cruisetheworld67 Posted August 18, 2019 #1 Share Posted August 18, 2019 (edited) My wife and I have cruised mostly HAL and now want to upgrade to luxury. We are looking at Seabourn, Regent, Silver Sea, Crystal, Oceania (please no comments how Oceania is premium and not luxury). The problem is that we do not need or even want all inclusive. Neither one of us drinks that much. If we have 2 drinks each on a 2 week cruise that would be about it. We might do 2 shore excursions the entire cruise as we like to walk around and explore on our own. So we do not see the point in subsidizing all the "drinkers" and those who want to squeeze in as many shore excursions as possible. How does this benefit us? We prefer to simply pay for what we use. So maybe Oceania where we get a step above HAL and still only pay for what we use for the most part? Or some other line? Edited August 18, 2019 by cruisetheworld67 spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vistaman Posted August 18, 2019 #2 Share Posted August 18, 2019 I you really do not need many drinks , maybe Oceania is a solution - sometimes Oceania is promoting cruises and you do receive a choice of several items - on board credit, excursions drinks packages , gratuities - a choice must be made As widely described Oceania is very expensive with drinks and wines and is demanding 18 % service and if you do leave ex Spain or Italy addtional VAT - I never do excursions but Oceania is expensive with those as well also with airport transfers. Food is far better on Oceania as on Hal Maybe you can have a look to Hapag Lloyd as well - however it is another approach as the companies you did mention but it is not all inclusive Or Ocean Viking - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 18, 2019 #3 Share Posted August 18, 2019 On Oceania you do not need to take the O Life offerings unless you want to But yes you get many things included in the prices than are not included on HAL You can check the Oceania forum for more info We take the cruise only fare do our own air, excursions & taxi to/from the ship Our TA usually provides the gratuities so no worries there either Maybe Viking Oceans or Azamara would also work before the Luxury line police show up I suggest you check each line for what is & is not included & what ticks more of the boxes for YOU We are doing a Crystal cruise the price was right even with included drinks ..we may have 1 a day but the price was too good to pass on the cruise 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryhere Posted August 19, 2019 #4 Share Posted August 19, 2019 15 hours ago, cruisetheworld67 said: My wife and I have cruised mostly HAL and now want to upgrade to luxury. We are looking at Seabourn, Regent, Silver Sea, Crystal, Oceania (please no comments how Oceania is premium and not luxury). The problem is that we do not need or even want all inclusive. Neither one of us drinks that much. If we have 2 drinks each on a 2 week cruise that would be about it. We might do 2 shore excursions the entire cruise as we like to walk around and explore on our own. So we do not see the point in subsidizing all the "drinkers" and those who want to squeeze in as many shore excursions as possible. How does this benefit us? We prefer to simply pay for what we use. So maybe Oceania where we get a step above HAL and still only pay for what we use for the most part? Or some other line? It seems a it odd worrying about inclusions, when any luxury cruise is really about the overall package. The difference between the 4 and 5 star lines is not merely the inclusions, but the whole level of the service. Yes, you may not be subsidising others if you go on a premium ship, but then you are also not getting such a good product. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare wishIweretravelling Posted August 19, 2019 #5 Share Posted August 19, 2019 You might want to look at Hapag-Lloyd. I haven't been, but from what I've read, they are top of the line luxury but do not include alcohol or excursions. They're a German line, but I believe they conduct the cruise in multiple languages, including English. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted August 19, 2019 #6 Share Posted August 19, 2019 We have sailed on Oceania but mostly sail on Regent. Many times Oceania ends up being more expensive than Regent due to the extremely high cost of excursions (even if you only do one or two), and cocktails (again, even if you only have a couple). What really tips the the scale is airfare. Regent provides International Business Class air (Coach within the U.S.). When we sailed on Oceania and wanted to upgrade from Coach to Business Class, it was more $$$ than if we had purchased it on our own. Food is subjective but, with the exception of the specialty restaurants, we do not care for the food on Oceania. I would compare prices. You may find that all-inclusive (even if you don't drink or take excursions very much) could be a better overall deal than non-inclusive cruise lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted August 19, 2019 #7 Share Posted August 19, 2019 I think you should start with the itinerary and then compare prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calliopecruiser Posted August 19, 2019 #8 Share Posted August 19, 2019 On 8/18/2019 at 3:04 PM, cruisetheworld67 said: The problem is that we do not need or even want all inclusive. Neither one of us drinks that much. If we have 2 drinks each on a 2 week cruise that would be about it. We might do 2 shore excursions the entire cruise as we like to walk around and explore on our own. So we do not see the point in subsidizing all the "drinkers" and those who want to squeeze in as many shore excursions as possible. How does this benefit us? We prefer to simply pay for what we use. I think the all-inclusive system is what makes a luxury line luxurious for me, even if it isn't financially balanced on a cash basis. The fact that I can spend 2 weeks without even considering money is a luxury that is a big part of my relaxed feeling. I don't begrudge those who eat more than me, and I'm not about to begrudge those who drink more than me either. Chaque un son gout. If worrying that you're not getting your money's worth because someone else drank more than you did will upset your vacation vibe, then I would say that a luxury "all inclusive" line isn't for you - there will be people using more of the included offerings that you are, whether it's drinks, food, lectures, classes, or time on wifi. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruseforme Posted August 20, 2019 #9 Share Posted August 20, 2019 On 8/18/2019 at 3:04 PM, cruisetheworld67 said: My wife and I have cruised mostly HAL and now want to upgrade to luxury. We are looking at Seabourn, Regent, Silver Sea, Crystal, Oceania (please no comments how Oceania is premium and not luxury). The problem is that we do not need or even want all inclusive. Neither one of us drinks that much. If we have 2 drinks each on a 2 week cruise that would be about it. We might do 2 shore excursions the entire cruise as we like to walk around and explore on our own. So we do not see the point in subsidizing all the "drinkers" and those who want to squeeze in as many shore excursions as possible. How does this benefit us? We prefer to simply pay for what we use. So maybe Oceania where we get a step above HAL and still only pay for what we use for the most part? Or some other line? We felt the same way, we switched from the mainstream cruises in 2012 to Oceania, because we can do our own excursions, and do not drink. However, we have also sailed recently on Regent and Crystal. The reason is because if you or your TA keeps your eyes open, you can actually sail on a luxury line for sometimes cheaper than a premium plus line! We told our TA two years ago that we would like to try a luxury line, and had her look for special deals. Well she found a Regent cruise for less than what we could get on Oceania! We also have sailed recently on Crystal, and thought it was quite good. We love the onboard experience, and yes, deals can be found. Your question should be, is it worth it TO YOU. It was to us, and now we are going on our 3rd Crystal Cruise this winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted August 20, 2019 #10 Share Posted August 20, 2019 Oceania will certainly be several steps up from HAL however no comparison to Crystal. We do not do any bus tour excursions and only drink wine with dinner and also always have done our own air. We take the “cruise only” fare on Oceania and then any discounts we can from our TA. After 13 Oceania Cruises we have switched to Crystal for their far more interesting food and willingness to do special orders. The service on Crystal is also way above any we have ever experienced in O. On many cruises there are, as said before, great offers that make the prices just about the same. No question you will enjoy either line so pick what is best at the time for this cruise but keep looking for future one. No need to be tied to any line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted August 20, 2019 #11 Share Posted August 20, 2019 The problem is Oceania is not a luxury line which is why it is not all inclusive. So the original post is misleading. The OP does not want luxury. What he really wants is a step up which Oceania will deliver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted August 21, 2019 #12 Share Posted August 21, 2019 13 hours ago, wripro said: The problem is Oceania is not a luxury line which is why it is not all inclusive. So the original post is misleading. The OP does not want luxury. What he really wants is a step up which Oceania will deliver. Very well said Henry. I agree. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vistaman Posted August 21, 2019 #13 Share Posted August 21, 2019 I am not aware of the destinantion the OP eventually is willing to do or his location ( flights … ) Just received an offer from Oceania 11 th february 2020 ( what i decline ) 7 nights with a lot of O life offers included - result of the review of the original "Cuba involved " trips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English Voyager Posted August 21, 2019 #14 Share Posted August 21, 2019 21 hours ago, wripro said: The problem is Oceania is not a luxury line which is why it is not all inclusive. So the original post is misleading. The OP does not want luxury. What he really wants is a step up which Oceania will deliver. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is definitely a luxury line, and is not all inclusive. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 21, 2019 #15 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, vistaman said: I am not aware of the destinantion the OP eventually is willing to do or his location ( flights … ) Just received an offer from Oceania 11 th february 2020 ( what i decline ) 7 nights with a lot of O life offers included - result of the review of the original "Cuba involved " trips. Did Crystal revise it winter sailings ? Were they doing Cuba as well? We picked up a good deal on Crystal for Dec Cheaper than Oceania so giving Crystal a look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancygp Posted August 21, 2019 #16 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, LHT28 said: Did Crystal revise it winter sailings ? Were they doing Cuba as well? We picked up a good deal on Crystal for Dec Cheaper than Oceania so giving Crystal a look Crystal was not doing Cuba. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisetheworld67 Posted August 21, 2019 Author #17 Share Posted August 21, 2019 22 hours ago, wripro said: The problem is Oceania is not a luxury line which is why it is not all inclusive. So the original post is misleading. The OP does not want luxury. What he really wants is a step up which Oceania will deliver. So is "luxury" strictly defined by being all inclusive? That is indeed odd. Who defines whether Oceania is luxury or not? Because it is not all inclusive? BTW, I have read many posts here on cc where cruisers have commented that the food (yes I know ...food is so subjective) as well as service is actually better on Oceania than on the so called "luxury" lines. Go figure. And you are mistaken. The OP most certainly wants luxury. He just does not want to subsidize the rest of the passengers. As someone else pointed out, Hapag-Lloyd is considered a luxury line but is not all inclusive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vistaman Posted August 21, 2019 #18 Share Posted August 21, 2019 2 hours ago, English Voyager said: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is definitely a luxury line, and is not all inclusive. I intended to say it as well - but you did it … Next week I 'll go to an all inclusive - Crystal - so i will subsidize partly the other pax by not drinking complimentary wines, - but ordering from the list - however I will order some complimentary drinks ( no wines by the glass ) in the various bars. I am not drinking onerous wines anymore - everthing has a limit , but i do like something better as the complimentary ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 21, 2019 #19 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, nancygp said: Crystal was not doing Cuba. Nancy Thanks Nancy I just wonder if that is why the prices were so discounted Oceania did discount the ex-Cuba cruises along with many other lines Looking forward to trying Crystal at the price point we got the cruise for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancygp Posted August 21, 2019 #20 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 minute ago, LHT28 said: Thanks Nancy I just wonder if that is why the prices were so discounted Oceania did discount the ex-Cuba cruises along with many other lines Looking forward to trying Crystal at the price point we got the cruise for you're welcome. I believe the cruises close to Xmas are typically discounted as they are not great sellers Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 21, 2019 #21 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, cruisetheworld67 said: So is "luxury" strictly defined by being all inclusive? That is indeed odd. Who defines whether Oceania is luxury or not? Because it is not all inclusive? BTW, I have read many posts here on cc where cruisers have commented that the food (yes I know ...food is so subjective) as well as service is actually better on Oceania than on the so called "luxury" lines. Go figure. And you are mistaken. The OP most certainly wants luxury. He just does not want to subsidize the rest of the passengers. As someone else pointed out, Hapag-Lloyd is considered a luxury line but is not all inclusive. JMO other will disagree I think luxury is different things to different people The industry put labels on the cruises as well as some cruisers I find Oceania a nice line & luxury to us We can choose what to pay for we do not need all inclusive the ambience is still good & more cruisers on O are well travelled just like on the "luxury " lines We do not need all inclusive so it works for us all you can do is try different lines & find the right fit for you .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 21, 2019 #22 Share Posted August 21, 2019 3 minutes ago, nancygp said: you're welcome. I believe the cruises close to Xmas are typically discounted as they are not great sellers Nancy Could be but works for us just to get away before the winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted August 21, 2019 #23 Share Posted August 21, 2019 3 hours ago, cruisetheworld67 said: So is "luxury" strictly defined by being all inclusive? That is indeed odd. Who defines whether Oceania is luxury or not? Because it is not all inclusive? BTW, I have read many posts here on cc where cruisers have commented that the food (yes I know ...food is so subjective) as well as service is actually better on Oceania than on the so called "luxury" lines. Go figure. And you are mistaken. The OP most certainly wants luxury. He just does not want to subsidize the rest of the passengers. As someone else pointed out, Hapag-Lloyd is considered a luxury line but is not all inclusive. If you have read any recent threads on the Oceania board you will see that many threads are about the decline in quality and choice in the food recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted August 21, 2019 #24 Share Posted August 21, 2019 6 hours ago, English Voyager said: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is definitely a luxury line, and is not all inclusive. You are correct but there are two major things that luxury cruisers should know about Hapag-Lloyd: 1). According to reports on CC, there are typically 30 or less English speaking passengers onboard; 2). They advertise for families and seem to get quite a lot of them. Either of these things make Hapag-Lloyd a no-go for us. As an aside, none of the major luxury lines that sail to/from the U.S. are going to Cuba (it was banned fairly recently) so it is a non-issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English Voyager Posted August 21, 2019 #25 Share Posted August 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said: You are correct but there are two major things that luxury cruisers should know about Hapag-Lloyd: 1). According to reports on CC, there are typically 30 or less English speaking passengers onboard; 2). They advertise for families and seem to get quite a lot of them. Either of these things make Hapag-Lloyd a no-go for us. Given the earlier discussion on the topic, why the failure to mention the other luxury lines, on which I believe you cruise , that not only welcome families but also have on-board facilities for children? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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