viking ocean, oceania, silversea, or regent seven seas?

[Bicster1120]

Looking at a 7-9 night med for 2015 and narrowed it down to these 4 lines. We want something that has great fine dining, amazing service, great port excursions, and good evening entertainment. We will be 34 and 35 at the time of the cruise and it will be our 10 year anniversary cruise so we want something special (a suite) and don't want a lot of children around. Opinions?

[CruiserBruce]

Probably the best place for some research would be on the reviews for the ships you might take, and on the boards for the cruise lines involved. The master list of boards is here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/index.php

[navybankerteacher]

You seem to know what you want, and which lines are likely to provide it. You should shop around on the basis of itinerary. Since you are talking suite, you are likely looking at a $15,000 or so outlay for you two on any of your selected lines.

 

The one suggestion I would add is that you should fly over early, especially if you will be embarking in a city like Rome, Venice or Athens --- port of call stops do not provide anything like enough time to see a great city, so you should allow yourselves at least one on your own timetable.

[LHT28]

Looking at a 7-9 night med for 2015 and narrowed it down to these 4 lines. We want something that has great fine dining, amazing service, great port excursions, and good evening entertainment.

 

Viking is unknown at this time they have not finished building the ship ;)

I would look at what each line includes in the pricing that works for you

 

You will not get all your wants/need on one line as I stated in your other thread

 

I have only sailed Oceania out of your listed preferences

I would say the food is top notch , but excursions are $$ unless you do private ones with members of the roll call

entertainment is low key usually a solo performer, with a few nights they have the singers/dancers from the entertainment dept

String quartet in the evenings & at afternoon tea, piano bar

 

Regent is all inclusive ..you pay upfront whether you use their services or not

 

I would read the reviews,check the specific forums for each line get the brochures & see what works best for you

 

Happy Anniversary

 

 

Lyn

[Keith1010]

If you don't want children around be sure to avoid cruises in the summer and over the holidays.

 

I would read about each cruise line and study the itineraries and the ships.

 

I would expand your list to also look at Seabourn and Crystal.

 

Keith

[aquilegia]

As you probably know, Viking are a river cruise specialist. This will be the first season that they have offered ocean cruises. The new ship looks very nice in the brochure they sent me, but in the same way as I never go on maiden voyages, I'll be giving them a season to see how they perform before I book with them.

[maryann ns]

You should also take a look at Azamara. The small ships without children's programs attract fewer families.

[Lerin]

I'd pick Regent, though those are all great options.

Haven't done Viking since this ship is new, but have read wonderful things about their river cruises. Might be interesting to try something brand new. Of course it could also be a bit of a gamble.

[LindaM]

What I like about Regent is that their least expensive cabin is 350 sq. ft. The production shows are very professional. They use Jean Ann Ryan productions. They are extremely well done. However, if you don't drink---I might not recommend them, as you will be paying for others drinks!

[alexandra cruiser]

What I like about Regent is that their least expensive cabin is 350 sq. ft. The production shows are very professional. They use Jean Ann Ryan productions. They are extremely well done. However, if you don't drink---I might not recommend them, as you will be paying for others drinks!

 

that many of the luxury lines tend to attract an older cruiser.We started when in 40s and had no problem,but keep that in mind.

Also, examine each cabin, I like full hot breakfast room service,bathtub,balcony,etc. Make sure you don t have to pay more for these,for instance,I had to upgrade to a PH on the 2 Oceania boats to get these.Lots of details to go over.

 

We go strictly on luxury or premium lines now and based mostly on itinerary,but we ve been doing this cruise stuff for 20yrs.

 

Remember ea.ship in ea.line can be different,might like 1 but not all.Try working with a TA that specializes in premium or above lines(mine give 5% cash back too) and lots of helpful info.Just google for them.Can t give out names.:)