Orator

Crystal itineraries are out today. They are under new ownership, A&K and Manfredi.

I made a mistake. Perhaps another Royal wedding? William and Kate perhaps? I didn't watch it since it had no interest to me. But, I appreciated that they showed it to those interested.

I was on Silhouette in Southampton during wedding on Charles & Diana. They showed it in the theater. Since the cruise went from Southampton to Cork the British continent was quite large.

3 months on/3 months off. They will only be together on the command changeover day.

GREAT choice!!!

Hope your family is well. Any sign of bankruptcy can have a negative effect on future bookings. I’ve lost money in the Crystal bankruptcy and will not book future cruises if my money is at risk. Rumors may become self fulfilling prophecies.

Not too slow. On a cruise on Riviera they averaged over 20knots. We were early into every port. I just didn’t feel that Oceania met my expectations. Preferred Viking. Crystal was by far the best. Need to see prices that the new owners want.

Recently did the Viking Neptune cruise and it was great! Speakers were excellent! Food was better than Celebrity. I thought that Celebrity's entertainment was better. But there is no charge for specially and they have one free excursion at each port. Go to the Viking board if you need more information.

The "bean counters" at Celebrity don't need our suggestions or advice.

Based on one cruise on Oceania and 1 cruise on Viking and more than 100 on Celebrity. IMO, based on my experience and preferences I'd say that Viking is a much better fIt. Speakers were more than excellent and the same cannot be said for Oceania. The entertainment on Oceania was less than Celebrity, but it was better than Celebrity on Viking. Both had better food than Celebrity and they had prime rib that was large and flavorful. There was no cost on either line for speciality restaurants. I observed a few children on Oceania and Viking doesn't allow children under 18. This might cause controversy,, but I found more interesting passengers on both Oceania and Viking. I felt the staff on all three ships was about the same. You can look at what's included in each and I believe that the cost may not be all that different.

I'm in basic agreement with your points, but believe that cutbacks can be a two edge sword. In December I took a Viking Ocean cruise and in January I cruised on the Oceania Riviera. Saw many former Celebrity loyalist who decided to go a bit upscale because of the "decline in the quality and value of Celebrity".

Yes there are a string quartet.

Paul Baya is the CD.

Agree! Port intensive, yes! Not port intensive better choices in my opinion.

One warning about San Georgia: They tend to overbook and may have send you to another hotel. Take documentation with you. Noisy, but a great location.

Riviera

Over 100 cruises on Celebrity and aboard Oceania as I write. Entertainment is better on Celebrity, but food is much better on Oceania. Speakers are better on Celebrity, but the total cruise experience for me is better on Oceania. Don’t appreciate the reductions on Celebrity. I’ve found many former Celebrity cruisers on my Oceania cruise.

On ship now and there seems to be no problem with engines,

The CD announced that they will show the game in the theater.

The CD is an American so my guess is that he will give his best effort!

Still haven’t receive my booklet for my cruise on 1/4. Will get tags at pier.

I would be concerned with losing a hour a day for 6 days rather than the weather. I'd rather go westbound where a would gain a hour each day for 6 days.

I just returned home from TA on Viking Neptune. It was just a wonderful experience due to crew and my fellow passengers. I wish those sailing on calm seas and a trip of their lifetime!

The Viking cruise was wonderful. Best passengers I’ve ever met on a ship. Crew was friendly and attentive. Officers were invisible. Cruise Director was excellent. Lectures were one of the highlights. In two weeks I experience Riviera and I’ll compare for myself.

Neptune arrives on December 22nd and will about two weeks between the cruises. Enjoy your cruises.