What's the Class System Like on Oceania?

[ORV]

One thing I'm picking up on this forum is that there seems to be a real negative feeling about dining in the MDR as opposed to the speciality restaurants. Why is that?

 

I could never dine in a speciality restaurant each night...just too much food for me and surely the menu's get a bit repetitive? Not so much on Marina and Riviera perhaps, with four speciality restaurants, but probably on the R class ships with only two? Is the food or service bad in the MDR? I have only done one previous Oceania cruise, so I don't have that experience. I liked the MDR on Marina very much.

 

Very annoying to find out that I can't have room service Eggs Benedict for breakfast either. Seems a stupid rule to me that only Concierge and above can have hot breakfast items. Does not happen on any other cruise line that I'm aware of.

 

Here's my take on the MDR. The food and service there is excellent. BUT, we tend to eat mainly in Specialties and the Terrace for dinner. Here's why;

 

1.We usually sail on the larger ships, there are 4 specialty venues on them with multiple menu choices, so it's very easy to eat there twice on a 10 to 12 day cruise, if you can get the extra reservations, without being bored with the menu. There's no need to have every course or dessert in them. There's really no more food to consume than the MDR choices.

 

2. The Terrace usually has the same choices available as the MDR each night, as well as the grill and other additional choices.

 

3. Usually Oceania itineraries are port intensive and you don't always feel like getting dressed up for dinner after a long day in port , you can go as you are to the Terrace.

 

4. You can get in and out of the Terrace much quicker than the MDR. Works well if you want to go to the show or catch evening trivia.

 

5. Have you ever dined on the outside Terrace on a beautiful sailaway like Montenegro or an equally fabulous area? Enough said.

 

PS, we eat many breakfast and lunches in the MDR if our port plans allow it or it's a sea day.

[aquidneck1]

Oceania is known for its food. It is odd to hear the negativity. I can understand the menu variation, the venue differences but I do hope that the food lives up to its reputation and that the MDR menu varies on a 10 day cruise.

[StanandJim]

Oceania is known for its food. It is odd to hear the negativity. I can understand the menu variation, the venue differences but I do hope that the food lives up to its reputation and that the MDR menu varies on a 10 day cruise.

 

The menus in any of the Specialty Restaurants, as well as the Pool Grill are static, but those in the Buffet Restaurant and Grand Dining Room change daily.

They are on a two week rotation, so on a ten day voyage, you won't see any duplication's.

....and yes, the food is superb :D

[aquidneck1]

Great! Thanks!

[azevedan]

Said it downthread a bit and it bears repeating given the latest "you get what you pay for" posts:

 

In my observation, some people aren't happy unless the higher category/class cabins get something better/faster/more often in every conceivable situation.

 

Personally, I think that there are certain amenities that ought to be universal, especially when even the lowest classes of service on lines such as Oceania cost plenty...the unavailability of hot breakfast room service below concierge or penthouse level. Seriously? Even mass market lines give you that perk.

Including, btw, NCL.

 

Adding to the issue is that Oceania doesn't make this clear in the wording of the stateroom benefits (unless they've changed it lately).

....and I see that they haven't. Yes, highly misleading.

[LHT28]

It is just mind boggling that some people have to make up stories just to degrade the experiences on a cruise line ..(not just O)

 

These fictitious reports are just unbelievable :eek:

[LHT28]

Yes, I have witnessed an OS suite guest being escorted upon embarkation. Maybe they are good friends with the Captain?

Perhaps they were VIP's or maybe some passengers that seek out the Captain & GM as they board to get special attention :rolleyes:

[silkman]

Good food for thought. I do "get" that Oceania is not an all-inclusive luxury cruise line. You pay extra for alcohol, tips, excursions internet (unless you buy a package, have a promotion or some other "deal") and that is fine. This differentiates Oceania from her sister cruise lines.

 

My main issues are with the lounges, pre-boarding (pet peeve), no hot breakfasts for lower levels and getting on the tender first (this isn't even listed as a perk but I hear it exists). Those passengers that pay for larger suites get a lot of wonderful benefits - and, IMO, they pay more and deserve it. However, the other "class-oriented" items seem so mainstream to me. Oceania is suppose to be closer to luxury than mainstream (or even premium) cruise lines.

 

No one should have to pay more just to be able to board the ship when boarding begins, have a hot breakfast in your room, or sit in a lounge (or some designated area) to have coffee, tea, read the paper and relax. People pay less for smaller staterooms, less in-cabin amenities, fewer dining reservations, etc. The issues that bother me should not even enter into the picture (obviously this is okay with many so I won't continue to harp on it unless asked questions).

 

P.S. Chatkat - I am totally clueless as to why you are bringing up airplanes, McDonald's, steaks, etc. Perhaps you want only certain menu items in the restaurants to be offered to "lower category" passengers. Hope that is not what is behind your posts as I see no comparison to airlines, hamburgers, steaks, flightseeing and Oceania's "class system". Not trying to bash you - just don't think that it is relevant to this thread.

 

As has often been pointed out on CC, it is fortunate that there are so many options available in cruising. One has only to weigh their priorities and values and then select which cruise and cruise line makes most sense to them. So....for instance, if one is so distressed by what they perceive as an unfair class system which is unfairly discriminatory they must decide whether this perceived discrimination is so distressful to them that it outweighs their desire to cruise on a certain itinerary on Oceania. If so, they can then just choose to sail on a "luxury" line on which they would feel more comfortable.

Oceania ,obviously has a business plan, and it seems to be working for them. Most people it seems who sail below concierge level seem to know what perks they do and do not receive, and seem happy with their choice. (I know, I know ...some people could not find where a hot breakfast was not included prior to signing onto the cruise)

[LHT28]

As has often been pointed out on CC, it is fortunate that there are so many options available in cruising. One has only to weigh their priorities and values and then select which cruise and cruise line makes most sense to them. So....for instance, if one is so distressed by what they perceive as an unfair class system which is unfairly discriminatory they must decide whether this perceived discrimination is so distressful to them that it outweighs their desire to cruise on a certain itinerary on Oceania. If so, they can then just choose to sail on a "luxury" line on which they would feel more comfortable.

I agree with you

It is so amazing that someone who only sails in top suites is so concerned about the lower class people that they have to espouse their distain for the cruise line they do not sail on :eek:

[Mura]

While most often we have been in a PH since Oceania was created, we were in an OS once on Regatta, a VS a couple of times on Marina, also an OC on Marina, a VS once on Insigna. This is over more than 10 years of cruising on O.

 

No officer has ever escorted us to our cabin! And if they had offered we probably would have said, "We know the way." There are perks that we appreciate in the higher suites, but a personal escort is not one of them!

 

For that matter, I recall that on Renaissance and Oceania's early days, we were often escorted to our suite but by a much lower level crew member. Even then, once we knew where things were (after our first cruise on the ship), we preferred making our own way. Lately NO ONE has offered to escort us, no matter what level we were at.

 

Since we recently accepted a downgrade from a PH to a B2 on Nautica in a couple of weeks, we don't expect ANY privileges -- other than what anyone else gets! And that is fine. The refund we received will pay for our next cruise.

 

Mura

[TrulyBlonde]

Perhaps they were VIP's or maybe some passengers that seek out the Captain & GM as they board to get special attention :rolleyes:

 

YES, and some even need to have their arm held and escorted to dinner by their butler, to their many Speciality restaurant dinners. Oh....but lets not talk about the Class system. There is no Class system on O, and the many lovely passengers can attest to it. We are all different but some have a need to have a Presence for all to see. Sad really:(

[LHT28]

YES, and some even need to have their arm held and escorted to dinner by their butler, to their many Speciality restaurant dinners. Oh....but lets not talk about the Class system. There is no Class system on O, and the many lovely passengers can attest to it. We are all different but some have a need to have a Presence for all to see. Sad really:(

I Agree

very sad

[ChatKat in Ca.]

On some itineraries, it's great to have a large suite with all the amenities for a treat. On others, you may never want or need a balcony/verandah. With each choice there are perks or lack of.

 

I've sailed on all levels and kind of like an Almond Joy, sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't.

 

Same with dining - I don't eat a hot breakfast often at home. If I am in a port every day with lot's of touring - I don't need one. I want to eat enough to get going.

 

If I am on a a cruise where the ship is more the destination and there are a lot of sea days, I might want hot breakfast in my cabin. I might want dinner there one night too. And I book accordingly with my travel plan.

 

Some people are content with the lowest category. They are happy to go away and happy with the amenities. They don't need more. I travel in the lowest category that meets my goals for what I want my vacation time to be. I only have to impress myself - no one else. I can go more often with the same amount of money. I have done PH travel and I have done Mass Market in a standard cabin.

 

The MDR is quite lovely - I actually like to eat there but - that was not always the case. I was influenced by the posters here. On my first O cruise - it was not as good as the specialties. No custom ordering. But it's evolved quite a bit and is as good as the specialty restaurants. You can always check the menu and see if it's appealing to you. If not, you can go to the Terrace Cafe. On other ships, I rarely eat dinner in the Lido/Terrace. But on O - that Lobster and Steak are amazing.

 

So my point is - no one should be judgmental and criticize what I or you choose to do on my cruise. You do your cruise your way and I will do mine my way. I have not found passengers on O for the most part to be like that. I have met some lovely people onboard.

 

The only class system I have found is the one that someone perceives there is. I don't think there is one.

Edited June 8, 2016 by ChatKat in Ca.

[Travelcat2]

I agree with you

It is so amazing that someone who only sails in top suites is so concerned about the lower class people that they have to espouse their distain for the cruise line they do not sail on :eek:

 

On my! You could not be more wrong!!! IMO, everyone should be concerned about the fair treatment of others. Plus, I do not espouse distain for Oceania - only making comments that could improve the experience for everyone. And, most importantly, I DO NOT think of people in lower suites to be "lower class people". That statement in and of itself is truly mindboggling and extremely upsetting. I try to understand negative posts and slams at posters but still feel that there is no place on CC for such posts. Accusing people of making up stories about their experience on Oceania is beyond belief (and hopefully no one believes it).

 

If you or anyone else believes that there is no class system on Oceania, so be it. You are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mine. However, if lower category suites were able to board on a "first come first served" basis, were able to have a great breakfast of hot eggs & bacon, could access any place on the ship as people in the upper suites, I wonder who would complain. It certainly would not be me.

 

Chatkat: Absolutely no one is being judgmental about what you do on your cruise. This thread is about Oceania - not about any passenger.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Travelcat2]

YES, and some even need to have their arm held and escorted to dinner by their butler, to their many Speciality restaurant dinners. Oh....but lets not talk about the Class system. There is no Class system on O, and the many lovely passengers can attest to it. We are all different but some have a need to have a Presence for all to see. Sad really:(

 

Do not even know how to respond to your post. Who has to has their arm held and escorted to dinner by the butler? Who needs to have a "Presence" for all to see? Sad? Absolutely - it is sad that anyone feels that way because it is not the reality that we have experienced on Oceania.

 

Oceania has amazing butlers (and amazing crew members) that go above and beyond what is expected of them. Yes - some butlers want to escort passengers to dinner ("want" - but are not asked to). I cannot imagine anyone paying attention to whomever is escorted to dinner. I have had this happen with one butler on Oceania and one on Regent. It was embarrassing .... that is the only feeling that I had. Others may feel differently.

[ChatKat in Ca.]

While you think no one is judging, Jackie - yes. There is. Oceania and your good friend, Frank Del Rio, think there is a cost to bringing a hot breakfast. In essence, they charge for it. There is no class system. There are people who chose to include it in their fare if they want it. If they don't need it, then they cruise at the level.

 

There should not be this continual beating of a dead horse about class. Want to board at noon - pay for a concierge cabin How is that a class system?

 

You did this same thing when Regent chose to offer a Concierge Level on their ships for Cat. D and Above. If someone wants to be in a bathrobe in a lounge reading a newspaper, it's up to the cruise line to determine if that's ok. Some of your Travel Agent's guests were in bathrobe at a cocktail party on Regent in the Hallway.

 

If you don't like the system, then you don't. Semantics don't change it.

[Travelcat2]

Your opinion is your opinion and I respect it. Assuming you will do the same.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Travelcat2

[LHT28]

 

If you don't like the system, then you don't. Semantics don't change it.

 

how true

some people will just keep going on & on about the class system in their opinion is there while most people who sail Oceania regularly do not see it

 

Just my opinion as well ;)

 

Time to let the horse die in peace

Edited June 8, 2016 by LHT28

[Solent Richard]

While you think no one is judging, Jackie - yes. There is. Oceania and your good friend, Frank Del Rio, think there is a cost to bringing a hot breakfast. In essence, they charge for it. There is no class system. There are people who chose to include it in their fare if they want it. If they don't need it, then they cruise at the level.

 

There should not be this continual beating of a dead horse about class. Want to board at noon - pay for a concierge cabin How is that a class system?

 

You did this same thing when Regent chose to offer a Concierge Level on their ships for Cat. D and Above. If someone wants to be in a bathrobe in a lounge reading a newspaper, it's up to the cruise line to determine if that's ok. Some of your Travel Agent's guests were in bathrobe at a cocktail party on Regent in the Hallway.

 

If you don't like the system, then you don't. Semantics don't change it.

 

how true

some people will just keep going on & on about the class system in their opinion is there while most people who sail Oceania regularly do not see it

 

Just my opinion as well ;)

 

Time to let the horse die in peace

 

May I compliment you both on two excellent responses.

 

For many years 'The Class' system was a rod to beat Cunard's Grills passengers until a number of cruise lines discovered that separate areas within the ship were a cash generating phenomenon.

 

Now the likes of MSC (Yacht Club), Celebrity and NCL (The Haven) have more real estate dedicated to those who pay more than Cunard ever dreamed of.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Solent Richard

[bitob]

The hot breakfast issue is easy to understand Imo. There are very few meaningful incentives to book cc cabins especially on r ships where there is no cc lounge. The cc package is made up of hot breakfast , access to spa deck, cabin location and earlier opportunity to make restaurant reservations. None of those alone is worth much but together may encourage someone to book cc

 

You can pay to access spa deck. A non cc room could be one cabin away from cc cabin. You are guaranteed specialty reservations regardless. So Oceania oneeds every incentive possible to fill the cc cabins and for many hot breakfast does the trick

Edited June 8, 2016 by bitob

[Paulchili]

I have had this happen with one butler on Oceania and one on Regent. It was embarrassing .... that is the only feeling that I had. Others may feel differently.

 

Were you embarrassed enough to graciously decline?

Somehow I have a feeling that you did not -please tell me that I am wrong :D

[Flatbush Flyer]

The hot breakfast issue is easy to understand Imo. There are very few meaningful incentives to book cc cabins especially on r ships where there is no cc lounge. The cc package is made up of hot breakfast , access to spa deck, cabin location and earlier opportunity to make restaurant reservations. None of those alone is worth much but together may encourage someone to book cc

 

You can pay to access spa deck. A non cc room could be one cabin away from cc cabin. You are guaranteed specialty reservations regardless. So Oceania oneeds every incentive possible to fill the cc cabins and for many hot breakfast does the trick

 

 

Plus 1.

[Travelcat2]

Were you embarrassed enough to graciously decline?

Somehow I have a feeling that you did not -please tell me that I am wrong :D

 

While I am almost 100% sure that you won't believe me, I did try to decline but he insisted. To add to that (and to give people more things to make fun of me about), I was having severe knee problems at the time and the butler saw us in the hallway when I was carrying my shoes (only to the elevator). He also insisted on carrying them. First I asked him to please hold my Kindle rather than my shoes but again, he insisted. Sometimes truth is better than fiction.

 

Note: I did not hold the butler's arm nor did we enter the restaurant together. He escorted us to the line going into a specialty restaurant and left.

[ORV]

I think maybe the OP has an answer they can work with, and got a lot more information than they wanted. Generally I'm one to let the conversation run it's course, and rarely say lets end this, BUT, I think we're starting to deal with the paradox of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

 

It's not longer a conversation, people each have their way of seeing it, even if they are wrong, or at least opposite of the majority.

 

Out.

[Paulchili]

I think maybe the OP has an answer they can work with, and got a lot more information than they wanted. Generally I'm one to let the conversation run it's course, and rarely say lets end this, BUT, I think we're starting to deal with the paradox of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

 

It's not longer a conversation, people each have their way of seeing it, even if they are wrong, or at least opposite of the majority.

 

Out.

 

+1 (again :D)