What can I expect when cruising with Oceania?

[lucywestie]

So I am taking a serious look at doing the Aloha to Alaska 30 day cruise in 2020. Its our 30th anniversary and we want to live it up a little.

 

Previous cruises have all been back to backs with two b2bs to Alaska and the west coast with Royal and Princess and then two southern Caribbean b2b's with Royal and NCL.

 

For the Oceania Regatta cruise we are probably looking at an ocean view as the verandah's seem a bit out of the price range right now.

 

So what can I expect. I have done some research on here and it seems that some of the Oceania ships are getting make overs in the next year or so. There is a pretty good deal on right now for the cruise we are looking at with included flights plus one perk. (drink package or 14 excursions, leaning towards the excursions, or $1400 obc)

 

So what can we expect with regards to service, food quality (always subjective I know), types/age of passengers etc.

 

Also, what about dress code? I read that it can be "country club casual" whatever that may mean. Considering a majority of the cruise is in a warm to hot climate can I assume shorts and sandals etc. are fine for day and evening wear if you aren't going to be in the main dining room etc.

 

We are in our 50's and enjoy a good book or movie rather than a night club atmosphere.

 

Many thanks for any help and suggestions

Edited August 22, 2018 by lucywestie

[LHT28]

I think you have a good idea of what life is like onboard

Dress requirements for evening in the GDR & specialties would be at minimum long pants & collared shirt no sandals for men

 

skirt, long pants with a nice top or dress & no beach sandals for ladies

You can dress up more if you choose

 

I would think the age range would be in the 50-80 range with some younger or older

 

Food quality is usually very good

 

If you can be more specific about what you are looking for you may get more answers

Enjoy

 

TIP

Pay the deviation fee & fly in a day or more early

 

shop around for a TA that will include the gratuities and/or other perks

[tropicalkerry2002]

expect to want to return to Oceania again and again! It is wonderful!!!

[Flatbush Flyer]

Please no shorts, etc. in specialty restaurants (or GDR). Even in the Terrace Café, decorum is expected. Of course, no "prom nights" on O. So, no need for formal wear or tie/jacket.

As for food: IMO it's only "subjective" when it is of poor quality ingredients cooked by chefs "without a clue."

Compared to the cruise lines you cite in your post, Oceania's food will be far far better (and more interesting.

Look for a TA who is in Oceania's Connoisseurs Club. Most will share commissions, which on a 30 day cruise could mean $1000+\- back in your pocket.

[Classiccruiser777]

We are in our early 60s and we fit right in. Very good food, no crowds, small ships, outstanding beds, linens and service. We feel the value is excellent for what you get.

 

Here’s a link to sample menus: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/regatta/cuisine/

 

Since we tried Oceania 4 years ago we’ve, with one exception, cruised only on Oceania with 5 more booked.

 

Here’s a link to an Oceania video that discusses management’s vision and philosophy:

Edited August 22, 2018 by Classiccruiser777

[Hawaiidan]

So I am taking a serious look at doing the Aloha to Alaska 30 day cruise in 2020. Its our 30th anniversary and we want to live it up a little.

 

Previous cruises have all been back to backs with two b2bs to Alaska and the west coast with Royal and Princess and then two southern Caribbean b2b's with Royal and NCL.

 

For the Oceania Regatta cruise we are probably looking at an ocean view as the verandah's seem a bit out of the price range right now.

 

So what can I expect. I have done some research on here and it seems that some of the Oceania ships are getting make overs in the next year or so. There is a pretty good deal on right now for the cruise we are looking at with included flights plus one perk. (drink package or 14 excursions, leaning towards the excursions, or $1400 obc)

 

So what can we expect with regards to service, food quality (always subjective I know), types/age of passengers etc.

 

Also, what about dress code? I read that it can be "country club casual" whatever that may mean. Considering a majority of the cruise is in a warm to hot climate can I assume shorts and sandals etc. are fine for day and evening wear if you aren't going to be in the main dining room etc.

 

We are in our 50's and enjoy a good book or movie rather than a night club atmosphere.

 

Many thanks for any help and suggestions

 

 

Ok... based on your experiences on ships of basic quality and many thousands of fellow passengers will be night and day different with only 650 approx passengers Those 600 will be 1/5 to 1/6 the crowd. No lines, no pushing and in the company of well mannered, well spoken and well traveled fellow ship mates. The ship is a upscale yet low key community of folks who can entertain themselves. No blaring rock bands, silly pool games or the like. Its an adult cruise for adults children if any are very few to none Passenger demographic are 50-80 with the median I think of about 66- 70. Dress will be upscale casual, no jeans,rather slacks and good collared shirts, golf or dress. Save the shorts for the pool deck and sandals too. There are no faux gala dress up nights like on other ships, its the same every day.

With the exception of Liquor, virtually everything is included... no nickel dime for extras no hard sell bar stewards, no art auction, no ship photographer

Service and cuisine will be of a quality much higher than on your prior experience. All included with no limit on the number of specialty restaurants reservations you can have. Food in the Buffet is served and also has a grill for fish steaks, etc. The Grand Dining room will serve you food of a quality only seen on the others pay extra places... One interesting tid bit is that once a cruise on the others, people clamor for Lobster night. On O lobster is served in every restaurant, every day ....even the pool grill serves a lobster and filet sanwitch !!!

 

Now, I would use an agent to book...one who is in the connoisseur club of top O agents ( you can search) I would suggest booking without air as you can use FF miles or do it cheaper. That will bring the price down. Doing your own means you can come in earily and depart any time without having to pay a special fee of $175pp...

 

Skip the offer of shore excursions. They are way over priced and you can do them for 1/2 to 1/4 the price your self I know all the ports and used to live in Hawaii. !

 

You will have a lot of sea days and if you enjoy drinking a bit then the prestige package is for you....it pays for its self O's drinks run in the 10-20@ range per shot....You can easily run a 100-150 a day tab FAST in the tropical warm weather. The drinks package offered is only wine and beer with dinner.... but for $20 pp you can make it unlimited any liquor. wine, beer any time. 30 days you can save 3000 by you spending 1200. taking the liquor package + the up grade.

Skip the shore ex option you can buy good tours for about 100 a port for 2 ( 50pp) The 1400 obc can be used for the service charge of $16pp... which for 2 will be $960 for a 30 day cruise That would leave you with $440 you could spend on liquor of an estimated 3000, down to $2560. So... Id pick the liquor package based on 1. length of cruise, 2. number of sea days,, 3. Number of tropical days., Based of 3000 for a 30 day cruise gettting the liquor package and up-graiding for $1200... would save you $1800 !!! in the long run.

Now most agents, good ones will or can get you the daily service charges paid by them. Plus some will do that AND give you a personal discount of 8-9% off your current price...O give that to you in cash rebate and ot on board credit.... ASK and you can get.... If your agent says no, keep looking till you find one. Do not book with O direct you will get nothing but a booking #

 

O is a whole different world ambiance, passengers and cuisine far, far beyond anything you have yet experienced...it is value and not having to be in a floating ant farm/ carnival as one of the thousands of ants, is an experience you will never forget....

[Tansy Mews]

You may want to check out this thread - https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2668417

[roothy123]

We usually book inside cabins because of price. They're pretty nice in my (humble) opinion and the room attendants are awesome. We like the insides in the middle of the ship - great location - never too far to walk, less motion if seas are a bit rough, and they offer a tiny bit more privacy. I'd love a balcony but realistically, don't use one much when I do (occasionally) have one. If I want to see outside, I go outside - or turn on the channel that has the camera view from the front of the ship. On some of the ships, there's one oceanview category that's smaller than the inside cabins. I would avoid those, although the difference in size may not be all that great.

 

I haven't been on Royal and have only been on one Princess cruise, but I suspect you'll like Oceania a lot.

 

Advice: Book your specialty reservations as soon as you can; eat on the Terrace at least a couple times for dinner. Sit down and someone will ask what you want to drink (soda, water, wine, etc.) On a nice evening, it's wonderful eating outside, and the cooked for you foods are all you need.

Edited August 30, 2018 by roothy123

[Marseydotes]

I just read a “cruise Question” on these boards pertaining to “what do you hate about cruising?”

So many answers centered around smoky casinos, pushy sales and photographers, noisy kids and loud drunks.

My thought was: what cruise lines were these people on?

:D

[Flatbush Flyer]

I just read a “cruise Question” on these boards pertaining to “what do you hate about cruising?”

 

So many answers centered around smoky casinos, pushy sales and photographers, noisy kids and loud drunks.

 

My thought was: what cruise lines were these people on?

 

:D

 

 

 

Not Oceania (or Azamara or most -if not all- luxury and expedition lines).

[LHT28]

I just read a “cruise Question” on these boards pertaining to “what do you hate about cruising?”

So many answers centered around smoky casinos, pushy sales and photographers, noisy kids and loud drunks.

My thought was: what cruise lines were these people on?

:D

could be Carnival, NCL, RCCL

 

even HAL had smoking in the casino ..not sure if they still do

[sammiedawg]

This is a sensational itinerary that I would book in a heartbeat, if we could get away for 30 days. Many of my very favorite places, all in one package. FP, Hawaii, Alaska, go for it.

[ORV]

could be Carnival, NCL, RCCL

 

even HAL had smoking in the casino ..not sure if they still do

RCCL still has smoking in casino.