Why Dont More People Cruise Oceania? - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Texashorselady · 07-06-2007, 10:53 PM

Thanks, Char. I didn't think it could possibly be the same classy, dignified, and highly rated Oceania that we know of today.

I would be willing to bet most people don't think of that MTS accident at all when they consider whether they might book Oceania these days. I doubt that the coincidental name similarity doesn't hurt them at all. In answering the original question...I think most people don't book Oceania just simply because it's more expensive than most cruiselines.

musicalcruiser · 07-09-2007, 01:51 PM

I have really been watching this cruise line. It sounds very inviting.

I do have a couple of questions...is airfare always included in the price? If so, how much is the deviation to come in a day ahead?

Thanks....

Texashorselady · 07-23-2007, 06:58 PM

[quote=musicalcruiser;858606]I have really been watching this cruise line. It sounds very inviting.

I do have a couple of questions...is airfare always included in the price?

I am guessing NO...it's just a special. All the luxury cruiselines have similar specials that include airfare from time to time.

If so, how much is the deviation to come in a day ahead?

That would depend on the itinerary, what time of year you travel, etc. Your travel agent or the cruiseline rep could quote you actual costs.

We usually fly in a day early and have done it on the free airfare deals a time or two (not with Oceania, but with Regent). Usually it's not a bad deal, but one time we ended up paying a lot. It didn't cost us anything extra because of the free airfare or changing the date, but we paid a small fortune for that one day...sort of indirectly.

Our situation was complicated because we not only upgraded the airfare but we also chose not to stay at a Regent affiliated hotel...and we stayed in Monte Carlo in Monaco which I think has to be one of the most overpriced places on earth. Not only the hotel, but the cost of the meals there are out of this world! If you don't play around with the free airfare (stick with coach) and do stay at a hotel that the cruiseline offers (instead of finding one on your own) and pick a town that's not ridicuously expensive you can do that extra day for a reasonable price.

I think it's a great idea to arrive a day early whenever you can because you get acclimated...especially for overseas cruises...and you have more free time at that first port.

cruiztime · 12-30-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texashorselady

My guess is because some people get used to one thing and tend to stick with it. They like RCCL, NCL, Carnival or whatever they always sail, and that's what they go with...and that's that. Sort of like going to a favorite restaurant in town. You don't even want to know if there's a better place up the road. If that's "your" restaurant it becomes your favorite.

Also, I think some people have preconceived ideas that luxury cruiselines are stuffy and everybody walks around with white gloves and tuxedos asking each other if they have any grey poupon. That's about as far away from the truth as it can be. The time I sailed with HAL I saw way more people dressed to the nines than I ever saw on any luxury cruise line, ever. But if people really believe (incorrectly) that it's a stuffy atmosphere then they most likely aren't going to book it for fear that they won't fit in, or it won't be as much fun.

Those are my guesses!

I booked on Oceania because for the fantastic deal we got for our March 2008 cruise from Rio to Barcelona - 15 days in an inside cabin for $2,300. That included air, gratuities $200 shipboard credit,s hip transfers and a few other things. No formal nights - country club casual is how it is billed. I am certain some will get out their frills but not me, casual is just what I want.

The crowd seems to be a lot of very well traveled retired folks. I have been on a cruise board with them for over a year and am looking forward to meeting them. We are in our early 60's and might be the youngest on the ship!

We have booked many private tour excursions with the group because Oceania really doesn't do a good job with their ship excursions.

I will let you know how it is after our return at the end of March. We have sailed on the R4 several years ago in the South Pacific and loved the ship.

Marion

shoreguy · 12-30-2007, 12:29 PM

Simple answer for me. I was very interested in trying this line,. Sounded exactly like a cruise I would love. I almost booked a cruise last year but then I read their smoking policy. Great for non smokers but for me it meant find another line.

Designated Smoking Areas are available on Deck 9, the forward starboard corner of the Pool Deck, and Deck 10, in the aft, port corner of Horizons. These areas are comfortably furnished and conveniently located near food and beverage areas.
Smoking is expressly forbidden in all Staterooms and Suites, on verandas, or in any areas of the ship other than officially Designated Smoking Areas. Smoking in a stateroom or suite or on a veranda represents a serious fire and safety hazard to all guests and staff. Guests choosing to disregard this policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be subject to additional fees that will be imposed to cover the costs associated with any damage to and the required cleaning of furnishings, verandas and surrounding deck and accommodation areas.

I really would not enjoy a 2 day cruise and having to pay extra

Capt Charlie · 08-15-2008, 10:23 AM

I suspect the size of the ship (small) and the cost put most people off.

Char · 08-15-2008, 10:43 AM

Hey Capt Charlie!

Welcome to our friendly cruise community! Come on over to the Introduce Yourself forum and let's get acquainted. Here is the link--> Introduce Yourself!