Considering Oceania for the 1st time

[WeehawkenCruiser]

We are considering Oceania for the 1st time for my father's 60th birthday next year. We are all experienced cruisers (Celebrity, NCL, CCL, MSC) but have never been on a luxury line and I am wondering if we will enjoy the atmosphere.

 

It will be myself and my husband, our 2 year old daughter, and my father (plus maybe one of his friends).

My father likes converstions at the bars and making friends, playing trivia, gambling and good food and drink. My husband and I like the same as well as a nice spa day and some sun.

 

If anyone can share thoughts it would be much appreciated.

[RJB]

We are considering Oceania for the 1st time for my father's 60th birthday next year. We are all experienced cruisers (Celebrity, NCL, CCL, MSC) but have never been on a luxury line and I am wondering if we will enjoy the atmosphere.

 

It will be myself and my husband, our 2 year old daughter, and my father (plus maybe one of his friends).

My father likes converstions at the bars and making friends, playing trivia, gambling and good food and drink. My husband and I like the same as well as a nice spa day and some sun.

 

If anyone can share thoughts it would be much appreciated.

Give it a try. Good food, good service a lot of nice people.. A little upscale from what you may be used to, but not really super luxury, but smaller and I think nicer.

[MarkieMarkNYC]

We are considering Oceania for the 1st time for my father's 60th birthday next year. We are all experienced cruisers (Celebrity, NCL, CCL, MSC) but have never been on a luxury line and I am wondering if we will enjoy the atmosphere.

 

It will be myself and my husband, our 2 year old daughter, and my father (plus maybe one of his friends).

My father likes converstions at the bars and making friends, playing trivia, gambling and good food and drink. My husband and I like the same as well as a nice spa day and some sun.

 

If anyone can share thoughts it would be much appreciated.

Just curious - have you read any of the threads here?

[Hawaiidan]

We are considering Oceania for the 1st time for my father's 60th birthday next year. We are all experienced cruisers (Celebrity, NCL, CCL, MSC) but have never been on a luxury line and I am wondering if we will enjoy the atmosphere.

 

It will be myself and my husband, our 2 year old daughter, and my father (plus maybe one of his friends).

My father likes converstions at the bars and making friends, playing trivia, gambling and good food and drink. My husband and I like the same as well as a nice spa day and some sun.

 

If anyone can share thoughts it would be much appreciated.

 

Maybe...... but will the atmosphere enjoy you At ..the" terrible 2's" daughter will not be received well on a line that prides its self with a no -kids atmosphere. Aside from that it will be a big change from the mass market boys.... As a general rule, all the luxury lines try to discourage kids of any age. as an adults refuge.. 2 is a very difficult age to manage. I would suggest waiting a while , a long while..

Try the line without the infant and then see it it is a fit.... All ships/lines are not for all persons. People wont shun you but the baby will raise eyebrows among a lot...... just saying Id reconsider at this time... try a proven product for parents with infants How will you manage the child during a 2 + hour dinner in a formal setting ? :confused:

[Cruseforme]

I will try to address the elephant in the room. You did not state what type of itinerary you are concentrating on, nor the time of year. There are no children's programs onboard for such a small child, and if you would like to search on children in this forum, at the risk of not being politically correct, children that age are not catered to on O. That said, I am sure if you are looking at a port intensive Caribbean , or Alaska Cruise, or a Holiday cruise, there may be several other children of various ages onboard. Not trying to discourage you, but trying to avoid any misconceptions of the age bracket onboard. Usually 60 is young for most O cruisers, although I am not there yet, and meet wonderful folks onboard. You need to decide how low key you like things onboard, as you will probably be some of the youngest on the ship. Please go down through this forum, and check some of the posts about nighttime entertainment, etc. Also, the Casinos onboard, are really tiny with outdated slots,many only a couple of table games, so not really a gambling atmosphere. The food, however is very good, but do not have a children's menu for little ones. I would look towards RCCL for a special time with multigenerational fun! Whatever you decide, have fun, and enjoy your family time together.

[WeehawkenCruiser]

I will try to address the elephant in the room. You did not state what type of itinerary you are concentrating on, nor the time of year. There are no children's programs onboard for such a small child, and if you would like to search on children in this forum, at the risk of not being politically correct, children that age are not catered to on O. That said, I am sure if you are looking at a port intensive Caribbean , or Alaska Cruise, or a Holiday cruise, there may be several other children of various ages onboard. Not trying to discourage you, but trying to avoid any misconceptions of the age bracket onboard. Usually 60 is young for most O cruisers, although I am not there yet, and meet wonderful folks onboard. You need to decide how low key you like things onboard, as you will probably be some of the youngest on the ship. Please go down through this forum, and check some of the posts about nighttime entertainment, etc. Also, the Casinos onboard, are really tiny with outdated slots,many only a couple of table games, so not really a gambling atmosphere. The food, however is very good, but do not have a children's menu for little ones. I would look towards RCCL for a special time with multigenerational fun! Whatever you decide, have fun, and enjoy your family time together.

 

Thank you for your candid reply.

We would be looking at the Canada/Bermuda itinerary for the summer of 2018 and this would be my daughter's 4th cruise by then.

 

In terms of nightlife my husband and I are not the going out type rather prefer to spend the night relaxing with a nice drink and some good food maybe listening to music or watching a movie. We sailed a smaller celerity ship a few years back when we were the only people under 40 on board and had a wonderful time.

 

This cruise would be much more about what my father would like (but he would not have fun unless we join him).

 

I guess we will think some more about this cruise as it sounds wonderful and right up our alley in terms of amenities but I do not want to be shunned for bringing a child on board (that is not a fun way to spend 10 days).

[sandasavi]

Thank you for your candid reply.

We would be looking at the Canada/Bermuda itinerary for the summer of 2018 and this would be my daughter's 4th cruise by then.

 

In terms of nightlife my husband and I are not the going out type rather prefer to spend the night relaxing with a nice drink and some good food maybe listening to music or watching a movie. We sailed a smaller celerity ship a few years back when we were the only people under 40 on board and had a wonderful time.

 

This cruise would be much more about what my father would like (but he would not have fun unless we join him).

 

I guess we will think some more about this cruise as it sounds wonderful and right up our alley in terms of amenities but I do not want to be shunned for bringing a child on board (that is not a fun way to spend 10 days).

 

I have never cruised and going on an O Cruise this summer with my parents (80 and 75) and my husband (51) and my Son (11). My parents wanted to take us on an Oceania Cruise because it's their favorite cruise line for the food, smaller size and itineraries. I was concerned about our Son being on a Cruise without Child programs. But, my parents assured us that they have been on O Cruises with other families and the children were never an issue and they found it nice to see Multi Generational families onboard. I have noticed that this "No Children" on Oceania idea is coming from about 4-6 people who post daily and not the majority of the people on this site. So, if you know that you are going to be able to travel with your child without a child program go for it. Sounds like you know what you like and want and I would be shocked if one of these "No Children on Oceania" posters were on your ship and if they were would they really spend their time making your feel bad for bringing your child, doubt it. Also, people who post like to say more from behind their screen than they would in person. If Oceania truly was a No Children Cruise line then they would make it a new policy. My advice on this is if you feel like this would be fun for your multi-generational family vacation go for it. Our family is looking forward to our cruise this summer. :)

[Classiccruiser777]

At present I'm on my fourth O cruise. If the kids are well behaved I doubt there would be any objections from anyone. "If" is the question...

[RJB]

Thank you for your candid reply.

We would be looking at the Canada/Bermuda itinerary for the summer of 2018 and this would be my daughter's 4th cruise by then.

 

In terms of nightlife my husband and I are not the going out type rather prefer to spend the night relaxing with a nice drink and some good food maybe listening to music or watching a movie. We sailed a smaller celerity ship a few years back when we were the only people under 40 on board and had a wonderful time.

 

This cruise would be much more about what my father would like (but he would not have fun unless we join him).

 

I guess we will think some more about this cruise as it sounds wonderful and right up our alley in terms of amenities but I do not want to be shunned for bringing a child on board (that is not a fun way to spend 10 days).

Bringing a 2 year old on board, no problem. I think most posters are talking about not well behaved teenagers, not a 2 year old. I am sure you will be O.K. or even better. Do it and i think your father will be very happy.

[Mura]

I am not known as someone who loves little children (or even bigger children) but I've never seen a "brat" on our Oceania cruises. Many of the objections seem to be directed at those children who should be better supervised by parents ... and maybe also for children who need a structured program.

 

I HAVE seen some children (like young teens) who were bored ... but they have tended to be children of the officers! They were beautifully behaved. I just felt very sorry for one young man who was at a table with officers several nights that we saw (probably was the case every night) and he was the only person under 21 there.

 

I'd say go for it, especially since your parents like Oceania and will be happier there.

[LHT28]

They have some 2017 cruises where children sail free

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/family-offer/

 

I am sure they will offer a program to keep them entertained

On most other cruise the children are usually few in numbers & well behaved

They are used to being with adults

 

Just be sure to take some books or games to keep the little one occupied

dinner in the restaurant can last 2-3 hrs so this is something to consider

I get restless so I cannot imagine a 4 yr being too happy sitting still that long

 

Lyn

[sammiedawg]

I love little kids and investigated taking an extended family trip on Regatta, there would be two very young kids. After extensive discussions with the Oceania future cruise consultant ( the lovely lady from Anchorage) we decided against it. Maybe in a few years.

While it is true Oceania has designated family friendly cruises there will be nothing for a two year old. There will be a kid program on certain Alaska sailings but the minimum age is five. I was told the program is really geared to elementary aged kids.

Dining is the biggest issue. Oceania's best feature is terrific food and dining experiences, fabulous free specialty restaurants. There is no way a two year old will sit through a lengthy dinner and I would worry other customers would be irritated. You could eat in the buffet to make meals quicker but why pay Oceania prices if you lose the dining options. The future cruise consultant said nannies or a grandparent often accompany a family group to Caregive during meals.

 

Good luck planning your trip, whatever you decide.

[Paulchili]

All valid points, sammiedawg

[orchestrapal]

All valid points, sammiedawg

 

Ditto! we have only seen one or two staff children on our 13 cruises and hope you will reconsider a more child friendly cruise line and enjoy it,

[CleverScubaCruiser]

Thank you for your candid reply.

We would be looking at the Canada/Bermuda itinerary for the summer of 2018 and this would be my daughter's 4th cruise by then.

 

I guess we will think some more about this cruise as it sounds wonderful and right up our alley in terms of amenities but I do not want to be shunned for bringing a child on board (that is not a fun way to spend 10 days).

 

I don't think you will be shunned. A few might raise an eyebrow or shake their head a bit but I don't think many would disapprove of a well-behaved, quiet child cruising with them. We had such a child on our last Caribbean cruise. Since this will be your daughter's 4th cruise you will know how she reacts to various situations - very few if any other children aboard, adult focused menus and food, long mealtimes, etc.

 

Since you are looking at a Canada/Bermuda itinerary my guess would be that there will be fewer young folks aboard than say a Caribbean itinerary.

[Hawaiidan]

Ditto! we have only seen one or two staff children on our 13 cruises and hope you will reconsider a more child friendly cruise line and enjoy it,

 

+2

 

2 year olds are difficult and notorious at best....I have never seen a child that age not acting up

For you enjoyment, your father and the childs, you should either pick another line or leave the child with a sitter for the 10 days......everyone will be happier

[Straughn]

I just looked at the Oceania board for the first time and clicked on this thread, for obvious reasons. I am a long time Celebrity cruiser. DH and I are interested in upgrading to a premium line with smaller ships. We are 72 and 65.

 

 

This comment is not directed at the OP. This post has raised a concern with us about Oceania. We are very tired of parents, who, because of the cruise line's kids' program, assume they have a built in baby sitter. We do not have any issue with well behaved children, but, despite what their parents think, most young children (under the age of 16 or so) are not "consistently" well behaved. Yes, we are cranky old people.

 

 

My understanding of Oceania is that they cater to adults and are not actively marketing to families with children. If this is incorrect, please tell me now.

[YoHoHo]

I just looked at the Oceania board for the first time and clicked on this thread, for obvious reasons. I am a long time Celebrity cruiser. DH and I are interested in upgrading to a premium line with smaller ships. We are 72 and 65.

 

 

This comment is not directed at the OP. This post has raised a concern with us about Oceania. We are very tired of parents, who, because of the cruise line's kids' program, assume they have a built in baby sitter. We do not have any issue with well behaved children, but, despite what their parents think, most young children (under the age of 16 or so) are not "consistently" well behaved. Yes, we are cranky old people.

 

 

My understanding of Oceania is that they cater to adults and are not actively marketing to families with children. If this is incorrect, please tell me now.

You are correct. Their usual marketing is to adults. They DO promote to families for a FEW select cruises such as Alaska or now as I have read here, some Canada/New England and those would have some sort of "kid's club" activities which are not otherwise offered.

[Mura]

Which means you should be careful about the itinerary you choose. The cruises "enticing" families with children are clearly marked.

 

If helps NOT to be sailing during school vacation times. Although we did discover when we were in Normandy one November that the French had school holidays at a time when the U.S. never did!

 

O does not "cater" to children and is very clear about not having programs for them on board. Especially on the smaller "R" ships, there just isn't the room.

 

Mura

[LHT28]

I just looked at the Oceania board for the first time and clicked on this thread, for obvious reasons. I am a long time Celebrity cruiser. DH and I are interested in upgrading to a premium line with smaller ships. We are 72 and 65.

 

 

This comment is not directed at the OP. This post has raised a concern with us about Oceania. We are very tired of parents, who, because of the cruise line's kids' program, assume they have a built in baby sitter. We do not have any issue with well behaved children, but, despite what their parents think, most young children (under the age of 16 or so) are not "consistently" well behaved. Yes, we are cranky old people.

 

 

My understanding of Oceania is that they cater to adults and are not actively marketing to families with children. If this is incorrect, please tell me now.

in my experience

 

Usually there are very few children on O cruises & most I have seen are very well behaved

 

I have not sailed on one of the Alaska cruise where they have a kids program so cannot comment

 

We have done a couple of European cruise in the summer & do not recall any small children onboard

 

 

The only way to avoid kids is to find an adults only cruise ...P & O may still have a couple of ships for adults only

[Hawaiidan]

I just looked at the Oceania board for the first time and clicked on this thread, for obvious reasons. I am a long time Celebrity cruiser. DH and I are interested in upgrading to a premium line with smaller ships. We are 72 and 65.

 

 

This comment is not directed at the OP. This post has raised a concern with us about Oceania. We are very tired of parents, who, because of the cruise line's kids' program, assume they have a built in baby sitter. We do not have any issue with well behaved children, but, despite what their parents think, most young children (under the age of 16 or so) are not "consistently" well behaved. Yes, we are cranky old people.

 

 

My understanding of Oceania is that they cater to adults and are not actively marketing to families with children. If this is incorrect, please tell me now.

 

You are correct, only a few Alaska cruise are marketed for bringing along kids of of grade school or older age. All the rest, and the ones I have been on are pointedly non kid friendly.

 

No...your not cranky at all your wishing to , after many years, have some exclusive adult time with out the distraction of kids where you can interact with similar like minded adults in an adult atmosphere .Adults need and deserve their space just as much as a family does, except not at the same time and place.

 

Since the bars, lounges , casinos, do not allow children, and there are no special places for children to play, or anything outside of their cabin, it astounds me that someone would ever consider bringing them!

With so many other ship lines marketing family cabins, programs and the line why choose one of the very few lines that doesn't , going out of their way to say so, yet still seek to impose themselves..?

Viking lines say flat out...no children under 16 allowed.

I wish O was that direct :confused:

To do otherwise, and seek to impose ones will on others is both selfish and uncaring of others in order to get ones way.... But to some that's the norm ...which is rather arrogant and sad to me. :loudcry: I dont hate kids or families...they have their place.... A Cruise on an adult focused ship is not one.:confused:

[Solas36]

I would not choose to sail on Oceania with a small child.

 

However, I do want to mention that some adults could maybe consider how they behave in public, not just on Oceania, but certainly in my experience on Oceania. I have encountered adults who clearlily believe that everyone in their vicinity is interested in hearing their conversations. I totally agree that Oceania is a great place for a relaxing cruise free from the natural and expected distractions caused by kids. So please, adults, be considerate to those who are enjoying that peace and quiet! You can have interesting conversations in lounges, having dinner and elsewhere without being loud!

 

I always taught my kids that if the folk at the next table can hear you, you are too loud!

[janecambridge]

So please, adults, be considerate to those who are enjoying that peace and quiet! You can have interesting conversations in lounges, having dinner and elsewhere without being loud!

 

I always taught my kids that if the folk at the next table can hear you, you are too loud!

 

Interesting.We have just returned from sailing The Royal Clipper around The Grenadines.2 children onboard,hardly seen and never heard.Who were the loud ones on that weeks sail? Adults..Nearly always from the same part of the world.Abusive and verbal at times,causing the captain to verbally warn 2 of them about an incorrect accusation they made shouting out loud on the deck.

Edited April 21, 2017 by janecambridge
spelling.

[Solas36]

Interesting.We have just returned from sailing The Royal Clipper around The Grenadines.2 children onboard,hardly seen and never heard.Who were the loud ones on that weeks sail? Adults..Nearly always from the same part of the world.Abusive and verbal at times,causing the captain to verbally warn 2 of them about an incorrect accusation they made shouting out loud on the deck.[/quote

 

Sorry to hear that. Glad some action taken.

 

I haven't experienced anything as bad. Just folk who like the sound of their own voice!

[kibutzer]

Looked at all the posts and I see you mentioned your Dad like to sit around have a drink, casino etc. A couple things for consideration the casino is small, closes early and there is little to do after that. Yes there are group trivia on sea days. As to your child I cannot offer any advice except to say meals are long unless you do the buffet, and most people will want you to take your child out if they are acting up banging silverware etc, I have no idea how well behaved your child is but my granddaughter is almost two and there is no way as much as I love her I would take her on an Oceania cruise, Disney yes, even Celebrity. There is very little to distract them and they cannot go in the pool if they are still in diapers. I think that is the rule Oceania is a marvelous line and a big switch from what you have traveled on. If you are foodies, appreciate quiet , libraries, etc than go for it