O Newbie - Mid Cruise Report - Insignia

[ak1004]

We did 4 O cruises. Food is as good as ever. Service as good as ever. Excursions not so good on our last sailing. Cancelled ports and shortened times in ports are a big concern to us.

 

Overall, still excellent experience and excellent value for money, even considering we don't drink. BUT - they are not the only game in town. If SS or SB offers a better itinerary at comparable or slightly higher price, we always would consider it. Not loyal to any line. They all have to compete for my business.

 

And yes, the showers on R ships are tiny. and PH is way too expensive. This is why we prefer the O class. Larger cabins, more dining options, more spacious ships.

[mauibabes]

@Vineyard View

We were in your neighborhood last week, took our Granddaughter glamping at Safari West. Great fun!

Thanks for the compliment and yes we have found OUR niche that fits US.  Not saying it is the fit for everyone but it is an amazing product, IMHO. Not perfect and yes there are changes Post Covid but nothing that is significant and definitely nothing degrading the quality of the food or overall product. Yes, a Filet might be an ounce smaller 😇. We know we are not meant to be luxury, all inclusive cruisers nor gourmet diners. My Cardiologist won’t allow that 🤪.
Anyone looking at Oceania for a first time should not set an impossible expectation. We do think they provide the Finest Cuisine at Sea and that is the operative word, Sea.  Overall great food but NOT Michelin Star level. One thing I do know, that after 15 years of O cruising, we know the Culinary staff on every ship busts their tail to deliver the Finest Cuisine at Sea.  
Enjoy your cruise.

Mauibabes

[Vineyard View]

mauibanes, we were just over in your area last weekend for twin granddaughter’s softball tournament! Stayed with long time friends in El Dorado Hills. Small world. Safari West is  very cool and glad you were able to experience it with yours. 
 

thank you for your input and feedback

Edited August 23, 2023 by Vineyard View

[ORV]

11 hours ago, mauibabes said:

Anyone looking at Oceania for a first time should not set an impossible expectation.

If anything should be made a sticky here it should be this statement. I feel unrealistic expectations is the number #1 reason for many of the poor reviews we've seen lately. 

 

Now, when I see people with multiple past O cruises pointing out issues, and there are some, past cruisers as well as issues, then attention should be paid to it, and management should act accordingly. 

[Vineyard View]

5 minutes ago, ORV said:

If anything should be made a sticky here it should be this statement. I feel unrealistic expectations is the number #1 reason for many of the poor reviews we've seen lately. 

 

Now, when I see people with multiple past O cruises pointing out issues, and there are some, past cruisers as well as issues, then attention should be paid to it, and management should act accordingly. 

I agree with you. It is the long term O cruisers who are seeing things not meeting their expectations that catches my attention. A there are those, so it’s caught my attention as someone who has their first O cruise booked.

I now think maybe the real issue is what are my expectations supposed to be? I shouldn’t expect the same experience as mass market, but should I expect similar to Viking?  How about Seabourn? I don’t know how to set them, but I am sure concerned. 

[ORV]

1 minute ago, Vineyard View said:

I agree with you. It is the long term O cruisers who are seeing things not meeting their expectations that catches my attention. A there are those, so it’s caught my attention as someone who has their first O cruise booked.

I now think maybe the real issue is what are my expectations supposed to be? I shouldn’t expect the same experience as mass market, but should I expect similar to Viking?  How about Seabourn? I don’t know how to set them, but I am sure concerned. 

Here is something I see, there are some first timers that come from lines like Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, etc that have the ship within a ship set up, and they are used to special attention and being buttered up, then for the same money they come to Oceania in a regular veranda, or PH for that matter and don't really get that experience. Everyone is pretty much treated the same, you need to be a self sufficient cruiser and be looking for a low key experience, with excellent bedding and great service, as well as above average food. The high energy buzz that some other lines have is not Oceania. In other words, no certain group is special, everyone is. No big production shows, no ice rinks, no water show(which I've enjoyed on Royal), no fancy casino, low key bar experience, etc. 

 

It's hard for me to explain, and it's not for everyone. I'm ok sitting out on the deck, just watching the ocean, staring off into space, I don't need to be entertained. I do enjoy tours and doing things, but I'm one of those people that love TA's and TP's. As I said, not everyone is like that. 

[Vineyard View]

17 minutes ago, ORV said:

Here is something I see, there are some first timers that come from lines like Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, etc that have the ship within a ship set up, and they are used to special attention and being buttered up, then for the same money they come to Oceania in a regular veranda, or PH for that matter and don't really get that experience. Everyone is pretty much treated the same, you need to be a self sufficient cruiser and be looking for a low key experience, with excellent bedding and great service, as well as above average food. The high energy buzz that some other lines have is not Oceania. In other words, no certain group is special, everyone is. No big production shows, no ice rinks, no water show(which I've enjoyed on Royal), no fancy casino, low key bar experience, etc. 

 

It's hard for me to explain, and it's not for everyone. I'm ok sitting out on the deck, just watching the ocean, staring off into space, I don't need to be entertained. I do enjoy tours and doing things, but I'm one of those people that love TA's and TP's. As I said, not everyone is like that. 

Describes us quite well, which is why we don’t cruise on big ships. No need for all that. Ship within a ship….no thanks. 
So our expectations are more in line with our experiences on Viking and our one experience on SB. Those are my yardsticks for setting expectations. One SB cruise, multiple Viking. SB is definitely a step up in a whole lot of ways….what should be my expectations with O in comparison?  As you said, setting them would be an important factor.  

[ORV]

I've never been on Viking or Seabourne, so I'm not the right person to ask. 

[mauibabes]

Ditto ORV,

Vineyard, we have not been on V or SB so NO comparisons. Perhaps set your level to V and let the chips fall. I refuse to sail Viking, ocean or river, due to their pricing and payment policies. We routinely book cruises upwards of two years out and there is no way I am paying for a cruise in full that early because “life happens”!  

All I do know is that we enjoy being treated well, be able to chat with staff and laugh together and get to know them over the term of the cruise. Wonderful people!  Long ago for a special occasion I opted for a PH and on occasion we had a Suite fall into our lap. 🤪, so the die was cast and I have not gotten her back into a Concierge level stateroom. My DW loves her Butlers, just great guys and attentive but she is not demanding, just keep her ice bucket full. We always travel with friends so our Butler gets to make extra dinner reservations for 4-6 and that has never been a problem. We do like to be called by name and that begins almost immediately.  If you are having a stateroom issue, mention it to your Room Steward, the “fix” begins with them. If you have a Concierge, talk with them. Get to know the Maitre D’s in the various restaurants and your servers, they are very friendly and can make some special things happen.  We had a dinner in Polo, Post Covid, and had a couple substandard Prime Filets. I called the Maitre D over and we had a quiet chat. From that night on, and yes the ship was only 1/3 full, he told us we had a table in his restaurant ANY night for 6. We took full advantage of his offer 😇🙏. The staff are very hard working and committed to serving you. Will they come up short on occasion, Yes.  The most important thing is if you have issues, tell them! 
 

Like ORV, we can sit and watch the world sail bye and be content. Give my DW a seat up front in Horizons with her Needlepoint project chatting with the other ladies and she is in “heaven”.  Me, I will play some games, meet guests and earn Big O Points. I can even be content sitting in the Laundry Room chatting with the ladies or guys, you’d be surprised about the topics 🤙.  The Artists Loft is great fun if so inclined. Oceania guests are not generally the mass market party hearty cruisers nor the Luxury cruiser, just people looking to travel in a bit of luxury and receive great value for their travel dollar.  
 

Just enjoy your cruise.

Mauibabes

[SATaxman]

4 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

Ditto ORV,

Vineyard, we have not been on V or SB so NO comparisons. Perhaps set your level to V and let the chips fall. I refuse to sail Viking, ocean or river, due to their pricing and payment policies. We routinely book cruises upwards of two years out and there is no way I am paying for a cruise in full that early because “life happens”!  

All I do know is that we enjoy being treated well, be able to chat with staff and laugh together and get to know them over the term of the cruise. Wonderful people!  Long ago for a special occasion I opted for a PH and on occasion we had a Suite fall into our lap. 🤪, so the die was cast and I have not gotten her back into a Concierge level stateroom. My DW loves her Butlers, just great guys and attentive but she is not demanding, just keep her ice bucket full. We always travel with friends so our Butler gets to make extra dinner reservations for 4-6 and that has never been a problem. We do like to be called by name and that begins almost immediately.  If you are having a stateroom issue, mention it to your Room Steward, the “fix” begins with them. If you have a Concierge, talk with them. Get to know the Maitre D’s in the various restaurants and your servers, they are very friendly and can make some special things happen.  We had a dinner in Polo, Post Covid, and had a couple substandard Prime Filets. I called the Maitre D over and we had a quiet chat. From that night on, and yes the ship was only 1/3 full, he told us we had a table in his restaurant ANY night for 6. We took full advantage of his offer 😇🙏. The staff are very hard working and committed to serving you. Will they come up short on occasion, Yes.  The most important thing is if you have issues, tell them! 
 

Like ORV, we can sit and watch the world sail bye and be content. Give my DW a seat up front in Horizons with her Needlepoint project chatting with the other ladies and she is in “heaven”.  Me, I will play some games, meet guests and earn Big O Points. I can even be content sitting in the Laundry Room chatting with the ladies or guys, you’d be surprised about the topics 🤙.  The Artists Loft is great fun if so inclined. Oceania guests are not generally the mass market party hearty cruisers nor the Luxury cruiser, just people looking to travel in a bit of luxury and receive great value for their travel dollar.  
 

Just enjoy your cruise.

Mauibabes

We are looking forward to our first O cruise this fall. Thank you for your comments. Many others have given us concern due to their criticisms. We have no basis for comparison with O. Have been on dozens of RCCL, and have cruised with Regent. Viking does not appeal to us. 

 

[JFontaine]

21 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

 

We are heading into a good storm with 25 ft waves the Captain says, so the chardonnay will be rocking!

How did it go in the 25 ft waves? Thanks for your report.  Best wishes. 

[Queen of DaNile]

1 hour ago, Vineyard View said:

Describes us quite well, which is why we don’t cruise on big ships. No need for all that. Ship within a ship….no thanks. 
So our expectations are more in line with our experiences on Viking and our one experience on SB. Those are my yardsticks for setting expectations. One SB cruise, multiple Viking. SB is definitely a step up in a whole lot of ways….what should be my expectations with O in comparison?  As you said, setting them would be an important factor.  

Have not been on Viking Ocean but suspect it is a comparable experience. Seabourn is still a good step above as far as service, amenities, accomodations and yes, even food IMHO. That being said, we enjoy both lines with itinerary being the deciding factor.

[QuestionEverything]

42 minutes ago, JFontaine said:

How did it go in the 25 ft waves? Thanks for your report.  Best wishes. 

Greetings JFontaine. 

The seas between west Greenland and towards Nfld were a good 25 feet. Insignia did much pitching but no rolling, thankfully. The entire outside closed. Most evening events cancelled.

Now 230 miles off Nfld and the seas are calm.

Guests were concerned as most are 70+ years and walking can be an issue.

Things seem to be going well.

O seems to work for me and my husband, you are treated as adults, entertain yourself, many people read in the forward Horizon lounge (where I am now). I do not feed "processed" and there is no nickle and diming and no one talks about status etc.

The staff are great, classy, call you Madame and smile much.

There is however much angst about the Simply More and I understand. That is an issue for me to book another O cruise.

 

[JFontaine]

@QuestionEverything Thank you for your report. Glad to hear you are out of the bad weather and are fine.

[Vineyard View]

3 hours ago, Queen of DaNile said:

Have not been on Viking Ocean but suspect it is a comparable experience. Seabourn is still a good step above as far as service, amenities, accomodations and yes, even food IMHO. That being said, we enjoy both lines with itinerary being the deciding factor.

Thank you for this. I appreciate your insight between the two. It is helpful. 

[nparmelee]

Watching these threads as we get ready for our next O cruise in October. We have a Princess (family group), 2 Celebrity and 2 O in our past. We like the R ships, especially the aft A1 balcony cabins. We'll be back on the Nautica. For us Simply More is not much of a factor since we booked before that and had OLife so had $600 on board, 3 excursions each and the standard bev package. For us. the O food was SO much better than Princess and X, we compare line to line more than anything but food is also very subjective. We have friends joining us this time so we are hoping the food is still better than X. Our friends have been on a number of Royal Caribbean so we expect this will be a better experience for them as well. Missing ports, especially tenders, is a thing that happens to all lines, that's when picking your itinerary is important. If there is a tender port that we really want to visit, we typically find a land way to do it. Maybe I've read these boards too much, but I always assume tender ports have a good shot of being missed.

OP, I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Curious if you asked for something else when you had something (beef mole was it???) that was not as expected. If so, how did that go?

[YoPhilly]

7 hours ago, mauibabes said:

Ditto ORV,

Vineyard, we have not been on V or SB so NO comparisons. Perhaps set your level to V and let the chips fall. I refuse to sail Viking, ocean or river, due to their pricing and payment policies. We routinely book cruises upwards of two years out and there is no way I am paying for a cruise in full that early because “life happens”!  

All I do know is that we enjoy being treated well, be able to chat with staff and laugh together and get to know them over the term of the cruise. Wonderful people!  Long ago for a special occasion I opted for a PH and on occasion we had a Suite fall into our lap. 🤪, so the die was cast and I have not gotten her back into a Concierge level stateroom. My DW loves her Butlers, just great guys and attentive but she is not demanding, just keep her ice bucket full. We always travel with friends so our Butler gets to make extra dinner reservations for 4-6 and that has never been a problem. We do like to be called by name and that begins almost immediately.  If you are having a stateroom issue, mention it to your Room Steward, the “fix” begins with them. If you have a Concierge, talk with them. Get to know the Maitre D’s in the various restaurants and your servers, they are very friendly and can make some special things happen.  We had a dinner in Polo, Post Covid, and had a couple substandard Prime Filets. I called the Maitre D over and we had a quiet chat. From that night on, and yes the ship was only 1/3 full, he told us we had a table in his restaurant ANY night for 6. We took full advantage of his offer 😇🙏. The staff are very hard working and committed to serving you. Will they come up short on occasion, Yes.  The most important thing is if you have issues, tell them! 
 

Like ORV, we can sit and watch the world sail bye and be content. Give my DW a seat up front in Horizons with her Needlepoint project chatting with the other ladies and she is in “heaven”.  Me, I will play some games, meet guests and earn Big O Points. I can even be content sitting in the Laundry Room chatting with the ladies or guys, you’d be surprised about the topics 🤙.  The Artists Loft is great fun if so inclined. Oceania guests are not generally the mass market party hearty cruisers nor the Luxury cruiser, just people looking to travel in a bit of luxury and receive great value for their travel dollar.  
 

Just enjoy your cruise.

Mauibabes

What lovely comments. Mauibabes!  We feel the exact same way.  We enjoy the low-key vibe on O ships.  We are very content to read, to visit the library, to watch the ocean, to meet for coffee.  I'll often sit in a deck chair with some knitting.  We're very happy with O, after having made the switch from Princess to X to O.  We've found our home at-sea.

[CurlerRob]

On 8/22/2023 at 9:49 PM, Vineyard View said:

I find myself struggling with whether Oceania will be able to provide the premium experience we had earlier this year. A lot of that trepidation is based on so many reviews on so many threads, and that I have no barometer to “pre”, so setting expectations is difficult. 

 

We sailed Oceania Insignia last November and like you, have Viking experience. We found that the two lines had very different strengths and weaknesses, but overall they provided a similar, quality experience. We would sail either again. We actually commented that Oceania reminded us fondly of Holland America from many years ago, when HAL ships were small and they had not been "Carnivalized" into the mass market.

 

We have no experience yet with SB or Silversea, but I confess that my expectations for either line would be set quite a bit higher than either Viking or Oceania - as befits the normal pricing seen from them (congrats on the SB sale). 🍺🥌

 

 

[pinotlover]

Mauibabes cut the layers of demarcation.  We cruise for the ports. My DW isn’t into knit, darn, and gossip. We realize many of O cruisers are.

 

Absolutely don’t set your expectations too high, especially with the food. Our experience on Oceania is some meals are excellent, some good, some mediocre, and only rarely some poor. We truly want to eat with those lucky cruisers that says every meal is outstanding! It’s like winning the lottery day after day. 
 

Oceania overall provides a very good product. Their post Covid routine of posting fake itineraries, to be realigned upon boarding, has diminished that product, imho, except for those obviously more interested in knitting, darning, and gossiping as opposed to port visits. This will never be worked out.

We are all different. Give Oceania a chance and base your decisions upon your preferences and priorities of cruising .Mostly I believe they will meet your needs. We cruise based upon the itinerary. Sometimes Oceania has the best, other times not. Our best meals on a cruise are rarely on any ship. . Enjoy your cruises! 

 

[Vineyard View]

33 minutes ago, CurlerRob said:

 

We sailed Oceania Insignia last November and like you, have Viking experience. We found that the two lines had very different strengths and weaknesses, but overall they provided a similar, quality experience. We would sail either again. We actually commented that Oceania reminded us fondly of Holland America from many years ago, when HAL ships were small and they had not been "Carnivalized" into the mass market.

 

We have no experience yet with SB or Silversea, but I confess that my expectations for either line would be set quite a bit higher than either Viking or Oceania - as befits the normal pricing seen from them (congrats on the SB sale). 🍺🥌

 

 

The old HAL with the small ships is a good memory so I understand that statement. Thanks for that comparison. We also enjoyed Viking in the past so it really sounds like there are some similarities- and based on the SM model, even more moving forward. Thanks for your input. Very much CurlerRob. 
 

When adding up all the costs between SB and O, it can sometimes be fairly close, and lower than V now days - so for us our eyes are on others than the past. 

[Vineyard View]

29 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Mauibabes cut the layers of demarcation.  We cruise for the ports. My DW isn’t into knit, darn, and gossip. We realize many of O cruisers are.

 

Absolutely don’t set your expectations too high, especially with the food. Our experience on Oceania is some meals are excellent, some good, some mediocre, and only rarely some poor. We truly want to eat with those lucky cruisers that says every meal is outstanding! It’s like winning the lottery day after day. 
 

Oceania overall provides a very good product. Their post Covid routine of posting fake itineraries, to be realigned upon boarding, has diminished that product, imho, except for those obviously more interested in knitting, darning, and gossiping as opposed to port visits. This will never be worked out.

We are all different. Give Oceania a chance and base your decisions upon your preferences and priorities of cruising .Mostly I believe they will meet your needs. We cruise based upon the itinerary. Sometimes Oceania has the best, other times not. Our best meals on a cruise are rarely on any ship. . Enjoy your cruises! 

 

Thanks Pinotlover. We are truly about spending as much time off ship in ports as makes sense, so itinerary is important. No cruise line hits it out of the ballpark all the time. So if O mostly has a better than good average, with significantly above mass market food and service, and a great itinerary then it seems like a good option. And yes, those meals in ports are the good food memories mostly, totally agree. I just don’t want a number of bad food on board memories. I always Appreciate your feedback.   Thank you 

Edited August 24, 2023 by Vineyard View

[FeliciaLee]

11 hours ago, CurlerRob said:

We actually commented that Oceania reminded us fondly of Holland America from many years ago, when HAL ships were small and they had not been "Carnivalized" into the mass market.

That is exactly how we felt about Oceania/HAL.

[Jayne E]

We've only sailed O since 2007 and for the most part are very happy with our cruises, except for quite a few cancelled ports post Covid and shortened port times.  When O was bought by Norwegian several years ago, we expected there'd be cut backs and there have been. Not enough to change lines but obvious to long time O cruisers.

Food/service in specialty restaurants very good.  MDR choices greatly reduced and often repeated.....but a good meal can still be had.  MDR used to be open for lunch on port days....no longer.  Lunch menu in MDR when open is a repeat of Terrace Cafe items, just plated. 

Cruise lines were shut down for almost 2 years.  Changes to be expected in order to "stay afloat".

[FeliciaLee]

On 8/23/2023 at 12:38 PM, QuestionEverything said:

Things seem to be going well.

O seems to work for me and my husband, you are treated as adults, entertain yourself, many people read in the forward Horizon lounge (where I am now). I do not feed "processed" and there is no nickle and diming and no one talks about status etc.

The staff are great, classy, call you Madame and smile much.

It sounds like you are enjoying your cruise more as time goes by. What a great occurance! Continue to have a wonderful time.

[cruisemom42]

3 hours ago, Jayne E said:

MDR used to be open for lunch on port days....no longer.  Lunch menu in MDR when open is a repeat of Terrace Cafe items, just plated. 

Perhaps things are improving or returning to normal— Insignia GDR has been open for lunch on several of our port days on this cruise. And at least by comparison of posted menus, there are some dishes the same as in Terrace Grill but some are not.