The Happy Wanderer wandered to Oceania---a report

[KirkNC]

I'll look forward to your report.

You did hit the nail on the head: the fact that Oceania costs a lot more than HAL. It was a very nice cruise, but I am not sure the value is there.

 

That is the rub isn't it, value versus level of service/food etc.

[brazilgirl]

Very interesting report ... I considering a cruise on Oceania in the Fall ( or perhaps a river cruise in Provence).

I have aome close friends who sailed on the Marina and were very pleased. They especially loved the food and decor.

As I go to bed quite early , the quieter pace suits me ... However I understand that it could be a negative for others.

Really great to hear your opinion RuthC!

[crusinbanjo]

Thanks Ruth for a great report.

 

Mrs. Banjo & I were considering Oceania for our next cruise. in the end we stayed with HAL because we thought, like you, that the value for the $$ might not be there for the particular IT that we were booking. WE still might try them in the summer on a different IT.

[cruisetrail]

RuthC,

Thank you for posting your impressions.

 

The question becomes “Does Oceania provide that experience at a price I'm willing to pay?”

My answer is a big No.

Must be what I pay for HAL or less.

We've talked about it some time ago.

It was about the Oceania Marina. The Riviera is a bit more interesting.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37701080&postcount=174

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37729016&postcount=213

[KirkNC]

RuthC,

Thank you for posting your impressions.

 

 

My answer is a big No.

Must be what I pay for HAL or less.

We've talked about it some time ago.

It was about the Oceania Marina. The Riviera is a bit more interesting.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37701080&postcount=174

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37729016&postcount=213

 

And that's fine but if we aren't we have to accept the fact that the level and quality of the product may be less than a higher end line. The quandary for me is the Prinsendam. I am convinced it has a higher level of service but it also commands a higher price, not to the extent of a luxury line but clearly higher than other HAL ships. Granted it has some unique itineraries but it is still more expensive and it has the most loyal following of any HAL ship. This tells me there is some market for customer willing to pay more to get more.

[ruthnlarry]

That is the rub isn't it, value versus level of service/food etc.

Oceania frequently advertises very good specials with round-trip airfare included. When we consider the steadily declining quality of our 8 HAL cruises, Oceania is much more appealing and offers great value for the level of service, food, and amenities.

Oceania cruises include soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water. HAL does not. Oceania cruises include free specialty restaurants that have an excellent menu including items such as Dover Sole, whole lobster prepared as you wish, and prime rib. On HAL, you pay for the specialty restaurants, and good luck getting lobster or prime rib or Dover sole. You can also get lobster any evening for dinner at Oceania's Terrace Grill.

On Oceania, you are not limited in the amount of wine or spirits that you are allow to bring aboard. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1952988&highlight=carry+on+wine

In port, Oceania provides free shuttles, HAL does not.

Oceania does not allow smoking on cabin balconies or in the casinos.

We've never had a problem with AC or toilets on our 4 Oceania cruises. Can't say the same about our 8 HAL cruises.

Sometimes, there are also specials including free gratuities and/or limited internet .

When considering the value of these amenities and included air fare, the price that you pay for Oceania is sometimes cheaper or close to the price of a HAL cruise. Having taken 20+ cruises, we would rather take fewer very high quality cruises than more mediocre cruises.

 

Happy New Year!

[G&G]

Oceania frequently advertises very good specials with round-trip airfare included. When we consider the steadily declining quality of our 8 HAL cruises, Oceania is much more appealing and offers great value for the level of service, food, and amenities.

Oceania cruises include soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water. HAL does not. Oceania cruises include free specialty restaurants that have an excellent menu including items such as Dover Sole, whole lobster prepared as you wish, and prime rib. On HAL, you pay for the specialty restaurants, and good luck getting lobster or prime rib or Dover sole. You can also get lobster any evening for dinner at Oceania's Terrace Grill.

On Oceania, you are not limited in the amount of wine or spirits that you are allow to bring aboard. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1952988&highlight=carry+on+wine

In port, Oceania provides free shuttles, HAL does not.

Oceania does not allow smoking on cabin balconies or in the casinos.

We've never had a problem with AC or toilets on our 4 Oceania cruises. Can't say the same about our 8 HAL cruises.

Sometimes, there are also specials including free gratuities and/or limited internet .

When considering the value of these amenities and included air fare, the price that you pay for Oceania is sometimes cheaper or close to the price of a HAL cruise. Having taken 20+ cruises, we would rather take fewer very high quality cruises than more mediocre cruises.

 

Happy New Year!

 

I agree with your observations. We have been sailing with HAL over 30 years and have booked one more cruise with HAL in April 2014. We will receive our gold medallion on that cruise and it probably be our last cruise on HAL. Though Oceania is pricey it offers what HAL provided years ago and more.

Per my recent review of the Maasdam on the CC forum, "the good, the bad, the ugly", service and quality of food continues to either decline or be unpredictable.

[cruisetrail]

And that's fine but if we aren't we have to accept the fact that the level and quality of the product may be less than a higher end line. The quandary for me is the Prinsendam. I am convinced it has a higher level of service but it also commands a higher price, not to the extent of a luxury line but clearly higher than other HAL ships. Granted it has some unique itineraries but it is still more expensive and it has the most loyal following of any HAL ship. This tells me there is some market for customer willing to pay more to get more.

 

Sure, there is some market for customers willing to pay more to get more.

 

The purest example of that is Eastern itinerary on Eurodam vs Westerdam.

We have seen it often: the Eurodam prices start from $100 more pp.

Absolutely clear: you get a similar but upgraded ship (newer, more space, more dining options) on the same itinerary. The seller rightfully charges more for the obvious difference.

 

The very opposite example is taking a flight from a neighboring city to the same destination that will save hundreds of dollars for a family. Same distance, same plane, same service.

The seller charges hundreds more for nothing.

 

These are two pure extreme examples. All the variations are somewhere in between.

 

So when you say "to get more" I think about what "more" means.

When you say "service" I think about what "service" includes.

 

To pay more not necessarily means to get more.

You will agree that it's a complex thing.

Prices also reflect the operating cost and how much the operator is able to charge for the product. :)

[kazu]

And that's fine but if we aren't we have to accept the fact that the level and quality of the product may be less than a higher end line. The quandary for me is the Prinsendam. I am convinced it has a higher level of service but it also commands a higher price, not to the extent of a luxury line but clearly higher than other HAL ships. Granted it has some unique itineraries but it is still more expensive and it has the most loyal following of any HAL ship. This tells me there is some market for customer willing to pay more to get more.

 

Absolutely agree with your comments :)

 

Sure, there is some market for customers willing to pay more to get more.

 

The purest example of that is Eastern itinerary on Eurodam vs Westerdam.

We have seen it often: the Eurodam prices start from $100 more pp.

Absolutely clear: you get a similar but upgraded ship (newer, more space, more dining options) on the same itinerary. The seller rightfully charges more for the obvious difference.

 

The very opposite example is taking a flight from a neighboring city to the same destination that will save hundreds of dollars for a family. Same distance, same plane, same service.

The seller charges hundreds more for nothing.

 

These are two pure extreme examples. All the variations are somewhere in between.

 

So when you say "to get more" I think about what "more" means.

When you say "service" I think about what "service" includes.

 

To pay more not necessarily means to get more.

You will agree that it's a complex thing.

Prices also reflect the operating cost and how much the operator is able to charge for the product. :)

 

 

I know you like the new ships, but you haven't sailed the Prinsendam. Until you do, you will not have experienced the 'more'. She is an elegant lady that is prettier than the new ships IMO. The service on board and the quality of food is a step up from the other ships. Those of us that sail her choose her because of the quality, the crew and the itineraries. You do indeed get 'more' when you sail her and there is no question there are people willing to pay to get it. :) I would far rather have a better experience overall than a Tamarind restaurant (although we like the Tamarind), so we gladly choose the oldest ship in the fleet :)

 

She has the highest repeat passenger ratio in the fleet - and for good reason.

 

Choices - it's all about choices :D It's nice to have them:)

[cruisetrail]

Oceania is much more appealing and offers great value for the level of service, food, and amenities.

 

I agree about "more appealing for food".

Forgive me, I have to put in bold the lack of amenities on Oceania because it was illustrated just a few posts above.

 

HAL gives me more flexibility and choices to pay or not to pay for things I need or don't need = more value for money.

For instance, I don't need port shuttles, airfare, prepaid soft drinks, specialty coffee, etc.

 

I assume that the lack of amenities can be somewhat compensated by better food options, but the price difference? There is no equation...

[RuthC]

Oceania frequently advertises very good specials with round-trip airfare included. When we consider the steadily declining quality of our 8 HAL cruises, Oceania is much more appealing and offers great value for the level of service, food, and amenities.

Oceania cruises include soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water. HAL does not. Oceania cruises include free specialty restaurants that have an excellent menu including items such as Dover Sole, whole lobster prepared as you wish, and prime rib. On HAL, you pay for the specialty restaurants, and good luck getting lobster or prime rib or Dover sole. You can also get lobster any evening for dinner at Oceania's Terrace Grill.

On Oceania, you are not limited in the amount of wine or spirits that you are allow to bring aboard. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1952988&highlight=carry+on+wine

In port, Oceania provides free shuttles, HAL does not.

Oceania does not allow smoking on cabin balconies or in the casinos.

We've never had a problem with AC or toilets on our 4 Oceania cruises. Can't say the same about our 8 HAL cruises.

Sometimes, there are also specials including free gratuities and/or limited internet .

When considering the value of these amenities and included air fare, the price that you pay for Oceania is sometimes cheaper or close to the price of a HAL cruise. Having taken 20+ cruises, we would rather take fewer very high quality cruises than more mediocre cruises.

And therein lies the rub. Everyone will set their own standard as to what constitutes "value" for them:

 

I know for me, the included air was not going to work well, so I took the small credit and made my own arrangements.

 

Since I typically book an inside cabin, and the Riviera has so few of them, there's already a huge increase in cost to book on that ship. Cost over HAL $?????. I can't calculate the difference with the information available; it would be in the thousands.

 

In two weeks I never had a soda; on HAL I may have as many as three in that same period. Savings on Oceania would be $6.72 over HAL.

I had perhaps as many as five cappuccinos at dinner; I don't recall the price on HAL, but think it's something like $1.50. Let's call that $10.00 savings over HAL.

The bottled water in the cabin was fine; the water given out for shore tasted terrible! Since I don't purchase bottled water, there was $0.00 savings.

I don't bring aboard wine or liquor. A cocktail on HAL is just under $6.50; on Oceania it was over $10. Oceania costs vs. HAL ~ $49.00.

 

I ate at three of the specialty restaurants. On HAL I get two dinners at no charge, and additional for $12.50 each. Oceania saved me $12.50.

 

Oceania may provide shuttles for no charge, but the price of shore excursions is exorbitant. Since I take HAL shore excursions normally, HAL is the better deal for me on that one.

 

HAL has much lower prices on Internet packages. I don't have the figures at hand anymore, so can't calculate the HAL savings.

 

None of what I posted is to run down Oceania; they are a fine cruiseline. But it does demonstrate that it may or may not be the best choice for HAL cruisers who are looking for a line more like HAL used to be at a price that is a good return on the investment.

[cruisetrail]

I know you like the new ships, but you haven't sailed the Prinsendam. Until you do, you will not have experienced the 'more'. She is an elegant lady that is prettier than the new ships IMO. The service on board and the quality of food is a step up from the other ships. Those of us that sail her choose her because of the quality, the crew and the itineraries. You do indeed get 'more' when you sail her and there is no question there are people willing to pay to get it. :) I would far rather have a better experience overall than a Tamarind restaurant (although we like the Tamarind), so we gladly choose the oldest ship in the fleet :)

 

She has the highest repeat passenger ratio in the fleet - and for good reason.

 

Choices - it's all about choices :D It's nice to have them:)

 

I fully understand you warm feelings about this nice ship.

I was watching with pleasure her departure from FLL last week.

Believe me, I know what it is "without setting a foot...".:)

If I ever decide again to cruise to a place like Saint-Tropez, my first thought would be about the Prinsendam.:)

[RuthC]

And that's fine but if we aren't we have to accept the fact that the level and quality of the product may be less than a higher end line. The quandary for me is the Prinsendam. I am convinced it has a higher level of service but it also commands a higher price, not to the extent of a luxury line but clearly higher than other HAL ships. Granted it has some unique itineraries but it is still more expensive and it has the most loyal following of any HAL ship. This tells me there is some market for customer willing to pay more to get more.

I do think that for me, the Prinsendam is the closest I will get to the HAL of old at an affordable price. It has a good balance of service, good food, traditional ambiance, while still affordable.

 

As the HAL ships continue to get larger, the quality of the cruise declines more and more. This is not what I am looking for. Oceania had a smallish ship with even fewer passengers, so there was a great comfort level. The food is clearly overhyped: it's good, but not consistent as it rarely reached the "great" level. More than once it was disappointing.

[Tarpeian Rock]

Oceania frequently advertises very good specials with round-trip airfare included. When we consider the steadily declining quality of our 8 HAL cruises, Oceania is much more appealing and offers great value for the level of service, food, and amenities.

Oceania cruises include soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and bottled water. HAL does not. Oceania cruises include free specialty restaurants that have an excellent menu including items such as Dover Sole, whole lobster prepared as you wish, and prime rib. On HAL, you pay for the specialty restaurants, and good luck getting lobster or prime rib or Dover sole. You can also get lobster any evening for dinner at Oceania's Terrace Grill.

On Oceania, you are not limited in the amount of wine or spirits that you are allow to bring aboard. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1952988&highlight=carry+on+wine

In port, Oceania provides free shuttles, HAL does not.

Oceania does not allow smoking on cabin balconies or in the casinos.

We've never had a problem with AC or toilets on our 4 Oceania cruises. Can't say the same about our 8 HAL cruises.

Sometimes, there are also specials including free gratuities and/or limited internet .

When considering the value of these amenities and included air fare, the price that you pay for Oceania is sometimes cheaper or close to the price of a HAL cruise. Having taken 20+ cruises, we would rather take fewer very high quality cruises than more mediocre cruises.

 

Happy New Year!

 

 

After 4 HAL cruises, this sums-up well where we are. Certainly the value equation depends on many variables unique to each traveller. In our case, we always book a verandah, wife loves gourmet coffee drinks and I'm a soda drinker, we love to experience the upcharge dining options, tend to be foodies, and we drink enough on board (but not on land!) that Oceania's higher-option drink package will save us money over our typical HAL expenditures. We're booked on O for a March cruise and we'll see how it all works out, and will certainly report back here. Somewhat strangely, what worries me most isn't a HAL vs Oceania comparison so much as an Oceania vs Princess comparison: our one and only Princess experience in October was outstanding in every way - particularly in service and MDR experiences - such that in my mind, the bar was set more by what we experienced on Princess than what we've experienced on HAL.

[ruthnlarry]

After 4 HAL cruises, this sums-up well where we are. Certainly the value equation depends on many variables unique to each traveller. In our case, we always book a verandah, wife loves gourmet coffee drinks and I'm a soda drinker, we love to experience the upcharge dining options, tend to be foodies, and we drink enough on board (but not on land!) that Oceania's higher-option drink package will save us money over our typical HAL expenditures. We're booked on O for a March cruise and we'll see how it all works out, and will certainly report back here. Somewhat strangely, what worries me most isn't a HAL vs Oceania comparison so much as an Oceania vs Princess comparison: our one and only Princess experience in October was outstanding in every way - particularly in service and MDR experiences - such that in my mind, the bar was set more by what we experienced on Princess than what we've experienced on HAL.

While we have not cruised with Princess, we are confident that you'll love Oceania. We have received exemplary service from them each time we have cruised with them. All of the staff and officers are as friendly and accommodating as possible. On one cruise, I remarked on the initial pax survey that I was disappointed that caipirinhas weren't offered during the 2 for 1 happy hour. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from guest relations informing me that they would be available for me during happy hour. On our last cruise from Dubai to Rome, I was joking with Antonio the beverage manager about this. To my surprise, Antonio called corporate headquarters, and got the OK to offer them to all pax at happy hour prices.

One day at high tea, we met Rafael the General Manager, and invited him to sit with us. He was engaging, charming, and very genuine, to quote DW. To our surprise, he sent a bottle of wine to our cabin along with an invitation to join him for coffee or tea in his office the next day. We accepted and enjoyed his company very much. (FYI, we only book oceanview cabins, sometimes accept an upsell to veranda if the price is right.)

Enjoy your upcoming cruise on Oceania, and try to attend High Tea at least once. Listening to the very talented string quartet while enjoying tea and the delicious pastries is fantastic! We're sure that you will book them again in addition to Princess.

We are also considering Princess in the future once we see the right itinerary and price. Any tips?

[GeorgesGal]

RuthC ----- Many thanks for the detailed comparison of the 2 lines. My wife and I have been considering sailing with Oceania' date=' like many others, due to declining food quality and service cutbacks. I've been waiting for a comparison from someone who's opinion I value and trust ---- Kudos for this detailed report!!

 

[b']The lack of an outside deck, along with the difficulty of getting inside cabins will probably rule out our Oceania trial --- I would never have known without this report!! ..........Perhaps Azamara???

 

Many thanks again Ruth!

 

[/b]

 

Bear, don't forget that Oceania also has three of the R-ships, which are the ones that Az has. O's are Insignia, Nautica and Regatta; Az's are Journey and Quest. All are wonderful, at least the three we have sailed on (Journey, Quest and Regatta) with another coming up next September, the Insignia which returns to Oceania's fleet next May. We have enjoyed all, on both lines.

[ruthnlarry]

Bear' date=' don't forget that Oceania also has three of the R-ships, which are the ones that Az has. O's are Insignia, Nautica and Regatta; Az's are Journey and Quest. All are wonderful, at least the three we have sailed on (Journey, Quest and Regatta) with another coming up next September, the Insignia which returns to Oceania's fleet next May. We have enjoyed all, on both lines.[/quote']

 

We agree, having cruised on all 5 R-class ships. Whether to cruise with Oceania or Azamara is a toss-up, and depends upon itinerary and price. We usually book an obstructed ocean view cabin.

[eswn]

Thanks Ruth for the candid comments about Oceania and also the Prinsendam.

I have no experience on the Oceania ships nor the Prinsendam but do have enjoyed a couple of grand voyages on the Amsterdam. Many a time when fellow CC members talk excitedly about the Prinsendam, I cannot help wondering how does the Amsterdam (especially during grand voyages) compare. Would you or other members kindly share some insight?

[WeLoveCruising]

Thanks for your thoughts on this, Ruth. I read with great interest because we find ourselves thinking more and more about Oceania or Crystal. We usually sail in a Verandah or Neptune suite, and I have thought many times that the differential cost for a luxury line wouldn't be too much more, and wondered if the upgrade would be worth it.

 

However, even though I know I could choose differently, there is something intangible that keeps us returning to HAL. I suppose it has to do somewhat with a level of familiarity, not just with the people but also with the ships and services - but also that HAL has had so much of what we love for so long. Yes, things have changed. I wish the food were the quality of what it was years ago. I wish they would build new ships the same size (or smaller) as the S-class. But so far these things haven't been enough to steer me elsewhere. In fact, we're getting ready to book the Noordam, which will be our first cruise in more than 2 years. My son has been very sick, and this will be a special one for the family.

[RuthC]

I have no experience on the Oceania ships nor the Prinsendam but do have enjoyed a couple of grand voyages on the Amsterdam. Many a time when fellow CC members talk excitedly about the Prinsendam, I cannot help wondering how does the Amsterdam (especially during grand voyages) compare. Would you or other members kindly share some insight?

I think that's an excellent question, for which I do not have the answer. I would also love to hear from others comparing the Prinsendam to a HAL Grand cruise on a different ship.

 

I did take one Grand Cruise back in '95, and remember the service, food, and the entire cruise being wonderful. But whether or not everything was "kicked up a notch" because it was a Grand Cruise, or what was the usual and customary for HAL at the time, I don't remember.

 

From what I read on the board, though, the Grand Cruises really sound to be close to what the Prinsendam typically offers.

[RuthC]

Thanks for your thoughts on this, Ruth. I read with great interest because we find ourselves thinking more and more about Oceania or Crystal. We usually sail in a Verandah or Neptune suite, and I have thought many times that the differential cost for a luxury line wouldn't be too much more, and wondered if the upgrade would be worth it.

The fact that you normally book a very expensive cabin, compared to me, should make a huge difference in how you see the value of an Oceania cruise.

 

If I were you, and I saw an itinerary that was attractive, I would seriously consider booking an Oceania cruise. You won't know if you don't try! :D

[LindaM]

I'll look forward to your report.

You did hit the nail on the head: the fact that Oceania costs a lot more than HAL. It was a very nice cruise, but I am not sure the value is there.

 

I can only compare the smallest Oceania ships to HAL, specifically Prinsendam. IMHO, the layout of those ships is inferior, especially the size of the verandah cabins.The showlounge on those ships has a low ceiling, with non graduated seating. Poor design. I think where people can get the most bang for their buck is sailing Prinsendam in an inside or OV cabin. Once you go above those categories, you are probably paying the same as on Oceania or Regent.

[eswn]

I think that's an excellent question, for which I do not have the answer. I would also love to hear from others comparing the Prinsendam to a HAL Grand cruise on a different ship.

 

I did take one Grand Cruise back in '95, and remember the service, food, and the entire cruise being wonderful. But whether or not everything was "kicked up a notch" because it was a Grand Cruise, or what was the usual and customary for HAL at the time, I don't remember.

 

From what I read on the board, though, the Grand Cruises really sound to be close to what the Prinsendam typically offers.

 

Thanks Ruth for the response and for sharing your experience about the '95 grand voyage that you have taken. Your usually objective comments help me set the correct level of expectation for my future cruises on the Oceania ships, the Prinsendam or other HAL ships. I am also waiting to see if others would wish to offer their views, especially on whether the Amsterdam delivers the same level of cruise experience during grand voyages as the Prinsendam, or the Oceania ships for that matter. Since I have taken grand voyages on the Amsterdam and enjoyed them immensely, I am very curious about if the Prinsendam can be even a cut above.

May lots of chocolates come your way in the New Year. I am enjoying quite some at home right now:).

Edited December 29, 2013 by eswn

[Kamloops50]

Hang the rest of the unpacking, laundry, and Christmas decorations, it’s time to say a little something about my cruise across the Atlantic from Barcelona to Miami on Oceania’s Riviera. There have been more than a few requests to let you know what I thought; others have their own thoughts, which could be quite different from mine.

So, here goes---

 

The ship is drop-dead gorgeous. It’s about the size of a HAL R-class ship, with the passenger capacity of a HAL S-class. It never felt crowded. The public rooms are decorated in soft colors of tan, taupe, coffee brown, darker brown, with a muted blue. Many floors are a slick marble and/or granite with area rugs, which did mean I never wore my dress shoes, preferring to play it safe with rubber soles. Jacques specialty restaurant had a (faux) hard wood floor. There was attractive carpeting in other rooms, passageways, and in my cabin.

The ship lacks an outside deck for sitting and watching the sea. :( Had I not had a balcony, I don’t know that I would have ever gotten outside, and I would not have enjoyed my cruise the way I did.

 

I had an upsell to a concierge cabin which was spacious and lovely. The bathroom was marble clad, with a tub w/shower, spacious separate shower, full towel sets for four, two enclosed medicine cabinets w/three shelves each, a couple of shelves on a wall, and two shelves under the sink.

Bvlgari toiletries were replenished before they ran out. There were bath salts set out! There was a nightlight in there, too.

 

Beds, linens, and pillows, were divine. There was a loveseat, a laptop on the desk, and plenty of storage in the closets. The closets had sliding doors; lights inside went on when a door was opened. That little feature came to light (did I say that? :o) one night when the ship was pitching, and I reached over to close one of them over & over & over again. I wondered if that magnetic closure wasn’t as strong, or if perhaps my roomie had something not quite tucked all the way in, so the closure wouldn’t hold.

We had lots of lighting, and electric outlets to satisfy anyone! Even a roomie with electric everythings!

 

Through a sliding door to the porch: two chairs and a small, low table which could be used as a footrest. Or, railings where I could get my feet up while I watched the sea and read. There were lightweight cashmere lap blankets for those who might get a chill on the crossing. (It was pleasantly cool until the last day heading to Miami.) When I wasn’t eating, I spent the week out there!

 

You posted this in the forum.

 

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Forums mobile app

[rafinmd]

Thanks Ruth, You report reads a lot like I have had comments of those that have returned. It is kinds of a mixed bag. I have found that those that jump from Cruise line to Cruise line and have stumbled on to Oceania and usually spend far more really like it and have returned. Those that have favored one line over another tend to have a mixed feeling about it. Yes there are good things but equally a lot of the complaints were yours with no out side deck and lack of evening entertainment. Food is so subjective but I had heard the comment about the sauces before and if someone is bit picky it was harder to deal with. That being said I have known people come back that thought that Oceania was better than Seabourn :D I do think that when it gets right down to it, as much as I hate saying this it really depends on price. Was the bit higher price worth paying for the things that were exceptional yet losing those thing one missed such as an outside deck and Piano Bar.

While I have not yet been on Crystal, Ruth I really do think you should try that, it has everything you want with a great Piano Bar, great outdoor wrap around deck, small ships and people I know quite well feel the food is definitely a few steps above.

 

I do know that after I tried several cruise lines, I had gone almost two years not sailing on HAL, going back I kept saying....There is no place like home ;) In my various lines we have tried so far the only line we have found that we really like as well as HAL is Norwegian, for us but we like it for different reasons and find it a good alternative for something different.

 

I would strongly echo this advise. Crystal can be expensive but not necessarily prohibitive, particularly for solos. I'll mention just one example:

I'm booked for a Crystal Symphony 38 day 2016 Antarctica cruise BA to Miami for $16,755(restricted OV). When I priced the 37-day first half of the Prinsendam's Grand South America cruise (same basic itinerary in reverse) HAL's website quoted me $14,121 for the cheapest inside cabin. For that price I'll spend the extra money on Crystal in a heartbeat.

 

I think the biggest hurdle you would face with Crystal is the baths. The standard bathroom, except for a few accessible cabins, is a tub-shower combination. If you can live with that or get an accessible room I think you would love Crystal.

 

I think that's an excellent question, for which I do not have the answer. I would also love to hear from others comparing the Prinsendam to a HAL Grand cruise on a different ship.

 

I did take one Grand Cruise back in '95, and remember the service, food, and the entire cruise being wonderful. But whether or not everything was "kicked up a notch" because it was a Grand Cruise, or what was the usual and customary for HAL at the time, I don't remember.

 

From what I read on the board, though, the Grand Cruises really sound to be close to what the Prinsendam typically offers.

 

After just coming off the Prinsendam Amazon Explorer and planning the last leg of the Amsterdam World Cruise I hope to have an opinion on that soon.

 

Roy