We Have Just Returned From Our First Oceania Cruise

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Have you cruised on a premium or luxury cruise line? What do you enjoy about Oceania Cruises?

[@monkeyb1820]

have not done so yet, our kids need to get a tad older (so we can leave them behind). From what I've seen, Oceania is pretty good 'bang for the buck' in the premium cruising market. What is your take? Are they similar to Azamara? Do you have any opinion on how you rank the luxury cruise lines?

[@DaveM-FFB]

@Monkey B Oceania and Azamara each own some of the same 20 year old R Class ships. Those ships were originally owned by Renaissance Cruises, but they folded. R Class ships hold 684 passengers. Oceania's newer ships. (Riviera, Marina, Vista) are much larger, 1,238 passengers with larger cabins in each class. I have some upcoming sailings on Oceania Riviera, so I will report back. From what I've read, Oceania seems to make good on their claim of having the finest cuisine at sea.

[@lynnhoey6835]

Thanks for sharing, I am about to embark on Marina in January and was pleased to find it surpassed your expectations in certain ways. With regards to the night time entertainment, that's not why I choose a cruise or cruise line, I chose because of itineraries and Oceania cruises to places that others can't go to. I am doing the Rio to Santiago via Antarctica and very excited. Thanks again for sharing.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Glad you found the video helpful.

[@sullanciri2002]

My wife and I have done 18 cruises so far, on ship with sizes ranging anywhere from 6000 to 180 passengers. We just came back from our second Oceania voyage, and this voyage proved one universal factor - being that "no matter how much you like the concept of a certain company, it is still the crew that makes a cruise a hit or miss". Our second voyage on Oceania Riviera was nowhere near as good as our first experience on its sister ship, the Marina ... and that's because most of the crew where edgy, arrogant, forgetful or (when it came to the officers) invisible. We had similar experiences on Celebrity, MSC, Azamara, etc etc etc - same ship twice in a year, but a switch in crew can turn a "great" ship into a bad one in the blink of an eye. One thing about Oceania - their O'Life system s***s and should be replaced by an all-in, which is the way most companies have gone recently. My advice is to choose a ship or company based on 3 questions: how much do you want to pay, what do you want from the ship itself, and which ports do you want to do (and never forget that there are no companies that everyone likes or dislikes).

[@DaveM-FFB]

Interesting point of view. However, there is a modest price difference to move up to Oceania from Princess, but a HUGE price difference to move up to Regent from Oceania. We don't want to pay for excursions in every single port, and we aren't big alcohol drinkers, so much of what we would pay at Regent would be wasted.

[@pborzilleri]

What was so different about Oceania? You started out saying it was very different than your expectations but not clear what the unexpected differences were. From what I saw, it was pretty much what you would expect.

[@HeyhitmeBAM]

Bait video

[@RRLV434]

My parents just went on Oceania and had a terrible time. My dad caught Covid from a crew member, but that crew member was still working at the restaurant, even though he knew he was positive for Covid! My dad had to quarantine for 8 days (until they got out of Canadian waters) but the crew member just kept working! It’s a great Cruise line but they need to re think there Covid measures!

[@monkeyb1820]

there's no way for your dad to know where he caught covid. It was more likely during a flight/bus to the cruise in the first place. No point in being angry at anyone about it.

[@GrayShadow13]

Max my volume on my speakers and I can barely hear you, and you keep fading at end of sentences, missed half of what you say. You need to boost your vocal levels somehow.

[@dondgc2298]

The issue is with your system, not the video. Volume on the video is fine.

[@stephanieo6252]

Do people really eat that stuff? No doubt they go away hungry

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Honestly we are never hungry on a cruise. lol. Do you go hungry on a cruise?

[@tfung8]

Do waste you money unless you really like bad seasick. Production show only consists of 4 people, music only play 45 minutes per day. All their money is spent on mailing advertising, 2 or 3 books per day in my mail box. Lobster is dry, tough with frozen taste. Specialty restaurants are not that good at all. Service is OK. I been to 250 cruises, this is the worst experience. Lots of adverting, most are paid KZbinR with free room etc. and highly bias.. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS WORTHLESS CRUISE.

[@victorialeavitt3843]

Could not disagree more.

[@josephbogan3114]

So….what are your suggestions for a 10-12 day caribbean cruise. What line, which ship?

[@cherifurr3935]

I LOVE Oceania! Their food is fantastic, and I have two more Oceania cruises planned in 2023.

[@cherifurr3935]

Included room service (especially for breakfast) and afternoon tea are also fabulous! Plus like the Concierge level lounge area. Also enjoy the games you can play (including trivia) to earn points redeemable for Oceania merchandise, and like the “track” around the ship that’s above the pool and sun decks. Staff also gets to know you. Service is excellent.

[@justinnoice399]

How would you compare Seabourn & Silversea with Oceania?

[@squapat]

What did you expect? It's part of NCL group and it going just as bad.

[@bobcarr5497]

My wife and I are going on our first Oceania cruise December 30th for 10 days to the Caribbean onboard there new ship Vista in the O class in a Penthouse Suite on deck 11 midship port side. We will be 56 in the fall and wanted a more luxury/ pampering and less crowded ship but still some activities and fun of course. Also a ship that's not say ultra luxury but more a deluxe setting. We will be on Celebrity Equinox in October as well for a 8 night Caribbean cruise to the ABC Islands in there Aqua Class deck 11 portside midship as well so when i picked out Oceania for a December cruise it seemed to be a step up from Celebrity as they are considered a premium line. So this will be our first cruise with both these lines and looking forward too it. :) Very nice look at Oceania Riviera and thank you.

[@runawaytechgal1467]

How was it?

[@bobcarr5497]

@runawaytechgal1467 unfortunately we had to cancel our trip 48 hours prior to departure as we had a medical emergency with my wife's mother. Thank God we had insurance and we will look to cruise again hopefully in the fall of 2025.

[@tfung8]

Not worth the money unless you want to get really bad seasick. Production show only 3 or 4 people. Music is limited to 45 minutes per day. Food is not that good. Lobster are tough and frozen smell, no taste. Special restaurant is not up to par with other shipsl Do waste your money.. even the free wine is not that good.. cheapest wine in the planet.

[@yaracarvalho4599]

Fiz , 6 viagens e nunca aconteceu o que você relata . Mas se acontecer basta chamar o chefe e devolver o prato . Em Novembro saio de Portugal no Marina . Destino final Miami .

[@michaelb1985]

What cruise line has best food in your opinion?

[@FirstnameLastname-er2df]

It seems this review is about eating rather than actually how handling port visits, trip insurance, booking excursions, excursions tour quality compared to other cruise lines. If Oceania is mostly about eating , it's not my preferred.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

We just returned from a cruise on one of their smaller ships, the Nautica. Wish we had the food you showed. Also, a lack of activities during the day. Even on Sea Days.

[@keithm1138]

The food quality though good, is not as good as Riviera/Marina

[@MPDLR]

EXCELLENT REVIEW - nice focus on relevant things - not bull-beep graphics and music.

[@donaldouyang3580]

Excellent review. Did you hire a private tour guide in Rome or use the Oceania excursion? Did you enjoy the service? Any contact information? Thanks

[@jayrodriguez8892]

I used to love it! I just came from a cruise Dublin to Dublin in Nautica and it was very disappointing! I even got a raw pizza and we did not even complaint about it but the Executive Chef taught that was a good idea to come and confront us ( almost scolding us) about how delicious and great the pizza was ….well, not this one! The guy was really one of the most pompous and pretentious chefs I have ever seen.

[@katiescarlett8108]

You know what is the best thing about this line and Regent? No riff raff. ISWIS 😂

[@albdelg24]

It's oshenia (Oceania)not osheana

[@charliedurham4248]

You are mispronouncing concierge

[@rgruenhaus]

I sail NCL but liked to see what was offered on this cruise line. The small amount of passengers was nice and some of the food would be enjoyable I caught from your comments that even though they had no problem getting staff, they had little real entertainment and what you said they did provide I guess with a cruise with many ports it was to be expected with little at sea time! Nice room though the cost even with the many complimentary food choices could have been more food and less looks of the food presentation! It may be a good fit for some though. I'm surprised that the ship still went to war areas.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks for your feedback. Glad you found the video interesting.

[@keithm1138]

You'll find that food IS he entertainment on this line. They spend more per person than any other line.

[@cherifurr3935]

No, entertainment is not huge, but the ships aren’t huge either, which I like. Like the happy hour with 2 for one drinks.

[@kevinclark2152]

For the "two for one" do each of the two drinks have to be the same?

[@DellHell1]

Cruises are all food food and more food followed by food, not forgetting afternoon tea.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They don't have to be. I never cruised for food. I cruised for the promenade decks, lounges meet and mingle. Food wasn't the main attraction for me. But it is for many people.

[@raquelhawthorne5160]

Are there any shops onboard? There was no mention in your video.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes, there are a few shops with Jewelry and accessories.

[@richrichard6520]

Have been watching your videos and have been really enjoying them. We have actually considering a Baltic cruise as my wife is of Swedish heritage and wants to visit. What was the name of the itinerary please?

[@kamulholland8581]

Would a vegan feel that they were getting g value with the food?

[@doubleplusgoodthinker9434]

Thank you for this. I found your thoroughness and objectivity very helpful.

[@ConnorMcguire-p8t]

Oceania isn't premium, its ultra premium

[@yvescrepeau5955]

HI DB, I htink I might try Ocnia but on their smaller boat though

[@YG-fo5rl]

Are all your excursions included in the price?

[@wbrown2481]

a beautiful cruise what month did you take this adventure

[@phrewilly8556]

Great review! How was the wifi connections?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the review. We upgraded to the better WI-FI and honestly it was not very good. Luckily, we had an international plan for our phones.

[@Davidg1940]

Save your money just got off the Riviera Cold, overcooked and spoiled. Poor service poor execution.. what cruise was this guy on. WATCH OUT

[@babydrum]

I've booked a cruise for the Riviera next November. Were there any good food options for you? I just did a Holland America cruise and hated most of the offerings so the itinerary is the most important thing for me but decent food would a welcome change.

[@victorialeavitt3843]

I just got off the Riviera. My sister is a foodie. We both adored the food. What ship was this person on?

[@ritawilson267]

Great video

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Thanks for the visit

[@dianabarry5554]

Great Review!

[@trader1good]

Oceania just updated Marina's sister ship, Riviera, but has canceled the 2023 refurbishment for Marina, unfortunately.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Oh no! I didn't hear that the Marina ship refurb was canceled.

[@lynnleipold2617]

We have gone on quite a few Oceania cruises and went on one to Norway last August on Marina. I did feel that the ship was looking a little worn and the food wasn’t “quite “ as good. However, it was a lovely experience and the crew was just as great as ever. I feel at home on that ship.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Marina refurbished is scheduled for May 2024.

[@cheniw.4365]

if you are a vegetarian, you might want to think twice before you book a Oceania ship. January 2019, my husband and I went onboard Riviera for a 10 day cruise from Miami for our 50th anniversary celebration. Being a vegetarian for over 30 years, I brought to the attention of the head waiter and the head chef that there were no VÉGÉTARIEN dishes on the main dining room menu. I was told "chefs are not going to go out of their way to cook anything that is not on the menu. you can always order an appetizer or a salad". Even though we booked a Concierge room and yet, I felt very much like a second class passenger. Since then, I have traveled with Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Celebrity, never never again with Oceania!

[@janiekcarney5482]

If you are in the 1% don’t expect every business to bow to You. You should have checked before booking. Small ships my only two people who are vegetarian. A large ship could have hundreds. It’s not the same situation.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Is eating the only activity??

[@victorialeavitt3843]

I am not a strict vegetarian as I will eat fish and very occasionally chicken yet I had no difficulty finding a huge array of foods and entrees that were veg based and delicious. Loved the food.

[@stephanieo6252]

You said the problem. You expected special service. Hired or not You won't get special diets catered to

[@dondgc2298]

@@stephanieo6252perhaps not on Oceania. Cunard Queens Grill pride themselves on meeting any dietary need. It’s pretty hard to believe that a ship carrying 1200 people wouldn’t have a plan to serve quality dishes to vegetarians.

[@you-fong]

We just returned from April 20, 2023 Oceania (Marina) Mediterranean cruse. Their food service was super indeed, but not the excursion service : They cancelled key destination excursion in last minute for reason not rooted; the excursion service staff provided no good explanation but quite a lot of attitude. So be aware!

[@babydrum]

I keep hearing this particular complaint and missed ports. I've booked a 28 day port intensive cruise and I don't plan to use any of their excursions.

[@victorialeavitt3843]

I just returned from a 20 day cruise to UK, France and Spain. Two cancelled ports, including Wales and I concur about the attitude from excursion staff. My only complaint. I will cruise with them again.

[@mycontainergarden]

How Beautiful!