Full review plus photos from Oceana cruise to Fjords

[LibraLass41]

OCEANA 7n Fjords Cruise - 29 Aug- 5th Sept 2009

 

Well, I am pleased to report, after the concern of 5 ships in port for sail away today - the most ever (the others were Independence, Grand Princess, and Queen Mary and a FO ship) and the fact its a bank holiday weekend, we had no problems atall getting here, infact we were so early we stopped at a garden centre 10 miles outside Southampton for a coffee.

Arrived at the new Ocean Terminal at 11.50am, drove straight to the entrance (like last time on whitson weekend), the car was whisked away and luggage and we went inside and were given queue boarding card G, so, yes lots of people already here.

 

Check in desks opened at noon as usual, and by 12.40pm we were called to check in I was surprised to see armed police walking around with big guns, don't remember seeing that on my last Ocean Terminal cruise?

Onboard eating lunch by 1pm. I like the ss Plaza restaurant at the front of the ship with lovely views, it will be good eating in there when at the fjords, but sadly this means no crows nest which is a shame. Strange to see a dance floor in the ss restaurant though? .

 

‘Cabins ready’ announcement came at 2pm, we went to our cabin but no cases had arrived, the cabin - a midships balcony on B deck is much smaller than others I have had, the bathroom is tiny, you open the door and the loo is facing you, will a cubicle shower to your right, and sink. Only 3 x ½ wardrobes. The cut out balcony is small too, but we had brand new chair cushions which was nice. The cabin was clean and tidy, so no complaints. I booked MPW restaurant for 2nd Sept -Wednesday asked for a good table haha seeing I was only the 2nd person to book this early, and got one overlooking the atrium, avoiding the walk-thru, as recommended by my friends who have been on here before. (my 1st time).

 

Its is now late afternoon on day 2, our sea day , sailing ooop North, we rounded Dover, and oop we went, this is alien to me, lol, have travelled further afield but never up the east coast, we passed Scarborough and must be now in line with Scotland . Have seen lots of Oil rigs - something I've never seen before, and saw a helicopter fly over us and start to land on one.

The weather this afternoon is sunny with a warm /cool breeze, have just been sunbathing (with a jumper on I admit) by the terrace bar at the aft - what a great place, with a little umbrella covered pool and Jacuzzis, with sunbeds facing the wake (a bit more peaceful than Orianas which has the children’s pools in the prime wake end).

 

We had a quick sailaway which I nearly missed, at 4.30pm, muster was early and packing not finished due to late arrival of cases, so it was all a rush, but we were in the lead (YES!) as I though we might be, sailing from Ocean Terminal, we passed the wonderful Queen Mary and horns were blasting, , QM then followed on behind us, and I think Grand Princess was next or it may of been Independence?

 

Smart casual night tonight, and that nervous moment when you meet your table companions for the 1st time... we were on a table of 8, and pleased to say the other 3 couples were lovely, 2 of them had been on the 7n cruise before and were doing a back2back, as were quite a few on this cruise - and it was something I booked too, but cancelled at the last minute. Food super, same menu day 1 as we had on Oriana in May, I had shrimp risotto, field mushroom soup, chicken escalope cordon bleu with baby croquettes and courgettes, and then raspberry soufflé (ordered lemon posset trifle but got raspberry soufflé (oh well, not that worried!)

 

The next day was a sea day, after a breakfast in the Adriatic restaurant, went to a port talk on Olden, then a cake decorating demo by two of the chefs and then onto my p&o/crowsnest meeting I arranged in Winners bar. A golf pro talk was on - but luckily in a section of the bar, so I managed to group some tables together and have my meet. Met Lorna and Sam, Alan and Mary, Mick and his wife and Chirpy and Ray, had a nice chat and later Marie came along.

Then had lunch in Cafe Jardin, now that’s a nice place as well. The salmon Fishcake with cucumber and mint sauce was divine with a cold glass of white wine. Off then to a Bergen port talk and then a sunbathe.

We have 'our 'enry onboard - Sir Henry Cooper who will be doing a after dinner speech on his boxing career tomorrow, I met him on deck and had a quick chat, lovely chap. Also we have Bobby Davro doing a few shows later in the week.

I love the two smaller theatres -Starlights and Footlights, saw a show last night after dinner in Starlight’s, really nice, seems to have been recently refurbished as all settees and seating looked new and carpets.

Right, must dash, the best is yet to come now we are approaching the Fjords, should be a good view from my balcony tomorrow morning,

 

Last nights formal night was lovely. Our pre-dinner welcome aboard party was around the Atrium decks, had a photo with Captain Hamish Reid, who was also the Captain on my last cruise on Oriana about 11 weeks ago, what a nice chap.

 

Surprised to see no nibbles such as peanuts and savouries or canapés at the welcome aboard party or throughout the cruise in all bars? Asked a staff member and was told this was due to nor virus? !! Sounds like a cost-cutting measure to me, after all they have no qualms when a bar steward uses the same pen to ask you to sign your bar bill account slip, he then takes the pen on and passes it on to the next passenger, who holds then pen, passes it back to steward and this pen is passed around all night, surely there is more chance of catching noro from that sweaty pen than from picking up a canapé from a tray or taking a peanut from the glass vases which are already designed that you shake out the nuts instead of touch them!

 

Food excellent in the Adriatic restaurant throughout the cruise, on the first formal menu I had Venison terrine, chicken and sweetcorn soup, Champagne Sorbet, Duck in a Grand Marnier and Orange Sauce, and Hot dark chocolate and Orange Fondant with white chocolate sauce. Usual main choices on a formal night included , lobster thermidor, venison haunch and supreme of duck with orange sauce, plus a veggie option of Mixed mushroom, leek and pine nut Oriental pancakes.. After dinner we then went to the show, and onwards to yacht & compass where a good band was playing.

 

Stavanger,

… its ‘closed until 10am‘, lol, no shops opened till then. We had a walk around in the pouring rain, but gave up when the heavens opened and came back to the ship for a dry out and lunch before our tour at 1pm Pulpit rock boat trip. Now this was good despite the mist and clouds, cost was £49pp for a 3 hr trip but we were taken quite a way into the inlets of the fjords and saw some fantastic scenery, waterfalls, the pulpit rock and some holiday homes nestled in the hills. A stop for waffles and coffee in a idealic location on the fjords surrounded by rocks was included. Later discovered you could do this boat trip for £35pp, but no waffle and coffee stop, by walking along harbour side and seeing a boatman with a similar boat!

 

Enjoyed the boat trip very much, expect rain, and you may not be disappointed…!

 

Alesund

Another grey cloudy day, its such a shame when the weather is like this, but to be expected I suppose in the Fjords, late season. One person said to me 'there is no such thing as bad weather in the Fjords....just bad clothes' ! So come prepared anyone cruising here for the 1st time, bring a waterproof jacket/umbrella and a fleece and some good footwear, ideally walking boots or good trainers.

The ship docks in the town, so once disembarked it is minutes from the town. A good tip is to buy a land train ticket which takes you all around the town and upwards to see the sights, we thought we'd go later, and were caught out. ALL tickets were sold out until 4pm, so we couldn't go - so go early if you want to see some of the sights as we didn't see any river trips here or HOHO buses and ended up walking around the town. Shopping is 'ok' but as its so expensive you tend not to buy anything - bottle coke 35k (£3.50)that’s a small one.

We had rain, then it would clear and then rain again. But we were rewarded with a wonderful clear sailaway so lots of photos were taken.

Bobby Davro was in the Footlights theatre in the evening he was very funny and played to full houses at both shows, afterwards we went to the Yacht & Compass for drinks and listened to the Freedom Band play Shadows and ELO, one of the better bands we have seen on our cruises.

 

Olden

The best port berth of the cruise. I had read about this port -’ book a trip there’s nothing here‘, but we had a fantastic day which I will remember forever. The view from my balcony that morning was exactly what I wished for and I wasn't disappointed.

We had breakfast today in the Plaza to enjoy the scenery. During this short cruise on Oceana, I have now tried room service, cafe jardin, the main restaurant and now Plaza for breakfast as I like to try everything. My favourite is probably main restaurant breakfast, but on port days it takes up too much time.

Anyway, after taking some photos from the sun deck of the fantastic scenery - still lakes, waterfalls, snow capped mountains, tiny wooden houses surrounded by pretty flowers etc, we disembarked and managed to get a land train ticket here for Olden lake and beyond. We all know its expensive here, but I did gulp when he said 150k pp for a bloomin' land train (£15pp), but it was for a hour and 10mins and when he showed us where he was taking us we went for it, well , you have too!

The beautiful views took my breath away, again green still lakes, tiny wooden houses in all sizes which are mostly holiday homes, and waterfalls trickling or fast flowing, I am glad we got away from the portside and did this, as the afternoon trip we had booked was to walk to a glacier so this was something different. The train stopped in town on the way back, so we got off here and looked at the shops, and tiny wooden church and then strolled back to the ship for lunch.

 

At 1.30pm we went on our trip to Briksdal Glacier. F A N T A S T I C!

The walk is not for the faint hearted , unfit or anyone with a disability in walking or asthmatic, I came prepared with walking boots and hiking pole and the 50mins hike upwards to the glacier was quite hard going. But you are rewarded by the scenery here again, and you even walk over a bridge by a massive waterfall and getting soaked with spray, that was fun (must be good for the skin surely?). We had rain again for first 20mins, which made it slippery and wet underfoot, and it was very steep in places., but when we got there and saw this blue ice glacier was amazing, and the sun even shone. Some say it may be gone in the next 10-20 years as it is receding quickly, we passed markers where it finished in the 1920's and 1950's and it has shrunk by many metres. While I was taking photos we heard a rumble, and saw a avalanche, amazing seeing the ice and snow fall down the glaciers and drop into the still fjord below. The walk back was slightly easier because a) it was downhill, and b) cream cakes and coffee were included in the tour at the restaurant below lol. The countryside drive each way was about 50mins, we went through a few long tunnels which the guide told us were created at avalanche hot spots to protect the cars. Olden is cut off completely when one happens from the whole world as there are no trains or airports here. Train lines would be too expensive to lay down due to all the mountains.

In the evening we went to Marco Pierre Whites Cafe Jardin.

 

Marco Pierre White @ Cafe Jardin

We booked a table for 8pm and I got my preference, a table for 2 overlooking the atrium, to avoid the walk-thru traffic of cruisers who can't read signs and jump over no-access ropes....!

The supplement was £6.50pp which was ok, I don't think it was worth anymore when you consider you are not eating the 5 course meal you have paid for already in your cruise payment in the main restaurant that night. I've eaten in Arcadian Rhodes, Orchid, Oriana Rhodes and Auroras Cafe Bordeaux and this was on par with Orchid but no where near as refined as the two Rhodes restaurants in service food or ambience and decor of the restaurant, although having 'our Henry (Cooper) and Bobby Davro seated at the next table did make the evening even more enjoyable!

After being seated. we were presented with a assorted bread basket and flavoured butters (which we got as per norm in the main dining room of Celebrity Equinox by the way) and I chose Moules Mariniere to start, there was a soup course which we declined, and then I had 'Honey Roasted belly of Pork Brittany' - served with butterbeans and roasting juices and decorated with crackling straws.. it was melt in the mouth, vegetables were 4 new potatoes (for 2 of us!), And a small pot of creamed leeks, and a pot of spinach. Then I had shortbread biscuit tower with fresh strawberries and single cream. (other sweets were: Blackcurrant soufflé, Pana Cotta with poached pears, french style apple tart, chocolate mousse, etc). We enjoyed the meal and it was nice to listen to the atrium live music while we were eating, thats a good touch, we had a 2 piece band and then the piano player Antal... after the meal, for a change we went to the Horse Race night in winners bar, and lost 4 races in a row, but no matter, Bergen tomorrow, formal black & white night and hubbies birthday

 

Bergen

We have blue skies and sunshine! After another fab sailaway last night, we left the fjords and entered the North sea again to sail down to Bergen. I knew I had to get up early today as my cruise friends had told me to get to the funicular railway early to avoid big queues. Its a shame this ship (Oceana) does not have a crows nest, but, having the self service restaurant instead at the front of the ship is rather nice, especially here in Norway.

After a quick breakfast we left the ship and caught the shuttle bus (free ofcourse, it is p&o !) to the centre of town. We eventually found the funicular railway station and bought a return ticket (70k = £7pp) for a return ticket, and after a short 5min wait we were transported to the top at Mount Floyen to enjoy the panoramic views of the town and spot our cruise ship in the distance. We were told in Olden by the way, that Oceana that day (2nd Sept) was the last but one cruise ship in this year as we are now at the end of the season. As we left the station at 10.40am queues were forming out of the station and down the road, so do get there early to avoid this if you can.

 

Once back down again we walked around the fish market, the fisherman had their catches on display and plates of salmon, prawns etc to buy for 100k-200k (10 - 20 pounds)a plate, they were piled high though with fresh ready-to-eat fish and looked excellent - have taken photos. One man offered me a piece of hot cooked dark fish to try and I did, and THEN, he told me it was whale meat! Yuk, it tasted like a fishy liver, as soon as he told me that, I turned my back on him and spat it out before swallowing , and threw it away, not nice...

Also here sadly saw many animal skins for sale - wolf pelts, seal, deer , moose etc. The next few hours were spent walking around the town looking at the shops and parks. Tonight is black and white night on hubbies birthday. We treated ourselves to a watch each from the ship jewellery shop as my birthday is in a few weeks too (AKA 'Libra'lass...).

 

The 2nd formal night - black and white - was well adhered too, there seems to be no children in our 2nd sitting dining room so reminds me alot of Arcadia for ambiance. We have just under a 100 kiddies on this cruise, but they must be having kiddies tea and spending their time with the youth crew, or on first sitting.

I love the friendliness and relaxed atmosphere on here and would cruise on this ship again, she is my joint 2nd along with Aurora with Arcadia still my first love. I have now cruised/ or been onboard all the fleet . It was hubbies birthday today and he received a birthday card signed by the Captain and a plate petit fours in the cabin . Also the waiters sang him happy ‘birthdaaaay‘, as only they can.!

Before formal night, popped along last night to see Sir Henry Cooper who did a repeat show, with question time after which was different. He was a bit nervous at the first show and messed up a bit on his speech forgetting what he was going to say etc, but he is so well loved he could get away with anything. He did say by the way that brother George his twin, also a boxer is now quite ill and blind and slightly deaf which is sad to see. Henry also mentioned he met Ali again last week while he was in the UK and Ali recognised him, and even though he is also very ill with Parkinson’s , cannot talk and has constant shakes he put his arms into the boxing position and smiled at Henry to let him know he remembers their fights

 

The next day, our last day at sea, Friday 4th September, and we rock and roll, jump and jiggle, force 8/9 westerly . 19.5 knots in the middle of the North sea. Last night I swear the bed was like a roller coaster as we dipped sideways every few seconds.

 

I had a lie down this morning after a breakfast of pancakes and pineapple , although some are still managing kippers and fried eggs!! And others haven't made breakfast atall. Hubbie makes a start on the packing, so I got out of the cabin so he can do his packing in peace and then we will attempt lunch around 1pm. There was no point walking around the ship as it was rolling quite badly, and made you giddy and unstable.

While lying on the bed in our balcony after taking my sea sickness pills as we were warned force 10 was imminent, I had the balcony doors open for fresh air, I have to comment on the smell of cigarette smoke that did come into our cabin from next doors cabin, people who say its does not drift into other balcony cabins air-space are lying I am afraid, and as non-smokers we have had to accept this on our cruise. I am not complaining or moaning, this is just a comment, You will get smoke on your balcony and even in your cabin.

This is probably the worst sea conditions I have had on this my 9th cruise in 3 years, but not worried atall and just getting about slowly although walking is difficult.

 

Tonight Bobby Davro was a real pro, and managed to do his new and 2nd performance, which was very entertaining. Very satisfied with the entertainment on this cruise, went along to a show as well - ’I write the Songs’ but missed ‘The Big Picture’ and ‘Swinging Sixties’ as we went to the other theatre and saw two shows by a female singer/comedian called Siobhan Phillips.

Enjoyed the cruise, it was I all I hoped for and expected. Photos on the link at the end of this review, including my cuddle with Bobby Davro..haha.

 

We lost Internet and mobile phone contact for 24 hours and the Captain announced that the satellite dome was blown off in the storm!

As we sailed in the North Sea we had hit the edge of Hurricane Danny , and sea swells went up to gale force 10. Some damage occurred and we lost the dome covering the satellite, it ripped in two, half blew into the swimming pool (yes! I have photos of the damage!) and the rest fell down on deck or out to sea.

We were 'rockin' and rolling for 24 hours, many fell ill and sick bags appeared in the corridors, but the Captain (Hamish Reid) kept us informed and we felt safe in his hands. It was so funny to sea the water in our cabin shower not drain away as the ship was tilting one way and the plug hole was at the other end of the shower tray!

 

We arrived back in Southampton 2 hours late, so lots to do for the ground crew offloading supplies and loading up again for Oceana's next 14n Med cruise.

I hope she got away on time, and that the maintenance crew managed to repair the satellite dome and aerial , and clear the pool.

 

Oceana…built in the year 2000, so now 9 years old, and at 77,500 tonnes a middle range sized ship with Arcadia and Ventura bigger than her, and Oriana and Artemis smaller. A lovely friendly classic ship with a beautiful atrium and two nice theatres. A shame she doesn’t have a covered main pool, although she has a small pool at the Terrace bar that has a umbrella shield cover over. I liked her a lot, and would have no hesitation sailing on her again.

 

 

PHOTOS:

 

Click or copy and paste link below into your search bar:

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/AuroraPartyCruiseSueV/OceanaAugust2009FjordsCruise?authkey=Gv1sRgCPSenbjJ_a7hXQ#5378440949470303378

[tom_uk]

Sue: thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it very much.

 

I've been on Oceana but never cruised on her - we visited Oceana on a 'ship visit' in 2006, I think. We liked what we saw but somehow Oceana has never quite been doing the itinerary we wanted at the time we wanted. But one day we will cruise on her, I hope. Your pictures have reminded us iof how impressed we were when we visited her - thanks for posting them.

[Druke I]

Thanks for the review, and for the great photos.

 

We've sailed on her sister, Sun Princess, and like that class of ship very much.

[LibraLass41]

I loved the ship, very friendly with a really nice atrium, the bars and two theatres were nice too, films were held in theatre which was perfectly good, saw Slumdog Millionaire during the storm.... and watched the curtains sway and screen ripple haha.

Would sail on her again.

[humpy]

great review thanks for the great photos.we are sailing on her on 17th oct and cant wait to get back on the ship..happy sailing.. humpy..

[mike x ftc]

Hi Sue,

I don't post very often but since falling for cruising a couple of years ago I eagerly read the borads / threads regularly and was looking forward to seeing what you thought of the Oceana. Thought your review was very good. We did a weekender on her this time last year which we very much enjoyed. Although she hasn't the glitz and glamour of the RCI ships she has a lovely friendly feel and some really nice areas. Thanks for the photo's - happy memories!!

 

Looking forward to your Solstice review Tom.. Really appreciated your Ventura one last year, we're on her Transatlantic in Oct.

 

Mike

[stopgo]

Interesting review L/L looked through the photos, and wondered what your thoughts were on the balcony stateroom, did you consider it was worth paying the extra premium over the reduced cost of an inside cabin.

[LibraLass41]

Its a good question and one I ask myself every time i book a cruise....I have had a inside cabin ONCE on a 2n weekender over the north sea to Zeebrugge in December, there really was no point having a balcony on that cruise and it was a chance to try one. We didn't like it, husband more than me. Too small, no windows so no idea what time of day or night it is, very dark in the night like sleeping in a coffin.... So as long as we can afford too, we will have a balcony.

In the force 10 storm on Friday morning with the ship rolling,rocking swaying, it was better being in a larger cabin with the balcony windows open for fresh air than in a small inside cabin. And ofcourse its lovely sitting out on the balcony enjoying the views of the port or when at sea after a day sight-seeing or being around the pool, the personal space really is a bonus.

 

The balcony cabin for US is part of the cruise experience. As long as we can afford it we will have one.

[Girllovescruising]

Thanks for a great review!

 

We were on the cruise before yours to the W Med and also really liked the Oceana. Agree with all your comments including smoke on balcony!

 

We did find the cabin a bit tired looking and not terribly clean, and the Plaza a bit of a bun fight at times with not enough tables. Overall though a great experience and would definitely sail on Oceana again.

 

Glad we only had a force 7 - that was enough!!!

[stulou]

Thanks for a great review ,and your opinion about a balcony cabin or inside cabin ,I had booked a inside cabin that got me thinking and I have just up graded to a balcony cabin :D:D

 

Thanks

Roy

[stopgo]

Its a good question and one I ask myself every time i book a cruise....I have had a inside cabin ONCE on a 2n weekender over the north sea to Zeebrugge in December, there really was no point having a balcony on that cruise and it was a chance to try one. We didn't like it, husband more than me. Too small, no windows so no idea what time of day or night it is, very dark in the night like sleeping in a coffin.... So as long as we can afford too, we will have a balcony.

In the force 10 storm on Friday morning with the ship rolling,rocking swaying, it was better being in a larger cabin with the balcony windows open for fresh air than in a small inside cabin. And ofcourse its lovely sitting out on the balcony enjoying the views of the port or when at sea after a day sight-seeing or being around the pool, the personal space really is a bonus.

 

The balcony cabin for US is part of the cruise experience. As long as we can afford it we will have one.

I was really posting about the balcony on the Oceana that is featured in your photos. To me and this is a personal opinion, from your photo I would have been disappointed, I have seen the balconies on the Arcadia and Ventura and there is no comparison. Yes a know they are a lot more up to date ships, but for anybody cruising on the Oceana after being in balcony on the Arcadia and Ventura, I would have thought it might have been a let down.

Interesting statement " As long as we can afford it we will have one " does that mean if you can't afford a balcony no cruising ?

[LibraLass41]

No it means as long as we can afford a balcony we will have one. If we can't have a balcony we will have a outside or inside.:)

 

Yes the balcony is smaller and older than Arcaida and Ventura, I knew that before I went, the sq footage is in the brochure. And the Arcadia and Ventura are obviously newer ships and have slightly more modern furniture, but not much different really. The bed linen is similar. Now if you want a superb cabin, the Equinox balcony was nice but it was still narrow.

[tom_uk]

Stopgo said:

 

To me and this is a personal opinion, from your photo I would have been disappointed, I have seen the balconies on the Arcadia and Ventura and there is no comparison. Yes a know they are a lot more up to date ships, but for anybody cruising on the Oceana after being in balcony on the Arcadia and Ventura, I would have thought it might have been a let down.

 

I've been wondering if, in certain circumstances, the more open balconies on Ventura and Arcadia might be too open.... We enjoyed our balcony on Ventura last year, but that was autumn; even in the Canaries the sun wasn't too fierce. But in 2007 we went on an E Med cruise on Celebrity Galaxy when it was blisteringly hot (100 degrees several days) and very very sunny. You simply didn't go out in the sun unless you had to; The open decks were much emptier than they had been on the same ship a year or so earlier. OK, we actually had an OV cabin so the balcony question didn't arise that time, but I'm not sure how much use 'open balcony' passengers would be able to make of their balcony in conditions like those. Whereas an enclosed balcony such as those on Oceana might still give you the fresh air and uninterrupted views but also afford shelter from the sun for much of the time.

[Pontius Navigator]

the more open balconies on Ventura and Arcadia might be too open....

 

2007 we went on an E Med cruise on Celebrity Galaxy when it was blisteringly hot (100 degrees several days) and very very sunny.

 

how much use 'open balcony' passengers would be able to make of their balcony in conditions like those.

 

Whereas an enclosed balcony such as those on Oceana might still give you the fresh air and uninterrupted views but also afford shelter from the sun for much of the time.

 

Tom, bit of thread drift but you make a good point. On Constellation we were on the top deck and under an overhang; this gave us rather more shade than we might have wished for.

 

On Oceana in the Med last month we were on the starboard side and again got rather less sun than we might have hoped for. However when reaching north off Spain as late as 6pm it was both hot and cold. In the sun you were sweating cobs and in the shade wrappe dup in dressing gown and towels.

 

Similarly last year, in the fjords, down on C-deck the balcony aperture is even smaller. This was ideal as it was not too chilly.

 

Where we relish the balcony is on the shady side after a bout of sun bathing on deck or for sundowners. We are starboard side again in November and up on A-deck again.

 

No, balconies for us as long as we can afford it. We really do want our little bit of private fresh air.

[Nautical Norman]

No it means as long as we can afford a balcony we will have one. If we can't have a balcony we will have a outside or inside.:)

 

Yes the balcony is smaller and older than Arcaida and Ventura, I knew that before I went, the sq footage is in the brochure. And the Arcadia and Ventura are obviously newer ships and have slightly more modern furniture, but not much different really. The bed linen is similar. Now if you want a superb cabin, the Equinox balcony was nice but it was still narrow.

 

 

Thanks very much for a great report. Very informative and we can't wait for our first cruise!

NN

[johnny tallentire]

Hi firstly thanks for the report on oceana were going transatlantic in oct so at the min were overdosing on oceana imput(first cruise)The balcony talk has got me thinking,were staying in A 735 balcony stateroom with 2 children,they are only 8 and 1 yrs old but was wondering if these balcony rooms are any bigger than normal,ive noticed on the deck plan our cabin and next door are slightly different than others,is it just more beds or more room.Roll on october cant wait :)

[davedex]

Hi firstly thanks for the report on oceana were going transatlantic in oct so at the min were overdosing on oceana imput(first cruise)The balcony talk has got me thinking,were staying in A 735 balcony stateroom with 2 children,they are only 8 and 1 yrs old but was wondering if these balcony rooms are any bigger than normal,ive noticed on the deck plan our cabin and next door are slightly different than others,is it just more beds or more room.Roll on october cant wait :)

 

we were in that exact cabin when we did the western med in Oct 09 with 2 children (10 & 7) the upper beds fold up against the wall during the day. At night the ladders criss-cross across the space between the lower berths, so be careful if walking around at night!!! Bearing in mind the age of your children i guess you will not be using both upper berths & may have to squeeze a cot in?? If so it will be cosy but useable. The headboard on the right hand side of the picture made the bed on that side feel a bit narrower but it may have been in my mind. The empty cases fitted under the lower beds no probs, & the dressing table was big enough. Wonder if you will have the same Steward we had - nice guy called Joe who had a booming voice that always said "HELLO BOUYS" whenever he saw us!!!! if it is him say Hi to him from us!!

 

The balcony was ok for 2 adults & some fresh air but not much more than that, having has a huge balcony on Grand Princess recently we haev recently been spoilt. The photo below was taken looking from balcony into cabin with teh bathroom door open. The space by the wardrobes was a bit busy at times - especially if others are coming in & out of the bathroom but otherwise the cabin was OK for 4 of us. Enjoy yourself!!:)

any more questions - just ask!!!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs034.snc3/12134_197825918974_701493974_3923292_6866737_n.jpg

[johnny tallentire]

Thanks for all the info and pic its much appreciated,ok i dont want to sound a snob here,but looking at the pic and thinking about the cost of this holiday is it worth it,i know most of a cruise is about exploring different places each day and also the ship,luckily we booked this over a year ago at a cost of £4200,we called into the travel agents at the weekend to book vegas for my birthday next year and out of curiosity asked them to price the same cruise for us in same accomodation,:eek::eek::eek: we couldnt beleive they came back with £8400 surely the standard of the mentioned room isnt worth that sort of money,as i have said its our first cruise so we are blind as to cabin types and differences,are all the ships cabins to the same standard or is there differences,like i said we paid a lot of money,we could be all inclusive in a 5* hotel for the same.

[davedex]

Thanks for all the info and pic its much appreciated,ok i dont want to sound a snob here,but looking at the pic and thinking about the cost of this holiday is it worth it,i know most of a cruise is about exploring different places each day and also the ship,luckily we booked this over a year ago at a cost of £4200,we called into the travel agents at the weekend to book vegas for my birthday next year and out of curiosity asked them to price the same cruise for us in same accomodation,:eek::eek::eek: we couldnt beleive they came back with £8400 surely the standard of the mentioned room isnt worth that sort of money,as i have said its our first cruise so we are blind as to cabin types and differences,are all the ships cabins to the same standard or is there differences,like i said we paid a lot of money,we could be all inclusive in a 5* hotel for the same.

 

 

yes true, i would say go on it with an open mind, its your 1st one so i am sure you will enjoy it. much of the cabins of the same grade are the same size give or take a few inches, if your children are in the clubs you will have plenty of time to enjoy the balcony & money can't buy the feeling of waking up to a new sunrise every day! you wont spend all day in your cabin so dont expect it to be a suite (bigger) but it is big enough & the fresh air is well worth the money (IMHO) have fun!!!

[johnny tallentire]

Thanks again for the comments,we will do exactly as you have said go with an open mind,i know we will have a great time and be addicted to the cruising life forever,its just what we were shown in the brochure at the agents is totally different to what the pic u loaded shows,i think im going down the victor meldrew route here and know a cruise is about the whole experience but it just seems if there were 2 of us our stateroom would be different(according to the brochure)because we have 2 children coming all the personal touches seem to be missing.Honestly im not normally a moaner but as ive said its our first and my daughter and missus are so looking forward to it(me also)i was just expecting more of the accomodation,as libra lass has done im sure ill be reporting live in october amazed and overwelmed by the whole cruise experience,sorry to sound like victor ill mellow now and just wait for the day.:) I feel better allready :)

[Roaming Rover]

hi libra lass loved your review on fiords we are going in august cant wait after reading your statments very informative and helpful. can you book the resturant before you go. did you use cps parking at southhamton. is the day wear shorts or trousers what do you think. did you get chance to sunbathe on deck is it worth taking swimwear.

[tom_uk]

Thanks for all the info and pic its much appreciated,ok i dont want to sound a snob here,but looking at the pic and thinking about the cost of this holiday is it worth it,i know most of a cruise is about exploring different places each day and also the ship,luckily we booked this over a year ago at a cost of £4200,we called into the travel agents at the weekend to book vegas for my birthday next year and out of curiosity asked them to price the same cruise for us in same accomodation,:eek::eek::eek: we couldnt beleive they came back with £8400 surely the standard of the mentioned room isnt worth that sort of money,as i have said its our first cruise so we are blind as to cabin types and differences,are all the ships cabins to the same standard or is there differences,like i said we paid a lot of money,we could be all inclusive in a 5* hotel for the same.

 

Johnny, I have to agree with you that it is a lot of money. I know that my cruising days have only begun since my children were long grown & gone!

 

As regards the quality, I think you'll find that the experience is high-quality, but it's the opposite way round from a hotel. Yes, a cabin is smaller than a hotel room; however, the rest of the ship's facilities - restaurants, bars, lounges, etc - are often much better than a hotel's. Hotels often seem to major on an impressive lobby and a good room but the rest of it can be a bit pokey.

 

For the future you might want to look at cruises with lines such as MSC. Yes, they certainly aren't as good as P&O but they may well be cheaper - they certainly have a lot of capacity to fill. Many travel agents, especially the on-line TAs, may well be able to put together a 10 to 14 night package that would include flights to & from the Med for the family, a 7 night cruise, and the remaining nights at a resort. That could be the best of both worlds.

[KarenR_UK]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs034.snc3/12134_197825918974_701493974_3923292_6866737_n.jpg

 

I was very surprised by the size of this balcony cabin - I've travelled twice on Oceana - both inside - & both seemed larger than that! I guess you lose some space to the balcony (I remember passing empty insides on Queen Victoria & they seemed MUCH larger than our balcony cabin) - though looking at the pics again, it could just be that the rooms are a different shape, the insides being squarer -:D

 

One was a D Deck, three birth with the extra bed coming from the wall, the other an A Deck, 3 or 4 birth with the bed(s) coming from the ceiling.

 

Oceana is a lovely ship :)