Oceania vs. Regent

[Russiamomm]

Hi everyone.  Sorry if this has been asked before but I’m looking for some insights on Regents vs. Oceania.  We are currently booked on the Regent Navigator for its Amazon cruise in November 2022.  I just noticed the virtually same trip on Oceania’s Insignia.  Everything is waitlisted except for ocean views.  We want at least a balcony cabin.  Today I called and put us on the waitlist for six categories of cabins on the Insignia sailing.  If it comes through we will need to make a decision by June on which ship to go on.  I’m looking for any insights to compare the two cruise lines and the ships, as well as relative costs for each line.  We’re thinking Oceania will ultimately price out better, even if it’s not all inclusive like Regent is.  We’re also thinking the Insignia may be a little livelier with more passengers and amenities than the Navigator. We’re relatively young (50s/60s) and looking for fun on the ship in addition to the awesome itinerary.

 

Interested in any thought and what people think our chances of actually making it on the ship are!  Thanks.

Edited September 14, 2021 by Russiamomm
Typo

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, Russiamomm said:

Hi everyone.  Sorry if this has been asked before but I’m looking for some insights on Regents vs. Oceania.  We are currently booked on the Regent Navigator for its Amazon cruise in November 2022.  I just noticed the virtually same trip on Oceania’s Insignia.  Everything is waitlisted except for ocean views.  We want at least a balcony cabin.  Today I called and put us on the waitlist for six categories of cabins on the Insignia sailing.  If it comes through we will need to make a decision by June on which ship to go on.  I’m looking for any insights to compare the two cruise lines and the ships, as well as relative costs for each line.  We’re thinking Oceania will ultimately price out better, even if it’s not all inclusive like Regent is.  We’re also thinking the Insignia may be a little livelier with more passengers and amenities than the Navigator. We’re relatively young (50s/60s) and looking for fun on the ship in addition to the awesome itinerary.

 

Interested in any thought and what people think our chances of actually making it on the ship are!  Thanks.

When you compare the “net daily rate”’ for O vs. Regent on similar itineraries (including adding any optional purchases/upgrades necessary to make O equally inclusive), you will find Regent to be significantly more expensive.

Interestingly, if you compare their cousin, NCL, to O (e.g., the Haven and adding all costs needed to approach O’s inclusions, e.g., included air or air credit), you’ll find NCL is also more expensive than O.

Edited September 14, 2021 by Flatbush Flyer

[PhD-iva]

1 hour ago, Russiamomm said:

Hi everyone.  Sorry if this has been asked before but I’m looking for some insights on Regents vs. Oceania.  We are currently booked on the Regent Navigator for its Amazon cruise in November 2022.  I just noticed the virtually same trip on Oceania’s Insignia.  Everything is waitlisted except for ocean views.  We want at least a balcony cabin.  Today I called and put us on the waitlist for six categories of cabins on the Insignia sailing.  If it comes through we will need to make a decision by June on which ship to go on.  I’m looking for any insights to compare the two cruise lines and the ships, as well as relative costs for each line.  We’re thinking Oceania will ultimately price out better, even if it’s not all inclusive like Regent is.  We’re also thinking the Insignia may be a little livelier with more passengers and amenities than the Navigator. We’re relatively young (50s/60s) and looking for fun on the ship in addition to the awesome itinerary.

 

Interested in any thought and what people think our chances of actually making it on the ship are!  Thanks.

Just one thought about the Navigator. Be very selective as to which cabin you book as there can be significant deficits in certain staterooms. There is a sticky post on the Regent forum with a curated spreadsheet to alert cruisers to good/not so good cabins on Navigator.
If not cruising solo, I’d love to sail on Regent. In fact, I booked a SA cruise on Voyager with a reasonable single supplement that was subsequently canceled. 😪

[Clutj]

I posted a Regent vs Oceania thread on the other board and there was overwhelming opinion that Regent was both cheaper if you do the math correctly, and better in pretty much all ways.  You might take a look just to get the opposite view from what will no doubt be posted here!  There were a couple positive or “equally good” comments about O. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

38 minutes ago, Clutj said:

I posted a Regent vs Oceania thread on the other board and there was overwhelming opinion that Regent was both cheaper if you do the math correctly, and better in pretty much all ways.  You might take a look just to get the opposite view from what will no doubt be posted here!  There were a couple positive or “equally good” comments about O. 

FWIW: I do the math “correctly” - every piece of it including airfare differences between coach and business when that’s an issue.

As with any comparison, itinerary (e.g., Caribbean vs intercontinental for US  passengers) and dates are major factors.

 

That said: Over the years, I’ve done at least a dozen O vs Regent “apples to apples” comps and not once did Regent come close to O’s value. But, it doesn’t stop me from continuing my comparisons on cruises I am considering.

[ToxM]

We have just book a Regent cruise. I was surprised how close in price it was to a Vista cruise that was also in contention. 

 

Comparable because I got a free land program thrown on at the start which brought it to the same duration as the Vista and after removing the airfare from both the Regent was only about £600 dearer. I think that 600 quid probably pays for the booze and the balcony I would be getting over the Juliet balcony on Vista I was pricing it against.

 

The itin has a huge bucket list item for me on it so that clinched it. 

 

I’m excited to try Regent just once at least, I am sure I will have some issues with imposter syndrome whilst on board, but it will be an experience!

 

 

[Kate-AHF]

9 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

That said: Over the years, I’ve done at least a dozen O vs Regent “apples to apples” comps and not once did Regent come close to O’s value. But, it doesn’t stop me from continuing my comparisons on cruises I am considering.

 

That's been my experience as well.  Even when taking into account the difference we will accept in cabins (PH only on O vs verandah acceptable on Regent).  Regent is always much higher.

 

It doesn't always come down to $ though, as I'm sure you know.  We were booked on Regent in Oct of this year, with a subsequent land trip that was so exciting.  We were very sorry to cancel it.

[lajlloyd]

We travel on both Oceania and Regent. For us the destination is most important. We choose Regent when we:

Want a pre or post trip that is included, and if the travel is very far and Business Class air makes a big difference. Would never use it for the Caribbean as an example.

 

That said we like booking our own shore excursions so when on Oceania we take the ship credit and use it for drinks and gratuities. We find that both offer exceptional dining but we feel that the food on Oceania is slightly better. 

 

Both have incredible service. I think you need to compare and decide on your price point and what amenities are most important to you. Both are worth the price. 

[Russiamomm]

Thanks for the comments, all.  Keep them coming!  I can see how the included business class air would have a major impact on the cost analysis if you’re going overseas.  In our case that’s not an issue because the trip starts and ends in Miami.  I think that fact alone will make us lean toward Oceania, at least for this trip.

 

Does anyone have thoughts on activities onboard?  Which ship is “livelier”?  What kind of music do they play?  Shows/lectures?  Are the casinos lively?  (As you can see, we’ve never been on a luxury line.  We’ve always done the mainstream lines - mostly NCL.)

[PaulMCO]

I would also consider the comfort of the suites.   On the Insignia B/A rooms your are dealing with a much smaller cabin (200 vs 300 sq ft) and particularly unusable bathroom.  You would have to bump to a PH to get similar space.

 

You might also consider the December Marina sailing to the Amazon too.

 

[LHT28]

1 hour ago, Russiamomm said:

Does anyone have thoughts on activities onboard?  Which ship is “livelier”?  What kind of music do they play?  Shows/lectures?  Are the casinos lively?  (As you can see, we’ve never been on a luxury line.  We’ve always done the mainstream lines - mostly NCL.)

The activities/lectures are pretty much the same on all ships

  depends on the pax on your cruise how lively it will be

some are more livlier than

We did  a B2B one year  1st cruise  you could not get a spot in the casino .2nd cruise  not a problem

 

[Jancruz]

Everyone knows I love Oceania but if we are comparing which ship is more lively I believe it is Regent hands down!! Oceania tends to draw an older crowd (dont shoot the messenger those are the stats)

Jancruz1

[Paulchili]

19 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

That said: Over the years, I’ve done at least a dozen O vs Regent “apples to apples” comps and not once did Regent come close to O’s value. But, it doesn’t stop me from continuing my comparisons on cruises I am considering.

IMO there is no "apples to apples" comparison between these 2 lines - they are too different for that type of comparison. We've cruised on both and have our preferences but they are not as simple as price. We have enjoyed Regent but prefer O for a number of personal reasons. This may not be the case for OP as we are not CC of each other. 😀

IMO, OP should try both at some point and decide which, if any, suits them better and then all of our own preferences will become irrelevant for them (preferring one over the other or consider them equally desirable)..

Edited September 14, 2021 by Paulchili

[Flatbush Flyer]

5 hours ago, Russiamomm said:

Thanks for the comments, all.  Keep them coming!  I can see how the included business class air would have a major impact on the cost analysis if you’re going overseas.  In our case that’s not an issue because the trip starts and ends in Miami.  I think that fact alone will make us lean toward Oceania, at least for this trip.

 

Does anyone have thoughts on activities onboard?  Which ship is “livelier”?  What kind of music do they play?  Shows/lectures?  Are the casinos lively?  (As you can see, we’ve never been on a luxury line.  We’ve always done the mainstream lines - mostly NCL.)

O uses same talent agency as NCL but, due to smaller ship (and showroom) size, don’t expect big production shows.

Live band is very versatile and string quartet all over the ship is exquisite. Lecturers tend to be better than many other lines - often they’re retired professors.

Oceania has casinos? (Just kidding). 

[Russiamomm]

1 minute ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

O uses same talent agency as NCL but, due to smaller ship (and showroom) size, don’t expect big production shows.

Live band is very versatile and string quartet all over the ship is exquisite. Lecturers tend to be better than many other lines - often they’re retired professors.

Oceania has casinos? (Just kidding). 

Thank you!  Do they have a piano bar?  I could spend every night with a good, versatile piano player/singer.  I can appreciate a string quartet but a good singalong is more our style.  😃

 

What is the dress code on the two lines?  We’re not really dress up people and prefer a more casual atmosphere, although we can clean up nicely when we need to.  LOL

[LHT28]

3 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Thank you!  Do they have a piano bar?  I could spend every night with a good, versatile piano player/singer.  I can appreciate a string quartet but a good singalong is more our style.  😃

 

What is the dress code on the two lines?  We’re not really dress up people and prefer a more casual atmosphere, although we can clean up nicely when we need to.  LOL

On Oceania Martinis  has a piano  & some will sing along but generally  not

 

Dress code is casual 

evenings are a bit nicer casual wear - slacks (dockers)  polo or button down shirt for men

Nice top/slack/skirt or nice cocktail dress for ladies

[Flatbush Flyer]

6 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Thank you!  Do they have a piano bar?  I could spend every night with a good, versatile piano player/singer.  I can appreciate a string quartet but a good singalong is more our style.  😃

 

What is the dress code on the two lines?  We’re not really dress up people and prefer a more casual atmosphere, although we can clean up nicely when we need to.  LOL

Piano player nightly in the Martini’s Bar. Dress is “country club casual” - really no need for suits/ties/formal gowns or any other “prom wear.” But no sloppy dress either Think nice restaurant in the California Coast.

[1985rz1]

12 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Thank you!  Do they have a piano bar?  I could spend every night with a good, versatile piano player/singer.  I can appreciate a string quartet but a good singalong is more our style.  😃

 

What is the dress code on the two lines?  We’re not really dress up people and prefer a more casual atmosphere, although we can clean up nicely when we need to.  LOL

We've enjoyed the piano bar in Martini's on both R and O ships, but we've never experienced a sing-a-long.  I don't remember any singer on our voyages, but that's not to say they don't exist.   For the most part, folks seem to be interested more in conversation with old or new friends and or simple quite relaxation with background music.  

[Kate-AHF]

Oh Lordy.... dress code.  Please, please, no fighting.

 

O is more casual than other lines I've been on (Silversea/Seabourn).  And I like that.  I'm doing some pre-packing planning for our month on Marina this fall, and for me it's nearly effortless.  I can pack my silky travel knits for dinner, in mix and match - a few scarves, a couple of chunky necklaces and I will feel appropriate and put-together no matter the venue.  We throw in a sportcoat for Don for dinners in La Reserve - though this is not necessary.  

 

I adhere to the more formal dress codes when on the other two lines, but I resent it every inch of the way.  Though we cancelled our first Regent for this fall, I was prepared to pack for a Silversea/Seabourn wardrobe.

[Russiamomm]

Thanks again,everyone.  Back to dollars and cents.  We are currently booked in a basic veranda suite on RSSC and waitlisted for several categories on O.  What we paid for the veranda on RSSC is almost exactly what we would pay for a penthouse on RSC,which I understand is about an equivalent cabin, but there are literally no extras on RSSC.  Even your laundry is included.  Same itinerary.

 

Convince me why we should jump to Oceania, assuming we’re able to get a penthouse.any takers?  😃

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 minutes ago, Russiamomm said:

Thanks again,everyone.  Back to dollars and cents.  We are currently booked in a basic veranda suite on RSSC and waitlisted for several categories on O.  What we paid for the veranda on RSSC is almost exactly what we would pay for a penthouse on RSC,which I understand is about an equivalent cabin, but there are literally no extras on RSSC.  Even your laundry is included.  Same itinerary.

 

Convince me why we should jump to Oceania, assuming we’re able to get a penthouse.any takers?  😃

Why would anyone want to convince you either way? Two great lines. We like O because it’s basically home away from home for us and has everything we need at a value laden price.

[Russiamomm]

3 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Why would anyone want to convince you either way? Two great lines. We like O because it’s basically home away from home for us and has everything we need at a value laden price.

I’m just obsessing over this and only have until June to make a decision.  LOL.  Looking for any and all opinions.  😃

[ToxM]

1 hour ago, Russiamomm said:

I’m just obsessing over this and only have until June to make a decision.  LOL.  Looking for any and all opinions.  😃

 

I feel very comfortable on Oceania, I think it’s a really nice quandary you have - I can’t add more than I think on both lines you are going to have a wonderful time. My only suggestion is you take into account how much you want to drink and whether or not your itinerary will make more sense to take ships tours instead of doing DIY. Add those extras in and then weigh it up. Regent is going to have to turn it up to 11 for me personally to top Oceania, but I will enjoy putting it to the test 😉

 

 

[PhD-iva]

18 minutes ago, ToxM said:

 

. My only suggestion is you take into account how much you want to drink and whether or not your itinerary will make more sense to take ships tours instead of doing DIY. Add those extras in and then weigh it up. 

 

+1
When reading previous debates on this topic, an often cited reason to prefer O is when pax prefer to DIY their excursions, or they don’t drink or don’t drink a lot. Regent’s bundle makes sense if you value all/most components in the bundle. 
Also, I have seen some comments that disparage Regent’s wine/alcohol selection. I can’t comment myself, as I haven’t yet had the pleasure of cruising on Regent. My Feb 22 SA cruise on Voyager was canceled. 😪

Edited September 15, 2021 by PhD-iva
Edit

[Paulchili]

2 hours ago, Russiamomm said:

Convince me why we should jump to Oceania, assuming we’re able to get a penthouse.

any takers?  😃

You are asking for the impossible - only you can decide which you like better after trying them both. Whom are you going to blame when you choose the "wrong" line?

We don't know anything about you - how can we convince you of anything.

I hate tomatoes (and you don't know that) - convince me that I will love that tomato dish that is your all time favorite. 

Not going to happen.

Edited September 15, 2021 by Paulchili