Oceania Cruise Line - Regatta

[Celry]

We have just come home from a 12 day sailing on the Regatta touring the Caribbean Pearls. It was our first cruise and we are not sure if we will cruise again but this decision has nothing to do with the ship the Regatta and Oceania Cruise Line.

 

The ship itself is beautiful from bow to stern. The decor, the cleanliness, and ease of moving about was perfect. Every single staff member, from someone passing a vacuum to the Captain were obviously happy and genuinely so to serve you or be of assistance. No question went unanswered. If they didn't know, they would go away and come back with an answer.

 

The food was an absolute delight. Whether it was in the Grand Dining Room or Tappas on the Terrace, it was always fresh, hot, or cold, perfectly dished up, with all the accompaniments expected. A nice surprise was all the delicions no sugar added items. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every drink and morsel or food. The waiters were there to place the napkin over your lap or help you with your plate to your table. Always pleasant, always smiling.

 

I loved the 4 o'clock tea with the string quartet and went every chance I got which was only 2 or 3 times as we were often ashore. It was very relaxing.

 

The room was plenty spacious and super clean. The maid passing twice daily, to clean in the morning and to do the turn down with the chocolates at night.

 

Room service always quick. One evening I couldn't finish my dessert and the waiter in the restaurant sent it to my room 30 minutes after I left the restaurant just as they said they would.

 

The pool deck was well maintained however despite a sign asking people not to reserve the deck chairs or their items will be moved if they are not on deck, people were doing it. Only two times in the 12 days did we manage to get deck chairs and it was because we got them really early and hung onto them. The generous amount of towels were nice to have.

 

Four things I didn't enjoy.

 

More than once I could not get into the Spas beside the pool. The water was just too hot! I wore a gold chain around my ankle and it would actually heat up and burn my skin. Some days it was okay but it wasn't consistent.

 

I don't like the salt water pool. Let's leave that in the ocean thank you very much. It makes your skin and hair sticky and it burns the eyes. Where's the joy in that? I swim twice a week at home and missed really swimming around under the water.

 

The other thing I didn't like was the Canyon Ranch Spa. I found it unorganized and abandoned. There were towels and robes piled on the floor. There was no on around except for the girl at the desk who really didn't make you feel welcome. The lotions were empty or almost empty. The Spa outside, well all the plastic side covers were off and just piled up around the edge of the pool. It looked unkempt. Anyways, for $144 x two (my husband and me) for an hour massage, I expected something better.

 

The last thing I didn't enjoy was the number of old people on this cruise. Just to be clear, I don't have anything against old people. But it seemed the cruise catered to them. The music always the elevator type, never any island music or fun music around the pool. No occasional fun animation for the younger crowd at all. I am 57 and my boyfriend 59. It's not like we're 25, but the kinds of things offered would put anyone to sleep. From the 12 piece orchestra for the dancing (Lawrence Welk style) to bridge lessons. I"m thinking it's because of the size of the ship but we are 650+ passengers. I saw many younger than us!

 

So all in all, I rate Oceania Cruise Line and the Regatta 5 stars.

 

Heather & Dan

Montreal, Canada

[katz]

Thanks Celry. I enjoyed reading your post. We, too, were first time Oceania cruiser last October. We are about your age and are glad to hear that we are not "old people".

 

Our cruise started in Venice and ended in Athens. It was very port entensive and we liked the "quietness" of the ship. True, there wasn't a lot to do at night and the music was more reserved, but after a busy day in port we enjoyed the low key evenings.

 

We have been on several different cruise lines and each one has pros and cons. Thank you for your comments about the pool and spa. I don't visit ship spas because I always feel like I have overpaid for the services they offer. In October, the weather was too cold for us to enjoy time at the pool, so I was happy to read your comments. I don't think I would like a salt-water pool either.

 

I am glad that you enjoyed your cruise.

[LAexNY]

 

 

The other thing I didn't like was the Canyon Ranch Spa. Anyways, for $144 x two (my husband and me) for an hour massage, I expected something better.

 

The last thing I didn't enjoy was the number of old people on this cruise. I am 57 and my boyfriend 59.

 

Hi Celry,

 

Just curious: You brought your husband and your boyfriend? ;)

[Celry]

I guess it does get confusing. I live in Quebec. Women keep their family name. It's the best law ever.

 

However, Dan and I are both divorced and have been together now for 12 years and living in sin for the past 6 years under common law. There is no common law in Quebec though. Sometimes I say boyfriend, sometimes I say husband. We aren't technically married. To me it's crazy and no I don't want to decide which one to use. It all depends on the situation. I wouldn't say husband to a lawyer, but I would in casual conversation to strangers. It feels weird to say boyfriend at my age. This is a whole new topic for another forum lol

[pondnana]

Hi Heather;

Glad Jim and I aren't the only ones who pose this confusion. I am sure the majority of the people don't know how to approach the subject. Sometimes he is Mr. Gardner and sometimes I am Mrs. Burgess. We answer to both.

I liked your appreciation of the cruise. Although that one was our 13th on O, we won't do another holiday cruise. Our fellow cruisers were completely different from what we are used to. Given the time of year and the itinerary I wasn't really surprised. Never before have I seen the deck chair problem. However, as a previous poster stated when you have a more intensive itinerary there is a different crowd. Maybe a trip in Europe would give you another perspective.

Diana

[cliffe27]

Heather, you and your boyfriend should have some up to Horizons at approximately 10:30 p.m. There was only one older couple, and there was younger music and good dancing. It was a great deal of fun, and we missed you. There were teens dancing, along with many 20 and 30 year olds. It was a great deal of fun, after the piano bar and losing money at the casino. I should have mentioned this to you when we were conversing in the salt water pool.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Hi Heather,

Thanks for your balanced review. We are taking the same cruise in March. How were the ports? Did you enjoy any excursions more than others?

 

Cliffe27,

I guess we're almost old (62,63), but thanks for your tip on the Horizons after 10:30. Maybe we can stay up that late once in awhile. Did you have a favorite excursion?

Cynthia

[caribbeansun]

Can you explain what you mean by this?

 

Although that one was our 13th on O, we won't do another holiday cruise. Our fellow cruisers were completely different from what we are used to.

[Celry]

Hi Heather,

Thanks for your balanced review. We are taking the same cruise in March. How were the ports? Did you enjoy any excursions more than others?

 

Cliffe27,

I guess we're almost old (62,63), but thanks for your tip on the Horizons after 10:30. Maybe we can stay up that late once in awhile. Did you have a favorite excursion?

Cynthia

Hi Cynthia

You are going to have a wonderful time. The food is glorious and the ship superb! Dan and I enjoyed all the islands but the best excursion we took was the one we did ourselves with Bumping Tours. http://www.bumpiingtours.com/ I would definitely do this one in Dominica. You need to get max 10 people together. Don't miss out on this! We loved our half day on the beach at Turks & Caicos. They also had a great swimming pool and it was a nice way to start the cruising. St. Maarten was a blast but we went there instead of St Barts because of swells so I guess it won't be on your itinerary. St. Lucia is beautiful. We disembarked, went through the front gates and then saw a tour stand on the left that took us to many places. Avoid Dickenson Beach in Antigua at all costs. Samana was our favorite beach place. We went in and all the way to the left. What a precious beautiful spot! I saw a professional photographer with a couple taking pics on a fallen log there and when they left we did our own! Came out really nice. Every island is different. Enjoy each and every moment.

[kelmac]

Hi Heather,

 

Great review and I agree the french influenced cuisine was wonderful. I gained more like 6 pounds, but having a milk shake every day probably didn't help!:eek::)

Lauren and I mix up our vacations as well. We usually do equal amounts of land vacation versus cruises. In 2009 we did four cruises and three major land vacations, but next year we are only doing one cruise and a week in Cabo (spring break); two weeks in Hawaii (early summer); a week in Puerto Vallarta; and a week in Breckenridge Colorado (late summer). All winter long we take quick trips down to Tucson (Lauren's parents live there) to escape the weather. (ABQ is 5 -- 10 Celsius and TUC is more like 15 -- 24 during the winter)

We like to mix it up!

 

Welcome home,

Kel:)

[kelmac]

One minor thing I did find annoying -- the TV channels. There was no US or North American news. We had CNN International and Fox. I don't consider Fox news a real news channel, as it's more of a right-wing entertainment channel. CNN International is fine, but they ran the same news over and over with very little North American news.

 

It would be nice if they added any mainstream news channel. Weather channel would be nice as well.

 

I realize the Fox folks are real vocal and raise hell when they can't drink the cool-aid, but there seems to be a lack of balance. If you are going to go that far right with the news channels, perhaps you need msnbc for the left's perspecitve -- or better yet, neither!:rolleyes::)

 

I had to really dig deep to find something wrong with this cruise!:)

 

Kel

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Hi Cynthia

You are going to have a wonderful time. The food is glorious and the ship superb! Dan and I enjoyed all the islands but the best excursion we took was the one we did ourselves with Bumping Tours. http://www.bumpiingtours.com/ I would definitely do this one in Dominica. You need to get max 10 people together. Don't miss out on this! We loved our half day on the beach at Turks & Caicos. They also had a great swimming pool and it was a nice way to start the cruising. St. Maarten was a blast but we went there instead of St Barts because of swells so I guess it won't be on your itinerary. St. Lucia is beautiful. We disembarked, went through the front gates and then saw a tour stand on the left that took us to many places. Avoid Dickenson Beach in Antigua at all costs. Samana was our favorite beach place. We went in and all the way to the left. What a precious beautiful spot! I saw a professional photographer with a couple taking pics on a fallen log there and when they left we did our own! Came out really nice. Every island is different. Enjoy each and every moment.

 

Thanks for information and the advice. I'm sure we will enjoy the cruise, but waiting for March to come will be difficult. My mother would say I'm wishing my life away.

 

Cynthia

[merryecho]

Kelmac- I am with you regarding "faux" news. It makes my blood boil.

[HBINDC]

It seems like Heather has two feathers.

[brian_uk]

I have been trying to find SIN on a Canadian map without success. Please let me know where it is as it sounds fun.

 

Brian

[roothy123]

I read this mini review just because I got back yesterday from the Islands in the Sun cruise, which did similar or same ports, minus St. Lucia and one other, and I was curious to see your comments. This was our 4th O cruise, and you're right - the line attracts older people. (I'm 59). I think that's even more true on Christmas time cruises, but that's just based on an off-record comment from a well-placed crew member we know! I did notice that the folks on this cruise were a little different - a little older than usual, and a little less cosmopolitan/well-heeled - but still with a lot of repeat O cruisers. Of course, the Caribbean tends to attract a younger, more partying crowd than Europe & other locations, so that may have changed the mix a bit...plus the reasonable price! By the way, we had a lot of Canadians on the cruise as well!

 

Sounds like you won't cruise O again, or maybe not even cruise any line again, but just in case you do: We didn't have great weather (whole northern hemisphere was cold, I think!), so pool chairs were plentiful except for our last at sea day. However, I can tell you that even on days when you're at sea and the weather is wonderful, there are ALWAYS chairs available up top on the sun deck, or on deck 5 outside. I suppose one of the O staff members who replace towels will move a couple chairs downstairs for you if there's room somewhere. Personally, the sun deck is my favorite spot - quiet and more private, with the pool not that far away.

 

In case someone is curious about my favorite ports (or you, Cynthia!), I'll answer here in advance, and if someone else has questions, just ask away. I was probably the only person on the ship who loved Samana, since that horseback trip to the waterfall was awesome (but a bit scary). Antigua has tons to see and do; St. Barts is expensive and chi-chi, but VERY nice, and a very pretty island as well. The Baths in Virgin Gorda were great, but if you only go to the beach there, you'll have missed the fun - even if you're 80 years old, you should wind through the caves. It's crowded and occasionally you'll have to wade in a little water or crouch down to get to Devils Bay, but that's part of the fun. Tortola is beautiful, and I would guess that a tour there would be worthwhile. (We rented a jeep, got lost a lot, had a flat tire, etc.) Samana is a whale delight in Feb./March, but not much else there, unless you're adventuresome and want to do the horseback ride to the falls. However, I've read on this board that the Los Haitses cave and mangrove trip is worthwhile. We were not able to dock in Grand Turk - too choppy, although it may have been partly related to the earthquake in Haiti, as we were nearby at that time. Lots of folks on our cruise just wanted a good beach, but we only drove by a couple and didn't stop, as we're more interested in sightseeing, so I can't comment on the beaches or beach excursions.

 

We only did 2 ship's excursions - I did the horseback in Samana, and my husband did the catamaran/snorkeling in Samana. The cat trip wasn't all that enjoyable to him, but only because the weather was bad that day. In general, O's excursions are well organized and worthwhile. If you don't do them, however, you'll find things to do in every port - although some ports more than others, obviously!

 

Anyway, thanks for your comments. We love Oceania, but it's always interesting to hear others' impressions!

 

CYNTHIA - If you're mid-ship on 7, hope for Nataliya and Raj as stewardess/asst - they were really, really terrific! (We were in 7066, inside cabin.) I don't know how long they'll be on-board, and if they will still be working mid-ship on 7, but if so, I'd like to send a hello to them, so let me know if you're nearby.

[LunaSeaRetreat]

Sorry, we are on deck 4. I tried to get an inside on a higher deck but they were all sold out. I'll just have to suffer with my window and try to use the stairs to help with the weight gain! Thanks again for your help. Sorry the weather wasn't better for you.

 

CYNTHIA - If you're mid-ship on 7, hope for Nataliya and Raj as stewardess/asst - they were really, really terrific! (We were in 7066, inside cabin.) I don't know how long they'll be on-board, and if they will still be working mid-ship on 7, but if so, I'd like to send a hello to them, so let me know if you're nearby.

[Krewzz]

One minor thing I did find annoying -- the TV channels. There was no US or North American news. We had CNN International and Fox. I don't consider Fox news a real news channel, as it's more of a right-wing entertainment channel. CNN International is fine, but they ran the same news over and over with very little North American news.

 

It would be nice if they added any mainstream news channel. Weather channel would be nice as well.

 

I realize the Fox folks are real vocal and raise hell when they can't drink the cool-aid, but there seems to be a lack of balance. If you are going to go that far right with the news channels, perhaps you need msnbc for the left's perspecitve -- or better yet, neither!:rolleyes::)

 

I had to really dig deep to find something wrong with this cruise!:)

 

Kel

Yes you really did have to dig deep. The cruise was great, and the inclusion of Fox News is whether you like it or not, consistent with the Fox ratings, which are smashing the competition. The specific commentators have their positions, but even there, they generally have guests with varying viewpoints. The news itself is fair and balanced. I also listen to NPR and European news sources, so I feel I have a good perspective. I can't stand watching CNN - Communist News Network, but to each his own.

[lunarella]

Yes you really did have to dig deep. The cruise was great, and the inclusion of Fox News is whether you like it or not, consistent with the Fox ratings, which are smashing the competition. The specific commentators have their positions, but even there, they generally have guests with varying viewpoints. The news itself is fair and balanced. I also listen to NPR and European news sources, so I feel I have a good perspective. I can't stand watching CNN - Communist News Network, but to each his own.

 

Ratings may be fine for "entertainment shows"...and there are enough viewers who enjoy the entertainment that Fox offers. Journalism awards are for news shows and Fox doesn't win those!

[kelmac]

Yes you really did have to dig deep. The cruise was great, and the inclusion of Fox News is whether you like it or not, consistent with the Fox ratings, which are smashing the competition. The specific commentators have their positions, but even there, they generally have guests with varying viewpoints. The news itself is fair and balanced. I also listen to NPR and European news sources, so I feel I have a good perspective. I can't stand watching CNN - Communist News Network, but to each his own.

 

No, the news is not fair and balanced and FOX only wins in the entertainment portion of their shows and only on cable. Here are the numbers:

 

(Nielsen)

 

ABC = 8.033 million

NBC = 7.918 million

CBS = 5.561 million

FOX = 1.151 million

CNN = 472 thousand

MSNBC = 319 thousand

CNBC = 194 thousand

HLN = 286 thousand

 

I think the reason Oceania offers FOX is because a vocal few made a huge issue of it not being offered. Right wing FOX wins the battle over Left wing MSNBC.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[lunarella]

Since there will never be agreement on the battle of the "news" stations, how about we go back to talking about how Regatta is a beautiful ship and Oceania a wonderful cruiseline?! :D That said, I would like to see "Comedy Central" to lighten things up! ;)

[Krewzz]

No, the news is not fair and balanced and FOX only wins in the entertainment portion of their shows and only on cable. Here are the numbers:

 

(Nielsen)

 

ABC = 8.033 million

NBC = 7.918 million

CBS = 5.561 million

FOX = 1.151 million

CNN = 472 thousand

MSNBC = 319 thousand

CNBC = 194 thousand

HLN = 286 thousand

 

I think the reason Oceania offers FOX is because a vocal few made a huge issue of it not being offered. Right wing FOX wins the battle over Left wing MSNBC.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

 

Yes, it is fair and balanced. And ratings do not differentiate segments of shows. Much of the traditional outlets are not fair, and I can compare them with the state run Russian channels, which are also not balanced.

 

To compare apples to apples, among cable channels FOX smashes the competition. Do you watch FOX to justify such a strong opinion? From my observation discussing with people, most with strong opinions never watch it. They just parrot left wing slogans. :)

 

Since there will never be agreement on the battle of the "news" stations, how about we go back to talking about how Regatta is a beautiful ship and Oceania a wonderful cruiseline?! :D That said, I would like to see "Comedy Central" to lighten things up! ;)

 

Agree with comments on Regatta and Oceania. Just felt the diversionary comments needed answering.

[Marebear]

Right on !!! John F

[kelmac]

Yes, it is fair and balanced. And ratings do not differentiate segments of shows. Much of the traditional outlets are not fair, and I can compare them with the state run Russian channels, which are also not balanced.

 

To compare apples to apples, among cable channels FOX smashes the competition. Do you watch FOX to justify such a strong opinion? From my observation discussing with people, most with strong opinions never watch it. They just parrot left wing slogans. :)

 

 

 

Wow! Why does this feel like Germany 1938? The brown shirts think 75% of Americans are communist.

I watch FOX because it is funny in a "pathetic they can't help themselves kind of way." :rolleyes:

Not everyone that has enough money and time to cruise is a right wing libertarian. :)

 

I think it is safer to stay on the topic of cruising!

 

Enjoy!

Kel

[kelmac]

Since there will never be agreement on the battle of the "news" stations, how about we go back to talking about how Regatta is a beautiful ship and Oceania a wonderful cruiseline?! :D That said, I would like to see "Comedy Central" to lighten things up! ;)

 

lunarella,

 

Comedy Central would be wonderful.:)

 

Kel