First impressions of our first Oceania cruise

[Vineyard View]

8 hours ago, jonthomas said:

 

that is the only thing good about Viking, awful food...boring lectures, nothing else to do...just off april 3....

At least pre Covid, I would totally disagree with you after several sailings. But that is okay. We do not have to. 

[Vineyard View]

7 hours ago, jonthomas said:

As long as you have recently sailed on both Viking Ocean and Oceania.

If not then not sure what the opinion is based on.

If you read most luxury/upscale lines boards, it’s pretty clear that there are changes that have occurred post C with most in one way or another…service, food, overall experiences prior to and afterwards. Sure, there are those who feel like the lines/brands haven’t skipped a beat….but on all the boards there are many who do not feel that way. johnthomas, you had a negative experience recently on Viking post C, and positive on O. Yet what I read says that you had negative on O pre C. So I think it’s maybe  an example of the luck of the draw, unfortunately, as is with many brands at this point in time. We all make decisions based on our experiences, and often our most recent. Human nature. 
I think it’s really interesting to read multiple boards when trying to determine who one wants to book with in the future. Some are extremely loyal and will not consider other lines. Others will. 
No right nor wrong. I just find these boards invaluable and appreciate all opinions when trying to decide where to look in 2025. We are narrowed down to a few lines, and then absolutely the specific itineraries. The input on these boards is truly helpful…the negative and the positive. 

[Sthrngary]

I am a NCL Haven Fan.  So much so that I wrote "Secrets of the NCL Haven VIP Experience" on CruiseCritic.com.  I know the Haven and used to be provided and LOVED IT.  Yet my most resent voyages have not been quite as great.  WHY, because it was my Brand, my type of amenities, my type of suites.  When the changed things to me it was a personal issue to some part of the experience I loved.  Not all, just something.  

 

Yet the first time I went in the Haven, it blew my mind.  WHY, I had nothing like it to compare it too.  This is the "Potential" way I will feel about my upcoming cruise on Oceania.  I have no reference other than what I have taken before.  Allow me to add a lesson from my past.  I not longer day dream about how great things are going to be on my next cruise.  I used to do this all the time and it create the "Perfect" cruise in my head then I was disappoint even when things were good.  Just things we learn after 30 cruise.  

 

So when folk share that the out door dinner grill does not have lobster every night I go, "Hell, they have lobster and steaks made to order, great".  You see, I have not reference so it is my first time.  This is why their are many brands, stateroom types, special amenities.  

 

So I was up for a change from the NCL Haven to Oceania.  I hope that description makes sense.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[cruisemom42]

10 hours ago, jonthomas said:

 

that is the only thing good about Viking, awful food...boring lectures, nothing else to do...just off april 3....

 

Did everyone think the lectures were boring....or was it just you?

[Vineyard View]

31 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Did everyone think the lectures were boring....or was it just you?

Historically, their lectures have been a strong selling point and well reviewed. No idea about the itinerary this is referring to. 

[jonthomas]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Did everyone think the lectures were boring....or was it just you?

Yes many.

[ak1004]

12 hours ago, njhorseman said:

 

Based on your listed cruise history and your inaccurate comments apparently you've never actually been a passenger in the NCL Haven.

 

No I haven't and have no intentions to.. same for Celebrity Retreat. Once you tried a Mercedes, there is no going back to Fiat. I just like the lines where everyone is treated the same, and don't like segregations. Not to mention that each time I checked prices, suites on Celebrity, NCL or MSC were actually more expensive than Oceania.

Edited May 6, 2023 by ak1004

[njhorseman]

9 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

No I haven't and have no intentions to.. same for Celebrity Retreat. Once you tried a Mercedes, there is no going back to Fiat. I just like the lines where everyone is treated the same, and don't like segregations. Not to mention that each time I checked prices, suites on Celebrity, NCL or MSC were actually more expensive than Oceania.

None of that is relevant to my point, which was that your stated "facts" about about the experience were substantially inaccurate and therefore completely misleading to someone who might be considering those cruise lines. 

You're entitled to your own set of opinions but you're not entitled to your own set of facts. 

Please leave the  comparisons to those of us who actually have experienced the differences.

[ak1004]

22 hours ago, njhorseman said:

No, NCL Haven passengers spend much less time getting on and off the ship. In many embarkation ports it starts with a private security line and private check in lounge. 

You're escorted on and off the ship by the concierge staff. You're the first to board at your embarkation port and the first to disembark in both ports of call and at the cruise's end if that's your wish.

I was actually referring to ports of call, not embarkation ports.

 

Do Haven passengers have a separate line to get on the ship when going off shore? And then a separate line to get back on the ship? Do they enjoy smaller groups when booking ship excursions? Or still get buses packed to capacity? Do they have separate areas in the ports apart from other passengers? Or they still share the ports with the other 6k people?

 

We were on the Allure of the Seas a few years ago. Never again on a ship this size.

 

22 hours ago, njhorseman said:

 

To some extent. yes. but you can avoid some of it with the concierge escort and reserved seating section for Haven passengers in the main theater.

 

 

Yea.. I have seen this on Celebrity. It was not on all shows, and the reserved area was on the balcony..

[ak1004]

3 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

None of that is relevant to my point, which was that your stated "facts" about about the experience were substantially inaccurate and therefore completely misleading to someone who might be considering those cruise lines. 

You're entitled to your own set of opinions but you're not entitled to your own set of facts. 

Please leave the  comparisons to those of us who actually have experienced the differences.

 

I talked to enough people who experienced NCL Haven or MSC Yacht, and I sailed on enough big ships to know the facts. Nothing that I said was inaccurate. What was inaccurate was your interpretation. I'm well aware that suite passengers get priority embarkation - my comment was about getting off and on the ship in ports of call as I mentioned in my previous comment. 

 

What else was inaccurate? The fact that outside your little paradise, you are still on a big ship, with lots of children, and completely different demographics compared to lines like Oceania or Silversea? The fact that typical size of O excursion is 25-30 people while big lines fill buses to capacity?

 

My main point was that there are areas that it simply doesn't matter that you are in a suite. We will just need to agree to disagree..

[njhorseman]

1 minute ago, ak1004 said:

 

I talked to enough people who experienced NCL Haven or MSC Yacht, and I sailed on enough big ships to know the facts. Nothing that I said was inaccurate. What was inaccurate was your interpretation. I'm well aware that suite passengers get priority embarkation - my comment was about getting off and on the ship in ports of call as I mentioned in my previous comment. 

 

What else was inaccurate? The fact that outside your little paradise, you are still on a big ship, with lots of children, and completely different demographics compared to lines like Oceania or Silversea? The fact that typical size of O excursion is 25-30 people while big lines fill buses to capacity?

 

My main point was that there are areas that it simply doesn't matter that you are in a suite. We will just need to agree to disagree..

No, you didn't have  your "facts" right.

 

Your "facts" about getting  off the ship in ports of call were inaccurate.  Did you miss what I said about being escorted by the Concierge staff to be the first off the ship and using elevators or stairs not accessible by other passengers?

 

I guess you also missed where I corrected you about not being able to have guests in the Haven dining room.

 

I could care less what cruises you prefer. I only care about your misinformation that can mislead others.

 

I've  had enough of this discussion .

[Sthrngary]

@ak1004 and @njhorseman, I have enjoy the debate.  Entertaining to say the least.  @ak1004 You have completely missed the point and so I do not come across as being confrontational, I would like to explain.  I am known as one of the "Experts of Sorts" on the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" concept.  Best known for writing op-eds and traveling in the NCL Haven.  I have also cruised Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yachts club. Yet right now, I could not be happier to cruise for my first time on Oceania Cruises. 

 

The question is why would someone who loves that Big Ship, VIP area's be so happy to cruise a small ship in a Premium-Plus / Luxury ship category? The answer which has been given many time by many cruisers.  Higher level of personalized service to all guests not just the ones in the VIP areas; higher quality of dining/food throughout the entire ship; Less children and families traveling; Older clientele that many emphasis is not doing as many Tequila shots as possible (I drink, sometimes to much and enjoy drinking just not to excess); Ports of call and itinerary based on where I want to go on my next vacation; the ability to have a drink package where my spouse is not forced to have it or pay for it; a ship that was recently dry docked; are a few reasons.

 

Yet and I want to make this crystal clear, I still love personally the big ship experience.  At my age, 66, I still love the huge water slides, go cart racing, Lasor tag, belly flop contests, crazy pool activities and lots more only available on those big main stream ships.  Yet when I have enough of the big crowds, lines and just want to be pampered, I simply go back to the small area for the so called VIP's. Does it cost a LOT more and sometimes more than going on a similar trip on Viking, Oceania and others, YES.  Since it is a big ship, do I board first, dis-embark first, at ports special elevators in the area to take me off the ship first and on the ship first, escorts to large shows, first in line for activates, priority reservations for sold out events/restaurants/ect.  Do I like all those things plus more, YES.  Did I pay dearly for them all, YES.  Could I take many more cruises instead of just one in these Main Stream VIP areas for far less, YES. I pay dearly for the opportunity and NCL, Celebrity and MSC love folks like me because they make SO much more money on me/others like me then other guest on board. 

 

You are treated like a rock star when you are a portly over aged retired business many like myself.  When I was younger cruising, I could not even afford a Ocean view.  40 years of work allows me in my next few years of life some luxury.  Now do the other cruisers resent this VIP area's, yes.  Do I understand their resentment, yes.  Do I care, NO.  

 

The entire debate here is simple.  I am no expert on Oceania yet I have chosen to go on it for what I believe will be the kind of experience I want in this stage of my life.  After I cruise, I will comment on my experience.  I did the same thing when I cruised on Crystal Cruise before they went bankrupt yet soon will be back.  Until I cruise them, I could not talk with a focus on accuracy.  

 

That is the point.  The debate is making statements that seem factual with no experience on the specific classification of area is an unfair representation.  It is NOT segregations.  It is the brands decision to have an area that 200 people out of 4500 can afford giving them a reason to cruise their brand.  I have met many guest that hate the idea however the Haven and other area's are the first to sell out so if I was the cruise brand, I would have every single ship with this area because it is good business.  If any client don't like it, don't book it.  Simple as that.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[ak1004]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

@ak1004 and @njhorseman, I have enjoy the debate.  Entertaining to say the least.  @ak1004 You have completely missed the point and so I do not come across as being confrontational, I would like to explain.  I am known as one of the "Experts of Sorts" on the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" concept.  Best known for writing op-eds and traveling in the NCL Haven.  I have also cruised Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yachts club. Yet right now, I could not be happier to cruise for my first time on Oceania Cruises. 

 

The question is why would someone who loves that Big Ship, VIP area's be so happy to cruise a small ship in a Premium-Plus / Luxury ship category? The answer which has been given many time by many cruisers.  Higher level of personalized service to all guests not just the ones in the VIP areas; higher quality of dining/food throughout the entire ship; Less children and families traveling; Older clientele that many emphasis is not doing as many Tequila shots as possible (I drink, sometimes to much and enjoy drinking just not to excess); Ports of call and itinerary based on where I want to go on my next vacation; the ability to have a drink package where my spouse is not forced to have it or pay for it; a ship that was recently dry docked; are a few reasons.

 

Yet and I want to make this crystal clear, I still love personally the big ship experience.  At my age, 66, I still love the huge water slides, go cart racing, Lasor tag, belly flop contests, crazy pool activities and lots more only available on those big main stream ships.  Yet when I have enough of the big crowds, lines and just want to be pampered, I simply go back to the small area for the so called VIP's. Does it cost a LOT more and sometimes more than going on a similar trip on Viking, Oceania and others, YES.  Since it is a big ship, do I board first, dis-embark first, at ports special elevators in the area to take me off the ship first and on the ship first, escorts to large shows, first in line for activates, priority reservations for sold out events/restaurants/ect.  Do I like all those things plus more, YES.  Did I pay dearly for them all, YES.  Could I take many more cruises instead of just one in these Main Stream VIP areas for far less, YES. I pay dearly for the opportunity and NCL, Celebrity and MSC love folks like me because they make SO much more money on me/others like me then other guest on board. 

 

You are treated like a rock star when you are a portly over aged retired business many like myself.  When I was younger cruising, I could not even afford a Ocean view.  40 years of work allows me in my next few years of life some luxury.  Now do the other cruisers resent this VIP area's, yes.  Do I understand their resentment, yes.  Do I care, NO.  

 

The entire debate here is simple.  I am no expert on Oceania yet I have chosen to go on it for what I believe will be the kind of experience I want in this stage of my life.  After I cruise, I will comment on my experience.  I did the same thing when I cruised on Crystal Cruise before they went bankrupt yet soon will be back.  Until I cruise them, I could not talk with a focus on accuracy.  

 

That is the point.  The debate is making statements that seem factual with no experience on the specific classification of area is an unfair representation.  It is NOT segregations.  It is the brands decision to have an area that 200 people out of 4500 can afford giving them a reason to cruise their brand.  I have met many guest that hate the idea however the Haven and other area's are the first to sell out so if I was the cruise brand, I would have every single ship with this area because it is good business.  If any client don't like it, don't book it.  Simple as that.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

You are making excellent points. And yes, there are some things on the big ships that we do miss sometimes. 

 

We do miss the much better entertainment.

We do miss more activities.

We do miss the skating arena on RCI ships and the skating performances.

 

We do NOT miss lots of children.

We do NOT miss the party ship atmosphere, with a lot of drunk people.

We certainly do NOT miss belly flop contests.

 

And so on, you get the point.

 

Price is not the major factor to us (unless it's something really crazy), but it's still a factor. I just checked the Haven prices - for a typical European cruise, they start around $500-600 USD per night. For that kind of price (sometimes even cheaper), I can sail on SS, SB or Crystal, and have a truly luxury, all inclusive experience. To me, it just doesn't make sense to pay those prices for a mainstream line, even VIP experience but still a mainstream line with 5-6k passengers.

 

But some day we might try it, especially for less port intensive sailings. As an expert to those "Ship-Within-A-Ship", I'm curious how would you compare NCL, MSC and Celebrity.

 

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

Haven prices - for a typical European cruise, they start around $500-600 USD per night. For that kind of price (sometimes even cheaper), I can sail on SS, SB or Crystal,

I am a strategic planner.  I had an Excel with all those brands plus some.  I love doing that kind of research and being retired I now have the time.  The Haven and Retreat was way over priced to a point where I simply would not consider it.  Also, I had been on most of the ships and the shows were all the same.  Please understand, I have zero expectations for the shows on Oceania.  My eyes are wide open.  Yet, knowing the good and the bad reported by others on Oceania, it was hands down the best choice for my situation.  Glad I did the Excel.

 

6 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

As an expert to those "Ship-Within-A-Ship", I'm curious how would you compare NCL, MSC and Celebrity.

Good question but hard to answer so allow me to answer it this way.  Never go on NCL Haven on one of their smaller ships because they don't include the Haven restaurant or bar. My choice of ship for the Haven would be Encore, Bliss or Joy.  The best way to learn and enjoy the Haven is to look at prices for 7-day voyages and catch one that is a per guest price of between $2,200 to $2,800 per person.  If you are "Lucky" enough to be in a nice non-Haven Stateroom, where it is NOT a filled ship due to time sailing which would never be a holiday, attempt to do the upgrade bid program to gain a bargain.  Never a guarantee but if you want the cruise anyways, a nice treat if it happens. 

 

I am not a fan of MSC so that would not be my choice.  I am a fan of NCL and Celebrity.  However like with NCL the larger ships; with Celebrity the newer ships.  The Older ships Retreats are retrofits and nice but not the full experience.  I find the Entertainment on NCL better than Celebrity.  I find the Food better on Celebrity than NCL.  The Belly Flop contests are the same on both, EXCELENT, LOL. Sorry, I had to go there. 

 

Hope that assist you.  Before I let you go.  Paying full retail for the current prices for any of these VIP Area's on Mainstream Cruise brands is insane right now.  That will change as all the FCC, are all used up.  Wait for the opportunities like I did with the Oceania Labor Day four category upgrade and the most recent sale by Oceania.  I feel like I hit the lottery on those to promotions.  

 

Hope that helps you and others.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Charles4515]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I am known as one of the "Experts of Sorts" on the "Ship-Within-A-Ship" concept.  Best known for writing op-eds and traveling in the NCL Haven.  I have also cruised Celebrity Retreat and MSC Yachts club. Yet right now, I could not be happier to cruise for my first time on Oceania Cruises. 

I don't trust self proclaimed experts. You should be happy trying a new cruise line for the first time. I hope you are not disappointed. I liked Oceania because it did an itinerary that NCL or Celebrity can't do. The food was pretty good. Better than NCL or Celebrity which is a win for me.  Celebrity and NCL though have a lot more choices  for activities onboard. There is no hustle and bustle.  That is what I percieve @DCGuy64 missed about NCL.

 

I would rather read what you think after your cruise than your pre cruise comments which seem to me like you are trying to convince yourself about booking Oceania. 

[Sthrngary]

6 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I don't trust self proclaimed experts. You should be happy trying a new cruise line for the first time. I hope you are not disappointed. I liked Oceania because it did an itinerary that NCL or Celebrity can't do. The food was pretty good. Better than NCL or Celebrity which is a win for me.  Celebrity and NCL though have a lot more choices  for activities onboard. There is no hustle and bustle.  That is what I percieve @DCGuy64 missed about NCL.

 

I would rather read what you think after your cruise than your pre cruise comments which seem to me like you are trying to convince yourself about booking Oceania. 

@Charles4515 I read your comments and had to think what the best way was to respond.  My comment of being a self proclaimed expert on the NCL Haven was based on the previous comments and posts from those that had never cruise in the Haven before. 

 

It was to establish myself as someone with experience.  The use of expert for anyone other than a member of the actual cruise brand is a stretch so I fully understand your comment.  My article written five years ago on CruiseCritic.com called "The Secrets of the NCL Haven VIP Experience" was very popular and it was updated in 2021.  The second version was a popular as the first. 

 

Things change over time which we all who love cruising have come to understand. I have been interviewed on the subject for some pod casts and an article done on cruise.  This again does not make me an expert but does make me knowledgeable on the subject. 

 

You are a 10,000 + member with CruiseCritic.com which is why I elaborated with some clarity.  Thank you for taking the time to comments on my past post.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Charles4515]

29 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

This again does not make me an expert but does make me knowledgeable on the subject. 

I am  just saying I would like to read your impression of Oceania after your first Oceania cruise. 

[Sthrngary]

Just now, Charles4515 said:

I am  just saying I would like to read your impression of Oceania after your first Oceania cruise. 

@Charles4515 My pleasure. I wish it was next week but it is November 9, 2023. 

[rbtan]

A little late but so what. 2018 was our first O cruise. Since then we've done a total of 4 so far.(all on Riviera) We're foodies so that was the main reason.  We find the Pax as a whole older(but we're getting there, too) Entertainment is fair to a times quite good, especially the music acts. The food really is the entertainment. The Riviera has always been elegant & very well maintained. We loved the conversion of the bathrooms & redo of the cabins. Food quality has stayed mostly consistent. No line hits it out of the park every night. Main thing is portions have shrunk. They will always give you more if you wish. Overall attention to detail pretty much has changed little. 

 We did a Hawaii trip on Princess in 2020.There were obviously some covid cases(these were passed off as Flu) We do tend to switch a bit with Princess based on cruise length & region.We are booked in 2025 on the new Sun Princess. Just want to try a new ship. We'll be on Vista next Jan.health permitting. I have Kidney issues that could scrap both 2024 & 2025(depends on transplant)

[Sabbycat]

On 4/24/2023 at 11:57 AM, DCGuy64 said:

My wife and I returned late Saturday from our first cruise with Oceania,... We're not quite ready for Oceania.

 

We felt much the same way after our first Oceania cruise, with the exception of the dining, we do not mind dining. We were in our 30s and early 40s when we first sailed with them.

 

However, now in our mid and late forties, we are returning and cannot wait to sail with them again. We miss the smaller ship experience. The refined service, the relaxed dining, and beautiful ship with its smaller crowd and less busy experience. We also prefer the more unique itinerates that companies like Oceania sail hitting some of the smaller and more out of the way ports. We sail in a suite and really enjoy the benefits of suite life and the perks that Oceania has made available. Love the size of the stateroom, the walk-in closet etc. We usually sail for three weeks or so the larger stateroom and balcony are a huge selling point.

 

We do find the weakest point for Oceania is their shore excursions as they are very short and not very in-depth when compared to other lines, but given the average age and mobility of Oceania cruisers I guess it makes sense, but it would be nice if they had a few that were long and very in-depth.

 

I also really enjoy the fellow cruisers of Oceania, who are older and more well travelled. They have some fun stories to share and are enjoyable to talk to, making small talk easy and fun.

 

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by Sabbycat

[Sabbycat]

On 4/25/2023 at 3:51 AM, pamps2801 said:

Try Azamara. Same product if not better than Oceania, and liquor is included. 

@DCGuy64

 

Love Azamara, although we have not sailed with them since Sycamore took over. But Azamara is an amazing line. Younger demographic, more adventurous shore excursions, more inclusive. And quite a bit cheaper. On this line we tend to choose a Veranda Plus stateroom, as they are aft staterooms. It has that small intimate small ship feel, but a little more happening. 

Edited May 7, 2023 by Sabbycat

[Rainbow3fe]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:08 AM, LHT28 said:

Quick question

 Because  we do not sail on the main stream lines

 

What is a Thermal spa  area that people mention??

We did sail on HAL back in 2015  & there was an indoor pool  that you had to pay extra to use  it that the Thermal spa ?

 

We tried and disliked our cruise on Celebrity Edge. Food was poorly prepared even though the menu looked interesting.  The quality of the fish, shrimp and meats wasn't what we have come to expect in a decent restaurant.   Our Aquaclass stateroom entitled us to Unlimited access to the " Thermal Spa". It was extremely disappointing.  There was no fancy hotub, no Jacuzzi and nothing special.  It was a boring experience.  We did however love the jets and showers in our Aquaclass  stateroom. 

    We know everyone likes different things. 

Just saying 🌊🎶

[DCGuy64]

14 hours ago, Sabbycat said:

However, now in our mid and late forties, we are returning and cannot wait to sail with them again. We miss the smaller ship experience. The refined service, the relaxed dining, and beautiful ship with its smaller crowd and less busy experience. We also prefer the more unique itinerates that companies like Oceania sail hitting some of the smaller and more out of the way ports. We sail in a suite and really enjoy the benefits of suite life and the perks that Oceania has made available. Love the size of the stateroom, the walk-in closet etc. We usually sail for three weeks or so the larger stateroom and balcony are a huge selling point.

Two of your points above piqued my interest: the type of cabin and the length of the cruise. Due to budgetary and time restrictions, we typically do 7-day cruises with an occasional 9- or 10-day cruise, and we try to find good deals (less than $2,000 pp). Our first and only Oceania cruise was a whopping $5500 pp (although that was before we removed the air credit, so the ultimate cost was $4000) for an inside cabin! That's far and away the most money we've ever spent on a cruise. For our cruise, the suites were around $10,000 pp and up. That's just more than we can afford, frankly. And as I mentioned in my review, a lot of the other passengers were retired, so they can take 3 weeks to do a cruise whereas we can't (yet). Lastly, you made a point about the slower pace of the excursion and how that relates to the mobility issues of some of the passengers. I'm in good health with no mobility issues, I walk fast and work out a lot, so I would be disappointed at having to go at a slow pace. We definitely loved the cruise and Oceania has an excellent product. I particularly agree with your comments about their ships and their ability to access smaller ports-that's a HUGE plus in their favor. We'll be back one day, for sure.

[MEFIowa]

5 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Two of your points above piqued my interest: the type of cabin and the length of the cruise. Due to budgetary and time restrictions, we typically do 7-day cruises with an occasional 9- or 10-day cruise, and we try to find good deals (less than $2,000 pp). Our first and only Oceania cruise was a whopping $5500 pp (although that was before we removed the air credit, so the ultimate cost was $4000) for an inside cabin! That's far and away the most money we've ever spent on a cruise....

Though you need to be more specific about length of cruise, location and date.

 

For our first O cruise on Riviera 12/13-23/2021, W. Caribbean, we paid $2099 PP for our A4 Concierge Veranda. Then on our 2nd O cruise on Sirena 11/18-28/2022, E. Caribbean, we paid $2249 PP for our B2 Veranda. Now later in 2023 our two cruises on Riviera in the Med will be $1899 PP for our A3 and $1749 PP for our B3 Veranda, both using the Extraordinary Savings Sale. We did CRUISE ONLY for all. Each was/will be 10 nights.

[DCGuy64]

3 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

Though you need to be more specific about length of cruise, location and date.

That is true. Our cruise was a port-intensive one to Japan and South Korea. However, we had 2 prior cruises booked to Japan which were cancelled due to Covid, one on Princess and the other on NCL. Both were cheaper than O and in a higher class of cabin, however. We have an upcoming NCL European cruise in a Club Balcony suite for $2000 pp (which includes the FAS options), and it's for 10 days. Oceania has a one-way 7-nighter in the Mediterranean starting at $3500. That's vastly more expensive for a shorter cruise and inferior cabin.