Retreat Cruiser Tries Oceania Vista PH

[Bejay219]

22 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Like a number of others after many years we have decided that we are no longer a Celebrity Loyalist.  

 

 

We were also Loyalist for 21 years, reaching Zenith in  2021.  It saddens us as previous to all the changes and cut backs, we always had wonderful cruises on Celebrity.  We love the Edge Class, many weeks spent on Edge and Apex, but the Beyond and Ascent have lost something for us.  We LOVE the ship design, especially the Retreat Sundeck with all the shade, but far too many additional suites that take away from the experience. Also the creaking and noises on both ships that we experienced, we would never go on again as we cannot be assured that the suite won't have the same issues. 

We will look into Oceania, for now after Transatlantic on Apex in May, we will be on Viking Ocean for 30 days, then Cunard QM2 for westbound Transatlantic.  And we are booking the Anartica with Viking Expedition ship in December. Not saying that we will never do Celebrity again, but in Suites, there is no longer any value except laundry. 

[Texed]

We just debarked Ascent after a B2B. Two of the best cruises we have had in the Caribbean in a long while. 😊

[LuAnn]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:58 AM, Jim_Iain said:

Like a number of others after many years we have decided that we are no longer a Celebrity Loyalist.  

 

I read with interest your review of Vista as we booked the Owner's Suite for her in late 2025.   I enjoyed your perspective but it has in no way lowered our expectations.   Of course we all enjoy a cruise in a different way.

 

Many of the things that you note as a negative on Oceania are to us an advantage over Celebrity.   After our last 4 cruises on E-Class ships in CS/RS combination on both B2B  and all the recent changes, we look forward to many of the aspects you least enjoyed.  

 

For us the Up-sizing of Celebrity Ships to the E-Class size have lowered our enjoyment of Celebrity instead of enhancing it.    Major area that have been negative to us has been  Food Preparation  in Luminae has been a real disappointment -  meals seem to be prepared diner style as opposed to cooked to order that once was the standard.     

 

Another disappointment is the Specialty Dining.   There isn't a single Specialty that is insulated from noise - especially Fine Cut.

 

I'm sure many Love the E-Class ships and wish them the best.

 

I've been enjoying the Oceania Thread -  It's incredible how many frequent Celebrity Cruisers are showing up over there and giving very positive reviews.    I'm sure we all need to find a fit and will be looking forward to sharing our experience -   Probably in September -   I think I will be booking another Oceania Cruise by Monday.

WOW..great news that you are trying O..as I know you 2 have been big X fans for a long time. I was just on Vista in October and thought it was wonderful. DH and I have sailed O along with X for quite awhile but the increase in prices on X just seems to make O a better value IMO. I'm be anxious to read what you think after the cruise!! 

[Jim_Iain]

25 minutes ago, LuAnn said:

WOW..great news that you are trying O..as I know you 2 have been big X fans for a long time. I was just on Vista in October and thought it was wonderful. DH and I have sailed O along with X for quite awhile but the increase in prices on X just seems to make O a better value IMO. I'm be anxious to read what you think after the cruise!! 

 

I hope to stay balanced but going forward will be selecting cruises on destination, length and pricing.   I hate to admit it but i'm starting to become an Oceania cheerleader and haven't sailed them. yet.  

 

Our first Ocania will now be September 14.    Just booked this morning.   Alaska cruise originating Vancouver  but ends in LA. 

[mjfship]

7 hours ago, Iamthesea said:

mjfship - What is the date of your March cruise?  We will be on the March 9th Vista.

 

Having read the above comparison, I am thinking that Oceania ships would be more comparable to HAL ships.  We have taken our last few on HAL.  The latest in their Signature Suite.  Very nice and large.  No Butler, which we prefer.  The ships are smaller than most Celebrity ships.  We prefer the more laid back entertainment.  We are 66 and 71.

 

We dropped Celebrity, for the most part, because the ships got larger, and the pricing went up.  We loved the Millennium class ships.  Solstice class was nice, as well.  Took one Edge class and that was enough!

 

Looking forward to our 3rd Oceania cruise in a few weeks.  Our first Oceania cruise was a failure because of a terrible norovirus outbreak which caused us to miss ports and also cut the 10 day cruise short.  We gave it another try only because we were given credit for the "noro" cruise.  The second cruise was more enjoyable, but we did not go back because we did not feel that the pricing was worth the experience.  We are trying for this third time because our TA had a very good promo and we wanted to get away to warm weather.

 

 

We are on Vista's transatlantic cruise to Rome 

Edited January 28 by mjfship

[WonderMan3]

Have been reading lots of reviews of Oceania in recent months from cruisers who have shifted over from other cruise lines. This one is probably the most negative leaning against Oceania so I consider it an outlier. I used to read negative reports about Celebrity cruises when I had just been on the same ship and had a completely different positive experience. Always good to see how people experience different ships though.

[WonderMan3]

On 1/27/2024 at 11:58 AM, Jim_Iain said:

Like a number of others after many years we have decided that we are no longer a Celebrity Loyalist.  

 

I read with interest your review of Vista as we booked the Owner's Suite for her in late 2025.   I enjoyed your perspective but it has in no way lowered our expectations.   Of course we all enjoy a cruise in a different way.

 

Many of the things that you note as a negative on Oceania are to us an advantage over Celebrity.   After our last 4 cruises on E-Class ships in CS/RS combination on both B2B  and all the recent changes, we look forward to many of the aspects you least enjoyed.  

 

For us the Up-sizing of Celebrity Ships to the E-Class size have lowered our enjoyment of Celebrity instead of enhancing it.    Major area that have been negative to us has been  Food Preparation  in Luminae has been a real disappointment -  meals seem to be prepared diner style as opposed to cooked to order that once was the standard.     

 

Another disappointment is the Specialty Dining.   There isn't a single Specialty that is insulated from noise - especially Fine Cut.

 

I'm sure many Love the E-Class ships and wish them the best.

 

I've been enjoying the Oceania Thread -  It's incredible how many frequent Celebrity Cruisers are showing up over there and giving very positive reviews.    I'm sure we all need to find a fit and will be looking forward to sharing our experience -   Probably in September -   I think I will be booking another Oceania Cruise by Monday.

 

Wow. Never thought you guys would bail on Celebrity. We are doing our first Oceania next year too although in a Penthouse on Vista. The overwhelming number of positive reviews, including from former Celebrity cruisers, in addition to the significant price savings versus Celebrity finally convinced us.

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, WonderMan3 said:

 

Wow. Never thought you guys would bail on Celebrity. We are doing our first Oceania next year too although in a Penthouse on Vista. The overwhelming number of positive reviews, including from former Celebrity cruisers, in addition to the significant price savings versus Celebrity finally convinced us.

 

I expressed some of my concerns with recent changes on Celebrity with Lisa both in person and via e-mail.     She did say that they are making some changes over then next couple months and hope to win us back as a dedicated cruiser.    She is such a good Marketeer!

 

Reality is once you loose and Exclusive Cruiser you will never get them back.   At first we felt like we were cheating on a long time partner  but then realized they had decided a long time ago to have an open relationship.  

[JFontaine]

In the fall I cruised in an Owner's Suite (their top) on Oceania Insignia (older, smaller ship) after many, many top suites on Celebrity.   Disappointed to say we didn't like anything about it - food, service, management, entertainment or suite; but Oceania has its fans so because we didnt like it doesn't really mean anything. Here's an example: the MDR was always crowded, bright and loud, and guests were seated in sections, when one section or row was filled,  the next section was used.  Then a waiter went from table to table taking orders on an ipad type device (presumably sent right to the kitchen) and served by runners.  We never saw our waiter again, so if you needed anything, good luck. Our suite had a bath and a half, and it said it was for 3, but the living room  couch didnt open, and I slept in a foldup rollaway that nobody bothered to fold up for the cruise.  I asked for a lounge chair for the balcony (there was none) and was told "no" twice until I wrote a letter to the Hotel Director. I asked for ice with turndown and was told to call room service - something fairly routine on Celebrity.  My suite was dirty - carpet, sheers, bedskirt were filthy. They did give me some nice gifts to take home (bag, embroidered towels, hats, Bulgari gift set).  We absolutely loved Crystal (prior to new management) and look forward to trying it again.  

[Oceangoer2]

7 hours ago, JFontaine said:

In the fall I cruised in an Owner's Suite (their top) on Oceania Insignia (older, smaller ship) after many, many top suites on Celebrity.   Disappointed to say we didn't like anything about it - food, service, management, entertainment or suite; but Oceania has its fans so because we didnt like it doesn't really mean anything. Here's an example: the MDR was always crowded, bright and loud, and guests were seated in sections, when one section or row was filled,  the next section was used.  Then a waiter went from table to table taking orders on an ipad type device (presumably sent right to the kitchen) and served by runners.  We never saw our waiter again, so if you needed anything, good luck. Our suite had a bath and a half, and it said it was for 3, but the living room  couch didnt open, and I slept in a foldup rollaway that nobody bothered to fold up for the cruise.  I asked for a lounge chair for the balcony (there was none) and was told "no" twice until I wrote a letter to the Hotel Director. I asked for ice with turndown and was told to call room service - something fairly routine on Celebrity.  My suite was dirty - carpet, sheers, bedskirt were filthy. They did give me some nice gifts to take home (bag, embroidered towels, hats, Bulgari gift set).  We absolutely loved Crystal (prior to new management) and look forward to trying it again.  

My O long time cruising friends have told me the 'older' ships are iffy and to try the Regatta/Marina/Vista for a 'first experience'.  Some of the older X ships also have these same concerns when you read reviews.

[Moby Jones]

14 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

My O long time cruising friends have told me the 'older' ships are iffy and to try the Regatta/Marina/Vista for a 'first experience'.  Some of the older X ships also have these same concerns when you read reviews.

Some people always have concerns about ‘older’ ships from any line. 

 

But surely it’s more important to factor in price and itinerary to any decision. Why cruise on a more modern ship on an itinerary you don’t want to do? 
 

 

[JFontaine]

15 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

My O long time cruising friends have told me the 'older' ships are iffy and to try the Regatta/Marina/Vista for a 'first experience'.  Some of the older X ships also have these same concerns when you read reviews.

Which is a shame, right?  I love the Summit, which is one of Celebrity's oldest ships. Nothing (for me) to complain about it. Crystal has two old ships, and I love them both.  And I had a good experience on Azamara, on the same class of ship (R class).   All of these old small ships remind me of what cruising used to be.  Anyway, future O cruisers - I don't want to put you off. I think adjusting expectations is a good idea. 'The best cuisine at sea' seems to be an exaggeration to me. 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

23 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

My O long time cruising friends have told me the 'older' ships are iffy and to try the Regatta/Marina/Vista for a 'first experience'.  Some of the older X ships also have these same concerns when you read reviews.

It read most of the concerns was service and not the ship 

[Oceangoer2]

39 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

It read most of the concerns was service and not the ship 

This part of the 'story' didn't escape me...." My suite was dirty - carpet, sheers, bedskirt were filthy. "  May be in isolation to the cabin and other cabins were fine.  Some would expect more from the 'owner's suite' but should it's condition be any better than the other cabin classes?

Edited January 29 by Oceangoer2

[Oceangoer2]

36 minutes ago, JFontaine said:

Which is a shame, right?  I love the Summit, which is one of Celebrity's oldest ships. Nothing (for me) to complain about it. Crystal has two old ships, and I love them both.  And I had a good experience on Azamara, on the same class of ship (R class).   All of these old small ships remind me of what cruising used to be.  Anyway, future O cruisers - I don't want to put you off. I think adjusting expectations is a good idea. 'The best cuisine at sea' seems to be an exaggeration to me. 

Summit has been refurbished and I'm told first hand that areas observed are in good condition.  We all should remember that older is just that...not newer....there's going to be wear and tear in some areas just like 'us' as we age...😉.

[JFontaine]

Insignia was refurbished also. Dirty carpets, drapes and bedding could appear on a two year old ship if not maintained.   I'm old, but I'm clean. 

 

Edited January 29 by JFontaine

[Oceangoer2]

1 minute ago, JFontaine said:

Insignia was refurbished also. Dirty carpets, drapes and bedding could appear on a two year old ship if not maintained.   I'm old, but I'm clean. 

 

You're right....this was not good...refurbished or not.  On a RCL ship many years ago, we walked into 'our' cabin which was as you described...sheers hanging off the rod, big wet dirty spot in front of the verandah, etc.  Didn't wait to uppack...went directly to GS and in a snitty mood anyway from having a sore throat I insisted in my most authoritarian voice that we be moved.  Told there were no cabins available...I said I'd sleep in the area in front of their desk until they found one.  Told to go to dinner and return and they'd have a solution.  They 'offered' us the 2nd highest suite category and would that be okay with us?  Huh?  In a heartbeat.  I don't think anyone should have to put up with a less than clean cabin that is in good condition.  Unfortunately you were in the best location so where would you move?  Hopefully they gave it an intense going over and put it in good order?  BTW....I was not insinuating you were not clean;  sorry if my comment came across that way.

[ak1004]

9 hours ago, JFontaine said:

In the fall I cruised in an Owner's Suite (their top) on Oceania Insignia (older, smaller ship) after many, many top suites on Celebrity.   Disappointed to say we didn't like anything about it - food, service, management, entertainment or suite; but Oceania has its fans so because we didnt like it doesn't really mean anything. Here's an example: the MDR was always crowded, bright and loud, and guests were seated in sections, when one section or row was filled,  the next section was used.  Then a waiter went from table to table taking orders on an ipad type device (presumably sent right to the kitchen) and served by runners.  We never saw our waiter again, so if you needed anything, good luck. Our suite had a bath and a half, and it said it was for 3, but the living room  couch didnt open, and I slept in a foldup rollaway that nobody bothered to fold up for the cruise.  I asked for a lounge chair for the balcony (there was none) and was told "no" twice until I wrote a letter to the Hotel Director. I asked for ice with turndown and was told to call room service - something fairly routine on Celebrity.  My suite was dirty - carpet, sheers, bedskirt were filthy. They did give me some nice gifts to take home (bag, embroidered towels, hats, Bulgari gift set).  We absolutely loved Crystal (prior to new management) and look forward to trying it again.  

 

I'm not a big fan of R ships (small cabins, limited dining options etc), but our experience was completely different. We never had a problem to find our waiter anytime we wanted, never had a problem with ice (got it every evening from the cabin attendant as requested on the first evening), and our cabin was spotless (and we were in one of the lower cabins, not owner suite). The ships was in a great condition.

 

Regarding the bed and the mattress - even O critics agree that O has one of the most comfortable and high quality mattresses and beddings.

 

I do agree about entertainment, but this is nothing new and totally expected. 

Edited January 29 by ak1004

[JFontaine]

6 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

 Unfortunately you were in the best location so where would you move?  Hopefully they gave it an intense going over and put it in good order?  BTW....I was not insinuating you were not clean;  sorry if my comment came across that way.

Couldn't move anywhere, ship was full.  Didn't complain either, it was a one week cruise and I had to complain about the rollaway (old, small, plastic mattress like in a hospital with no mattress pad - good bedding is my 'thing' and this was just awful) and the lounge chair.  And that was my attempt at humor, being old AND clean! 

[chisoxfan]

On 1/26/2024 at 8:25 AM, Sharkette76 said:

Summary

We are glad we tried Oceania. The ship is very nice but for the reasons noted above, for our next cruise, we will price compare with Regent, SS and X, but will not consider Oceania. Based on recent reviews on this board, we just booked the Ascent.

Thanks for the great review. When looking at ratings, etc. (best food I ever had vs. I would not feed to my dog) one can only try to evaluate how similar the poster's views are to one's own. We just cruised Retreat on Apex and Ascent and your sentiments/highlights struck a chord.  Your review seemed fair minded and brought up FOR US too many potential negatives. (We also love the E Class SS bed layout bathrooms, NEED bottled water, want many choices for entertainment bars, a casino, etc.). We had looked at Oceania as an alternative but sensed it would strike us similarly (I was only surprised by food quality comments, totally subjective, of course, but would have expected a superior level to X). Like many posters we will continue to look beyond X (no pun intended)  primarily because of price but so far aren't seeing the smaller 'luxury lines' as a good fit.

Thanks and happy future cruising.

[tfred]

16 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I expressed some of my concerns with recent changes on Celebrity with Lisa both in person and via e-mail.     She did say that they are making some changes over then next couple months and hope to win us back as a dedicated cruiser.    She is such a good Marketeer!

 

Reality is once you loose and Exclusive Cruiser you will never get them back.   At first we felt like we were cheating on a long time partner  but then realized they had decided a long time ago to have an open relationship.  

I could see why X is no longer your exclusive cruise line.  They seem to be emphasizing certain geographic areas - Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe with regular cruises. Secondary, seasonal geographic ports (Asia, Alaska, Canada etc) are the same ports every year.  The ships are getting bigger and more frenetic - especially outside Retreat. 

 

As an aside, we have been on Apex a few times in The Retreat and love it.  We are pretty happy to float around the Caribbean for a week in January   When were on two weeks ago, there were no shortage of pax who love the E Class concept and treating the ship as a floating resort. They are very happy to stay on the ship and watch the same shows on each cruise   If you are looking for a sense of adventure with "different" locales, X is not the line to be on 

 

Royal Corporation should do a better job in pushing the disaffected to Silversea instead of having them wander to Oceania or Regent. Some cruise itineraries are better on other lines. We are taking a Rome to Venice cruise on Silversea this summer. Smaller ship, smaller ports, less confusion. Price was the same as Apex

[Whinenowine]

4 hours ago, chisoxfan said:

 (We also love the E Class SS bed layout bathrooms, NEED bottled water, want many choices for entertainment bars, a casino, etc.).

At the current Celebrity SS price point, if you like that layout (which I do as well), you might want to also consider a Superior/Concierge suite on one of the newer Regent ships. 

[chisoxfan]

13 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

At the current Celebrity SS price point, if you like that layout (which I do as well), you might want to also consider a Superior/Concierge suite on one of the newer Regent ships. 

Will certainly check it out. 

[LuAnn]

22 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I hope to stay balanced but going forward will be selecting cruises on destination, length and pricing.   I hate to admit it but i'm starting to become an Oceania cheerleader and haven't sailed them. yet.  

 

Our first Ocania will now be September 14.    Just booked this morning.   Alaska cruise originating Vancouver  but ends in LA. 

You will love that cruise...just did it last May..same cruise but opposite direction. Regatta was the first O ship we sailed on a long time ago. Hoping you have a wonderful time and let us know all about it!! 

[Oceangoer2]

2 hours ago, tfred said:

I expressed some of my concerns with recent changes on Celebrity with Lisa both in person and via e-mail.     She did say that they are making some changes over then next couple months and hope to win us back as a dedicated cruiser.    She is such a good Marketeer!

Lisa has moved back to parent some time ago......new President is Laura B ....