OLife moves to "all in"

[QuestionEverything]

3 hours ago, Hanoj said:

I too @QuestionEverything. First Oceania cruise this August. We don’t drink alcohol and I won’t buy shipboard credit unless at a discount. We typically purchase our own airfare. We only bought O Life for three pp excursions, just to sample these on a new line.

 

I suspect the new marketing initiative may be a cloak for steep price increases, which will be promoted using the abused “free” euphemism.

 

Will O need to change its YWYW slogan since it implies choices the à la carte pricing model entails? Or will this be a pax be damned full speed ahead campaign?
 

 

Hanoj, I appreciate your words "cloak for steep price increases". I suspect you are correct.

For my household - steep prices increases mean the service provider is cancelled.

I, like you, are 1st time Oceania customers and we are already suspicious, that is not good for Oceania or any other service provider.

I will see if I like Oceania or not. Otherwise, onto other travel options.

[basor]

Enjoying reading all of the assumptions - like so many other announcements, the pre-announcement quarterbacking and ringing of hands is interesting.  As is so often the outcome, once the new program is unveiled, I believe we will find that they have not gone to an all inclusive or nothing option.  The details will be leaked out next week when the program is presented to a select group of TA's so the speculation will be over soon.

[Hambagahle]

On 6/6/2023 at 10:10 PM, GeezerCouple said:

 

And I also hope that those who prefer private excursions don't have pay for the group excursions not taken.

 

It's been so perfect for us with Oceania.

Aside from the lovely ship and wonderful service, we rarely drink cocktails other than an occasional sail-away celebration.  We prefer fine wine, and the wines that are included in any package... those aren't the wines we enjoy.  We prefer bringing wine on board and paying the corkage, so we can enjoy the wines that *we* enjoy.  The wine is much less expensive that way, but mostly, we have trouble finding much that we really enjoy on the various wine lists.

 

And as for airfare, we have always booked overseas J or F using awards, using airlines and routes that we prefer.  Plus we often go elsewhere before or after a cruise.

 

Hopefully, O won't really change away from what many of us have specifically enjoyed and appreciated!

 

(And hopefully they won't continue to do away with the classic Specialties that have been on the Riviera and Marina.  Those are by far our favorites, and we enjoy them several times during a cruise.  Yum!)

 

GC

Air included is of zero interest to us.  We are swiss and cruise only in Europe these days.  We want to take a train to wherever we are sailing from and to - insofar as we can.  Next cruise is Malta-Trieste.  We will train to Zürich, fly to Malta, then train Trieste/Venice/Milano/home.

[Flatbush Flyer]

On 6/6/2023 at 3:17 AM, elmsliebev said:

"-  Guests will have the opportunity of staying with the promotion they have booked or moving to the new offer."

 

watching this with interest. We have booked Japan to Singapore for October 2024, through a UK travel agent. We've taken the flights and the excursions so I'm interested to know what our "opportunity" will be! 

Of course, the “opportunity” will most likely involve a price adjustment or rebooking to reflect the more expensive version for all three items.

[GICNJC]

Wanted to add to the speculation that everyone is offering up.  We have been OLife bookers, always the excursions.  (Once was upgraded to Ultimate though my spouse is a very limited drinker.  A bottle of wine lasts her three days.  Due to meds, I am not a drinker).

 

My cloudy chrystal ball indicates they may be moving in the direction of other upper middle providers such as Viking and provide wine and beer with meals, a free excursion in each port, and air fare (which they will continue to offer $ back for if doing own air).

 

Despite my shaking the chrystal ball, it does not stop being cloudy, so I guess we will find out shortly from the TAs.

[basor]

5 minutes ago, GICNJC said:

Wanted to add to the speculation that everyone is offering up.  We have been OLife bookers, always the excursions.  (Once was upgraded to Ultimate though my spouse is a very limited drinker.  A bottle of wine lasts her three days.  Due to meds, I am not a drinker).

 

My cloudy chrystal ball indicates they may be moving in the direction of other upper middle providers such as Viking and provide wine and beer with meals, a free excursion in each port, and air fare (which they will continue to offer $ back for if doing own air).

 

Despite my shaking the chrystal ball, it does not stop being cloudy, so I guess we will find out shortly from the TAs.

I think your crystal ball is pretty clear....I would go with that idea.  I have printed off the pricing for several cruises we are looking at so we can compare pre and post pricing to see if, as others are so sure will happen, that they significantly increase the cost and this is just a ploy to charge more ...

[Snaefell3]

2 hours ago, basor said:

I think your crystal ball is pretty clear....I would go with that idea.  I have printed off the pricing for several cruises we are looking at so we can compare pre and post pricing to see if, as others are so sure will happen, that they significantly increase the cost and this is just a ploy to charge more ...

Remember, NCLH is digging out from a mountain of COVID debt --2 years with expenses and no revenue-- that turned it from a $50 stock into a $17 stock.  Just be thankful that NCLH is in far better shape (and less hungry) than CCL.

[WESTEAST]

2 hours ago, basor said:

I think your crystal ball is pretty clear....I would go with that idea.  I have printed off the pricing for several cruises we are looking at so we can compare pre and post pricing to see if, as others are so sure will happen, that they significantly increase the cost and this is just a ploy to charge more ...

 

2 hours ago, GICNJC said:

Wanted to add to the speculation that everyone is offering up.  We have been OLife bookers, always the excursions.  (Once was upgraded to Ultimate though my spouse is a very limited drinker.  A bottle of wine lasts her three days.  Due to meds, I am not a drinker).

 

My cloudy chrystal ball indicates they may be moving in the direction of other upper middle providers such as Viking and provide wine and beer with meals, a free excursion in each port, and air fare (which they will continue to offer $ back for if doing own air).

 

Despite my shaking the chrystal ball, it does not stop being cloudy, so I guess we will find out shortly from the TAs.

Like this proposal and perhaps with O offering the Ultimate last year, this year and 2024 on many cruises, the price margins for wine/beer and excursions (maybe SBC too) were conducive and filled the ship to capacity once offered?  We will also watch for pricing impacts as we have a few cruises booked, not sure why a cruiser would opt out of this new offering other than the anticipated price adjustment.

[Jancruz]

6 hours ago, GICNJC said:

Wanted to add to the speculation that everyone is offering up.  We have been OLife bookers, always the excursions.  (Once was upgraded to Ultimate though my spouse is a very limited drinker.  A bottle of wine lasts her three days.  Due to meds, I am not a drinker).

 

My cloudy chrystal ball indicates they may be moving in the direction of other upper middle providers such as Viking and provide wine and beer with meals, a free excursion in each port, and air fare (which they will continue to offer $ back for if doing own air).

 

Despite my shaking the chrystal ball, it does not stop being cloudy, so I guess we will find out shortly from the TAs.

I just love reading all your ideas so creative..Simply More will be exactly what it says..Simply More

Jancruz1

[MarkCruises]

As a new Oceania cruiser (next year), I hope the new program is similar to Viking’s, with included wine at dinner and one included excursion per port.  As the cruise line president said in the recent article, the present multiple O Line choices are confusing to newbies.  Simplicity is better.  

[Flatbush Flyer]

5 minutes ago, MarkCruises said:

As a new Oceania cruiser (next year), I hope the new program is similar to Viking’s, with included wine at dinner and one included excursion per port.  As the cruise line president said in the recent article, the present multiple O Line choices are confusing to newbies.  Simplicity is better.  

The last thing O will ever do is to copycat a mainstream line like Viking - especially when it comes to food).

[rizello]

4 hours ago, MarkCruises said:

As a new Oceania cruiser (next year), I hope the new program is similar to Viking’s, with included wine at dinner and one included excursion per port.  As the cruise line president said in the recent article, the present multiple O Line choices are confusing to newbies.  Simplicity is better.  

The confusing options are the main reasons I haven’t booked with O.  I have been on Viking a few times and really like the all inclusive. I do like the O itineraries but I haven’t been able to figure out what my cost would really be with all the add ons 

[mauibabes]

@rizello

Perhaps Simply More will be helpful to you.  When it is rolled out, and I would expect it to hit the CC airwaves soon, you will be able to make your informed decisions. Everyone of us with Oceania Bookings in play will be checking current prices vs the Simply More pricing. The one thing you need to understand about Oceania, their cruise package, however it is presented, is all about Value.
One thing you do need however is a good TA that knows Oceania, ideally an Oceania Connoisseur Club Member agency so they can educate you as well about O. 
If you follow this CC site, there are MANY who will help educate you.  There are lots of main stream cruise line cruisers posting here and you will find a LOT who are refugees leaving big/mega ship lines and turning to Oceania to get a quality product at a price that is consistent with the Value you are receiving. 
Try it, you just might like it. 
Mauibabes

[bob brown]

6 hours ago, Jancruz said:

You dont have to worry about it NO MORE O LIFE after July 1st it changes to Simply More which is vey simple

Jancruz1

Thanks for the “leaks”, Jan.😁

 

Just to clarify, like prior “O Life”, Simply More, is still an extra cost option package to “cruise only” basic fare?

[Jancruz]

17 hours ago, bob brown said:

Thanks for the “leaks”, Jan.😁

 

Just to clarify, like prior “O Life”, Simply More, is still an extra cost option package to “cruise only” basic fare?

NO

Jancruz1

Love to Betsy

[bob brown]

5 hours ago, Jancruz said:

NO

Jancruz1

Love to Betsy

Thanks, Jan….I’ll pass it on her when she gets up.🙂

 

I will be watching closely for Oceania’s announcement.  I am not sure I will be pleased to see more inclusives, as it will probably result in higher basic fares.  Some dislike “nickel and diming”, but I think of it as “ala carte” pricing, only paying for what you want to have.  The current model works just fine for me…

[ak1004]

One of the things (among others) we like about O is the option to pay only for what we like. We don't drink so don't like to subsidize drinkers, and we have no interest in included excursions (hopefully they will not repeat SS mistake).

 

Lets not forget that in some cases O prices are already pretty close to SB and SS. If they increase them too much, the prices might become comparable to SS and SB - and honestly, I don't think many people would book O if they can book SB or SS for the same price. This is especially true with the older R class ships. So I don't believe we will see steep increases, but if I'm wrong, they are going to lose a LOT of business to SB and SS.  

[Woofa]

13 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

One of the things (among others) we like about O is the option to pay only for what we like. We don't drink so don't like to subsidize drinkers, and we have no interest in included excursions (hopefully they will not repeat SS mistake).

 

Lets not forget that in some cases O prices are already pretty close to SB and SS. If they increase them too much, the prices might become comparable to SS and SB - and honestly, I don't think many people would book O if they can book SB or SS for the same price. This is especially true with the older R class ships. So I don't believe we will see steep increases, but if I'm wrong, they are going to lose a LOT of business to SB and SS.  

Agreed and I am pretty sure they know this.  We shall see what they add but I am guessing everyone will get free wine and beer at lunch and dinner.  Similar to when they added the internet.  I would doubt there will be a increase per se but fares do go up regularly from what we have seen.  I believe O knows its niche and will not be looking to compete with Regent.  While we are not big drinkers we would still find O a good value with what I suggested above and even if there was a small increase.

Of course everything is relative, our experience has been that staying in a regular veranda cabin or below and not being drinkers or using O shorex the premium lines for the most part have nothing close in price, maybe a few exceptions.  I think that many who feel the prices of the premium lines are comparable are paying for things we dont.  If you stay in a higher level cabin, get the premium drink package and pay for shorex and possibly business class air then I think the comparisons are closer.  We are happy to find this niche and while we have not cruised on a premium line we are pretty sure from everything we have read, our experience would be comparable.

Of course we will know more in a few days.🙂

[ORV]

I don’t use the gym, sauna, play pickle ball, use the pool or hot tubs, go to the shows or lectures and don’t want to subsidize those that do. See how that can work? It’s a slippery slope. 

[basenji56]

4 minutes ago, ORV said:

I don’t use the gym, sauna, play pickle ball, use the pool or hot tubs, go to the shows or lectures and don’t want to subsidize those that do. See how that can work? It’s a slippery slope. 

An alcohol package costs at least $150 a day for a couple.  Compare the price of Regent with the price of Oceania.  

[Harters]

On 6/12/2023 at 6:17 AM, mauibabes said:

ideally an Oceania Connoisseur Club Member agency

As far as I understand it, these are all North American, so no use to this European. Certainly I've never seen a UK cruise specialist TA make a claim of membership and Google doesnt find a single hit.

[mwj]

After reading the various thoughts posed here, I will offer my own as to how 'Simply More' will take shape.

 

Alcohol is a significant revenue stream, as the price/cost ratio is high.

Oceania loses significant revenue when guests bring their own alcohol onboard.

Excursions are also a significant revenue stream for the same reason.

 

'Simply More' will entail a reduction in the number of included excursions.

'Simply More' will include a glass of wine or beer during lunch and dinner.

'Simply More' will include a token amount of OBC.

 

[ak1004]

2 hours ago, ORV said:

I don’t use the gym, sauna, play pickle ball, use the pool or hot tubs, go to the shows or lectures and don’t want to subsidize those that do. See how that can work? It’s a slippery slope. 

Not exactly the same. The things you mentioned are free on all cruise lines.

[sunlover12]

I am curious what this Simply More is all about but I'm willing to bet it will result in higher "cruise only" fares. There is no way we will get more without Oceania raising basic fares. I prefer a la carte pricing. 

 

Whenever a company changes its pricing structure it is almost always not in favor of the consumer. A good example of this is all the changes the airlines have made to their FF awards structure. It was never in favor of the consumer.

[jonthomas]

Will be interesting to see how the already booked cruises will be dealt with. 

 

We do not consume alcohol. Have no interest whatsoever in included wine and do not want to pay more for it. We book, cruise only and are not interested in anything more , for a higher price. But O is our line of choice. Will just have to wait and see how much more this preference is going to cost us.