O vs R considerations?

[Ka Honu]

We've been on both Riviera and Marina and are considering a cruise on Insignia or Regatta next year (after the scheduled refits/upgrades). We don't have any problems with the relative size of the two ship classes - just wondered if there were any "special considerations" (advantages or disadvantages) that those of you who have sailed on both "O" and "R" would recommend we take into account before deciding to "downsize."

 

Mahalo.

[Mura]

As it happens there are long timers who prefer the "R" ships and others who prefer the "O" ships. We find ourselves inbetween.

 

Yes, the cabins are smaller. For me the largest attraction to the "O" ships is the increased dining choices. This may not be so important after the upgrades to the "R" ships. And even now some of those menu items available in the Red Ginger and Jacques are available in the MDR on the "R" ships.

 

It IS nice to get off the ship faster!

 

I'm sure others will weigh in!

 

Mura

[LHT28]

We like both size ships for different reasons

R-class

Cabins are smaller & no tubs in all outside cabins

better utilization of storage

shower is larger to me even if it has a friendly shower curtain ;)

cozy feel & you see people more often than on the O class ships

prefer the lounge seating

 

O class

more space overall

cabins are larger

tubs in all outside cabins ( I can do without them)

GDR is quieter than on the R-ships

 

I am sure others will have more info

[Paulchili]

Agree with Lyn with the exception of cabin sizes.

The cabins on O ships are definitely larger starting at PH level and above.

Below that I don't believe they are significantly larger. Yes, the sq. ft. does show larger on O class veranda cabins but most (if not all) of that sq. ft. increase is in the bathrooms. The cabins are newer and more updated in decor but R ship cabins (below PH) have better storage.

The O ships win hands down in dining (4 spec. Restaurants and larger grill station), lose out to R ships in theater, library and overall "cozier" atmosphere.

These are just my opinions - as always, YMMV. :)

[Caroldoll]

the smaller ships, the R class are really clubby and my husband likes that real wood feel.

 

For me, I like the bigger ships, the O class, but I wouldn't want larger. I have never seen a difference in getting off.

 

I think the extra restaurants are a consideration. However, there are itineraries that the R class ships go to that are really slick.

 

No matter what, I feel that Oceania is a really good line. You can't go wrong.

[LHT28]

Agree with Lyn with the exception of cabin sizes.

The cabins on O ships are definitely larger starting at PH level and above.

Below that I don't believe they are significantly larger. Yes, the sq. ft. does show larger on O class veranda cabins but most (if not all) of that sq. ft. increase is in the bathrooms.

 

Yes I agree Paul the rooms are not that much bigger in the lower level cabins on the O class ships..the bathtub takes up the extra space

 

I forgot about the library ..much nicer on the R ships;)

[YoHoHo]

Being as you are sailing after the refit with the addtion of the 'grill station' in Terrace there is less difference in the restaurants. Every night now the GDR has an item from Jacques or Red Ginger so while there is not the full menu and experience the food is indeed offered.

 

I very much enjoy both classes of ships and hard for me to say which I prefer. That said after our first O-class cruise we have not been back to Trivia which was a highlight for us. The new Show lounge with the fix seating is lousy for this very social activity as is the IMHO poorly designed Martini's being separated into private areas more conducive to a hotel lounge than a cruise ship with its ensuing passenger interaction.

 

So more modern, larger but not too large O-class or smaller, clubby R-ships?? We like them both. If the size of the ship did not make a difference to the itinerary, i.e. central docking in Hamilton or St. Petersberg vs with out with all the other larger vessels, and trivia is not not high point then I'd go with the O class. However an afternoon on the R-ship library on a sea day on blustery days is wonderful. Hmmm...

[Jancruz]

I have not sailed on R ships since Marina came out am very much looking forward to my Azamara Club Quest cruise to get back to the small ships in February..I would love to alternate on the R and O ships..I must say out of all the ships the Regatta holds a special place in my heart as I was on for the Christening in Barcelona..

Jancruz1

[Paulchili]

Being as you are sailing after the refit with the addtion of the 'grill station' in Terrace there is less difference in the restaurants. Every night now the GDR has an item from Jacques or Red Ginger so while there is not the full menu and experience the food is indeed offered.

 

I too am looking forward to the addition of grill station to the R ships, though I cannot imagine it can match the one on O ships due to physical limitations; and let's not forget the incredible "salad bar" in the O class ships' Terrace Café - again it would be difficult to replicate on R ships for the same reason.

That said, nobody will starve on either ship :D

[Relaxing Rita]

Being as you are sailing after the refit with the addtion of the 'grill station' in Terrace there is less difference in the restaurants. Every night now the GDR has an item from Jacques or Red Ginger so while there is not the full menu and experience the food is indeed offered.

 

I very much enjoy both classes of ships and hard for me to say which I prefer. That said after our first O-class cruise we have not been back to Trivia which was a highlight for us. The new Show lounge with the fix seating is lousy for this very social activity as is the IMHO poorly designed Martini's being separated into private areas more conducive to a hotel lounge than a cruise ship with its ensuing passenger interaction.

 

So more modern, larger but not too large O-class or smaller, clubby R-ships?? We like them both. If the size of the ship did not make a difference to the itinerary, i.e. central docking in Hamilton or St. Petersberg vs with out with all the other larger vessels, and trivia is not not high point then I'd go with the O class. However an afternoon on the R-ship library on a sea day on blustery days is wonderful. Hmmm...

 

We have sailed on both and I so agree with YoHoHO about the O ships and Trivia, such a fun time spoilt by having it in the show lounge, we stopped going on our last cruise. Next cruise is back on the R-class and we are looking forward to trivia once again in Horizons, and the comments about Martini's, so true!

 

I would not consider Concierge Class on R. Just loved the Concierge Lounge and also the private spa lounge on Marina. The other benefits of CC don't matter to us.

 

However itinerary wins out in the end! :)

[TERRIER1]

Have sailed three times on the R ship and three on the O ship. We are scheduled to sail number 7 and 8 on the O ships. We prefer the R ships but the itinerary dictates the ship. Since we like the the R ships we are trying Azamara in 2014.

 

We sail in a veranda cabin so can't speak to PH cabins. As far as we can tell they they feel the same size on the R and O ships. There is more drawer space (or better placement) on the R ships and the access to the closet is better on the R ship. We have had the extended balconies on the R ships and they are definitely larger. There is a tub in the O class but not in the R and I personally think the storage space is better in the R bathrooms. HOWEVER, there is a shower curtain in the R shower. The O ships have glass enclosures and lovely marble and are definitely much larger to accomodate the tub.

 

There are 4 specialty dining venues on the O ships and only 2 on the R ships. The Terrace Cafe (buffet) is better on the O ships since they have grills and more offerings. We don't eat at the buffet so this isn't a big trade off for us. We find the GDR on the R ships more intimate and quieter than on the ships.

 

The library is laid out much better on the R ships. There is no Baristas on the R ship which I miss. Disembarking at a tender port is much quicker and easier on the R ships. There are culinary classes on the O ships if you are interested.

 

The Lounge on the R ships has a cabaret feel with cushioned seats and tables. The Lounge on the O ships is an auditorium with small seats (think Intro 101 college classes). There are self laundry facilities on every deck on the O which is a plus if you do your own laundry. We don't use the gym or the casino so I can't tell you the difference there.

 

I can't put my finger on it but there is a definite atmosphere difference between the two and we like the smaller ships.

 

Either way, the ships are lovely.

[Ka Honu]

Thanks to all for the input and insights.

[loum140]

I agree with all the comments about the differences between the R and O class ships. Just want to elaborate about one thing - there is definitely more and better storage in concierge/balcony rooms in the R class ships. Access to the closet on the O ships in these cabins is quite awkward. Also the room safe is placed very high on the O ships and if the cupboard door is open you can't access the closet at all. And since the O ship's closet is next to the bed you can hear the hangers rattling all night if the seas are a little rough.

 

That said, I really enjoy the "extras" on th O class ships but I LOVE the intimacy of the R ships. And the R ship's Library is a hands-down winner.

[robbie21]

I have two comments/observations:

 

First - I agree with Terrier1 that there is a different "attitude" or feeling on the R ships. Seems to me that the smaller size promotes easier interaction among the passengers. Subtle, but it's there.

 

Second - this is itinerary specific, the R ships can get into some ports that the O ships cannot. Specifically rivers. In Bordeaux we went all the way up the river and tied up right in the city. The Marina had to dock at the mouth of the river 30 some miles away. Similarly, in St. Petersburg we were in the river across from the Hermitage while the larger ships were in the new cruise terminal in an industrial area out on the edge of town. I am told that this mooring is not always available but with the R ships at least you've got a shot at it. There are likely other examples but these are the two I have experienced.

 

Robbie

[Paulchili]

I have two comments/observations:

 

First - I agree with Terrier1 that there is a different "attitude" or feeling on the R ships. Seems to me that the smaller size promotes easier interaction among the passengers. Subtle, but it's there.

 

Robbie

 

Agree. The same is true for interaction between passengers and staff - equally important. It really does make a difference - at least for us.

[Hawaiidan]

Agree. The same is true for interaction between passengers and staff - equally important. It really does make a difference - at least for us.

 

As I have scheduled and booked a 66 day cruise from Japan to Portugal this is all good news... would have wished for art classes. Do you know if they might have them on grand cruises such as this?:confused:

[Paulchili]

As I have scheduled and booked a 66 day cruise from Japan to Portugal this is all good news... would have wished for art classes. Do you know if they might have them on grand cruises such as this?:confused:

 

Your guess is as good as mine :D

Enjoy your trip - it sounds grreat.

[Hawaiidan]

Your guess is as good as mine :D

Enjoy your trip - it sounds grreat.

 

Was on the 35 day from BKK but discovered that by rebooking as one cruise rather than 3 segments I got what figures out to be an $8000 on board credit! and that's for an inside cabin!...:D. surprise suprise

[Caroldoll]

I am also sad that they continue to do Trivia in the theater on the O Ships. It is completely unsatisfactory and they could use one corner of Horizons since it is so large. This has always been a highlight for us and we have met a lot of interesting people this way. This was the only entertainment we liked. We have about six segments on Riviera in the future and sure wish they would change.

 

On the R ships, I understand that they are fixing the bathtub only problem in the Owners suite and maybe Vista. It was downright dangerous. A shower would be much better. In my opinion.

[Mura]

On the R ships, I understand that they are fixing the bathtub only problem in the Owners suite and maybe Vista. It was downright dangerous. A shower would be much better. In my opinion.

 

 

I know I'm in the minority but we were in an OS on Regatta right after I tore my meniscus and I managed in the tub/shower just fine. Considering I could barely walk I was able to shower AND lower myself into the jacuzzi. That jacuzzi was a real blessing on that trip.

 

But I love tubs and many of us don't, I know that.

 

JMO.

[beardedshark]

i was on riviera in February and they did trivs in horizons. It worked really well. Have they changed this?

[Caroldoll]

I am hoping someone will read this post, especially FDR.