Review: Buenos Aires to Valparaiso Dec 19th 2016 on Marina

[goldengatecruisers]

Hello fellow cruisers.

 

We just completed a most memorable trip on Marina. Our sailing was a holiday voyage of 17 days from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso beginning on December 19th, 2016. Oceania exceeded our expectations and we look forward to a future cruise. My review, once approved, can be seen in the review section of the Cruise Critic website. I awarded 5 stars for each category.

 

To help readers with perspective we are seasoned cruisers who usually favor luxury lines such as Crystal and Silversea and this was my 60th voyage. We are in our mid 40s.

 

REVIEW:

 

We chose this voyage based on timing and itinerary. It marked a return to Oceania after our first voyage on Riviera in 2012. We chose the same PH3 category as before and were very happy with our suite. On future cruises we will consider the Oceania Suite for additional space and comfort.

 

Embarkation and disembarkation were both smooth. We arrived around 2pm for embarkation and disembarked using an Oceania full day tour and airport transfer. Both were effortless and pleasant.

 

The ship having recently been refreshed during a 2016 dry dock looked spectacular and almost brand new. It was impossible to see any wear and tear other than minor cosmetic imperfections. Our suite was the perfect choice for this 17 day cruise allowing plenty of space for storage, areas to dine, relax and work. Bedding, as most people already know, is superb onboard Oceania and we slept soundly each and every night. Oceania now offer a purchase list for those passengers wishing to re-create the Oceania bedroom at home.

 

Dining is the hallmark of any Oceania cruise. The choices and quality of food are beyond any words I can write here. From our experience Crystal Cruises maintains a high level for their food offerings but Oceania, based on this experience, is giving them a run for their money. To say that we indulged heavily is an understatement. It was very difficult to restrict ourselves when menus were presented each evening. From the vegan juice bar in Waves Grill to the exquisite delivery of the finest cuisine at Jacques one is spoilt beyond all reckoning on board Oceania Marina. We live in Manhattan and San Francisco and are exposed to some of the finest restaurants in the United States and yet we found ourselves both impressed and delighted at each meal.

 

For us, this cruise was really about the dining experiences with friends who traveled with us and new friends that we made on board. Our butler was able to secure speciality restaurants on 10 nights of our voyage but usually only at 8.00pm or 8.30pm reservations. This was not an issue for us at all but sadly it meant that we missed the evening entertainment in the Marina Lounge. We did manage to see a couple of shows including one with guest entertainer Colleen Williamson, who we knew from Crystal. It was lovely reconnecting with her and spending time with her during her brief stay on board. The production shows looked impressive but we were only able to attend one performance. There was varied entertainment including a magician, pianist, singer, comedian etc. but we feel we can not comment adequately in this review. I did give 5 stars for entertainment based on the shows we did see and the availability of such varied acts, even though we did not attend those performances. I didn't want a less then '5 star' to skew my overall rating of this cruise.

 

We had read various threads that spoke to service issues on Marina. This was not our experience at all. We really enjoyed the staff and crew on board and we always go out of our way to introduce ourselves and engage in conversation whenever we interact with our servers, shore-ex, reception etc. We find it only enhances our overall experience and this cruise was no exception. The level of service was equal to that we have experienced on Crystal and Silversea and we were made to feel special at every turn.

 

The ports and itinerary were a big drive for us to book this voyage. Thankfully weather allowed us to visit the Falkland Islands and see penguins. The Chilean Fjords were spectacular although our weather was not always favorable so views were often misty. We certainly experienced our fair share of inclement weather but such is life, and it did not mar our journey or experience in any way.

 

Shore excursions were superb. We enjoyed an O-Life benefit of 5 complimentary cruises. We purchased 2 penguin excursions and pre-paid before sailing. We booked one on board using credits. So a total of 8, which for us is a lot. All of them were very good and the shore-ex team handled all effortlessly including some long tender journeys to and from shore. The operation was very smooth and well orchestrated and kudos to Alexandra and her team for the way they handled the guests.

 

A special mention in this review should be the amazing Cruise Director, Peter Roberts and his Asst. Cruise Director Jason. These two are really good. It was like having two Cruise Directors on one ship. Both have great personalities, engaged with passengers and provided an excellent line up of daily activities. In particular, the morning television show was both entertaining and interesting. Peter has a very dry sense of humor and it is clear he really enjoys his work. In the final days of the voyage Peter takes the camera 'below deck' and provides a 'behind the scenes' look at the workings of the ship. This was really interesting. I know other lines also provide similar information on their television shows but it is always nice to meet the people who work tirelessly below decks to make our life on board enjoyable.

 

The ship sailed at full capacity. With all berths taken Marina holds 1250 guests and we were told that we were almost at that number although no exact number was provided, or at least I was not aware of the exact number.

 

Sadly we did not take advantage of onboard booking privileges. We have several vacations and cruises booked into mid 2018 so our calendar is committed. However, we will most certainly recommend Oceania and look forward to our return in the not so distant future.

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read the review. I am more than happy to answer any specific questions if you have any. Wishing you all a wonderful year of travel and discovery.

 

Ashley

[Queen of DaNile]

Sounds like you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Paulchili]

Ashley,

Thank you for your comprehensive review. I am glad that you had a good cruise.

How many shoes did Peter have on this cruise? On our cruise he had 26 pairs. I am sure he picked up some new ones in S. America :D

PS If you liked the PH3 you will love the OC.

Edited January 8, 2017 by Paulchili

[GeorgesGal]

Ashley, thank you so much for the great review of your cruise! This is one I would love to do in the future. I do have one question though, which no one ever addresses for these cruises 'around the Horn': what were the seas like when going around the southern-most tip of South America? My travel companion (my sister) is a bit leery of this part of the journey - she doesn't like rough crossings.

 

We are looking forward to our next cruise on Marina in April - a 31 day TA out of Miami and ending in Rome. We will also be in a PH, one of the aft wraps on deck 7 with the expanded side balcony. Happy campers!

 

Donna

[sammiedawg]

I really enjoyed reading the review of our very favorite ship. It is especially nice to read an appreciation of the food and dining opportunities on board an Oceania O ship. I am amazed every single time.

Peter and Jason seem to have a semi-permanent gig on Marina. We had them last spring in the South Pacific, then saw them in September when we were on Sirena and docked next to Marina. Nice guys.

[goldengatecruisers]

Paulchili, Peter certainly had a good selection of shoes with him although I am not sure how many pairs. His dazzling holiday attire was also a talking point on the cruise. Peter and Jason were certainly festively attired for this journey and both had fabulous suits for New Year's Eve.

 

Donna, the seas were pleasant for the most of the voyage. We had a few nights of 12-14 ft swells and high winds which I didn't find that uncomfortable. I was expecting a rougher voyage but I thought it was relatively calm. I believe the Drake Passage is the tough area to navigate and if this cruise is anything to go by the sailing 'around the horn' was uneventful. To help you understand our routing: from the Falklands we sailed to Ushuaia via the Beagle Channel which is actually north of the southern most islands where Cape Horn is located. A quick look at google maps will show you. So technically we did not sail around Cape Horn which was a surprise to me because I was expecting to sail below the southern most point. Maybe someone experienced in this region can add to these comments as to whether cruise ships typically sail below Cape Horn or take the Beagle Channel route. So have we technically sailed around Cape Horn yet or do I have to return and do it again?!?!?

 

I have attached a small thumbnail - I am not very experienced at adding attachments. Sorry for the small size but hopefully you can see what I was trying to say with regards to our routing and the actual physical location of Cape Horn.

 

Ashley

Edited January 8, 2017 by goldengatecruisers

[Paulchili]

We have sailed through both - the Beagle Channel and around Cape Horn:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Horn#

 

We were lucky each time with good weather, especially around the Horn when it was sunny and smooth. If memory serves me right, it was so nice that the Captian decided to sail around the island - Isla Hornos (just confirmed by my BH :D)

The Beagle Channel https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beagle_Channel#

is a bit more interesting in that one can see waterfalls, glaciers, etc. Both are interesting voyages and one has to be lucky to have good weather as that is more the exception than the rule.

Edited January 8, 2017 by Paulchili

[globevest]

Very informative review. Thank you for taking the time.

[GICNJC]

Thanks for the excellent review. Glad you answered the sea conditions as that has been one of my persistent questions. Perhaps we will consider the trip in the near future.

[YoHoHo]

What a great picture you paint. Sadly for us we simply cannot take the time for such a wonderful vacation, yet. Glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to reading your full review once it is published. Thank you for taking the time to share your trip experience.

Edited January 9, 2017 by YoHoHo
Had to add 'yet'

[LHT28]

thanks for the review

 

We have not been on Marina since 2015 can you tell me what does the vegan juice bar you mention have ?

[sitraveler]

thanks for the review

 

We have not been on Marina since 2015 can you tell me what does the vegan juice bar you mention have ?

 

The ice cream area in Waves now does smoothies and juices. There is a menu and about 4 standard suggestions.

Loved the cruise enough to book a reverse itinerary on Sirena for 2018.

[goldengatecruisers]

LHT28 there is a vegan juice bar until 11am in the morning and it is situated in the Waves area prior to entering the lobby outside Terraces. On offer are 'made to order' juices of which there are 3. Each juice contains 4-5 veg/fruit and all three are delicious. I would normally go with one called 'sweet green' made with spinach, cucumber, ginger, apple. I think there was one additional ingredient but can't remember. I didn't take a photo of the menu board but perhaps someone else has one and can share it with you on this thread. There are also 3 smoothies all made with non-dairy products. There are 2 cold pressed coffee drinks and 2 breakfast food offerings: one is made with chia/cashew milk and the other is an acai berry presentation. The breakfast food offerings are very small and I would often get two of the chia/cashew milk. Sarita (I may have spelled her name incorrectly) works at this station daily and makes the cashew milk on board. She is always happy, smiling and exudes lovely energy. It is a super healthy way to start your day and I highly recommend visiting the station when you next sail.

 

Ashley

[goldengatecruisers]

PaulChili thanks for the additional information on Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel. I guess we were super lucky with the weather :D

[LHT28]

LHT28 there is a vegan juice bar until 11am in the morning and it is situated in the Waves area prior to entering the lobby outside Terraces. On offer are 'made to order' juices of which there are 3. Each juice contains 4-5 veg/fruit and all three are delicious. I would normally go with one called 'sweet green' made with spinach, cucumber, ginger, apple. I think there was one additional ingredient but can't remember. I didn't take a photo of the menu board but perhaps someone else has one and can share it with you on this thread. There are also 3 smoothies all made with non-dairy products. There are 2 cold pressed coffee drinks and 2 breakfast food offerings: one is made with chia/cashew milk and the other is an acai berry presentation. The breakfast food offerings are very small and I would often get two of the chia/cashew milk. Sarita (I may have spelled her name incorrectly) works at this station daily and makes the cashew milk on board. She is always happy, smiling and exudes lovely energy. It is a super healthy way to start your day and I highly recommend visiting the station when you next sail.

 

Ashley

 

Thanks

Definitely something new since our last sailing on Marina

They did have smoothies in the morning I think 2 choices but not the juices

 

Lyn

[Mura]

Questioning how "good" or how "bad" seas are is fraught with danger ... just because we had rough seas at the tip of South America doesn't mean YOU would, and just because we had absolutely quiet seas at Cape Horn and the Falklands doesn't mean that's what you would experience.

 

The fact is there just aren't any guarantees, even in areas normally considered to be calm. Some of the worst seas I personally ever endured occurred going from the Canal to Aruba.

 

Mura

[Paulchili]

Questioning how "good" or how "bad" seas are is fraught with danger ... just because we had rough seas at the tip of South America doesn't mean YOU would, and just because we had absolutely quiet seas at Cape Horn and the Falklands doesn't mean that's what you would experience.

 

The fact is there just aren't any guarantees, even in areas normally considered to be calm. Some of the worst seas I personally ever endured occurred going from the Canal to Aruba.

 

Mura

 

Very true.

Falklands are notoriously missed by cruise ships as often than not.

[GeorgesGal]

Thank you Arlene, Paulchili and Mura for your responses. I'll try to get Marianne to brave it with me one of these days!

 

Donna

[Mura]

It's worth the trip, Donna. Tell Marianne that I am one who is often subject to mal de mer but I keep on cruising anyway. There are also shots one can take to alleviate the condition!

 

Mura

[ORV]

Currently on board the Marina. All is good, weather has been beautiful. We are having a sea day on the way to Lima.

 

One thing I would like to point out that I have been critical about in the past is the slots in the casino. They have updated quite a few of these on Marina, as well as on Riviera that we were on last month. Of course they still are not paying out the way we would want. :(

Edited January 9, 2017 by ORV