Oceania ..NEVER AGAIN...floating nursing home

A good percentage of passengers have been 70+ (as are we by now ... time passes so quickly ...) And while the ship quiets down earlier than some others, we generally are leaving dinner by 9:30 or 10:00. We aren't the only ones around at that hour. When we go to the shows, they are quite well attended.

Do people go to bars late at night? I wouldn't know ... just because we tend not to go to the bars. DH's usual tipple is orange juice, no ice, so there's no reason for us to do so. (Sometimes he'll have a glass of white wine ...)

But I'd say that claiming the ship is dead by 9:00 is an exaggeration.

The percentage of older folks can depend on the itinerary. As has been said, longer cruises tend to have more older passengers just because the working population can rarely take a 40 day cruise ... When we do a 14 day cruise and spend 3-4 days in the first and last port, we're already away for 3 weeks. Not everyone has 3-4 weeks paid vacation ... or the ability to take that much time off, even if not being paid while away.

I doubt that a Cuba cruise would be exclusively elderly! Yes, we remember when Castro took over (but I was pretty young then) ... but it's an unusual itinerary that I would think would tend to attract more younger passengers.

As to the marketing, it's a bit of a stretch to say "critically acclaimed headliners. We have seen some shows (even the non-classical kind) that were very entertaining. Usually these were solo ventures. On our first Norway cruise many of the entertainers were from Poland and that area and they were wonderful. One guy played just about every jazz instrument there is, and he was so well received that they brought him back for an extra night.

Yes, there's a string quartet but it pays a lot less classical music than it does arrangements of show tunes and the like. Personally, I grew up with chamber music played in the home all the time by professional musicians, and so I haven't found one quartet on any of the ships yet that I considered even adequate. But most people who post about the quartets like them very much. I understand that. The standard I heard at home, let alone in the concert hall, is hard to beat.

Mura

Maybe the confusion with expectations does arise from O's marketing brochures. Here is an exact quote from a brochure:

 

"Production shows and critically acclaimed headline entertainers.

 

Orchestra, classical string quartet, dance and jazz bands."

 

Just points out that as with purchasing anything actual reviews are very valuable to understand the subjective nature of marketing descriptions.

True, a bit of hyperbole, but the string quartets are usually well received. And on a couple of cruises there was a terrific pianist in the bar.

Frances

So what do you think of the entertainment on Oceania?. Specifically on Sirena? What can we expect? We do enjoy lively entertainment, and like to listen to contemporary music. Classical music is ok, but not only just that genre on a cruise. Afraid it might put us to sleep. :(

On Sirena, what time is “last call” at the bars and lounges?

Is it a quiet ship after 9:30 p.m.?

We’re currently circumnavigating Australia on Regatta. While this production team isn’t as strong as others we’ve seen on the post-NCL O cruises, the guest entertainers here have largely been talented Aussies or New Zealanders. (Thank you, O!)

While not every one was to our taste, we did see talent we wouldn’t otherwise see, and some very strong performances—guitarist Tom Ward and flautist Jane Rutter in particular. The string quartet has done a mixture of classical and pop (the latter not as good as the former, IMHO). The show band is one of the best we’ve seen, and the Marintis pianist Adam is excellent. Late night has been very lightly attended, probably because of the drain of 100-deg temps some days.

And, yes, we have missed four tender ports, sadly; one due to a delay in sailing and the rest for weather. Plus one port (Brisbane) was shortened and one doubled to a second delightful day (Perth/Fremantle). Watching the tenders take on water in attempting to get to shore has made us appreciate the captain’s concern for safety. It does make for a lot of days at sea, but we’ve had lots of very good enrichment lectures about the history and natural characteristics of Australia. We especially enjoyed the excellent ocean science talks by Russell Moll—really strong and engaging.

Itinerary: interesting mix of urbane and undeveloped ports, with plenty of variety in most—we’ve loved this cruise—a great introduction for first timers in Australia.

We’re currently circumnavigating Australia on Regatta. While this production team isn’t as strong as others we’ve seen on the post-NCL O cruises, the guest entertainers here have largely been talented Aussies or New Zealanders. (Thank you, O!)

 

While not every one was to our taste, we did see talent we wouldn’t otherwise see, and some very strong performances—guitarist Tom Ward and flautist Jane Rutter in particular. The string quartet has done a mixture of classical and pop (the latter not as good as the former, IMHO). The show band is one of the best we’ve seen, and the Marintis pianist Adam is excellent. Late night has been very lightly attended, probably because of the drain of 100-deg temps some days.

 

And, yes, we have missed four tender ports, sadly; one due to a delay in sailing and the rest for weather. Plus one port (Brisbane) was shortened and one doubled to a second delightful day (Perth/Fremantle). Watching the tenders take on water in attempting to get to shore has made us appreciate the captain’s concern for safety. It does make for a lot of days at sea, but we’ve had lots of very good enrichment lectures about the history and natural characteristics of Australia. We especially enjoyed the excellent ocean science talks by Russell Moll—really strong and engaging.

 

 

Itinerary: interesting mix of urbane and undeveloped ports, with plenty of variety in most—we’ve loved this cruise—a great introduction for first timers in Australia.

Thanks for your review of the entertainment. Sounds OK for us, since there is a variety of music.

So what time is “last call” at the bar(s) and lounge(s).?

Thanks for your review of the entertainment. Sounds OK for us, since there is a variety of music.

So what time is “last call” at the bar(s) and lounge(s).?

Can't help there; we're rarely there at the end! It varies from night to night, although Martinis and Horizons are always open following the shows--which usually end at 10:15-10:30. Sometimes Martinis is open late (past midnight) if the casino has players; think Horizons depends on customers. All bar venues state "Till Closing."

Can't help there; we're rarely there at the end! It varies from night to night, although Martinis and Horizons are always open following the shows--which usually end at 10:15-10:30. Sometimes Martinis is open late (past midnight) if the casino has players; think Horizons depends on customers. All bar venues state "Till Closing."

Thank you!

I do enjoy a night cap before retiring. :)

Sensible people - PLEASE, I beg you to leave this thread die.

This a textbook example of an agitator and a troll. The OP has not bothered to post a second post and this pittiful thread lives on with 10000 views.

She is sure getting her moneys’ worth.

Most of the replies here have no longer anything to do with the original topic.

Please - do not give this imposter any more advertisement and let this thread slowly disappear from page 1. That is, unless we hear more explanations from OP.

Thank you

Maybe the moderator should delete the whole thread. The motive for posting is suspicious

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The OP said she would post again when she got home and had talked to Oceania. She flew home on 19th or 20th I guess. Only a couple of days ago. Personally I want to know what as so terrible that they had to waste 21 days of expensive cruising. The food and the service was apparently wonderful..................... So what was it? J

The OP said she would post again when she got home and had talked to Oceania. She flew home on 19th or 20th I guess. Only a couple of days ago. Personally I want to know what as so terrible that they had to waste 21 days of expensive cruising. The food and the service was apparently wonderful..................... So what was it? J

Paulichili you are right. Put this one to bed. We are in Atlanta airport waiting for our final flight home from this wonderful cruise. I think Oceania is just not the right cruise line for poster. They have cruised with princess and are probably elite status where you are treated special. O doesn’t class people. We are all treated the same. That suits us well. This is not the days of Titanic.

There were not really that many with walkers and canes but they stand out. On a shorter cruise you are sure to not find this. Enjoy your O cruise and don’t worry.

Cheers,

Janelle

+2

 

Based on a remark made by a fellow cruiser who enjoyed the cruise I think the op is a woman. The only two complainers I met on Oceania were both women - not on the same cruise.

Perhaps next time you will come across male complainer, there are plenty around.

Not that we should even be commenting on what sex someone is, it's irrelevant.

O doesn’t class people. We are all treated the same. That suits us well. This is not the days of Titanic.

 

 

 

Cheers,

Janelle

Agreed absolutely

Sensible people - PLEASE, I beg you to leave this thread die.

 

This a textbook example of an agitator and a troll. The OP has not bothered to post a second post and this pittiful thread lives on with 10000 views.

 

She is sure getting her moneys’ worth.

 

Most of the replies here have no longer anything to do with the original topic.

 

Please - do not give this imposter any more advertisement and let this thread slowly disappear from page 1. That is, unless we hear more explanations from OP.

 

Thank you

I am new to this forum and I have noticed that this happens a lot. I don’t get why they do this.

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DrHugs, the thread starter has not provided any further information, I can only hope he is never sails on Oceania again. My experience is Oceania is better than any of the other cruise lines he has been on. In my opinion, his comments are inflammatory.

DrHugs, the thread starter has not provided any further information, I can only hope he is never sails on Oceania again. My experience is Oceania is better than any of the other cruise lines he has been on. In my opinion, his comments are inflammatory.

I saw their post as a result of frustration and disappointment. I hope they take the time to come back and explain their situation. I wonder if they decided to continue on with the second leg of their journey. If not, they should be getting home soon and hopefully we'll get the rest of the story.

Their cruise history does include another cruise on Oceania and one on Crystal.

DrHugs, the thread starter has not provided any further information, I can only hope he is never sails on Oceania again. My experience is Oceania is better than any of the other cruise lines he has been on. In my opinion, his comments are inflammatory.

It is cruise critic. They have every right to vent.

DrHugs, the thread starter has not provided any further information, I can only hope he is never sails on Oceania again. My experience is Oceania is better than any of the other cruise lines he has been on. In my opinion, his comments are inflammatory.

The comment from @GICNJC seems to reflect on how intolerant this person perhaps may be. It is quite unnecessary and uncalled for.

@DrHugs has every right to cruise with Oceania as @GICNJC and anyone else, as long as he./she has paid for his/her fare fairly and squarely. How would @GICNJC feel if he/she makes some comment and then someone then say he/she "hopes" he/she does not go on future cruises with this cruise line? That won't be very nice, would it?

Thankfully, this discussion board is managed by CruiseCritic, and it is *NOT* the TOTALITARIAN CRUISE COMMENTS PAGES where you can only have one opinion, grovel towards the big bosses and toe the line, or else you get struck off !!! So @DrHugs can make his/her views. Others can ask for more clarification, that is reasonable . They can agree, or disagree with @DrHugs, that is also reasonable.

If I had been on the same cruise I doubt that I would have had Dr. Hug's opinions. But if you are so unhappy that you leave an expensive cruise early, you have to have been awfully unhappy. And we all do have the right to those opinions and to voice them, I agree.

Mura

This thread has gone way too long(IMO) ,SO I am going to digress, do you know where Lyn is, she has been conspicuously absent, I hope everything is OK with her ....

No, I don't. I hadn't noticed either, my mistake. I do have her email address if you need it. Email me and I'll give it to you.

Or maybe she will chime in! I knew she had a December cruise but I don't recall hearing anything about now.

Mura

I don't need to E-mail her, was just concerned she has not posted last several days....unlike her

I believe she posted after her December cruise though

I think so, too. I'll look for posts from her ... hope to hear from her soon.

:loudcry::loudcry: I am posting this in hopes of dissuading those contemplating an Oceania Sirena Cruise.

 

Currently on the 35 day Oceania Sirena San Diego to Rio..sounds great, doesn't it??? Cruising the Amazon..great, huh???

 

Not so fast, dear readers....never again..

 

the most boring, worst entertainment..if any..

food above average, staff incredible and wonderful..

 

We are in a PH1...most expensive penthouse suite..have met with general manager..4x..i have profuse notes about the myriad of disappointments..if you are seeking anything close to the deceptive brochures, you may be in for a shock..more coming on this board when I can finally depart in Rio...dumped us in ghetto ports and more..so sorry I ever booked Oceania..they are riding on a reputation no longer deserved..5 star..in their dreams.:loudcry::loudcry: we booked back to back and jumping ship..cannot bear 21 more daysfrom Rio to Miami..flying home.

Let's see how 5 star Oceania handles my concerns when I call them next week. Many unhappy passengers here who will never return...:eek:will keep you posted with the details...

Well one word...research. You needed to researrch the ports and discovered the rampant crime in most of the ports

Rip, Buenos Aires are real bad. You would have found that almost every So American port is nasty....I did once and never ever sail anything from Mexico on down. Its total poverty, dirty everywhere I looked

, Corruption and crime rampant, standard of living bottom of the heap...

Should have read reviews of going up the Amazon....pretty boring...where is the rain forest!!!! Few rave about it

Third a 35 day cruise will have a much older passenger than a 14.

Fourth, Research the ship and read reviews on penthouses.. and their limits and problems....

You learned an expensive lesson but trust me it is much better to other ports China, Tahiti, Europe Alaska... The R class ships are not big and cabins small... try Marina or Rivera. By jumping ship without... approval, according to your contract, you dont get anything back.... so you ate 21 days sorry . There is an old saying there is a time to stand up and a time to shut up.... you choose poorly Next time do more research all cruises, all ships, all ports are not for everyone I hope you have a better time

well one word...research. You needed to researrch the ports and discovered the rampant crime in most of the ports

 

rip, buenos aires are real bad. You would have found that almost every so american port is nasty....i did once and never ever sail anything from mexico on down. Its total poverty, dirty everywhere i looked

, corruption and crime rampant, standard of living bottom of the heap...

Should have read reviews of going up the amazon....pretty boring...where is the rain forest!!!! Few rave about it

 

third a 35 day cruise will have a much older passenger than a 14.

 

Fourth, research the ship and read reviews on penthouses.. And their limits and problems....

 

You learned an expensive lesson but trust me it is much better to other ports china, tahiti, europe alaska... The r class ships are not big and cabins small... Try marina or rivera. By jumping ship without... Approval, according to your contract, you dont get anything back.... So you ate 21 days sorry . There is an old saying there is a time to stand up and a time to shut up.... You choose poorly next time do more research all cruises, all ships, all ports are not for everyone i hope you have a better time

+ 1

-1. We love South America especially Buenos Aires. We will be there next month. The amazon is not for us but the rest is sa is.

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