Oceania vs Seabourn

[swifs]

We are considering two 12 day cruises in the Med. next year (Apr vs. Sept). We have travelled many times on Disney, Celebrity, NCL and yes, even Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, but have not experienced either Oceania (Nautica) or Seabourn (Spirit). Assume that we would have a oceanview window room on both and that the prices would be comparable, could someone who has been on both give us some pros and cons that might help us make a decision?

[wripro]

To begin with both Oceania and Seabourn will offer you an experience miles beyond what you have had on the mainstream lines. But comparing these two lines (Oceania vs. Seabourn---sounds like a law suit) is really apples vs. oranges since Seabourn is a luxury line and Oceania is a deluxe or upper premium line (not sure which moniker they prefer.)

 

Personally, I love both lines. I have sailed on Seabourn for multiple hundreds of days (as well as on Silversea) and twice so far on Oceania with my third booked on the new Marina in March. On both lines you will receive great service, great food and be able to choose from interesting itineraries. Seabourn is all inclusive, which means you do not pay extra for alcohol, wine, tips etc. There is no signing for anything which makes you feel truly like a guest. The ships are much smaller, ranging from 208 to 250 passengers (with a larger space ratio) as opposed to 684 (or 1260 on Marina.) This affords you a more intimate experience and a closer relationship with staff and fellow passengers.

 

Regarding cabins on Seabourn they are all suites and measure from 277 sq. ft. on the smaller ships to 365 sq. ft. with balcony on the newer, larger ships. These are the standard suties, not the top of the line ones. On Oceania, you have the option of choosing smaller cabins from inside and ocean view (about 165 sq. ft.) to verandah cabins (216 sq. ft. including balcony) to penthouse suites (322 including balcony. The sizes are all larger on the Marina.) This gives you the possibility of saving money in smaller accommodations on Oceania. If you choose a penthouse though you will be paying very close to Seabourn fares without the all inclusiveness. One wonderful thin about Oceania is the alternative restaurants which do not charge extra.

 

Oceania is a wonderful product and you are sure to have a great time. Imo, and this is just me, Seabourn is a unique product. The staff will call you by name after the first day, (especially on the smaller ships) you can order special meals in the dining room a day in advance ,(anything you want, as long as they have the ingredients on board) and it's great never to have to worry about who's paying for the next rounds of drinks or wine at dinner since it's all included.

 

Whichever you choose you won't be disappointed. Bon voyage!

[swifs]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I am thinking that I should probably try Seabourn while I have the opportunity to get a cabin at a really good price. Although we will miss a few Greek Islands that I had my heart set on, we could pick them up on another cruise (even with, gulp, Celebrity). In the case of a small ship like Spirit, do you think it really matters whether you get a cabin amidship? I am not sure whether the premium from A to A-1 is really worth it.

[juli2020]

We are considering two 12 day cruises in the Med. next year (Apr vs. Sept). We have travelled many times on Disney, Celebrity, NCL and yes, even Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, but have not experienced either Oceania (Nautica) or Seabourn (Spirit). Assume that we would have a oceanview window room on both and that the prices would be comparable, could someone who has been on both give us some pros and cons that might help us make a decision?

 

I have been on both lines. (Seabourn Legend and the Regatta)

You are comparing apples and oranges....two totally different products.

The level of service that you will get on Seabourn is above the level of service on Oceania. The cabins are all suites on Seabourn. The least expensive outside cabins on Oceania are not suites and do not have the same level of service that you will get on the Spirit even in the least expensive suite.

The Spirit is a much smaller ship than the Nautica.

Oceania is a good product.....but a totally different experience in my opinion.

[Jancruz]

I have been on both lines. (Seabourn Legend and the Regatta)

You are comparing apples and oranges....two totally different products.

The level of service that you will get on Seabourn is above the level of service on Oceania. The cabins are all suites on Seabourn. The least expensive outside cabins on Oceania are not suites and do not have the same level of service that you will get on the Spirit even in the least expensive suite.

The Spirit is a much smaller ship than the Nautica.

Oceania is a good product.....but a totally different experience in my opinion.

 

I agree with you..they are both great for what they are just very different..I am looking forward to sailing on the Marina and the new Seabourn ship!

Jancruz1

[Tutuma]

We have sailed on Seabourn three times, Oceania twice with a third coming up. Totally agree with the responses.

 

One other aspect not discussed is the fellow passengers. Don't get me wrong...we met some wonderful people on Seabourn. Some have become life long friends. However, on each of the Seabourn voyages we had more than our fair share of "prima donnas" (money does not necessarily represent "class") and, because of the small number of passengers, it can really make a negative difference.

 

Find Oceania's fellow passengers well traveled and sophisticated but much more down to earth - more to our comfort level.

 

Also found that many of O's itineraries are more intriguing for us.

 

Again, you can't go wrong with either cruise line.

[nowornever]

Everything nicely covered here but let me add another 2 cents. Having returned less than a week ago from the Regatta & 3 months ago from a month in the Med. on Seabourn Spirit, a few things really stand out: Seabourn will not dump you in a city with no transportation to the center, unless you're berthed there anyway; there is NO comparison in the bathroom size (I'm talking about a concierge verandah on O & standard Seabourn cabin); the food is excellent on both but IMHO, the food has slipped a bit on O. I realize that the topic has been covered ad nauseum, however, I can attest that the dress level on some O passengers borders, or crosses the line, as inappropriate in the GDR . One great positive on O, if it matters to you, is the lack of smoking on O.....you will not be bothered by it, whereas smoking is acceptable in cabins & some deck spaces on Seabourn (another subject covered ad nauseum on these boards.) Excursions are fairly comparably (over) priced & neither line is over the top with activities. Just my opinion.......

[Leonid]

Having sailed on both O and Seabourn, I can add one item not covered. If one does a back to back to back on Seabourn (not unheard of), one will never visit the same port twice. We did a back to back on the Pride (Venice - Piraeus -Venice)...yes, 2 and not 3... and never stopped at the same port. Being a small set of ships. Seabourn can do it. I doubt that O would or could duplicate Seabourn.

[alexandra cruiser]

was told when I asked that policy has been changed,,,no longer allow it in cabins or balconies..just a few areas on ship,,,and on deck...or I wouldnt have booked...can t tolerate smoke at all,,,,

Hope this is true,,,and not just to reassure re my booking..will see in Nove..maybe someone can tell us...:confused:

[nowornever]

how I hope the person gave you the correct information. That was the only thing that wasn't wonderful about Seabourn. They would, if requested, totally take apart your suite after a smoker had "lived" there & clean it from stem to stern, including giving you an ozone machine. However, you could still sniff it in the passageways. That was a big plus for Oceania so maybe, (if you're a non smoker) it's no longer a minus on Seabourn! Thanks for sharing the good news.

[hondorner]

If the smoking policy on Seabourn has changed, it's not reflected on their website. From seabourn.com Frequently Asked Questions:

 

For the comfort and convenience of all guests, we ask guests to refrain from smoking:

• In all dining venues (inside and outside)
  
• In the Show Lounge/The Grand Salon, The Club and the Casino
  
• On the port side (left side facing forward) of the Observation Lounge
  
• In the ship's elevators, corridors and lobbies including Reception/Seabourn Square
  
• In The Spa at Seabourn, the surrounding deck and Spa Terrace
  
• On Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, in addition to the above: Deck 11 including The Retreat, Sun Terrace and all of Deck 8 including the Patio Bar, Patio Grill and pool area
  
• Pipe and cigar smoking is permitted only outside on deck.
  

 

In the request to refrain from smoking, it never mentions cabins or balconies, which would seem to imply that smoking is still permitted in these areas. Of course, there are no balconies on the smaller Seabourn ships, so this might be a moot point. But, nothing can wreck my enjoyment of a cruise faster than not being able to enjoy my balcony due to upwind smokers.

 

Seabourn attracts a significant number of European guest who tend to smoke more than Americans in general.

[glutenhab]

We have sailed on Seabourn three times, Oceania twice with a third coming up. Totally agree with the responses.

 

One other aspect not discussed is the fellow passengers. Don't get me wrong...we met some wonderful people on Seabourn. Some have become life long friends. However, on each of the Seabourn voyages we had more than our fair share of "prima donnas" (money does not necessarily represent "class") and, because of the small number of passengers, it can really make a negative difference.

 

Find Oceania's fellow passengers well traveled and sophisticated but much more down to earth - more to our comfort level.

 

Also found that many of O's itineraries are more intriguing for us.

 

Again, you can't go wrong with either cruise line.

 

We are in the process of putting together a long cruise, probably in segments, & would like to try Seabourne for at least part of it if the price is right. However this is a fear we have. We are both around 50 & have cruised 3 times before, always on the mass-market type lines (RCCL etc.). We are ready & willing to pay that extra to "Move Up" but what you mentioned here is making me think twice about Seabourne. I have no doubt that it will be a very luxurious experience. However I do not want to spend any of my time listening to or trying to make conversation with anyone who thinks they are sometimg they aren't, or "prima donna's" as you called them. I am sure this will not go for all guests, but the fact that you said your experienced people like this on each of you Seabourne cruises makes me nervous. My goal is to relax, be pampered a little & see the world, not to "keep up appearances & listen to drivel". We have travelled extensively & like meeting new people. We are not poor but we are definitely not rich. Am I wrong in thinking that we may be uncomfortable on a Seabourne boat?

 

We plan to travel for about 2 months, almost all via cruising, to celebrate our 25th anniversary & my wife's 50th birthday in the fall of next year. We will probably use HAL for the bulk (maybe Celebrity for part) but would like to get maybe 3 weeks or so split between Azamara & Oceania & a week or 2 with Seabourne, depending on price & what we decide after comments here.

 

By the way, any & all suggestions on what we should include/avoid over this 2 month period would be very much appreciated. We are open to anything & have no bookings yet. We are leaning towards Asia & Australia/South Pacific but may do parts of Europe. I am trying to piece together something from the Baltic to Fiji if I can fit it all in. We will probably start in September, 2011 so weather suggestions in different areas are also welcome.

 

I am new to this board & it is a wealth of info so i have to thank you already.

[marchanxiety]

I'll try to answer two different questions about Seabourn. First, the only difference between A and A-1 on the small ships is the location. This is only important if you are a queasy sailor. I had an A on the Legend practically in the bow, and I was not happy. If the pitching does not bother you, save some money and book an A. Otherwise, aim for the middle of the ship no matter which deck you are on. (On the little sisters location is the only difference in most of the cabins.)

Don't worry about snobs on Seabourn. Most people are lovely, and don't you find pretentious types everywhere?

[caribbeansun]

Sounds like you've planned an amazing trip!

 

You can get snobbish people on any line so for the sake of a week or two out of two months I wouldn't let this impact your decision making. You'll figure out fairly quickly who "those" people are and avoid them.

 

You seem to know what you're objectives are so you'll be quite all right and of course the only way to really know is to try them out. Keep in mind that the % of posters on Cruise Critic are quite small relative to the overall complement of passengers on the ship so what you get here is not necessarily representative of your on board experience.

 

I will say that the promo's Seabourn has been running have certainly caught our attention and at those prices it might be an ideal time to give them a try.

 

However I do not want to spend any of my time listening to or trying to make conversation with anyone who thinks they are sometimg they aren't, or "prima donna's" as you called them.

 

My goal is to relax, be pampered a little & see the world, not to "keep up appearances & listen to drivel". We have travelled extensively & like meeting new people. We are not poor but we are definitely not rich. Am I wrong in thinking that we may be uncomfortable on a Seabourne boat?

[wripro]

Glutlenhab,

 

Even though this is an O board please let me reassure you that some of the nicest people I have ever met have been on Seabourn. Of course, you will find the occasional boor but you will also find that on the mass market lines. These are sophisticated, friendly people who are well traveled and have lots of interesting backgrounds to share. The same goes for Oceania.

[K-Roo-Zers]

Hi glutenhab,

 

Wow, what a fantastic time you are going to have! What a great way for your DW to join the "50's club" and celebrate 25 years of marriage.

 

We have done O twice, and will shortly be taking our third. We met some wonderful people on O, from all walks of life, all ages, all shapes, all nationalities! In fact, O was our introduction to cruising, so we were spoilt. We never felt uncomfortable on O, and we don't keep up with the "Jones's" - we are all individuals and you should never judge a book by its cover. I was 50 when we cruised, DH was 61 and we took my Mum who turned 80. We had the best time!

 

Recently on a Princess cruise, we recognised some Americans from our O cruise. We hadn't spent any time with them on O, not for any reason, it just never worked out. I went up and said hi and told them I recognised them from our O cruise and we became inseparable!! So much so, that in a few months, we are travelling from Australia to spend time with them. We have made friends for life, and in fact, they have become family!!

 

As the previous posters have said, you can meet "snobs" anywhere, any city and on any cruise line, but more often than not, you will make lifelong friends.

 

Australia & Asia are fantastic destinations - did I mention that I am biased - an Aussie of course!! Asia is fascinating and you get so much for your money.

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

If you want any info on Australia, please feel free to contact me.

 

Nicki

nicster@internode.on.net

[alexandra cruiser]

Yes, found out I "misunderstood" acc.to agent ,,the smoking policy,,DO allow in cabin and balcony,,,so will try to find another cruise to Norway,,,will have to pay change fee for airline,,,but early enough to get refund back from SB,,,would take O,,,but time frame for us bad,,,

But,,really upset about this....posted on SB site,,,to let others know about this...what a terrible policy,,,so unsafe and unhealthy,,,the Europeans can have that line,,,will stick to Oceania or Regent,,,,also looking at Azamara,,will have to REALLY check 2 sources re policy....

Am I the only one that would switch because of this????:confused:

[LHT28]

Am I the only one that would switch because of this????:confused:

We would not go on a cruise line with such open smoking policies that is why we stick with Oceania.

We can avoid the 2 smoking areas so not a big problem

 

You never know who your neighbours are on other lines ..they may like to smoke on their balcony

 

Hope you find something to fit your schedule

 

Lyn

[vaitape]

Am I the only one that would switch because of this????:confused:

 

Nope, you are not the only one.

[orchestrapal]

Yes, found out I "misunderstood" acc.to agent ,,the smoking policy,,DO allow in cabin and balcony,,,so will try to find another cruise to Norway,,,will have to pay change fee for airline,,,but early enough to get refund back from SB,,,would take O,,,but time frame for us bad,,,

But,,really upset about this....posted on SB site,,,to let others know about this...what a terrible policy,,,so unsafe and unhealthy,,,the Europeans can have that line,,,will stick to Oceania or Regent,,,,also looking at Azamara,,will have to REALLY check 2 sources re policy....

Am I the only one that would switch because of this????:confused:

 

We use our suite and rear-facing balcony more than most and would NEVER go on a ship that would allow what you describe happens on SB. The same problem exists on so many lines. Thumbs up for Oceania our favorite cruise line.:)

[wripro]

What Alexandra cruiser describes is totally unrepresentative of the reality on Seabourn. Yes, there are more spots where smoking is allowed but it is truly not an issue. I have never been bothered by smoke in multiple hundreds of days on SB except in one or two instances. Perhaps she is ultra sensitive and I understand the desire to be in a completely smoke free environment but even on O when I walk past that outdoor area on deck where smoking is allowed I can smell it.

[orchestrapal]

What Alexandra cruiser describes is totally unrepresentative of the reality on Seabourn. Yes, there are more spots where smoking is allowed but it is truly not an issue. I have never been bothered by smoke in multiple hundreds of days on SB except in one or two instances. Perhaps she is ultra sensitive and I understand the desire to be in a completely smoke free environment but even on O when I walk past that outdoor area on deck where smoking is allowed I can smell it.

 

For those of us for whom smoking is an issue it is very easy to totally avoid the two smoking areas on O. We never walk by them so never have to deal with whatever you smell when you walk by.

[juli2020]

What Alexandra cruiser describes is totally unrepresentative of the reality on Seabourn. Yes, there are more spots where smoking is allowed but it is truly not an issue. I have never been bothered by smoke in multiple hundreds of days on SB except in one or two instances. Perhaps she is ultra sensitive and I understand the desire to be in a completely smoke free environment but even on O when I walk past that outdoor area on deck where smoking is allowed I can smell it.[/QUOTE]

 

I agree with you. It was never an issue on Seabourn or Silversea.

I did not like walking by the smoking area by the pool on the Regatta. The smoke was really concentrated in that area.

[glutenhab]

Thanks to all for the info. We will now NOT disclude Seabourn as a possibility for a leg or two of our journey if it fits our itinerary.

 

If we could find a long itinerary to our liking we would stay on the same boat for the full 2 months, but as I said earlier, we would like to do maybe;

- 20-25% split between Oceania & Azamara

- 10-20% Seabourn

- the rest on either HAL, Celebrity, Princess or a combination of these

 

Of course this all depends on itineries, ports, price etc. but of the last 3, does anyone think one is a better choice for us?

I am sure they all have their plusses & minuses but what we are looking for in priority order are;

- Ports (as many and as varied as possible)

- Good space & crew to passenger ratio (non-crowded with good service)

- Non assigned seating (I think all 3 have this)

 

I know all 3 have different size ships (we would probably go with the smaller ones) & that HAL seems to have an older passenger makeup (this doesn't bother us, even though we will both be around 50).

Maybe someone can even suggest a line we have overlooked?

I just realized this is an Oceania vs Seabourn thread so sorry if I am a little off topic but 2 of those lines will probably make up part of our trip so maybe I will be forgiven?

[yorkiemomjn]

Everything nicely covered here but let me add another 2 cents. Having returned less than a week ago from the Regatta & 3 months ago from a month in the Med. on Seabourn Spirit, a few things really stand out: Seabourn will not dump you in a city with no transportation to the center, unless you're berthed there anyway; there is NO comparison in the bathroom size (I'm talking about a concierge verandah on O & standard Seabourn cabin); the food is excellent on both but IMHO, the food has slipped a bit on O. I realize that the topic has been covered ad nauseum, however, I can attest that the dress level on some O passengers borders, or crosses the line, as inappropriate in the GDR . One great positive on O, if it matters to you, is the lack of smoking on O.....you will not be bothered by it, whereas smoking is acceptable in cabins & some deck spaces on Seabourn (another subject covered ad nauseum on these boards.) Excursions are fairly comparably (over) priced & neither line is over the top with activities. Just my opinion.......

Not everyone likes/dislikes the same things and that is a good thing. Having said that, for me, the smoking policy on Seabourn would be a deal-breaker. I would not be able to stay in a cabin that had been smoked in.