Would "O" Class Fans Like the "R" Class Ships?

[jimdee3636]

My wife and I are fairly experienced cruisers (eight with HAL, three with Silversea, one with Seabourn, one with the old Renaissance line, and a February, 2017 cruise on the Riviera). We loved our Riviera 12-day Caribbean cruise so much we've booked two more on the nearly-identical Marina. We're intrigued by some of the itineraries of the smaller "R" ships, but we've hesitated because of the significantly-smaller cabins (for pretty much the same price as the "O" Class cabins) and also due to concerns about the age and condition of the "R" ships. We're not turned off by small ships---in fact, our favorite ship of all may be the 540-passenger Silver Spirit---but we've gotten spoiled by larger cabins in recent years.

 

Back in 2000, we had a great cruise on the Renaissance R2 (which is identical to the "R" Class ships currently in Oceania's fleet), but the ship was practically brand-new then.

 

My question is really for those who have sailed fairly recently on both the "O" and the "R" ships: would an "O" enthusiast be satisfied with an "R" experience?

[Earl Rosebery]

Absolutely. The biggest difference we found was having 4 specialty restaurants rather than 2. The balcony cabin size difference wasn't significant for us. The food, service , ambiance, were similar. The smaller ships have all been refurbished. Choose either R or O depending on the itineraries. e.g. in Saigon and Bangkok they can get closer to the centre of the city which is a big advantage

[jimdee3636]

Thanks, Earl.

[Paulchili]

The Oceania R ships are kept in pristine condition - that part should be the least of your concerns.

I don't know what cabin category you are in but the verandah cabins are very similar in size to the O class verandas. In fact, they have better storage facilities. There is a difference in sq footage but most of that goes into the significantly larger bathrooms on O ships; the cabin interior itself is not much smaller. The size difference is more notable in PH cabins and above.

IMO, the biggest difference is in restaurant choices - O class having 4 plus La Reserve and Privee; also their Terrace has more choices. The ambience is different on the ships - more intimate on R ships. This is preferable to some and a deterent to others.

I would not lose any sleep over this.

Our two favorite ships are Marina and Nautica and we sail either, depending on itineraries.

[YoHoHo]

Agree with previous posts, we enjoy both classes and the different on-board experiences. I'll add that I do prefer the O Lounge on the R ships than the theatre on the O ships, especially for trivia. But then on R ships do miss Jacques, but do prefer the R ship's library, but then on the O ship miss ...

[Paulchili]

Agree with previous posts, we enjoy both classes and the different on-board experiences. I'll add that I do prefer the O Lounge on the R ships than the theatre on the O ships, especially for trivia. But then on R ships do miss Jacques, but do prefer the R ship's library, but then on the O ship miss ...

 

..and I'll agree with your additions :D

The "different onboard experience" to me mostly means closer passenger to passenger and passenger to staff relations due to smaller size - it's just more personal and intimate.

[Mura]

We were on the R2 in October 1999 and the R5 the following February. They are now Regatta and Nautica. The ships have been wonderfully maintained by Oceania and remain beautiful.

 

The big issue is the numbers of venues ... at least that's my feeling. Many of us love both the "R" and "O" ships but there are also people used to the bigger ships who don't care for the smaller ships. Since you've been on Regatta in her earlier days, you should know if you would like the size, amenities and above all ambience of the ship.

 

If you had never been on an "R" ship before I'd be reluctant to say "you will love it". But since you have, I don't see a problem. You do know what you will be getting.

 

I love both categories of ship myself. I do like the extra venues and larger rooms on the "O" ships but am very happy on the "R" ships as well. That being said, we do generally book suites although we were in a B1 on our Nautica cruise in June/July 2016 and were quite comfortable.

 

Mura

[LHT28]

I like both size ships for different reasons

As already noted the R 2 is now Regatta so if you liked the R2 book the Regatta ;)

The Oceania ships are well maintained

Some think they are dated but they are more charming in some ways

Yes the bathrooms below PH cabin are small but it does not bother us

The only way to know if you would like the R ships is to try one

JMO

[jimdee3636]

These are all really helpful observations. I have the feeling we'll be booking an "R" class sailing before too long.

[OzAbroad]

Personally I love them both The big issue is the extra specialty restaurants on the O ships, the artists loft and culinary centre. Otherwise they feel very similar. Obviously there are other differences, some have mentioned the library with many preferring the R ships, and personally I think the barista works better on the O ships.

 

I prefer the theatre on the R ships and the grand dining room on O ships, I like Horizons on the R ships better and the fitness centre on O ships. The bathrooms on the O ships are better but the storage in staterooms I think works better on the R ships.

 

If I had a choice I would tend to go with the O ships but its really not a big deal and I don't think it will be a significant issue for you.

[Caroldoll]

I prefer the O.

 

However my husband likes the fireplace in Martinis on the R ships.

 

I do not like the balconies on the R ships as I prefer to see through to the ocean.

 

I do think the R ships have better itineraries.

[Classiccruiser777]

Onboard the Insignia now. It's beautiful. IMO the Renaissance class ships are the perfect size. They can dock in small ports such as St. George's, Bermuda while larger ships have to tie up at the Royal Dockyards.

 

These are well made ships that O keeps in pristine condition.

[TERRIER1]

We use to prefer the R ships but now prefer the O ships. We enjoyed the intimacy of the smaller ships but for some reason that camaraderie is absent but I felt that on our June O class trip as well. Our last trip was on a R ship was the inaugural for the Sirena and the main areas were redone but the lower cabins were in poor shape. We travel in a B level verandah. They also changed the two specialty restaurants Polo and Toscana to Red Ginger and a combo of Polo/Toscana which in my opinion doesn't work. I have no idea if Oceania intends to roll out this restaurant change to the other R ships. I haven't been on the other R ships in a couple of years but they were in pristine condition.

 

Many people complain of the dreaded shower curtain in lower level cabins but that didn't bother us. The bathroom is small but I feel there is actually more storage space on the R ships than the O ships. The real plus of the smaller ships is they get to more diverse ports. The tendering is much better on the R ships than the O ships.

[bitob]

We prefer the r ships. Smaller is better. We love the intimacy and yes the itineraries are more interesting

 

We do not care about the extra restaurants but for many that is an issue

 

 

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[hrprof]

We have cruised on all of the "R" ships and have found that the OS fits our space preference. We experimented with one cruise on Riviera - too many people - OS not worth the money. "R" ships have more attractive itineraries in our opinion. And, oh yes, Horizons offers a wonderful setting for an early morning cup of coffee!

[twochromic]

We're talking cruising here: how can either O or R be considered "bad"? !!!

 

That said, just off Regatta this week in PH cabin -- the size is about equal to a standard cabin on Seabourn or even Crystal. Oceania is keeping their R's in good shape, but time is doing its thing on the fixtures, like the closet cabinetry.

[workstocruise]

We just got off the Insignia Iceland to New York cruise which was wonderful, it was our first time on that size ship and we felt it was a little small for us. We sailed on the Marina in 2014 and we sail on her again in about 5 weeks. We love the O class but that being said, the public areas on the Insignia were absolutely stunning. However our veranda cabin was a disappointment. The bathroom was extremely small and I hated the shower curtain. Our balcony desperately needed new furniture and the railing needed painting. The windows on that ship were badly in need of cleaning but during the 15 day cruise not once did I see anyone doing that. We also found the terrace cafe extremely crowded at both lunch and dinner which made it very hard to find a table to sit at. We never had that problem on the Marina. Given the right itinerary, I would consider an R class again, but probably in a different cabin. I did hear comments from other guests in suites that they were disappointed in the bathroom size as well.

[Redtravel]

Cannot compare R level with O level ships. The O level ships were built as truly luxurious fittings. Even the smallest cabin is very large compared to cabins on the R ships. R level ships have tiny bathrooms. The shower on an R ship is awful. The mass market lines have larger showers. Also, the R level ships have 2 small specialty restaurants. After sailing on Marina, we will not sail on an R type ship again. Over time, it would be nice if Oceania built more O type ships.

[roothy123]

I prefer the R ships, but just by a hair. We thought Regatta was in good shape last fall when we cruised on her. It was beginning to show a tiny bit of age on the outside, but that's about all we noticed, and it was no big deal. I think I just like smaller ships with fewer people, but for a longer cruise (more than 12 days) I would likely pick an O ship if I could because there are (slightly) more food, entertainment and activity choices.

 

We cruised first on the R ships and when we took our first O cruise, I was afraid I might not like it because of the size/number of passengers. However, it was great. Now I just choose 95% based on itinerary - and agree that R itineraries are a little better. I like smaller, lesser-known smaller ports. To be quite honest, the difference between O and R doesn't seem that great. We aren't in our room that much (and often just book a lowly inside room), and the size/quality of the rooms and bathrooms doesn't seem to matter much. However, one thing that we really noticed and liked was the addition of the lobster, steak, salmon etc. grill on the back of the Terrace, which previously was only on the larger ships.

Edited August 23, 2017 by roothy123

[TravelBugM]

jimdee3636 - In your original post you state: "We loved our Riviera 12-day Caribbean cruise so much....."

Off topic, so I do apologize, but as we are trying to decide whether to confirm a similar cruise on Riviera, would appreciate hearing why you loved your experience on Riviera.

 

Thanking you in advance.

 

FWIW - As you can see from my signature block, we enjoy the smaller R ships owned by Azamara. Yes, the bathroom is on the compact side, just make friends with the shower curtain from the onset and you will be fine. :)

[maggie.1008]

I prefer the O class ships. 4 restaurants and a bathtub in all cabin`s. Have to go to a suite to get tub on R class ships. I know many don`t care about a tub but that is true luxury for me.

[JPR]

The spa on the O ships is spectacular. We also enjoy the cooking classes and espresso bar, as well as the 18-hole putting course. The greater restaurant choices are also a game changer for us. PH on an O ship or F Suite on Regent Explorer are our favorite cruise ship suites....

[bw333]

I prefer the R class over the O class ships! What I missed the most on the smaller ships was the after dinner get togethers in the lounge or Casino/Martini Bar area. The smaller ships really are better if you like to have some conversation after dinner

in an intimate cozy space.

[ronrick1943]

You know both have good reasons to cruise. we like the "O" ships a little more because of the larger suites and more places to eat. That said every time we've been on "R" ship we've had a great time.

[edgee]

We have cruised 3 times on O class ships and twice on R class including Insignia cruise just ended yesterday. We had been generally more biased to the O class, but during our recent R class cruise we realized the true luxury of having virtually no lines for anything, including tendering. Cannot say the same for O class cruises where we sometimes had lengthy waits for tenders and also waits for tables in Terrace Cafe for lunches on sea days. Had none of that on R class. Gave us a new appreciation for the smaller ships, but we will continue to cruise on both, depending on the itinerary.