Oceania's Simply MORE -- What you need to know

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Oceania Cruises is sunsetting O-Life Choice, and introducing its new fare structure called "simply MORE". Bob explains how the new program will work, and what existing Oceania clients can expect.
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[@DaveM-FFB]

I've concluded that the slight increase in their cruise pricing makes the Simply More package a good value for most people. We're not big drinkers, but we occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner. Any shore excursion benefit is appreciated. We would probably only use the airfare option for international flights with limited options. However, they have travel restrictions. You must fly within 3 days of embarking or debarking. You must also use their preferred hotel (instead of your preferred hotel) in order to get the paid transfers, unless you're flying on embarkation/debarkation day. Also, the "Free Wi-Fi" is not streaming speed. It's okay for web browsing and checking email. Streaming Wi-Fi is extra.

[@user-rv8bz9bl8p]

I'll have to see if they truly honor your comment that current bookings will have the option to convert, as I have several bookings where I have selected the drink package in lieu of another choice. My understanding is that now I will get the drink package PLUS I will least get some money towards shore excursions. We'll see. Thanks for explaining.

[@PamperedCruiser]

Thank you for your comment. If you're sailing after October 2023, they'll offer you the choice of whether to stick with your current fare and goodies, OR the NEW fare and goodies. You won't have the option to get the NEW inclusions with your existing fare, so you'll have to decide what the most sense for you. I hope this helps.

[@user-rv8bz9bl8p]

@@PamperedCruiser Sounds like the correct response. I have SEVERAL cruises after October 2023. I'm just wondering when they will actually contact me. I understand that prices increase (as they always do), but the improved excursion wallet amount should more than make up for that. Looking forward to their contact with me. Thanks for a great presentation.

[@davidmartin4394]

@@user-rv8bz9bl8p

[@davidmartin4394]

We are booked in August next year and on their new fare structure been able to upgrade from a veranda to a concierge veranda and simply more at a reduced price!

[@peterschenck4324]

Greetings, I had read some previous articles that the Oceana marina ship was supposed to go through a complete refurbishment of all the room classes on board the ship. Did that ever happen or was it postponed because of the pandemic? Thank you very much.

[@jayoneill1533]

As I don’t drink alcohol, on my next Oceania cruise I’m glad I can subsidize the rest of the guests who do…

[@PamperedCruiser]

Yep... that's certainly a valid concern. We deal with all the cruise lines, so there are others that may be more appropriate for you. Having said that -- if you're looking for a small ship experience just about all of them include drinks. Also keep in mind that the beverage package (on Oceania and the other small ship lines) includes specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, virgin cocktails and other things you'll pay restaurant prices for on the mass-market ships.

[@jaqmartial7782]

Thank you for your kind help on this.. :)

[@lcam1665]

One element missing from O-Life is the on-board cruise credit option. It may not seem like much if one plans to use Oceania's excursions. You imply use the credited dollars to offset your excursion budget and utilize your unused budgeted excursion dollars for on-board spending. However, if you prefer to book your excursions with third party operators directly, often at a much lower price, then this program is a huge handicap. The cash credits offered by Oceania would not be able to be spent on board as had been able under the O-Life program. This then translates into an attempt by the cruise line to force its passengers into using the cash savings to fund its own higher cost excursions, rather than at the discretion of each individual passenger. Seems a better program, but largely for the benefit of the cruise line.

[@PamperedCruiser]

You are correct that the shore-ex credits are not transferrable, and for that reason, you might want to consider other options. If you're looking for small-ship experience, then I would look first at the price, and see if there's anything else in the ballpark, and then consider the shore-ex credit. It may very well be that a different cruise line is a better option for you. We deal with all of them, so happy to chat this through.

[@rtremper100]

Perhaps wrongly, I was under the impression that all guests were entitled to wine and beer with lunch and dinner. How Is the Simply More beverage package different?

[@PamperedCruiser]

Simply MORE does mean that beer, wine and champagne are included with lunch and dinner. Previous to Simply MORE, the O-LIFE price option gave people a choice of drinks OR shore excursions OR an OBC. That structure has not been available since June 2023. Simply MORE started July 1, 2023, and since then ALL guests receive the beverage package, a shore excursion credit, and wifi. Simply MORE is not the beverage package but rather the name of the pricing structure inclusions.

[@hom296]

What if I like to enjoy a top shelf cocktail (ie old fashioned or martini) before dinner and a good bottle (or glass) of wine with dinner. I presume that even though we have the included beverage package, we are required to pay separately for cocktail and top quality.

[@PamperedCruiser]

Oceania's liquor inclusions (like many other cruise lines) is for beer, wine, and on Oceania, Champagne. Spirits or top end wines would be subject to additional fees. Cruise lines like Explora, Regent, Seabourn & SilverSea have more choices for included liquor, and the average fare per day is also higher.

[@jaqmartial7782]

As of today the Simply More choice does not seems to be completely implemented for the excursions. Using the on-board cruise option is but the extra 25% discount when you book 5 an more excursions is not. You need to call them to activate. The fact that you also do not an on line inquiry on your balance is also frustrating. So some good and some bad but like many cruise lines they need some improvements in their technology service to the customer base.

[@DaveM-FFB]

I highly recommend that everyone use a travel agent that specializes in cruises (with particular knowledge of Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas) to address inquiries and receive the most perks.

[@angieharris8015]

Champagne (not Champaign)...just saying...lol

[@coolbreeze253]

Disagreement on how to pronounce Oceania. No "ia" on this one.

[@haroldcarrow3893]

It would be more impressive if you pronounced the name of the cruise line properly as in Ooooceeeaneeea not oceana

[@PamperedCruiser]

Thank you for your comment. I've asked Frank del Rio this question directly, and he said people in his office pronounce it both ways. You'll also notice if you hear him speak, he has personally used both pronunciations... but I do appreciate that you watched the video.