Losing confidence in Oceania.

[FlyerTalker]

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:

I agree. But Azamara has older ships and tiny cabins and showers, one of the reasons we prefer O newer ships.

 

Which are still the minority of the O fleet.

 

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:

For people like us who tried 12 different lines and won't go back to large ships, but also won't pay more than $400-450 USD per night, the options are limited.

 

Self-imposed limitations.  Nothing wrong with that - just recognizing that those are choices you are making.

 

In my view (without insider knowledge) - the cruising industry is moving in two directions.  Bigger and bigger ships, even for lines that haven't move to Behemoth of the Seas category.  Or to smaller and luxury orientation.  With an ever disappearing middle ground.  Pretty soon, IMO, it will be a choice of whether pricing or ship size wins out, as the two factors won't comfortably co-exist for you.  Again, not your fault - just that something has to give.

 

Reminds me of an old slogan from an advertising agency long ago:

 

Speed

Price

Quality

(pick any two)

 

 

Edited October 31, 2023 by FlyerTalker

[ak1004]

2 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Which are still the minority of the O fleet.

 

 

Self-imposed limitations.  Nothing wrong with that - just recognizing that those are choices you are making.

 

In my view (without insider knowledge) - the cruising industry is moving in two directions.  Bigger and bigger ships, even for lines that haven't move to Behemoth of the Seas category.  Or to smaller and luxury orientation.  Pretty soon, IMO, it will be a choice of whether pricing or ship size wins out, as the two factors won't comfortably co-exist for you.  Again, not your fault - just that something has to give.

 

Reminds me of an old slogan from an advertising agency long ago:

 

Speed

Price

Quality

(pick any two)

 

 

 

Yes, minority, but there will be 4 of them by 2025. Plenty of choices.

 

Everything is Self-imposed limitations. Not to sail on big ship is a Self-imposed limitation. Not willing to pay more than xxx is a Self-imposed limitation. So I'm not sure what's your point. The opposite is true as well - some people would sail only on Crystal even if it means 2 ships only, both over 25 years old, with tiny cabins and overpriced by at least 40%. Self-imposed limitation.

[cruisemom42]

7 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

In my view (without insider knowledge) - the cruising industry is moving in two directions.  Bigger and bigger ships, even for lines that haven't move to Behemoth of the Seas category.  Or to smaller and luxury orientation.  With an ever disappearing middle ground.  Pretty soon, IMO, it will be a choice of whether pricing or ship size wins out, as the two factors won't comfortably co-exist

 

I've voiced a very similar conclusion in other discussions and clearly agree with you on this. As a small-ship lover but not a high-spender, my options are increasingly limited. I'm hoping to knock a number of longer, bucket-list cruises off my list in the next 2-4 years, while the option still exists, and then will likely turn to land travel exclusively. If land travel becomes too strenuous, I'd opt for fewer cruises on smaller ships rather than go back to the larger ones.

 

[rbtan]

On 10/29/2023 at 10:46 PM, Snaefell3 said:

• There is a practice called "slow steaming" that allows ships to reduce fuel consumption.

• There is a practice called "fuel surcharge" that allows ships to recover increased fuel costs.

 

Notice the price of petroleum-based fuels lately?  Personally, I prefer option #1.

On our Jan. trip last year they Hauled A$$ to get to the Caribbean & then putzed around the islands. They used this lame "Save the Seas" environmental garbage. The port times were shortened by several hours & a few got skipped. We're on Vista this Jan. Going down along the Mexican coast to Panama & Colombia. I just hope this is not becoming the norm. If it's the same we'll then consider the New Princess Sphere class. We have a 14 day trip in 2025 already booked. We're in a Reserve Cabana minisuite. These cabins are between a balcony & PH in overall size.Our upcoming trip will decide how we proceed. We've done 4(soon to be 5)trips on O & would hate to jump because we feel we're getting a short shift. We did notice some culinary cutbacks, but overall the food is still the best with the exception of dining in Queens Grill on the QM2.

[Harters]

2 hours ago, susiesan said:

Look into safaris

We've done two. Both in South Africa as part of longer holidays to the country. First time was a fully escorted group tour. Second time, we had a private driver/guide

[rbtan]

On 10/30/2023 at 4:59 AM, Heartfelttraveler said:

Something to think about.

the ship you are sailing on has one, two, or three ports that have to be eliminated and your cruise line is jockeying to dock in ports that have been booked for two years.  The port authority shortens another ship’s port time to be able to slip your ship in for a few hours.

 

The last few years have been very stressful for the cruise lines from managing illness, stocking, crew and passenger expectations.

 

I used to think the only guarantee in cruising was your cabin.  But then Royal Caribbean turned people away at the port because they double booked.

 

Here in the USA when purchasing trip insurance there is a choice to include acts of war.  I never checked it or added the cost.  I may consider it for our Japan cruise.  Insurance has become very expensive for us.  We are oldish and have expensive trips.  But, I think very worth it - as I sit with my husband in the medical facility - NOT COVID.

Our insurance was nearly $1500. This covers me in the event of cancellation due to transplant issues I may have.

[EJL2023]

19 minutes ago, rbtan said:

On our Jan. trip last year they Hauled A$$ to get to the Caribbean & then putzed around the islands. They used this lame "Save the Seas" environmental garbage. The port times were shortened by several hours & a few got skipped. We're on Vista this Jan. Going down along the Mexican coast to Panama & Colombia. I just hope this is not becoming the norm. If it's the same we'll then consider the New Princess Sphere class. We have a 14 day trip in 2025 already booked. We're in a Reserve Cabana minisuite. These cabins are between a balcony & PH in overall size.Our upcoming trip will decide how we proceed. We've done 4(soon to be 5)trips on O & would hate to jump because we feel we're getting a short shift. We did notice some culinary cutbacks, but overall the food is still the best with the exception of dining in Queens Grill on the QM2.

They actually announced they skipped ports and all due to a Save the Sea program?

[Hlitner]

15 minutes ago, rbtan said:

On our Jan. trip last year they Hauled A$$ to get to the Caribbean & then putzed around the islands. They used this lame "Save the Seas" environmental garbage. The port times were shortened by several hours & a few got skipped. We're on Vista this Jan. Going down along the Mexican coast to Panama & Colombia. I just hope this is not becoming the norm. If it's the same we'll then consider the New Princess Sphere class. We have a 14 day trip in 2025 already booked. We're in a Reserve Cabana minisuite. These cabins are between a balcony & PH in overall size.Our upcoming trip will decide how we proceed. We've done 4(soon to be 5)trips on O & would hate to jump because we feel we're getting a short shift. We did notice some culinary cutbacks, but overall the food is still the best with the exception of dining in Queens Grill on the QM2.

Interesting to see the Sphere Class mentioned on an O thread about "O."  Although we prefer small ship luxury lines, we still periodically cruise on Princess (have always enjoyed the line).  But the Sphere Class will be about 175,000 tons with over 4000 passengers.  That is a big stretch from O :).  We do find it fun to switch from luxury small ships to a big Princess ship because the variety (in cruising) keeps it all young.  

 

Hank

[rbtan]

20 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Interesting to see the Sphere Class mentioned on an O thread about "O."  Although we prefer small ship luxury lines, we still periodically cruise on Princess (have always enjoyed the line).  But the Sphere Class will be about 175,000 tons with over 4000 passengers.  That is a big stretch from O :).  We do find it fun to switch from luxury small ships to a big Princess ship because the variety (in cruising) keeps it all young.  

 

Hank

We don't mind large ships as well. 6 cruises on the QM2. It's certainly true how difficult it is to have really personalized service. This is why on our occasional Princess cruise, we book in the Club(now Reserve Class) The attention to detail is much better. If only the food was LOL!

[rbtan]

24 minutes ago, EJL2023 said:

They actually announced they skipped ports and all due to a Save the Sea program?

Actually it was in the daily paper. They made announcements blaming the weather. Kind of funny, when using my phone to check the weather(my spouse is a weather nut) He could find no real reason for any cancellation due to weather, The shortened port times were due to the "Save the Seas" malarky.

[EJL2023]

2 hours ago, rbtan said:

Actually it was in the daily paper. They made announcements blaming the weather. Kind of funny, when using my phone to check the weather(my spouse is a weather nut) He could find no real reason for any cancellation due to weather, The shortened port times were due to the "Save the Seas" malarky.

Gotcha. 

[PhD-iva]

6 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Ship is attractive, though with some maddening deficiencies.  Dining is superb.  Management, both shipboard and landside, is infuriating.  Biggest question is if the ship and dining are enough to offset the negatives at the EJ price point (which is ever increasing).   I am asking myself if top-shelf dining itself is worth tens of thousands, when I can get that dining quality on land for a fraction.

 

 

If the food’s not so good, like on the lines I won’t cruise on anymore, maybe I wouldn’t gain so much weight!!! 

[cruisemom42]

5 minutes ago, PhD-iva said:

If the food’s not so good, like on the lines I won’t cruise on anymore, maybe I wouldn’t gain so much weight!!! 

 

I prefer to look at it as expending more calories in the pursuit of good food ashore. 😉

[susiesan]

6 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

I’ve been looking at these….is there like a good age where maybe a safari is not a good idea?? Just not sure of physical demand and all.   Asking for a friend!!! 😉

The physical demand would be able to sit in a safari truck on bumpy roads for possibly a few hours. It would depend on the kind of safari. There Re some that are fly in, with minimal time spent driving between camps, like I did in Botswana last May. You. An choose the level of accommodations by how much you want to spend, luxury level, mid range, or bare bones basic. One you decide the country, a local operator can arrange a trip for you. If you want more info on who I used for each safari, email me.

Susiesan8 at gmail.com

As to age, I'm 69, my husband is 74, and we will be doing a 2 week walking safari in Uganda in January. 

Edited November 1, 2023 by susiesan

[Yesimapirate]

5 hours ago, rbtan said:

Ok..Let's address the "archaic dresscode". Each line has a "schtick" that separates them from other lines. With Cunard it is the seafaring traditions of Ocean liner travel(something I think you have no clue about) Also please check your spelling. It's "lousy" not louse. Obviously, you did not sail in "Grills" class where the food is as good & in most cases better than O.Overall Wwe found the food on Cunard to be very good in Britannia & outstanding in the Queens Grill. No line has perfect food every night. O is very good but not without a few misses as well.

  What is O's schtick? "Country Club Casual" which sums up the dresscode nicely & the "Best food at Sea", which is not true by a long shot. Unprofessional service on Cunard? please give facts. We did 6 cruises on that ship & loved it. At this point we do like the Dress code on O. They have not catered to the downward style that is afflicting the industry. Jeans are still fairly rare at night & you will get the boot for shorts except in Terrace. This is my opinion.

I'm a big fan of seafaring traditions.  Can you tell us more?  Do they sing shantys on deck?  Does someone in the crow's nest scream "land ho" before you pull in to port?  If you misbehave, do you get lashes with a cat o' nine tails? 

Edited November 1, 2023 by Yesimapirate

[Snaefell3]

6 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

They actually announced they skipped ports and all due to a Save the Sea program?

As long as they didn't say "only", it was true, no?   0:^)

[EJL2023]

7 hours ago, susiesan said:

The physical demand would be able to sit in a safari truck on bumpy roads for possibly a few hours. It would depend on the kind of safari. There Re some that are fly in, with minimal time spent driving between camps, like I did in Botswana last May. You. An choose the level of accommodations by how much you want to spend, luxury level, mid range, or bare bones basic. One you decide the country, a local operator can arrange a trip for you. If you want more info on who I used for each safari, email me.

Susiesan8 at gmail.com

As to age, I'm 69, my husband is 74, and we will be doing a 2 week walking safari in Uganda in January. 

Thanks! Appreciate the information! Sounds like something not too bad at all. 

[Harry Lake]

6 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

Thanks! Appreciate the information! Sounds like something not too bad at all. 

We did something like this 15 or so years ago. We stayed in accommodations in game preserves. There were no "game drives" because everything was a "game drive." The single track dirt roads were pretty rough but so worth it. I've got 100s of photos (not digital) of animals right beside us.

 

[Harters]

1 hour ago, Harry Lake said:

There were no "game drives" because everything was a "game drive."

On our first trip, the safari element was on a privately own game reserve. Which mean the vehicles didnt have to stick to the roads, as they do in the national parks, but could get off-road. Sometimes wildly. I recall the driver saying one evening that he'd never had the Land Rover over a such an angle before. Now that was a bit scary, as we'd just left a large group of female lions with cubs. 

[Harry Lake]

9 minutes ago, Harters said:

as we'd just left a large group of female lions with cubs. 

We'd taken a little side trip to see something and got stuck in the mud. We all - well, mostly all, got out and eventually got unstuck. By then it was dark. And we encountered a herd of elephants. The male was in the rear and stopped and turn his full attention on us. We eventually floored it an got past them. A big memory.

[Hlitner]

15 hours ago, Yesimapirate said:

I'm a big fan of seafaring traditions.  Can you tell us more?  Do they sing shantys on deck?  Does someone in the crow's nest scream "land ho" before you pull in to port?  If you misbehave, do you get lashes with a cat o' nine tails? 

Do you think they would "keel haul" folks who do not follow the dress codes?  And how about "lashes" for those who do not behave?   LOL

[oskidunker]

22 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Do you think they would "keel haul" folks who do not follow the dress codes?  And how about "lashes" for those who do not behave?   LOL

I enjoy dressing up, especially formal. Have not cruised Cunard but may some day. Reviews of the  food have not been great, however.They will not let you in the dining room if you stray too far from the dress code. 

[rbtan]

17 hours ago, Yesimapirate said:

I'm a big fan of seafaring traditions.  Can you tell us more?  Do they sing shantys on deck?  Does someone in the crow's nest scream "land ho" before you pull in to port?  If you misbehave, do you get lashes with a cat o' nine tails? 

Oh boy. Everyone's a comedian.

[Gluhwein]

We are about to leave on our Panama Canal cruise that has been postponed 3 times.  Once by Covid, once due to our own illness and once because we were not satisfied with the fact tht the 15 day cruise went from 5 sea days to 8 at the least minute.  This trip was supposedly finalized for the past year.  Now two days before departure Oceania changes the itinerary once again meaning no stop in Nicaragua and additional sea days.  Do these people know what they're doing?  Never had so much misinformation given when traveling on Viking, Gate 1, NCL or Royal Caribbean.  At this point I just want to get this mess over with.  I don't cruise just to sit around all day stuffing myself on the boat.  I want to see the  World, not the oceans.  BTW - we never received anything from Oceania in the mail.  No documents, no bag tags, no swag.  Not even ads.  This food better be something special because I'm not all impressed.

[rbtan]

23 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

They actually announced they skipped ports and all due to a Save the Sea program?

let me clarify. They skipped ports due to weather. Checking the weather in the Caribbean, it was hogwash no strong winds or other excuses. the shortened port stays were due to the Save the Seas garbage about keeping speed down. This was funny as they really hauled A. to get to the Caribbean as I said. They then slowed way down. This caused us to be late getting into ports & also cancelled 2 stops(using the "bad" weather as an excuse) Basically it did save a lot of fuel. We'll just see how our Jan. 19 Vista trip goes. If it is the same as last Jan. we might start looking at other lines. Looking at the posts on these other lines will give good info.