Some thoughts from a First Time Cruise on Oceania

[Paulchili]

Why not just choose another cruise line that has better cabins that will suit you better ?

There are several that do World cruises

 

You are already getting your knickers in a knot & you have over a year to go ..why stress out just book something else that will work better for you

 

:eek:

 

I think I agree with that.

It's too long and too expensive of a cruise not to be happy on it.

[Go-Bucks!]

Why not just choose another cruise line that has better cabins that will suit you better ?

There are several that do World cruises

 

You are already getting your knickers in a knot & you have over a year to go ..why stress out just book something else that will work better for you

 

:eek:

 

We chose O because the itinerary is the one we like best. I'm not stressed out over it - just sharing my feelings and opinion. :rolleyes:

[Flatbush Flyer]

We chose O because the itinerary is the one we like best. I'm not stressed out over it - just sharing my feelings and opinion. :rolleyes:

 

 

The food will make up for it.

Go Buckeyes!

 

 

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[baggal]

Baggal, currently in 4046. Did priv tour in Havana yesterday. Found Ocesnia guidelines for Cuba confusing but no hassles. We are also first time O cruisers. Think the Cuba itineraries attracted a lot of new people.

 

Thanks for posting.

 

 

 

Yes, I agree the Cuba itinerary attracted a lot of new people to Oceania. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

 

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[Kate-AHF]

It's interesting how reading a thread can crystallize one's own thoughts on a subject. Before reading this thread, I've always said we choose a cruise based on ship size then itinerary. Now I realize that's not true. Our criteria are actually: ship size, bathroom, itinerary, in that order. Because I saw pictures of the smaller O ship's verandah staterooms some time ago and after one look at the bathroom I decided, never, ever.

 

I'm sure some will scoff at that decision, but to each his own.

[JimandStan]

I saw pictures of the smaller O ship's verandah staterooms some time ago and after one look at the bathroom I decided, never, ever.

 

 

 

There is no such thing as a "smaller O ship", you were looking at an R ship. ;)

[Kate-AHF]

I meant to type Oceania, not O as in class. My bad.

[pinotlover]

Kate;

 

For us it’s itinerary, itinerary, boat size. The latter comes into play because the O ships (1200 passengers) are the largest we’all sail.

 

For some cruisers the ship is the destination. As you said, each to his own, however when one is reading posts here they must realize people are reading from completely different sheets of music while singing the same song!

[Flatbush Flyer]

Kate;

 

 

 

For us it’s itinerary, itinerary, boat size. The latter comes into play because the O ships (1200 passengers) are the largest we’all sail.

 

 

 

For some cruisers the ship is the destination. As you said, each to his own, however when one is reading posts here they must realize people are reading from completely different sheets of music while singing the same song!

 

 

Itinerary certainly is a prime consideration: too many new places yet to see. And cruising also helps us "scout" locations for future extended land stays. At the same time (and because we prefer cruises of 3 weeks +\- including more than a few sea days), the "room and board" element, is high on the priority list.

When it comes to cabins, our frame of reference is our experience as yacht owners. So, the size of a B cabin or its head is pretty much irrelevant for us. However, the beds, linens, quality of housekeeping/maintenance, etc. are high priorities.

Food too is at the upper end of our expectations: we want to experience as close as can be achieved as compared to home and dining out in the food Mecca that is the SF Bay Area.

Add that we want to avoid thundering herds, smoky casinos, Vegas wannabes, and ill-mannered passengers (among other things) and Oceania rises to the top of the list for meeting our expectations within our financial means.

That said, when we are looking at future cruises, we always peruse Oceania offerings first though we will then compare what is available on other premium or luxury lines. Other than Disney (with grandkid) or crewed yacht charters (with family/friends), we would never consider a mass market line (been there/done that) since time and money are too precious to waste on Appleby's/Taco Bell food and a Motel 6 on a floating amusement park.

Finally, we most often book onboard and then select one of our preferred TAs for transfer and added perks.

 

 

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[Kate-AHF]

Kate;

 

For us it’s itinerary, itinerary, boat size. The latter comes into play because the O ships (1200 passengers) are the largest we’all sail.

 

For some cruisers the ship is the destination. As you said, each to his own, however when one is reading posts here they must realize people are reading from completely different sheets of music while singing the same song!

 

I concur with 1200 pax being the cut-off. More than that, and it wouldn't matter if they were sailing my dream itinerary, we aren't going to be onboard.

[nancyshaw]

Thank you for your thoughts. I am new to Oceania and in fact new to Cruise Critic.

[WarEagle76]

First time Oceania cruiser (33 overall cruises) on 6 night Vibrant Vistas December 15, on Insignia, which included Havana. Enjoyed smaller ship/fewer passengers, ship decor, and friendly staff. Food was good and a step above larger mass market lines and dining and bar service was excellent. Enjoyed Polo for dinner and Toscana was excellent. Cabins were smaller than we are used to (had Concierge Veranda) and bathroom was smaller but bed was very comfortable. Balcony furniture could use a refresh but overall cabin was fine.

Embarkation was chaotic and badly managed. Could possibly have been due to a full coast guard ship inspection that took place that morning. Did not mind delay in getting access to cabin but found check-in exceedingly unorganized with little direction offered. Found sommeliers to be smug and not interested if you weren’t spending a lot on wine.

Almost everyone we spoke to chose the sailing for the stop in Havana and the dates involved getting them home for Christmas (which is why we booked this cruise). While apprehensive pre-cruise regarding the stop in Havana, it couldn’t have been easier. Going through passport control into Cuba was a snap and there was no line at the currency exchange. Our walking tour of Old Havana was excellent and included a stop at a store selling cigars and rum and ended with a bus ride to a large, local market (also sold cigars and rum there) where we had 45 minutes until bus left for ship or you could walk back (about 20 minutes). If you wanted you could wander Havana on your own. Some had private tours booked and others rode in the old cars stating they paid $40 for a ride. The old cars are literally everywhere.

We enjoyed the cruise and would cruise Oceania again with right itinerary, price and dates that fit our schedule.

 

[Holly2]

We were on that cruise also. Felt similarly

[TLCOhio]

We chose O because the itinerary is the one we like best. I'm not stressed out over it - just sharing my feelings and opinion.

 

Appreciate and agree with our fellow Ohio State fan as to Oceania having some excellent itinerary offerings. That's why we are booked with them for a November 2018 Athens to Dubai sailing. Looking forward to trying O and enjoying their highly-rated dining options.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 191,000 views for this posting.

[Holly2]

Terry, returning to Celebrity for NZ sailing. Enjoyed your review. Thanks.

[Paulchili]

Appreciate and agree with our fellow Ohio State fan as to Oceania having some excellent itinerary offerings. That's why we are booked with them for a November 2018 Athens to Dubai sailing. Looking forward to trying O and enjoying their highly-rated dining options.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

 

Terry - just a word of caution. We have 25+ cruise on Oceania and have cruised on every single cruise line out there but Crystal. We think and believe that Oceania’s food is indeed best at sea but as a poster in another thread is currently posting, they were very disappointed with the food. Part (but not all) of it probably had to do with very high expectations, probably based on posts like mine :)

Food is obviously a very subjective matter and it is important to have realistic expectations.

Also, the R ships have only 2 specialties vs 4 on O class ships. Hence, you will not experience Jacques (our favorite) - restaurant, not lunch Bistro in MDR and you will also miss Red Ginger.

Just saying...:)

[PaulMCO]

Terry - just a word of caution. We have 25+ cruise on Oceania and have cruised on every single cruise line out there but Crystal. We think and believe that Oceania’s food is indeed best at sea but as a poster in another thread is currently posting, they were very disappointed with the food. Part (but not all) of it probably had to do with very high expectations, probably based on posts like mine :)

Food is obviously a very subjective matter and it is important to have realistic expectations.

Also, the R ships have only 2 specialties vs 4 on O class ships. Hence, you will not experience Jacques (our favorite) - restaurant, not lunch Bistro in MDR and you will also miss Red Ginger.

Just saying...:)

 

Yes but the MDR will have items from Red Ginger and Jacques. Yesterday the Miso Sea Bass, today the Luc Pork (both are favorites).

 

My issue with O is consistency both in food and service. With Silversea and Crystal, it has been always consistent -- some great, some good but never bad. With O we have found sometimes great and generally good -- and sometimes really bad. Our last O cruise -- we ate 4x in Polo and struck out all 4 times. Otherwise the food was good to excellent. The nice thing about O that you won't really find on Crystal or Silversea is truly casual dining in the evening with food items from the GDR (meaning sneakers and shorts after a long day touring) in the Terrace. That is my fondness for O -- choice. (Your world your way)

 

 

We are currently on Regatta -- food has been good but service has been hit/miss especially in surprisingly the the Terrace. Again consistency. On a crowded periods they seemed to be understaffed. Too few servers and too few waiters and assistants.

[TLCOhio]

Terry, returning to Celebrity for NZ sailing. Enjoyed your review. Thanks.

 

Appreciate Holly's nice comment and kind follow-up. Let me know any questions from what we did and/or any info that I can provide. Happy to share more!! Just post on the original live/blog and I will respond.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 191,013 views for this posting.

[TLCOhio]

Terry - just a word of caution. We have 25+ cruise on Oceania and have cruised on every single cruise line out there but Crystal. We think and believe that Oceania’s food is indeed best at sea but as a poster in another thread is currently posting, they were very disappointed with the food. Part (but not all) of it probably had to do with very high expectations, probably based on posts like mine :) Food is obviously a very subjective matter and it is important to have realistic expectations. Also, the R ships have only 2 specialties vs 4 on O class ships. Hence, you will not experience Jacques (our favorite) - restaurant, not lunch Bistro in MDR and you will also miss Red Ginger. Just saying...:)

 

Appreciate these follow-ups from Paulchili and PaulMCO. Interesting to read this: "We are currently on Regatta -- food has been good but service has been hit/miss especially in surprisingly the the Terrace. Again consistency. On a crowded periods they seemed to be understaffed. Too few servers and too few waiters and assistants."

 

From our experiences, we understand that things can vary. We have discovered two main factors. First, the leadership and style of the Executive Chef can make a major, positive difference during a sailing. Some of the top chefs are better than others. Second, there is turn-over in the serving staff. Some are really good and highly skilled. Others are newer and learning. It happens!! We are realistic and can adjust to the circumstances. Those less skilled can be a little less responsive. BUT, it all works out. It is not like we need to get done with dinner on a tight time frame in order to be back home at a set, exact time.

 

THANKS for the insights and sharing! Keep it coming! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 221,339 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Go-Bucks!]

Part (but not all) of it probably had to do with very high expectations, probably based on posts like mine :)

Food is obviously a very subjective matter and it is important to have realistic expectations.:)

 

I have to admit that I've been hesitant to write an honest review because I've already had some Oceania cheerleaders get snippy if anything negative is said about their favorite line. But the super praises of the food didn't quite match our experience. We thought it was very, very good in general, but some things seemed mediocre and a steak at Polo was very overcooked. This is to be expected - no restaurant has 100% fantastic food. We really enjoyed breakfasts in the MDR and, frankly, enjoyed dinner in the buffet more than the MDR. All the staff were very attentive, except one night when they were obviously understaffed. Thx for welcoming all opinions. :D

[Paulchili]

When I say that IMO Oceania’s food is best at sea I mean it in general terms and overall. We’ve had wonderful meals on Seabourn, Silversea and some others as well and conversely not so great ones on Oceania. But when taken OVERALL - considering all meals, all restaurants, all options, tea, etc we like O the best. That’s just our opinion - others understandably feel differently.

As always, YMMV :)

[Go-Bucks!]

When I say that IMO Oceania’s food is best at sea I mean it in general terms and overall. We’ve had wonderful meals on Seabourn, Silversea and some others as well and conversely not so great ones on Oceania. But when taken OVERALL - considering all meals, all restaurants, all options, tea, etc we like O the best. That’s just our opinion - others understandably feel differently.

As always, YMMV :)

I agree with you. We've had many wonderful meals on "mass market " lines, but overall the quality was better on O. It should be though...O cruises cost at least twice as much as the mass market lines so I expect alot more. ;)

[Mura]

When I say that IMO Oceania’s food is best at sea I mean it in general terms and overall. We’ve had wonderful meals on Seabourn, Silversea and some others as well and conversely not so great ones on Oceania. But when taken OVERALL - considering all meals, all restaurants, all options, tea, etc we like O the best. That’s just our opinion - others understandably feel differently.

As always, YMMV :)

 

 

These are our feelings as well. Now, we haven't been on Celebrity or Crystal or Regent, to name a few. The lines we HAVE been on (other than Oceania and Renaissance) haven't compared to the GENERAL cuisine we see on Oceania.

 

Does that make us cheerleaders? I'd like to think it does not! But the cuisine on O has been superior to what we've found elsewhere. Are they glitches at times? Sure.

 

I'm also confident that they happen occasionally on the "higher end" lines as well.

 

Whatever, Oceania please us. And that's all we care about.

 

Mura

[keithm]

New Jersey!

That's right. Just look for the "Taylor Ham" on the state flag(well, it should be.)

[excited cruise traveler]

We sailed on Insignia on her Cuba itinerary December 8 -15. Although having cruised around 15 times on mass market cruises (HAL, Celebrity, and Princess) this was our first Oceania cruise. I thought it might be helpful to others thinking about Oceania to have some feedback from a newbie.

 

Something about ourselves. We are retired, mid- sixties, both born in NYC boroughs, and now live in a New Jersey suburb. We choose a cruise primarily for the itinerary. Because of that, we don't have a higher tier loyalty level with any one cruise line. We do our own research and then have our TA book the cruise.

 

Somehow, we receive brochures from Oceania and Regent (along with all the other U.S, marketed lines) although we never sailed with either. When the Oceania brochure for the Cuba itineraries came last February, we booked this cruise immediately. We are normally balcony cabin cruisers, but because budget is a consideration for us too, after itinerary, we choose a C1 Oceanview, #4050.

 

The size of the cabin, on the small side, came as no surprise to us, but the size of the bathroom did! There was enough storage space but the sink is half size, the shower is barely big enough for an average sized adult, and the toilet is placed on a weird angle. Insignia sails the World Cruise. I can't imagine how someone can comfortably stay in that cabin for up to 6 months! On the other hand, even though the cabin was steps away from the Reception desk and Destination services, it was very quiet in the hallway. We never heard our neighbors either. All in all, the cabin was fine for 7 days, but for a longer cruise I would pick a larger cabin.

 

We found the food to be very good, and living up to Oceanla's reputation, not necessarily the best cuisine at sea, but certainly better than the mass market lines. Our first meal on board was at Waves Grill and the lobster/filet mignon sandwich did not disappoint. I tried to avoid the Terrace Grill except for the morning we had a very early excursion- its just too cramped and crowded at peak times. You could barely maneuver through the space between the two sides. The croissants, available both in the Terrace and GDR, are excellent. I enjoyed all my dinners in the GDR and the Polo Grill. Since we live in the land of Italian restaurants from pizza joints to upscale restaurants, Toscana didn't impress me. I found our meal to be just ok.

 

Speaking of shore excursions, this is my one really big issue with Oceania - its class system. We had decided because of the uncertainty about what the US government permitted and wouldn't permit us to do in Cuba, (as well as dealing with some medical issues at home which preoccupied us), to book only Oceania excursions. But, even though we booked the cruise in February, we couldn't book our excursions until sometime in August because of our low priority cabin status. I do understand their rationale, I just don't like it. In the end, we were able to get the excursions we wanted but I just don't like the system. Its the same way with specialty restaurants, although to be honest, on a 7 day cruise I could have easily had dinner in the GDR every night. I know its a different issue on a longer cruise.

 

I think I have written enough for one post. Overall, we enjoyed our cruise experience on Oceania very much. In some regards its very different from the mass markets, but in some, its similiar. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer.

Shore excursion come on-line 6 month ahead of cruise and there is no class system. You book early for things that are important to you and popular. Never had a problem