg to save their lives. Any time an egg that wasn't ordered hard boiled was ordered in the GDR staff would stare at you until you cut into the egg to verify the kitchen hadn't once again screwed it up. The Italian restaurant was OK for some things, for others it made me pine for Olive Garden (blech). There were near fist fights to get food at the buffet and from people that would cut the lines in the buffet. This leaves out those that would steal tables (moving silverware/glassware/drinks to other tables).

 

Dining-wise the only bit of the cruise that lived up to hype was the Wine Spectator restaurant. Sadly they only had three menus. But there was the true foodie food and service.

 

Evening trivia was a joke in the bar split into multiple sections. Really?

 

/queue the zombie bobbleheads to defend even though they didnt eat off my plate

 

I think this kind of outburst is as bad (or worse) as the cheerleaders.:eek:

Think about that!

Edited February 20, 2015 by wally_bushy

[Emperor Norton]

I don't consider that an outburst so much as my opinion. Yes, I could have left out my anti cheerleader bit. The reality is however if you read this forum long enough you'll see that those that some consider 'respected' are indeed the sarcastic/put down loving/O can do no wrong bullies.

 

That being said, like everything else on CC the OP is free to read/ignore it as they see fit.:)

[orchestrapal]

Read/ignore is by far the best idea. There must be a reason why many of us have been on 15, 25 or more cruises on O. If your experiences had been ours we would have never returned over and over again each time for 25 or more days. Sorry for you that your O cruises did not match ours.

Edited February 20, 2015 by orchestrapal

[Emperor Norton]

That's exactly the thing.:) While Youve been on 25 fine cruises with O I've been on multiple that weren't. Hence having a very different opinion of the line.

[Travelcat2]

Emperor Norton -- I truly cannot believe what you posted. I know that you don't like Regent, Oceania and other cruise lines but this bashing of Oceania is so over the top that can't believe it. Even rallydave that has not stepped foot on an Oceania ship has better things to say that you do (although he may not be qualified to make a comparison of Princess and Oceania).

 

NOTE: I am not an "Oceania regular" - I am a Regent regular that has sailed Oceania twice (on the Riviera -- we would not sail on the older ships). We found the food and service, for the most part, equal to Regent -- a luxury cruise line. Oceania's two "new ships" are equal to or better than any ship at sea.

 

While I admittedly have not sailed on Princess, I am familiar with some of the things offered by Princess. On Oceania:

 

1. You do not pay for non-alcoholic drinks

2. You do not pay for the four specialty restaurants. Le Reserve is the exception but, IMO, is worth the price.

3. There are not announcements going on all day trying to sell you things.

4. The ships are, for the most part, smaller than Princess.

5. There are few, if any children, on board. This could be considered either a plus or minus -- depending upon whether you plan on traveling with children.

 

You paid special attention to Red Ginger. Are you aware that Red Ginger is not an "Asian" restaurant but rather a Southeast Asian restaurant (meaning that their food is not Chinese, Korean or Japanese but rather a take on Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese - this is very different than many expect)

 

Jacques was our favorite restaurant which could mean that lovers of French food may not like it since we do not care for French food but love Jacques. The description you posted is completely different than what we experienced in Jacques. We dined in Jacques four times on our last cruise.

 

To be honest, I agree that the Terrace Café (aka the cafeteria) was not to our liking for a variety of reasons.

 

I also agree that regulars on many Cruise Critic boards become very defensive when their cruise line is attacked. I wish this were not the case but it is. I have been the recipient of negative comments - even though I like most of what Oceania has to offer.

 

In any case, it is sad that the OP is seeking information and is reading posts from people that have not sailed on Oceania or sound overly negative of what many believe is a wonderful cruise line.

[rallydave]

from travelcat

"In any case, it is sad that the OP is seeking information and is reading posts from people that have not sailed on Oceania or sound overly negative of what many believe is a wonderful cruise line."

 

So out of one side of your mouth you state that people who have not sailed on a particular cruise line should not be commenting on that line while out of the other side you comment on a cruise line you have never even though about or set food on??????

 

And you are certainly not qualified to compare any cruise line to Princess!! Your own familiarity as described by you is from the internet and we all know how everything one reads on the internet is true??

 

And, you forgot to describe you high priced vista suite and how you are treated like a VIP, eat with the CEO, get perks others don't, are waited on hand and foot, etc, etc. Might that skew your comments just a little bit??

Edited February 20, 2015 by rallydave

[Travelcat2]

from travelcat

 

So out of one side of your mouth you state that people who have not sailed on a particular cruise line should not be commenting on that line while out of the other side you comment on a cruise line you have never even though about or set food on??????

 

 

Certainly people can post comments on cruise lines that they have not sailed on -- as long as they as based on "fact" (such as information provided on a cruise lines website). However, you stated "That said, you will be much happier with Oceania; better food, more inclusive, air included on all cruises and the ships kept in much better order than Princess." So, the obvious question would be how you know that the food in better on Oceania and the ships are kept in better order if you have not been on Oceania?

 

Sorry -- I just have a "thing" about posters being transparent in terms of what cruise lines they have sailed. This is why one of the first things I posted is that I have not sailed on Princess. IMO, letting posters know of your past experience with a cruise line gives them a better insight.

Edited February 20, 2015 by Travelcat2

[Caroldoll]

This isn't a life changing decision. I have sailed on all of the lines (almost), and most recently in August I was on Princess (a small one, just purchased by Oceania). I was astounded at the price...I thought they made a mistake! LOL. It was a VERY GOOD CRUISE. We got to the ports we wanted and stayed overnight in Edinburgh, so we could see the Tattoo!

 

We MOSTLY cruise Oceania as I personally love the privacy of the OS and sun on the stern of the ship where no one intrudes. I personally love the selection of restaurants...all very good food. We eat ANYTHING, so we are not "foodies" but most people will agree that the food is superb.

 

We APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT THE SHIPS (Marina and Riviera) are new and we don't have to worry about pods and mechanical problems. Also they are beauty beyond words. Very, very nice.

 

Ahhh...the subject of other passengers...we found Princess much better. Everyone was very warm and inviting. That is not to say that Oceania is worse, but we too are very into being with ourselves. We don't like shows at night...too late. We would prefer to dance before dinner (not available on either line).

 

Go for it...if you don't try it, how will you know if you like it. We LOVE O for reasons that you see above, but we also love the other lines for other reasons. We are not "cheerleaders" of any particular line.

 

If you would like other things answered in private, my email is ciraulo1@earthlink.net.

[Floridiana]

Only a tiny percentage of Oceania passengers post on cc and some who post here have never sailed with them. That said, I saw no difference in the behavior of Princess and Oceania passengers. A few demanding types sailed on both lines.

[LHT28]

I would look at the brochures/website & reviews then decide if Oceania would work for your needs & wants

 

The 2 for 1 is just marketing ...the price you see is PP

airfare is included if you want or just do the cruise only & book your own air

Compare both options before you decide

 

Food is subjective ...you will not starve

 

It is open dining, no formal nights but most people clean up well, no photographers, no children's programs (except Alaska ) it is more quiet type of cruise where they roll up the decks early at least before midnight, usually port intensive cruises

 

Give them a try if you see an itinerary that works for you

 

Lyn

[wally_bushy]

DH and I received an email offering us a 2 for the price of 1 cruisefare with airfare included. We've never cruised on Oceania before, but are really interested in this type of deal (of course!).

 

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between an Oceania cruise and Princess? Princess is the only line we've been on to date. Thanks!!:D

 

Please ignore the ravings at the extremes.

Oceania is a great option and I would be surprised if it did not delight you.

As stated it doesn't have the entertainment of Princess and probably an older demographic but the other features are first class.

If the price and itinerary are what you want and can afford then go for it.:)

[maxamize]

Usually 2 for 1 isn't accurate.

 

Princess has far nicer passengers. Read the O forum and note how the 'respected regulars' regularly attack anyone and everyone who doesn't drink the O kool-aid. I can't imagine being on a ship with that mass of brainwashed zombies.

 

Regardless of line 2 for 1 generally means they're acknowledging that their brochure fares were beyond the pale and they're trying to bring them down to reality.

 

Also for me their service was horrific - first the aforementioned zombies attacking before Id even left for the cruise then on board no one seemed to care about service. Get a dish with only 1/2 the listed ingredients? So what? What are you expecting the high levels that McDonalds can maintain by following a simple menu? Burger done a specific way? They say yes but over a month could never deliver. Put mustard or w/e on a hot dog as listed on the menu? Nope. Prime rib in their steakhouse was freezerburned and had been through several freeze/thaw cycles. Red Ginger was the biggest insult I've seen to Asian food since Panda Express. Jacques had food that was 1. never delivered warm and 2. swimming in oil. The cruise line also holds food over night and between cruises. Ex: First night of a cruise we received a jacques specialty chicken that had been cooked on the previous cruise. Theyd held it and reheated it the next day. Yum. Not. For a foodie cruise they cant poach an egg to save their lives. Any time an egg that wasn't ordered hard boiled was ordered in the GDR staff would stare at you until you cut into the egg to verify the kitchen hadn't once again screwed it up. The Italian restaurant was OK for some things, for others it made me pine for Olive Garden (blech). There were near fist fights to get food at the buffet and from people that would cut the lines in the buffet. This leaves out those that would steal tables (moving silverware/glassware/drinks to other tables).

 

Dining-wise the only bit of the cruise that lived up to hype was the Wine Spectator restaurant. Sadly they only had three menus. But there was the true foodie food and service.

 

Evening trivia was a joke in the bar split into multiple sections. Really?

 

/queue the zombie bobbleheads to defend even though they didnt eat off my plate

 

Dear 'Emperor Norton'... Although I like O i'm not a blind cheerleader nor am i brainwashed. We spent 10 days on the Riviera in January and i do not recognize your criticism about the food on Oceania. I'm a television producer and have traveled the world for a culinary travel shows and have enjoyed food prepared by great chefs that have been awarded 1, 2 and 3 Michelin stars. I think i know what good food looks and tastes like. The food and service on O isn't up to Michelin standards but I dare to say that it is very good. They sometimes come very close! Both in quality and preparation. Almost all our meals on O have been very good to excellent. Sure there is room for improvement and they can get a little bit more modern and innovative and update or refresh the menu's (a little) but still the food on O is what i consider top notch. Kind regards, your loyal servant Max

[Floridiana]

Please ignore the ravings at the extremes.

Oceania is a great option and I would be surprised if it did not delight you.

As stated it doesn't have the entertainment of Princess and probably an older demographic but the other features are first class.

If the price and itinerary are what you want and can afford then go for it.:)

 

What a sensible post. Thank you!

By he way, it was a delight to cruise on a ship with 90% Australians. Lots of laid back passengers from all walks of life. From the lady who lived on an outback sheep farm to the gentleman who knew everything about the beef export to Indonesia, it was so interesting to talk to them all.

[hondorner]

Usually 2 for 1 isn't accurate.

 

Princess has far nicer passengers. Read the O forum and note how the 'respected regulars' regularly attack anyone and everyone who doesn't drink the O kool-aid. I can't imagine being on a ship with that mass of brainwashed zombies.

 

Regardless of line 2 for 1 generally means they're acknowledging that their brochure fares were beyond the pale and they're trying to bring them down to reality.

 

Also for me their service was horrific - first the aforementioned zombies attacking before Id even left for the cruise then on board no one seemed to care about service. Get a dish with only 1/2 the listed ingredients? So what? What are you expecting the high levels that McDonalds can maintain by following a simple menu? Burger done a specific way? They say yes but over a month could never deliver. Put mustard or w/e on a hot dog as listed on the menu? Nope. Prime rib in their steakhouse was freezerburned and had been through several freeze/thaw cycles. Red Ginger was the biggest insult I've seen to Asian food since Panda Express. Jacques had food that was 1. never delivered warm and 2. swimming in oil. The cruise line also holds food over night and between cruises. Ex: First night of a cruise we received a jacques specialty chicken that had been cooked on the previous cruise. Theyd held it and reheated it the next day. Yum. Not. For a foodie cruise they cant poach an egg to save their lives. Any time an egg that wasn't ordered hard boiled was ordered in the GDR staff would stare at you until you cut into the egg to verify the kitchen hadn't once again screwed it up. The Italian restaurant was OK for some things, for others it made me pine for Olive Garden (blech). There were near fist fights to get food at the buffet and from people that would cut the lines in the buffet. This leaves out those that would steal tables (moving silverware/glassware/drinks to other tables).

 

Dining-wise the only bit of the cruise that lived up to hype was the Wine Spectator restaurant. Sadly they only had three menus. But there was the true foodie food and service.

 

Evening trivia was a joke in the bar split into multiple sections. Really?

 

/queue the zombie bobbleheads to defend even though they didnt eat off my plate

I'm not going to comment about whether the self-proclaimed emperor's comments are accurate or not. I'm not going to defend Oceania nor agree with him. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 

I am, however, going to comment about the language and descriptions used by this person. I've highlighted the deliberate invective and attempts to disrupt and inflame his audience. These comments go beyond decency.

 

Whether the following can be attributed to the author of the above post is your decision:

 

According to Psychology Today, "An Internet troll is someone who comes into a discussion and posts comments designed to upset or disrupt the conversation. Often, in fact, it seems like there is no real purpose behind their comments except to upset everyone else involved. Trolls will lie, exaggerate, and offend to get a response."

 

Further, according the the same source, "Both trolls and sadists feel sadistic glee at the distress of others. Sadists just want to have fun ... and the Internet is their playground!"

Edited February 20, 2015 by hondorner

[LHT28]

OMG is there a full moon or something ??

 

Or did people run out of their meds

 

This forum has become so caustic lately :eek:

 

Maybe time for a change for me

anyone have a 12 step program for Cruise critic addicts ??

 

Enjoy life ..it has an expiry date

[Paulchili]

Agree with you Don.

A chip on Emperor Norton's shoulder doesn't begin to describe his attitude - it's more like a huge boulder.

That said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just like with everything else, OP (and others) need to do their homework when trying a product for the first time (especially one like an expensive cruise) and explore their options. If 95+% of users like a cruise line/restaurant/hotel and 5% hate it, then I am comfortable trying this option and finding out for myself; if the reverse were true, I will pass. I usually ignore both extremes - both positive and negative as they tend to have "an agenda" - the middle ground and balanced reviews are most reliable for me.

Edited February 20, 2015 by Paulchili

[Paulchili]

OMG is there a full moon or something ??

 

Or did people run out of their meds

 

This forum has become so caustic lately :eek:

 

Maybe time for a change for me

anyone have a 12 step program for Cruise critic addicts ??

 

Enjoy life ..it has an expiry date

 

Funny and sad at the same time, but very true.

Lyn, you forgot hostile as a description :D

[StanandJim]

I usually ignore both extremes - both positive and negative as they tend to have "an agenda" - the middle ground and balanced reviews are most reliable for me.

 

Actually, on this subject, I don't believe that this Emperor Norton fellow is being disingenuous.

 

His Posts about the Lines which he is supposed to like, are equally critical, so perhaps he is just one of those people who is extremely difficult to please, or ........er.......more discerning than most. :D

[Paulchili]

Actually, on this subject, I don't believe that this Emperor Norton fellow is being disingenuous.

 

His Posts about the Lines which he is supposed to like, are equally critical, so perhaps he is just one of those people who is extremely difficult to please, or ........er.......more discerning than most. :D

 

Must be a heavy cross to bear (and not much fun being disappointed so much of the time) :D

Edited February 20, 2015 by Paulchili