Is Nautica a good fit for us?

[suni]

We are three "young" couples....50ish. We all travel extensively and appreciate quality and excellent service. I have suggested this trip and hope I did the right thing. we are looking at 12 night Europe itinerary. Will there be mixed ages and enough to do to entertain us? Can we expect a fun vibe at night ?

We all have PH suites held. We took a Seabourn cruise a few years ago and it was a good fit.I know Nautica is in dry dock right now, so I expect the ship to be in good condition. Anyone out there younger that has cruised on Nautica, would love to hear from you!

[JimandStan]

We are three "young" couples....50ish. We all travel extensively and appreciate quality and excellent service. I have suggested this trip and hope I did the right thing. we are looking at 12 night Europe itinerary. Will there be mixed ages and enough to do to entertain us? Can we expect a fun vibe at night ?

We all have PH suites held. We took a Seabourn cruise a few years ago and it was a good fit.I know Nautica is in dry dock right now, so I expect the ship to be in good condition. Anyone out there younger that has cruised on Nautica, would love to hear from you!

 

The after dinner atmosphere on Oceania is very similar to that of Seabourn, so if you were happy with the entertainment options there, you will be happy on the Nautica.

[LHT28]

Not sure where you got this information ... the Nautica is not in drydock at the present time, she will be going in May/June

 

Most Oceania cruisers are in the 50 to 70 age range but there are people from other age groups as well

 

Not really knowing what you like to do

they do have a show in the evening in the lounge, music in the bars piano player or band

 

People do not really go on Oceania for the entertainment it is low key, if you want something to do for a few hours

 

Will you be bored ?? Maybe or maybe not

 

Lyn

Edited April 3, 2014 by LHT28

[DOJO466]

We were in our 50's when we first sailed on Regatta (very similar to Nautica). It was our first cruise ever and we just loved everything about it. It does get quiet after 10:30 but they usually have music in Horizons. We are not "party people" but we do like the bar scene. I think you make your own "party". You are travelling with 2 other couples. Don't make the mistake of just hanging in your own group. Spread out, enjoy the wonderful cast of characters like we have been so lucky to have met and to this day remain friends. As you stated Nautica is getting some major upgrades. I think if you have sailed with Seabourn, you will like the demographics on Nautica.

[Mura]

For those of us who are no longer 30 somethings it can be hard to answer your question, but we WERE younger when we started sailing on these ships!

 

I recall my first Renaissance cruise (Oct 1999) where we were late 40s/early 50s and most of the passengers were older than we were. There was a mid-30s couple on board and we had dinner with them one night. I asked them about the age difference, and they were having a wonderful time.

 

Generally there aren't lots of activities going on late at night, but that can also depend on the itinerary. If you are on a port intensive cruise, lots of people -- even the younger ones -- may be resting up for the next day.

 

Mura

[TKS]

We also were in our early 50's on our first O cruise. We had a wonderful time with the other couple with whom we sailed.

 

Since then we've mostly sailed by ourselves, but most people who sail O are very interesting, well travelled and energetic. I've met some of the youngest 70-somethings aboard O you'd ever care to meet. On our last cruise I met a Swiss couple I would have guessed were in their mid-late 60's - both were mid-80's and almost impossible to keep up with!

 

Don't worry. If you enjoy people there will be plenty to do aboard Nautica.

[willidc]

Hi Suni,

 

We returned home a few weeks ago after enjoying Nautica on her 16 day Hong Kong to Beijing sailing. Even though the ship is scheduled for an upgrade soon, we found the ship to be clean and in excellent shape. An updating of the soft goods will have the Penthouses you have booked looking more light and bright than current darker colors. I believe I have read that the updated penthouses will look more like Marina and Riviera penthouses.

 

After six sailings on the newer O ships we were concerned if we would enjoy the smaller R ship as much. After sailing Nautica, we would not hesitate to book another R ship again. The ability of the smaller ships being able to get right into places where the larger ships cannot go is very convenient. Several places we were literally right in town for docking. We found that we 'got to know' people easier on the smaller ship.

 

By the time you sail, there will be a grill station in Terrace and a Barrista's near the GDR along with some other upgrades.

 

As for the 'fun vibe' at night, we have found that each sailing has its own profile of passengers that sets that tone. As stated above, most passengers (regardless of age) are well educated, well traveled, and quite interesting to socialize with. We enjoyed the piano player at Martini's each night and there always seemed to be a lively group in there beginning at Happy Hour and continuing right straight through after the Nautica Lounge show. I swear some never left the place. Several times after dinner or after the lounge show, we could not find a place to sit (no one to even share a table with). And, on more than one occasion, the people were enjoying themselves so much that it was almost impossible to hear the piano player. No one being disrespectful, just good conversation raising the sound level. SRO approaching midnight at times. But, this could vary from sailing to sailing with the passenger list.

 

On our particular sailing, there was good participation in Nautica Lounge between dinner and the show when the band was playing for passengers to dance. Many passengers seemed to go to the Nautica Lounge to have an after dinner drink and do a bit of dancing. This was not the case in Riviera or Marina Lounges when we sailed those ships. It could be that the Nautica Lounge has a definite 'night club' lounge atmosphere where the O ships have more of the theatre seating. When Nautica Lounge is redone in a couple of months, hopefully this 'night club' atmosphere can be preserved. Time will tell.

 

In summary, we found the typical passenger on Nautica was one interested in traveling and touring first-----and then some fine food, drinks and socializing second. YMMV.

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

Edited April 4, 2014 by willidc

[I_r_a]

>Will there be mixed ages and enough to do to entertain us?

Can we expect a fun vibe at night ?<

 

Would you please be more specific about what you require in the way of entertainment and fun vibes? :)

 

Ira

[pacheco18]

There is no fun vibe at night. I do not want you to be misled.

Everything is low key

O cruisers tend to prefer a low key sophisticated vibe at night

 

 

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[nolahal]

Nautica IS going into dry dock now if she isn't there already. Her "debut" will be May 16 out of Rome for 10 days to Provence.

 

 

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[LHT28]

Nautica IS going into dry dock now if she isn't there already. Her "debut" will be May 16 out of Rome for 10 days to Provence.

 

 

 

HMMM I wonder what they did will all those people boarding in Bangkok on March 31st :confused:

 

I think you will find she is doing a 35 day cruise from Bangkok to Rome ending May 5th

Edited April 4, 2014 by LHT28

[Mura]

Right, Lyn. These drydock times are NOT 2 months long!

 

In fact, I'm always surprised at how fast they do turn these ships around.

 

Mura

[corpkid]

The nightlife is active but doesn't run late. I'm 36 and enjoy hanging at the bar or casino after dinner meeting and chatting up new people while my other half hits the hay. Last (and first) O cruise (on Marina) I met the "late night crowd" of about twenty 40 - 60 year olds some nights at Martinis. It was fun and quite animated and the bartenders got in on the action and were basically a part of the group. I enjoyed it quite a bit and had plenty of fun, and I was solo for these nights. But the party ends around 11pm as people begin to feel their drinks and/or fade off. After that the ship got very quiet (I would call home at this time via skype since the internet was pretty much all mine). Could have been our very intensive port schedule (the Baltics - MANY long days and early mornings). YMMV. Either way, fantastic cruise line and can't wait for our upcoming trips!

[Gail Boertzel]

Where can I find info on what is being upgraded on Nautica this spring? Considering a cruise in the fall. Having sailed on Marina, wish there was a way to find a spot for Red Ginger and Jacques. Anything else that is "missing" from Nautica?

[corpkid]

They are adding the grill to the Terrace Cafe. Also, I think the coffee bar area is being expanded. You won't find (that you did find on the Marina - and this is not complete): The cooking school; the Artist Loft; those 2 speciality restaurants; and the large theater. I've sailed other R class ships (Azamara) but they are about 1/2 the size, so expect 1/2 the "stuff". Nothing wrong with that - the small ships offer a different type of experience and coziness. Just be prepared - the staterooms are smaller on the R ships (think of it as Marina, shrunk). We personally love the O class so much, we plan to sail them almost exclusively from here on. Goldilocks - Not too big. Not too small. :) But if the itinerary was right, we'd have zero hesitations on booking a balcony on the R class ships (and that day might be coming up as we look at Asia!)

Edited April 5, 2014 by corpkid

[LHT28]

Where can I find info on what is being upgraded on Nautica this spring?

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/corporate/mediacenter.aspx

 

MIAMI, November 21, 2013 – Oceania Cruises announced details of the largest refurbishment program in the company's history. The award-winning trio of R-Class ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica will undergo a combined $50 million dollar transformation during next year's second quarter.

 

Renewed, Refreshed and Rejuvenated

Retaining the warmth, intimacy and charm Oceania Cruises' guests have come to cherish, all public rooms, suites, and staterooms will feature elegant new furnishings and décor. Many of the amenities and design elements that debuted on the line's newest ships - including Baristas, Oceania Cruises' signature specialty coffee bar, and the state-of-the-art grill in the Terrace Café - are being added during the refits.

 

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to incorporate many of the best features and interior design elements from our acclaimed Marina and Riviera to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. Not only does it enrich and enhance the guest experience, it underscores our commitment to providing our guests with a consistently outstanding experience across the entire fleet," stated Kunal S. Kamlani, President of Oceania Cruises.

 

Transformation Highlights

 

• All staterooms will receive rich new décor, imbuing them with a new sense of style, elegance and flair.

 

• Penthouse suites will be transformed with stunning new furnishings, rich upholstery and a vibrant yet calming palette that reflects the sea, sun and sky.

 

• Owner's and Vista Suites will receive new bathrooms featuring oversized showers along with new marble and granite vanities.

 

• The addition of Baristas, our relaxing coffee bar where master baristas prepare complimentary illy® espressos, frothy cappuccinos and fresh pastries throughout the day.

 

• The Terrace Café will be transformed with dramatic new furnishings, flooring, wall-coverings, and lighting. This restaurant will also feature a state-of-the-art grill, which prepares cooked-to-order specialties such as juicy steaks, succulent lobster tails and mouth-watering chops.

 

• Horizons will be resplendent in a new palate of soothing sea blues, cocoa brown and mint and furnished with all new chairs and sofas that are perfect for conversing, relaxing or simply taking in the stunning views.

 

• The Main Lounges will be completely refurbished with new carpeting, chairs and luxurious new fabrics and upholstery.

 

• Ever-popular Martinis will receive new furnishings while retaining its classic ambiance.

 

• The pool deck will sport all new furniture and new tile work.

 

• The Canyon Ranch Spa Club will have new Steam and Changing Rooms with dramatic new mosaics.

 

• The Sports Deck, located atop the ship with magnificent vistas of the sea, features a new mini-golf course, new shuffleboard courts and selection of deck games.

The transformed Insignia will debut on May 8, 2014 in Barcelona for her 7-day Jewels of Europe cruise. This will be Insignia's first cruise after she returns from her two-year charter. Nautica will debut on May 16, 2014 in Civitavecchia for her 10-day Cliffs & Coves cruise and Regatta on June 7, 2014 in Vancouver for her 10-day Majesty of Alaska cruise.