HAL Loyalist Testing the Waters on Oceania

[shoshona2]

To middle-aged mom,

 

I've been on over 40 cruises in my lifetime and on all Oceania ships except for the new Marina. The one thing that no one has mentioned is Oceania's smoking policy of ONLY two areas of the ship where someone can smoke. I'm highly allergic to smoke and just love going on Oceania because of this. My relatives take HAL and I can never join them since smoking is allowed in cabins and verandas as well as one side of the ship and casino. Because of Celebrity's new smoking policy, people are now flocking to HAL.

 

Sheila

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Thanks very much for the great photos, Lyn and Caribbean Sun:) Those PH cabins look very roomy and attractive (even if they're not brochure-glossy;)). Shoshona, Oceania's smoking policy is a big plus, in my opinion. Many thanks to all who have responded with information, tips, and observations. My sister and I are so looking forward to our first Oceania cruise.

[orchestrapal]

To middle-aged mom,

 

I've been on over 40 cruises in my lifetime and on all Oceania ships except for the new Marina. The one thing that no one has mentioned is Oceania's smoking policy of ONLY two areas of the ship where someone can smoke. I'm highly allergic to smoke and just love going on Oceania because of this. My relatives take HAL and I can never join them since smoking is allowed in cabins and verandas as well as one side of the ship and casino. Because of Celebrity's new smoking policy, people are now flocking to HAL.

 

Sheila

 

So true..we are loyal to Oceania because of the service, food, wonderful OS but most of all NO Smoke (since we never walk through the two smoking areas) and no children. Perfect atmosphere for us and hopefully for you also, Middle Aged Mom!:)

[glutenhab]

Aren't the standard inside & outside cabins much smaller on Oceania than on HAL ships?

[Druke I]

Yes, smaller on the R class ships than HAL.

 

Marina and Riviera have cabins that are quite a bit bigger than the R class cabins, and probably bigger than HAL's standard. (Both Marina and Riviera are currently being built by Fincantieri, Italy.)

[LHT28]

Aren't the standard inside & outside cabins much smaller on Oceania than on HAL ships?

The ships are smaller also so you have to keep that in mind as well

[bw333]

My husband and I love Oceania! We just finished a Westerdam family trip.

My husband did not like all the smokers, and unhealthy older population that seemed to be everywhere on HAL. The main dining room on HAL cannot compare to Oceania's MDR. HAL does have bigger staterooms, nice thermal spa, but everything else is better on Oceania. :) Have a great cruise. We are looking foward to our cruise next summer on the Nautica!

[Wannaknow]

We are newcomers to Oceania from HAL too and we are going to Alaska on June 29th. This happened quite suddenly and I am somewhat (confession: not somewhat - totally) overwhelmed. I don't even have an Oceania brochure yet!

 

I read this thread with much interest. Thank you Middleaged Mom.

Is there any downside to the fact that Oceania is new in Alaska? Are most ports in Alaska shoreside or tendering?

Please bear with me, I have a million questions. I will go to the Alaska Board first. I just learned about this yesterday & haven't been able to do any research.

[LHT28]

We are newcomers to Oceania from HAL too and we are going to Alaska on June 29th. This happened quite suddenly and I am somewhat (confession: not somewhat - totally) overwhelmed. I don't even have an Oceania brochure yet!

 

Welcome to Oceania forum I am sure you will enjoy the cruise

 

You can view the brochures online (it is not the same as having one)

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/brochure.aspx

[prairie_cheeks]

I would be grateful for any info, insight, suggestions, photos, and/or opinions on the Oceania experience and Regatta in particular ......

In return for your kind assistance, my sister plans to keep a blog of our Regatta cruise next June, complete with photos, and post a link here for any who might be interested. We are dedicated cruise lovers with a positive attitude, and we anticipate a marvelous ride on Regatta to Alaska and return. Thanks very much in advance!

 

Hi Middle-Aged Mom,

 

I'll be very interested in your sister's blog as we're going to be on the Regatta in Alaska this summer also.

 

I started a blog for our trip and have posted some info/links including a link to an animation of the Regatta going through the Inside Passage. The animation starts in Vancouver & ends in San Francisco unlike your cruise. http://stimsoncruises.blogspot.com/ (March 14th posting)

 

Hope you enjoy your voyage.

 

Margaret

[JimandStan]

HAL seems to be feeling the heat from Oceania, their new Nieuw Amsterdam has begun using Rosenthal Versace China in the specialty restaurant and they've established a "Cabana Club" on the deck above the Crows Nest.

 

((sigh)) I suppose that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

[orchestrapal]

HAL seems to be feeling the heat from Oceania, their new Nieuw Amsterdam has begun using Rosenthal Versace China in the specialty restaurant and they've established a "Cabana Club" on the deck above the Crows Nest.

 

((sigh)) I suppose that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

 

Now if they could eliminate all the smoking and many children on their ships they may be of interest to Oceania cruisers.:rolleyes:

[cruisecountess]

Prairie Cheeks, I greatly enjoyed reading your blog, especially learning those dysfunctional abbreviations! We are on the same Alaska cruise as you are (Aug. 14-26). A group of us who "met" on CC are meeting in person for dinner the evening before we board. Will you be joining us? We don't know where yet, but I see you have references to several restaurants. Would you consider posting that on the roll call? Lastly, summer doesn't arrive in San Francisco until Oct. When DH and I were there in July, we needed to wear winder jackets; on our return in Oct., no jackets at all.

I look forward to meeting you and your DH and DM. (I know you know what those mean:D)

Harriet