Oceania vs. NCL

[schelercamus]

Dear CCers,

 

We are trying to decide between an NCL cruise that we have booked for January 17 and an equivalent Oceania cruise--same time frame. The O cruise would be $1k more for the both of us.

 

Is Oceania worth the extra 1k? If so, how and why?

[Paulchili]

Where do I begin? :D

They do have 2 things in common - they both involve a ship and are part of the same corporation.

Other than that they have nothing in common :D

[cruisingxpert]

Dear CCers,

 

We are trying to decide between an NCL cruise that we have booked for January 17 and an equivalent Oceania cruise--same time frame. The O cruise would be $1k more for the both of us.

 

Is Oceania worth the extra 1k? If so, how and why?

 

Only you can decide but without knowing how you came up with the $1000 difference, it is hard to say whether it's worth the difference.

 

Have you factored in that Oceania includes air,specialty restaurants, on board credit? ,Internet, included water,soft drinks and all coffee types as long as no alcohol in them etc.

 

One thing I will say is that Oceania is the only cruise ship where I would happily eat dinner in the Terrace - what other ships refer as the Lido or Buffet.

[hypercafe]

You do not say what type of cabin on NCL and what you like on a cruise. If you like shows and action stick with NCL. If you are in the Haven stick with NCL. If you got the drink package and dinning package when booking NCL give it careful through .

[StanandJim]

Dear CCers,

 

We are trying to decide between an NCL cruise that we have booked for January 17 and an equivalent Oceania cruise--same time frame. The O cruise would be $1k more for the both of us.

 

Is Oceania worth the extra 1k? If so, how and why?

 

Your question is really impossible to answer because it presumes that a Norwegian cruise which visits similar ports, offering a similar number of nights on the ship would be equivalent to an Oceania Cruise of a similar duration. This theory is false in every possible way.

 

Oceania's food, service, decor and ambience are light years ahead of what you will find on Norwegian, even in their largest and most expensive Suites.

 

As with any luxe experience, there are those detractors who cannot appreciate quality unless it is shown as a byproduct of increased quantity,

and for those people the larger ship will always win.

I've given up trying to convince them :D

Edited July 3, 2016 by StanandJim

[Cruseforme]

You did not indicate your likes of NCL, do you like the shows, nightlife, excitement, people, excursions? If so, O is not for you. O is sedate, not much nightlife, no photographers hounding you, no pool parties. As others have said, all soft drinks including smoothies and milkshakes are included. There is no "sail-away" free drinks, and ensuing 'all in the pool' party. You mostly need to be self entertained, and it is a quieter, older crowd (think 60's+), but well traveled and interesting. Excursions tend to be bus trips, so it's usually diy with your rollcall. Which ship? Riviera and Marina are larger with more amenities (1250 passenger each). Food...well the food speaks for itself. The specialty restaurants are all INCLUDED...for everyone.....that said...without knowing what you are looking for in a cruise, and age range, I am sure we could go on and on ...on the differences. Kinda like comparing a Hershey bar (NCL), to Belgium Chocolate (O), IMHO.

[sammiedawg]

The OP was non specific on how many days the cruise is and I am confused if the additional price is $1000 per person or $500 per person. Either way Oceania is a premium line and NCL is mass market. Oceania Food, service, ship condition, inclusions will be far superior, IMO.

 

However, I have read reviews where individuals didn't care for the finer dining options and amenities of Oceania and they claim to prefer the cheaper mass market line. I'm dumbfounded when I read these reviews but to each his own.

 

The OP won't know the answer to the question posed unless they experience it for themselves. I vote yes, upgrade to Oceania.

[roothy123]

I haven't cruised on RCL, so probably shouldn't even answer. However, I have to say I'd gladly pay $1K more for an Oceania cruise compared to a cruise with the same itinerary on Celebrity or Princess. Often, though, it's hard to compare the itineraries in a meaningful way, as the mainstream lines tend to go to larger, better known ports, and have more sea days. I like port-intensive cruises, and ones that take a chance on smaller, lesser-known ports, so I'm willing to pay more for a cruise that spends less time on the water and goes to lesser-traveled places. You may prefer the opposite. Also, one consideration that often gets overlooked is how much time a person sometimes has to spend to get off the ship when a port is reached. I've heard that in some places (fabulous Santorini comes to mind) it can take up to two hours for everyone to get ashore, whereas on both Oceania and Viking Ocean it took less than an hour (including the tendering).

 

Oceania has some great cruises for $2K including airfare if you're willing to book a lower priced stateroom. I think you should try one!

[Paulchili]

Where do I begin? :D

They do have 2 things in common - they both involve a ship and are part of the same corporation.

Other than that they have nothing in common :D

 

On a more serious note - others have said it very well above.

Oceania would be a very different cruising experience from NCL. Sedate, adult atmosphere with excellent food, great service and well traveled and well behaved (mostly :D) mature adults. Oceania will not be a "party" cruise with lots of hoopla, endless entertainment and late nights.

If you are looking for and willing to pay extra for this type of an experience then it is worth it - otherwise not

Only you know what you prefer.

[Travelcat2]

Where do I begin? :D

They do have 2 things in common - they both involve a ship and are part of the same corporation.

Other than that they have nothing in common :D

 

Although you said this tongue in cheek, I agree 1000%. NCL (or any other main stream cruise line) and Oceania are a completely different cruising experiences.

 

I do understand that some people want a large ship, tons of things to do (especially for children), etc. Oceania has smaller ships, is quiet and has few if any children (except during school breaks and summer). You don't pay for room service, non-alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, etc.

 

Suggest that the OP do more research so that they will know exactly how polar opposites these cruise lines are.

[Cruseforme]

Dear CCers,

 

We are trying to decide between an NCL cruise that we have booked for January 17 and an equivalent Oceania cruise--same time frame. The O cruise would be $1k more for the both of us.

 

Is Oceania worth the extra 1k? If so, how and why?

 

As an FYI, you indicated on the NCL board that you are "Budget minded grad students"...if this is the case, I am not sure O is the fit for you...demographics wise....think ...your grandparents....if you enjoy spending time with the older generations and enjoy quiet and peaceful surroundings, good food and conversation, and as been stated, early evenings, you will enjoy O, otherwise, I would personally not recommend O for your age group, but only you will know the answer.

[stag]

You can buy a skirt in Walmart or in Macy's. The skirt may have the similar functions and serve the similar purpose. But it is not the same skirt.

[StanandJim]

I haven't cruised on RCL, so probably shouldn't even answer. However, I have to say I'd gladly pay $1K more for an Oceania cruise compared to a cruise with the same itinerary on Celebrity or Princess. Often, though, it's hard to compare the itineraries in a meaningful way, as the mainstream lines tend to go to larger, better known ports, and have more sea days. I like port-intensive cruises, and ones that take a chance on smaller, lesser-known ports, so I'm willing to pay more for a cruise that spends less time on the water and goes to lesser-traveled places. You may prefer the opposite. Also, one consideration that often gets overlooked is how much time a person sometimes has to spend to get off the ship when a port is reached. I've heard that in some places (fabulous Santorini comes to mind) it can take up to two hours for everyone to get ashore, whereas on both Oceania and Viking Ocean it took less than an hour (including the tendering).

 

Oceania has some great cruises for $2K including airfare if you're willing to book a lower priced stateroom. I think you should try one!

I give up, how does RCL enter the equation? :confused:

[ronrick1943]

It depends on what you want in a cruise.

[buggins0402]

As an FYI, you indicated on the NCL board that you are "Budget minded grad students"...if this is the case, I am not sure O is the fit for you...demographics wise....think ...your grandparents....if you enjoy spending time with the older generations and enjoy quiet and peaceful surroundings, good food and conversation, and as been stated, early evenings, you will enjoy O, otherwise, I would personally not recommend O for your age group, but only you will know the answer.

 

Actually, it depends. Our last cruise was a 7 day European, it skewed to an average age of high forties, low fifties. It was a GoNext cruise, so that might have had something to do with it.

[PaulMCO]

We done both recently...

 

1) NCL -- nickel and dime ypu to death for even coffees. Our bill for 7 days was almost $1400.

2) We had specialty dining package on NCL food was good to mediocre. They now nickel and dime you there too. Want a lobster tail with your steak add $$$. Best bets were the Steak and French restaurants.

3) Breakfasts are a zoo on NCL. Unless you have a Haven suite that alone would dissuade me from cruising NCL.

4) They will charge you for room service. They ban people from going to the buffet and taking some food up to the room.

5) Shows are better on NCL. However on some there are fees (like the Magic show).

 

Thing to consider -- gratuities, air fare included in O. Other included items in O life. Specials that NCL will give (beverage packing or dining package). The free dining package only helps equalize the food. If not free you need to add the cost to reduced the extra $1000 difference.

 

The internet is more restricted on NCL. They block a lot of sites including Comcast, which prevented me from getting my mail.

 

For 1K and the itineraries being the same -- definitely O.

[Flatbush Flyer]

OP: read a few CC threads about food, amenities, service and passenger behavior for NCL. Then do the same for Oceania. HUGE difference and well worth the extra dollars.

 

As for the demographics, recent O cruises we've been on have had a wide variety of ages including families with little kids on Med and Alaska trips. The most common things you'll find about O passengers is that they're generally well traveled and cosmopolitan.

[Hawaiidan]

The difference....stark NCL is a cross of Motel 6 and Best Western selling its self as a Hyatt Regency or 4 seasons.

How is a Yugo compared to a Mercedes 500S......

 

Id gladly pay $2000 to 3000 more for O.any time any where

 

O is a Ritz Carlton without pretension.Its everything that NCL is not from fellow passengers to ambiance...

 

On the price did you factor, air fare? no charge for any dining, No charge for coffee, soda, all non liquor. Shore excursion option, free internet unlimited, many times included gratuities.,about 600 to 1000 passengers on O vs 3000-5000 on NCL.

Nickel dime every time all the time.with NCL will even charge you $$ to be able to get away from the other masses when you just cant take another second of bedlam. A mad house on NCL with a cross section of humanity that would overwhelm Sigmund Freud s...

NCl is an entry level experience for the 20-40 set, Hot disco, lots of families and kids, Pool parties, wild bar scene, las vegas casinos, lounge shows, production galas, lots of cabin class hype...Im in the "Haven" I am a Captains Club Gold Star double Dolphin etc ..

 

O is for people who are comfortable with and can entertain themselves. They are well traveled, well mannered and well spoken conversationalist

They enjoy fine dining, fine wine and fine arts. They would rather linger at dinner for several hours than hit the bar or some over the top show.

 

NCL is a learning experience...like the first time you slam a door on your finger .....you learn from it and it motivates you to seek better things in the world.

[Glaciers]

Is Oceania worth the extra 1k? If so, how and why?

 

We just returned from our first O trip. No, definitely not worth the extra money.

 

The demographic is old, very old, well-educated and well-travelled. The food was very good and better than any mass market line we’ve been on but not as good as Seabourn or Cunard. As stated by a loyal O cruiser I had been talking with one morning, the décor on Regatta is “80’s funeral home”. She did mention that the larger ships were a bit more modern.

 

One of the daily events that was popular was needlepoint.

[Hawaiidan]

We just returned from our first O trip. No, definitely not worth the extra money.

 

The demographic is old, very old, well-educated and well-travelled. The food was very good and better than any mass market line we’ve been on but not as good as Seabourn or Cunard. As stated by a loyal O cruiser I had been talking with one morning, the décor on Regatta is “80’s funeral home”. She did mention that the larger ships were a bit more modern.

 

One of the daily events that was popular was needlepoint.

 

Food is subjective and I would argue it and Cunard unless the Queens Grill not even in the same ball game....

 

However I found the decor on Regatta to be very classy ambiance and art like a British country boutique hotel in the Cotswold or Berkshire....

 

NCl is different.... with a paint scheme reminiscent of a grafiti painted sub way car in Newark nj....

 

Needel point? resally We had all sorts of great lectures dinners and outstanding trivial persuit.....

 

The there were the not very old...like 40 to 70 people who were in the belief they were 30... wonderful conversations and I guess no one needed to stick their finger in a light socket for added kicks....

 

If your a gen X or the like.... your going to think every one over 50 is living on borrowed time... perception is not reality as they say

 

A different demographic... and a different expectation O is for those that can entertain selves and enjoy the company of others who just enjoy the intrinsic value and pleasure of ocean travel and the subtile ambiance of quality.

Regatta is easily the most beautiful and classy ship I have ever sailed on.

Funeral home decor??? really ! Well NCl is easily "Cat House Mardi Gra "" or Howard Johnson/Heavy Metal period .

 

Different people seek different things and define enjoyment way differently.

You folks in Alaska bit get cabin fever from the long winter and crave wild and crazy anything..

Id still pay $1000 to 2000 more pp

[schelercamus]

To provide you all with more info--our NCL cruise is 2 weeks long, booked balcony with Unlimited beverage and 6 specialty dining nights.

 

The O cruise would be inside cabin for 10 nights. We would take the $400 pp OBC.

 

It's $1k total difference. We're in our 30's and look to relax, see some local culture, and unwind.

[Paulchili]

Which ship is your cruise on?

There is a difference.

In all honesty, nobody can decide this for you but yourselves by cruising both lines at some point and deciding which one you prefer.

If you ask this on NCL forum, I believe most NCL cruisers would not wish to spend the extra money for Oceania (as in "it's not worth it"). Conversely, most O cruisers do not wish to save the money to cruise on NCL.

Hence your dilemma in having others decide this for you.

Edited July 4, 2016 by Paulchili

[buggins0402]

For us it's about the ports and overall ambience of of the ship, so we do book insides on O, rather than mass market balconies.

 

On the NCL thread you mentioned a January cruise date. I'm assuming you are looking at Caribbean cruises, since that is one of the few places the two lines overlap geographically in January. Are you coming from Europe?

[Glaciers]

Food is subjective and I would argue it and Cunard unless the Queens Grill not even in the same ball game....

 

However I found the decor on Regatta to be very classy ambiance and art like a British country boutique hotel in the Cotswold or Berkshire....

 

NCl is different.... with a paint scheme reminiscent of a grafiti painted sub way car in Newark nj....

 

Needel point? resally We had all sorts of great lectures dinners and outstanding trivial persuit.....

 

The there were the not very old...like 40 to 70 people who were in the belief they were 30... wonderful conversations and I guess no one needed to stick their finger in a light socket for added kicks....

 

If your a gen X or the like.... your going to think every one over 50 is living on borrowed time... perception is not reality as they say

 

A different demographic... and a different expectation O is for those that can entertain selves and enjoy the company of others who just enjoy the intrinsic value and pleasure of ocean travel and the subtile ambiance of quality.

Regatta is easily the most beautiful and classy ship I have ever sailed on.

Funeral home decor??? really ! Well NCl is easily "Cat House Mardi Gra "" or Howard Johnson/Heavy Metal period .

 

Different people seek different things and define enjoyment way differently.

You folks in Alaska bit get cabin fever from the long winter and crave wild and crazy anything..

Id still pay $1000 to 2000 more pp

 

Whew, no need to get your panties in a bunch Hawaiidan. I was just giving my subjective opinion based on my previous cruising experience.

 

Let me provide a few positives to help ease your anxiety…

There were very few lines and access to just about everything was quick and easy.

Afternoon tea was very well run and probably the most well attended event onboard.

Our cabin steward was excellent.

Yes, needlepoint was well attended and enjoyed by many.

Embarkation was the easiest and quickest of any cruise we’ve taken.

The Captain’s reception was a wonderful event that included free drinks.

I was up between 5am-6am most mornings to look for wildlife. It was very refreshing and something I’d not seen on any other line that there was a self-serve espresso machine and fresh pastries available in Horizons at 5am. That was very nice. It’s actually where I met the loyal O cruiser who mentioned the décor being different than other O ships.

[fred 15]

Whew, no need to get your panties in a bunch Hawaiidan. I was just giving my subjective opinion based on my previous cruising experience.

Let me provide a few positives to help ease your anxiety…

There were very few lines and access to just about everything was quick and easy.

Afternoon tea was very well run and probably the most well attended event onboard.

Our cabin steward was excellent.

Yes, needlepoint was well attended and enjoyed by many.

Embarkation was the easiest and quickest of any cruise we’ve taken.

The Captain’s reception was a wonderful event that included free drinks.

I was up between 5am-6am most mornings to look for wildlife. It was very refreshing and something I’d not seen on any other line that there was a self-serve espresso machine and fresh pastries available in Horizons at 5am. That was very nice. It’s actually where I met the loyal O cruiser who mentioned the décor being different than other O ships.

 

 

That should calm him down