Golden Princess comparison to Oceania

[skiladyldp]

Hello, I have only taken 2 cruises, both were on Oceania's, Riviera cruise ship to the mediterranean. We are now getting ready to book an Alaskan cruise in July 2015 on Princess's Golden cruise ship. I have no idea what to expect and would appreciate information on how a like or different I may find the experience. We don't need to use an airline since we can drive to the port in San Francisco.

 

Oceania has:

 

all types of coffee is free

bottled water is free

has an alcohol beverage package

internet package and is fairly good

expensive excursions

entertainment is not very good

specialty restaurants are free

we will be booking a mini suite on Princess but have only booked a veranda cabin on Oceania

self service laundry machines.

almost completely free of smoke

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

[Working 2 Cruise]

I love the Golden Princess!

 

Free coffee only in buffet;

Water is included in the all inclusive beverage package but not free without it. This package includes any drink of any kind up to and including $10.00, meaning cocktails, coffee, specialty coffees, fresh squeezed juices, cocktails, water, etc.;

 

Smoking is allowed in the casino on most nights, a section of deck 15, deck 7 (Promenade deck) and in Churchill's (cigar bar).

 

No free specialty restaurants...

 

Of course, fares should be substantially lower than Oceania...

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[skiladyldp]

Working to cruise, thank you very much that is helpful information.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

A friend of mine frequently sails Princess, Royal and Celebrity and also has done Oceania on the Marina (sister to the Riviera). He has worked in private catering with many well known chefs in the SF Bay Area for many years and is an admitted foodie. He said that Oceania had hands down the BEST food he's ever had on a ship, regardless of venue, and that it rivaled many of the better restaurants he's experienced ashore. Princess does a good job, especially considering they are feeding 2500+ passengers a day, but if food is important you will be a little let down compared to your past cruises, even in the Speciality restaurants.

 

The mini suite will be comparable in size to the standard balcony you had on Oceania, but less luxurious in its decor and appointments. Also worth noting on an Alaskan cruise is that the mini suite balconies on the Golden have no shelter from rain as they are completely uncovered.

 

Princess offers a solid cruise product with decent food and service, but it is in a TOTALLY different market segment than Oceania. Where it will shine on an Alaskan itinerary is in it's destination lecturers and onboard naturists. I have sailed the Golden when she was new and she is a lovely ship. Her itineraries out of SFO are very appealing, especially if the include Glacier Bay vs Tracey Arm Fjord.

 

I hope I have been of some help :D

[Colo Cruiser]

Hello, I have only taken 2 cruises, both were on Oceania's, Riviera cruise ship to the mediterranean. We are now getting ready to book an Alaskan cruise in July 2015 on Princess's Golden cruise ship. I have no idea what to expect and would appreciate information on how a like or different I may find the experience. We don't need to use an airline since we can drive to the port in San Francisco.

 

Oceania has:

 

all types of coffee is free

bottled water is free

has an alcohol beverage package

internet package and is fairly good

expensive excursions

entertainment is not very good

specialty restaurants are free

we will be booking a mini suite on Princess but have only booked a veranda cabin on Oceania

self service laundry machines.

almost completely free of smoke

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

 

The free things you speak of are not really free.

Fares are high on Oceania.

The specialty restaurants on Oceania fill up fast. Extra reservations are available depending on what cabin cat you book. The higher the cat the more reservations, so unless you book an owners suite the chances of going more then once are not great.

 

The Terrace Buffet is outstanding, along with Red Ginger and Toscana.

Edited August 25, 2014 by Colo Cruiser

[Working 2 Cruise]

Scottamiller isn't correct with regard to the mini-suites... if you book one on Emerald deck (deck 8) those are covered... the mini-suites on deck 9 (Dolphin deck) are uncovered but that never bothered us. For Alaska, however, I would recommend a mini-suite on deck 8. Those mini-suites go fast so the sooner you can get it, the better.

[skiladyldp]

Lots of good information here and thank you. Food is important so I know we won't be as happy with that part. But knowing that going in keeps the expectations down. Thanks for the information on uncovered decks so I will try to book on deck 8.

 

This itinerary does include Glacier park so I know we will be happy.

 

Oceania's rates are high but they are very nice ships to cruise on. I know we will be happy this cruise since we are going with good friends and Alaska will be so beautiful to see.

 

 

Thanks again for the replies.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

Scottamiller isn't correct with regard to the mini-suites... if you book one on Emerald deck (deck 8) those are covered... the mini-suites on deck 9 (Dolphin deck) are uncovered but that never bothered us. For Alaska, however, I would recommend a mini-suite on deck 8. Those mini-suites go fast so the sooner you can get it, the better.

 

I never even think about the ones on deck 8. As there are only 12 and they book out almost as soon as a sailing opens for sale they are a non-issue for most of us. The fact that there are +/- 168 mini suites on deck 9 (for a total of 180 mini suites overall) means that only 6.667% of passengers booking mini suites will have a covered balcony and the other 93.333% of us won't :D

 

Ok, I'm done being pedantic! LOL :rolleyes:

[Colo Cruiser]

Lots of good information here and thank you. Food is important so I know we won't be as happy with that part. But knowing that going in keeps the expectations down. Thanks for the information on uncovered decks so I will try to book on deck 8.

 

This itinerary does include Glacier park so I know we will be happy.

 

Oceania's rates are high but they are very nice ships to cruise on. I know we will be happy this cruise since we are going with good friends and Alaska will be so beautiful to see.

 

 

Thanks again for the replies.

 

One thing I forgot, on Marina/Riviera no promenade deck at all. :(

[Working 2 Cruise]

As for food, there's nothing wrong with it!

 

Make sure to try the International Cafe...

 

Also, you may want to book the Sanctuary, but just for Glacier Bay. Yes, it's expensive, but so worth it!

[skiladyldp]

Working 2 Cruise what is the Sanctuary? What is expensive? I am appreciating all this information.

 

Virginia

[Aussie Gal]

We spent 35 days on Oceania when did a cruise from Hong Kong to Athens and it was our most favourite cruise. Saying that we have spent many days on Princess and we are very happy with the service and food considering the price we pay in comparison to what Oceania charges. One thing that Princess has over Oceania and that is entertainment at night. I remember that on our 35 day cruise, there was nothing offering after dinner.

 

We always book a mini suite on Deck 8 if we are on the larger ships of Princess otherwise we mainly cruise on her lovely Ocean Princess where the mini suites are quite large and very comfortable.

 

Jennie

[Working 2 Cruise]

Sanctuary is a pay for outside lounge with padded loungers and very attentive service, among other things. Attendants will bring you blankets, hot soup or chocolate, food, etc. while you're viewing the stunning scenery. That particular day is in more demand, so more expensive.... The Sanctuary is offered on all ships for the entire cruise but for Alaska, that would be the only day I'd consider given the weather...

[Love.II.Cruise]

Hello, I have only taken 2 cruises, both were on Oceania's, Riviera cruise ship to the mediterranean. We are now getting ready to book an Alaskan cruise in July 2015 on Princess's Golden cruise ship. I have no idea what to expect and would appreciate information on how a like or different I may find the experience. We don't need to use an airline since we can drive to the port in San Francisco.

 

Oceania has:

 

all types of coffee is free

bottled water is free

has an alcohol beverage package

internet package and is fairly good

expensive excursions

entertainment is not very good

specialty restaurants are free

we will be booking a mini suite on Princess but have only booked a veranda cabin on Oceania

self service laundry machines.

almost completely free of smoke

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

 

Oh my, where to start. We had 7135 on a transatlantic on Riviera and it was the best cabin we've had on any line! The food was top notch and I would say tied with Regent.

 

All types of coffee are not free on Princess. You will need a coffee card or the beverage package (which is relatively new). This package will give you free bottled water as well. I do not think Princess does Gatorade though. I noticed it on Oceania and jumped at it.

 

Excursions are expensive on Oceania, but in Alaska, the are expensive on Princess! I highly recommend trying to book excursions on your own in Alaska when sailing Princes. We saved quite a few dollars on dog mushing with helicopter tours and whale watching.

 

Entertainment sucks on Oceania. That being said, I'm highly critical due to being born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. The only show that I can say truly impressed me on Princess lately is "On the Bayou," which I believe is only on Island and her sister ship.

 

Specialty restaurants are not free on Princess and can be hit or miss. We had overcooked steaks and lukewarm soups on Pacific Princess. It doesn't stop us from going, but don't be afraid to call them out if they completely screw up.

 

Princess has self service laundry, but there are certain restrictions in certain ports in Alaska. I'd ask when you board.

 

Smoke - ugh, bad topic. We thought Oceania was great about that, but our last trip on Pacific Princess was horrible when it came to smoke. I'm hoping this was only due to it being a small ship and hope it is better on the Star Princess which we sail on in Jan.

[rdsqrl]

. . . Smoke - ugh, bad topic. We thought Oceania was great about that, but our last trip on Pacific Princess was horrible when it came to smoke. I'm hoping this was only due to it being a small ship and hope it is better on the Star Princess which we sail on in Jan.

I agree with you. Especially with respect to the smoking area on Deck 9. And of course, nine times out of ten, I would forget and walk out those portside doors right into it. And you couldn't really hang out for a drink at that bar, because the smoke drifted over there.

 

Plus, it annoyed me to see ship staff both there and out on the Promenade Deck smoking. I think if you're in uniform, you shouldn't be smoking in the first place when in public, and you certainly shouldn't be doing it out on the passenger decks.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I agree with you. Especially with respect to the smoking area on Deck 9. And of course, nine times out of ten, I would forget and walk out those portside doors right into it. And you couldn't really hang out for a drink at that bar, because the smoke drifted over there.

 

Plus, it annoyed me to see ship staff both there and out on the Promenade Deck smoking. I think if you're in uniform, you shouldn't be smoking in the first place when in public, and you certainly shouldn't be doing it out on the passenger decks.

 

And where are staff supposed to smoke? The amount of non-passenger outdoor space on most modern ships is virtually non existent, and what does exist is primarily used for marine machinery, anchors, mooring lines, etc. Not exactly where I'd want my staff smoking for safety reasons. Also the amount of indoor space allotted to crew is extremely limited and as much as we as passengers expect our indoor environment to be smoke free so do they. I see no problem with crew and passengers sharing what limited outdoor smoking areas that exist. As a non smoker I try and remember where the smoking areas are on deck so I can avoid them. Given their limited nature it's really not difficult to do.

Edited August 26, 2014 by scottamiller

[rdsqrl]

And where are staff supposed to smoke? The amount of non-passenger outdoor space on most modern ships is virtually non existent, and what does exist is primarily used for marine machinery, anchors, mooring lines, etc. Not exactly where I'd want my staff smoking for safety reasons. Also the amount of indoor space allotted to crew is extremely limited and as much as we as passengers expect our indoor environment to be smoke free so do they. I see no problem with crew and passengers sharing what limited outdoor smoking areas that exist. As a non smoker I try and remember where the smoking areas are on deck so I can avoid them. Given their limited nature it's really not difficult to do.

I don't really care. Seriously. I simply do not care. There is no inalienable right in law or morality to smoke. But I'm the paying passenger and my comfort and my health should come first. On this issue, I'm adamant [unanimous, even].

[Aussie Gal]

We have cruised many times on the Ocean Princess which is also a small ship and we have never been bothered by the smell of smoke due to someone smoking. There are only a couple of places on board where people are now allowed to smoke and even though I am a non smoker, I do feel that there should be somewhere on board that people can enjoy a cigarette. If it were a non smoking ship, then that is a completely different matter and I would expect that no-one on board would smoke and that it would be strictly observed.

 

Jennie

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I don't really care. Seriously. I simply do not care. There is no inalienable right in law or morality to smoke. But I'm the paying passenger and my comfort and my health should come first. On this issue, I'm adamant [unanimous, even].

 

All I can say is WOW, I hope when you want accommodation made for a habit or preference of yours in life that someone will have as uncommpasionate and self centered point of view.

 

 

 

Back on topic to the OP, I feel that switching from one cruise to another is not so hard, you just have to accept each experience for what it is and find the enjoyment therein. Princess offer an excellent large ship product. For what It tries to be I think they do an admirable job. I hope you enjoy sailing on the Golden :D

Edited August 26, 2014 by scottamiller

[Cruise Junky]

The Sanctuary is offered on all ships for the entire cruise but for Alaska, that would be the only day I'd consider given the weather...

 

Sanctuary is not on Pacific or Ocean

[shredie]

I don't really care. Seriously. I simply do not care. There is no inalienable right in law or morality to smoke. But I'm the paying passenger and my comfort and my health should come first. On this issue, I'm adamant [unanimous, even].

 

Well, maybe not unanimous. :) I hate mimes, and I go out of my way to avoid them, but I also realize that my reality is not the only one, so I don't bash them in the head with a rock. Avoiding smokers is easier than avoiding mimes, I am here to tell you. :p

 

Shouldn't all this smoking theology be in some separate thread somewhere?

[Host Jazzbeau]

I don't really care. Seriously. I simply do not care. There is no inalienable right in law or morality to smoke. But I'm the paying passenger and my comfort and my health should come first. On this issue, I'm adamant [unanimous, even].

 

Thank you, Mrs. Slocombe!

[Colo Cruiser]

Thank you, Mrs. Slocombe!

 

 

I miss that show!

[TKS]

The free things you speak of are not really free.

Fares are high on Oceania.

The specialty restaurants on Oceania fill up fast. Extra reservations are available depending on what cabin cat you book. The higher the cat the more reservations, so unless you book an owners suite the chances of going more then once are not great.

 

The Terrace Buffet is outstanding, along with Red Ginger and Toscana.

 

Colo Cruiser, We've sailed several times on Oceania and always were able to get additional reservations if we wanted, no matter what category we sailed. Yes, above PH get 2 reservations each on Riviera/Marina, but that is only a few people, and there are many additional bookings available. Yes, you have to get up and to the reservations desk at 8 AM and be flexible if you want those reservations, but they are available. On some cruises, when there was a line in the MDR we've even been asked if we would consider one of the specialty restaurants because there is immediate availability. Just a quick walk up, or down a couple floors and dinner is served.

 

We love O, but it is getting relatively expensive for our cruising budget. Celebrity is our second choice. Haven't sailed Princess yet, but will in January. Looking forward to experiencing Princess's "flavor" of cruising.