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Oceania PH1 vs PH2 vs PH3 ?


brucecar

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It looks like all the PH suites have the same layout and same sq feet ... Is the deck level and location the only difference (other than price!) ??

 

On the 2012 Med cruises that Im looking at, the cost diff from PH3 to PH1 is about $1,000 ($500/pp) ... what's so special about PH1 locations ?

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It really is location, location, location.

 

Once upon a time all PH cabins cost the same. Then Oceania decided to make the central ones cost more than the interim ones which cost more than the extreme forward/aft cabins. As has been said, if motion sickness is a problem you may want to pay a bit more for comfort's sake.

 

I haven't found much of a difference except in really rough seas ... and I tend to be sensitive to motion.

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It looks like all the PH suites have the same layout and same sq feet ... Is the deck level and location the only difference (other than price!) ??

 

On the 2012 Med cruises that Im looking at, the cost diff from PH3 to PH1 is about $1,000 ($500/pp) ... what's so special about PH1 locations ?

 

If it helps, check out the deck layouts on the Oceania site. You can see there how the different subcategories within a category are distributed on a given deck. As others have said, it's the location that distinguishes them:

PH1s, A1s, etc are at mid-ship. Subcategories 2 are a bit farther out from mid-ship, and categories 3 are the farthest out, closer to the bow or stern. The difference in location is the pitch motion of the ship...the farther from midship the more the angular deviation from level (physics of levers). My wife is very prone to motion sickness, but sub-category 2 locations have not been a problem. We have not tried sub-category 3 cabins.

 

It is also true the the higher the deck, the more the motion is felt (again, the physics of levers :)). We haven't had an issue with the higher decks to date.

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We always try for a PH3 (except the last one on each side - slightly obstructed view). Most times we succeed and are always very happy. On our upcoming cruise, we booked over a year in advance and all PH3's were already taken! They are very popular because they are cheaper for the same sq ft and amenities. As everyone else has stated, center ones might have a little less movement.

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We always try for a PH3 (except the last one on each side - slightly obstructed view). Most times we succeed and are always very happy. On our upcoming cruise, we booked over a year in advance and all PH3's were already taken! They are very popular because they are cheaper for the same sq ft and amenities. As everyone else has stated, center ones might have a little less movement.

 

We had one of the last PH3s on our most recent cruise, and the obstruction wasn't even noticeable. It was a wedge-shaped piece of metal in the upper left corner of the balcony and didn't bother us at all. There was plenty of room for two reclining deck chairs and foot rests, as well as a cocktail table. Because there was a solid wall separating our deck from the OS next door, it was quiet back there too. It was wonderful--I wouldn't hesitate to book one again. :)

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We had one of the last PH3s on our most recent cruise, and the obstruction wasn't even noticeable. It was a wedge-shaped piece of metal in the upper left corner of the balcony and didn't bother us at all. There was plenty of room for two reclining deck chairs and foot rests, as well as a cocktail table. Because there was a solid wall separating our deck from the OS next door, it was quiet back there too. It was wonderful--I wouldn't hesitate to book one again. :)

 

So glad to hear it, as we have one of the "last PH3s" for a three-week Panama Canal journey.

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So glad to hear it, as we have one of the "last PH3s" for a three-week Panama Canal journey.

 

I'd researched the heck out of it--had even found a picture of the "obstruction" somewhere online. I'll post it if I can unearth it again. Enjoy!

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  • 1 month later...
...As others have said, it's the location that distinguishes them:

PH1s, A1s, etc are at mid-ship. Subcategories 2 are a bit farther out from mid-ship, and categories 3 are the farthest out, closer to the bow or stern. ...

We must have lucked out. For our August '11 cruise we have a PH3 on deck 10 mid-ship near the elevators. The only negative I can see is that the Executive Lounge for the PH's is on deck 11 where the PH1's and 2's are located.

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We must have lucked out. For our August '11 cruise we have a PH3 on deck 10 mid-ship near the elevators. The only negative I can see is that the Executive Lounge for the PH's is on deck 11 where the PH1's and 2's are located.

The Marina & Riviera have a different layout for the cabin Cat than the R-ships

Most of the PH 3 on on deck 10 with the A1 & A2's

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We just booked PH 8000 on next years Panama Canal cruise, Regatta, May 23rd. It was was the only PH3 left. 11 months out and sold out.

Other than being fairly forward on the ship the cabin is convenient to many things. Let's hope for calm seas.

This will be our first cruise where we will have butler service. What can we expect?

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We just booked PH 8000 on next years Panama Canal cruise, Regatta, May 23rd. It was was the only PH3 left. 11 months out and sold out.

Other than being fairly forward on the ship the cabin is convenient to many things. Let's hope for calm seas.

This will be our first cruise where we will have butler service. What can we expect?

 

 

The official word on Butler Service is this:

 

Course-by-course en-suite dining

“Order in” from any one of our four gourmet restaurants

Coordination of shore-side dinner and entertainment reservations

Priority reservation of shore excursions

Packing and unpacking upon request

Last minute luggage collection

Complimentary garment pressing*

Complimentary shoeshine service

Gourmet evening canapés

Special services upon request

*Limitations Apply

 

But for the big picture, think of your Butler as your liason to the ship and its' services.

 

The butlers don't clean the cabins, they supervise a stewardess and a "helper" who do that type of work. The Butler oversees things, and tries to head off "incidents" before they occur. -And to add those extra "touches" that can make an Oceania Cruise seem so special.

 

Would you like the cabin strewn with rose petals on your anniversary? Do you want your spouse to wake up to a birthday cake on that special day? Are you planning a cocktail party for six in your Suite on Friday? The Butler will take care of everything for you. It is positively addictive.

 

Butlers try to avoid saying no to guests and they are given a certain amount of latitude to accomplish things to your satisfaction. Don't be shy about picking their brains about how best to get things done in a manner that will please you.

 

Enjoy your cruise-

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