New Ships When?

Lets continue to beat the dead horse. Big difference between Ren and O. Ren was run on shaky financial ground with little cash flow.. O is part of NCL with significantly bigger pockets. NCL is investing in Regent and also its own NCL ships with a significant new build program. Would hope that O does do some new builds but in the in between class (sized between R and O). Lead times are approaching 3 years for the design and construction of a new build.

Agree 100% but I am not sure which dead horse we are still beating? The loyalty program which is still dis loyal to us or the newer thread on new builds. Think we should continue to beat up O on both.

As for new builds, I’m happy with the current fleet as is. Shiny and new isn’t always better. And I sure don’t want my favorite cruise line to get itself mired in debt in order to keep up with some other line.

Several things keep me off Viking having seen their cattle boats on the Rhine.... 1. fares are higher , 2. you have to pay 100% when your book 3. on board activities and shore excursions are highly regimented, 4. limited food choice sand of a lesser quality 5. nickel and dime control you only get so many sodas a day.. Stuff like that...

However some are drawn to new and new is always better to them...

Me I like the tried and true overall feel of O ships...

Several things keep me off Viking having seen their cattle boats on the Rhine.... 1. fares are higher , 2. you have to pay 100% when your book 3. on board activities and shore excursions are highly regimented, 4. limited food choice sand of a lesser quality 5. nickel and dime control you only get so many sodas a day.. Stuff like that...

However some are drawn to new and new is always better to them...

Me I like the tried and true overall feel of O ships...

Agree with you for the most part but tried and true can get stale after awhile. The O class ships were new a few years ago and we loved them right away. Now time for the next act and with the creative management we have it can be done just as before. They are doing it with Regent and should be able to do it for O also. :):):)

Agree with you for the most part but tried and true can get stale after awhile. The O class ships were new a few years ago and we loved them right away. Now time for the next act and with the creative management we have it can be done just as before. They are doing it with Regent and should be able to do it for O also. :):):)

What is lacking in the current fleet that a new build would offer?

Also, about 10% of the cost of a new build is the design. Both the R and O class ships are popular so it makes financial sense to make more of those rather than a new design.

What is lacking in the current fleet that a new build would offer?

Too funny :D

I started to write just about the same thing while waiting at dentist’s office when I got called in before I finished and you beat me to it.

What exactly would you (RJB) like to see that is not on the O class ships that you like so much?

Too funny :D

 

 

What exactly would you (RJB) like to see that is not on the O class ships that you like so much?

Exactly, Its likew cars to me, I found a brand I like and keep with the same make and model for 10-12 years,. Looking at newer cars, yes they are new but are so loaded with ridiculous extras that have nothing to do with what a car is for...

The same with ships, O has the right balance of stuff and adding stuff, just to be adding it crazy to me..

I love the O Class ships, but there are only two of them. Odds are, if one is on an Oceania cruise, they are on a R ship. I could make a lot of recommendations for changing the R design.

One thing they could do to help, is put different Specialties Restaurants on the various R ships. That way each ship could have a bit of a different flair. Every upscale restaurant we eat in changes it’s menu seasonally to take advantage of fresh available products and to keep their menu exciting. We know Oceania almost never does fresh, but having the exact same menu in Toscana and PG for 15 years is inexcusable! On longer R ship cruises we rarely use all our Specialties Reservations. In the later portion of longer cruises, 15+ Days, I’ve seen the Maitre de from Toscana come down to the GDR and nearly beg people to come up. No Thanks, The GDR is having something new and different we want to try, not same ole, same ole!

Does one not believe that cooking the exact same dishes, night after night, doesn’t get boring for the kitchen crew likewise?

I love the O Class ships, but there are only two of them. Odds are, if one is on an Oceania cruise, they are on a R ship. I could make a lot of recommendations for changing the R design.

 

One thing they could do to help, is put different Specialties Restaurants on the various R ships. That way each ship could have a bit of a different flair. Every upscale restaurant we eat in changes it’s menu seasonally to take advantage of fresh available products and to keep their menu exciting. We know Oceania almost never does fresh, but having the exact same menu in Toscana and PG for 15 years is inexcusable! On longer R ship cruises we rarely use all our Specialties Reservations. In the later portion of longer cruises, 15+ Days, I’ve seen the Maitre de from Toscana come down to the GDR and nearly beg people to come up. No Thanks, The GDR is having something new and different we want to try, not same ole, same ole!

 

Does one not believe that cooking the exact same dishes, night after night, doesn’t get boring for the kitchen crew likewise?

This sounds like you only like one dish on every specialty restaurant menu.

Otherwise you could order a different one on your second and third visit.

Likewise, if you cruise less than 2 or 3 times a year on Oceania then you shouldn’t mind eating in the specialties unless when at home you have a different dinner every night of the year :D That would essentially mean that you would have your favorite Toscana meal only 2 or 3 times a year- that doesn’t sound excessive:D

I can see this being more of an issue on the RTW cruise.

To Post # 34 by ABoatNerd

Same segment? Perhaps, but differences. Oceania allows under 18 years old passengers, but does not target them like Disney nor exclude them like Viking. Oceania ships have casino's. Oceania has two different sizes of ships whereas Viking has four to five of the same basic design now and will reach a projected number ( 8-10?). My understanding is that the Viking ships are and will be largely identical. What portion of Viking Ocean regular passengers will want to be on almost the same ship 5 years from now?

Since I have sailed on Viking, I recently received Viking booklet featuring two traveler surveys with both showing a marked preference for Viking. However, the fine print of one survey limited that survey to ships with a total passenger count less than the Oceania newer and bigger "O" class ships at 1,250 passengers. So the true comparison was Viking Ocean vs. Oceania "R" ships (close to 20 years older).

One of the great things about cruise ships is the variety. It's not like (mostly) Boeing vs. Airbus of various sizes for air travel.

Check out Cruise critic boards and reviews for both. Consider your priorities and, if possible, try them both. I am glad they are both very good and different.

What is lacking in the current fleet that a new build would offer?

 

Also, about 10% of the cost of a new build is the design. Both the R and O class ships are popular so it makes financial sense to make more of those rather than a new design.

Another ship or 2 is lacking. When the O ships were built I think there was an option for a third which was never picked up. Just need more variety and maybe some newer venues that were not thought when they were first built. :):):)

Another ship or 2 is lacking. When the O ships were built I think there was an option for a third which was never picked up. Just need more variety and maybe some newer venues that were not thought when they were first built. :):):)

On a recent cruise a senior officer told me not to be surprised if two more O class ships were announced within the next year or so.

Another ship or 2 is lacking. When the O ships were built I think there was an option for a third which was never picked up. Just need more variety and maybe some newer venues that were not thought when they were first built. :):):)

They are not going to build new ships because we - the loyal O cruisers - want it; or because Viking is building 12 or 20 ships. They will build them if their “numbers” justify it. In other words, they feel that they can fill them to or close to capacity to be able to pay for them and also make a profit.

It’s that simple, IMO.

For starters, I agree with Paul. It's their bottom line that counts. They will build what they need when they need it ... I am puzzled by loyalists who want to spend their money, however ....

The comment from the officer on a prior cruise saying that 1-2 more "O" class ships are in the offing is interesting. (I started this answer to respond to your comment but dinner called, and then Paul made his comment ...)

I recently saw an article from 2016 where FDR indicated that if they went for a new ship, it would be a new design. He also didn't see a future for the "R" ships as I recall. I posted that article someplace, maybe even here!

But I can see where it would be easy to go for a new "O" ship, probably with modifications based on past experience as to what works, etc. Or what is more appropriate some years later. As opposed to a different design.

The "R" ships are certainly from a previous generation, even though WE (speaking personally) like them. Someone mentioned reconfiguring the "R" ships as Crystal has done to make more -- not necessarily suites, but LARGER cabins -- on the lower end. But as was also mentioned here, the "R" ships are older now and would reconfiguring an older ship really be cost effective?

Somehow, I don't think so. But I'm not an architect ... and certainly not someone who Oceania would consult!

Mura

To Mura - post 38

Cost effective? Crystal thought so and has already done this. This is why I started the tread "will Oceania pull a Crystal". Remember that Oceania thought buying and repairing the Sirena was cost effective.

A traveling sales representative at our AAA store for a multi-line cruise presentation show told me she had heard that a roughly 1,000 passenger ship (Viking size) was being considered for Oceania.

If ports like Venice start limiting, or even closing out the large ships, the popularity of the less than 2,000, or even 1,500 passenger ship may grow.

I only meant "cost effective" for gutting a ship as extensively as I THOUGHT you were suggesting.

But it's true that whenever O has acquired an "R" ship, they've spent millions on updates and such.

I can see the draw and excitement for a new ship when it is deemed appropriate. I would prefer a ship between the R and O in size. Recently I was picking between an O and R and opted for the R. It was an exotic location and there is something slightly more exotic about being on a 600 pax ship vs 1200.

I do think Oceania can do better with the current R ships. Although they are well maintained they are becoming dated in design. Azamara have done a wonderful job revitalizing the Rs.

Although they are from a previous generation I wouldn't underestimate them. They are a wonderful asset. Perfect size, layout and overall look of the ship is pleasing. The only real downfall which isn't fixable is the bathroom size.

In regards to a new build a few items I think O can add (and borrow from Viking). A winter-garden. More alfresco dining options (sliding glass windows).