Oceania vs azamara

[LuAnn]

We are docked next to the AZ Journey today in Barcelona and I saw someone who we sailed with on the Quest spring T/A last year in the terminal...I asked her about any problems on board with plumbing and she said she had not experienced any nor had anyone else she knew while on this cruise...they left MIA on 4/2. She said the new captain had come on board already and was already in charge. LuAnn

[Reggiefan]

I have sailed once with each cruise line--Marina and Journey. Based on my limited experience, I found the two lines comparable but different in these respects:

 

--Oceania has better food. In this category, it is not even close.

 

--The Marina, which is a fairly new ship, is superior in all respects to the older Journey. And I happen to like the size of the Marina more.

 

--With regard to officer interaction, don't expect any on Oceania. You will not meet anyone like Heike on Oceania.

 

--I actually enjoyed the entertainment more on Azamara. Eric hands-down was better than the CD we had on Oceania. It seemed to me that Azamara works harder to ensure its patrons have a great time.

 

--My biggest criticism of Oceania is the time in some ports. Here, Azamara is a big winner.

[Coach Tom]

I have sailed once with each cruise line--Marina and Journey. Based on my limited experience, I found the two lines comparable but different in these respects:

 

--Oceania has better food. In this category, it is not even close.

 

--The Marina, which is a fairly new ship, is superior in all respects to the older Journey. And I happen to like the size of the Marina more.

 

--With regard to officer interaction, don't expect any on Oceania. You will not meet anyone like Heike on Oceania.

 

--I actually enjoyed the entertainment more on Azamara. Eric hands-down was better than the CD we had on Oceania. It seemed to me that Azamara works harder to ensure its patrons have a great time.

 

--My biggest criticism of Oceania is the time in some ports. Here, Azamara is a big winner.

I've done (6) Azamara and (2) Oceania and I'd vote Azamara. Free wine and well drinks is a huge difference to me, Oceania seems to "nickel and dime" you to death! Food is a wash. I think service is better on Az as well.

Coach Tom

[hondorner]

I've done (6) Azamara and (2) Oceania and I'd vote Azamara. Free wine and well drinks is a huge difference to me, Oceania seems to "nickel and dime" you to death! Food is a wash. I think service is better on Az as well.

Coach Tom

Doesn't Azamara charge for some things Oceania includes, like specialty restaurants?

[LuAnn]

Doesn't Azamara charge for some things Oceania includes, like specialty restaurants?

 

They do...but there are only 2...not anything like the 4 on the O class ships re number of venues! LuAnn

[Toranut97]

I've done (6) Azamara and (2) Oceania and I'd vote Azamara. Free wine and well drinks is a huge difference to me, Oceania seems to "nickel and dime" you to death! Food is a wash. I think service is better on Az as well.

Coach Tom

 

I had to smile when I saw your post. Your profile picture reinforces your priorities as stated!

[orchestrapal]

Void!

[piscean]

I have sailed once with each cruise line--Marina and Journey. Based on my limited experience, I found the two lines comparable but different in these respects:

 

--Oceania has better food. In this category, it is not even close.

 

--The Marina, which is a fairly new ship, is superior in all respects to the older Journey. And I happen to like the size of the Marina more.

 

--With regard to officer interaction, don't expect any on Oceania. You will not meet anyone like Heike on Oceania.

 

--I actually enjoyed the entertainment more on Azamara. Eric hands-down was better than the CD we had on Oceania. It seemed to me that Azamara works harder to ensure its patrons have a great time.

 

--My biggest criticism of Oceania is the time in some ports. Here, Azamara is a big winner.

 

Have sailed many times with Azamara and Heike is a most lovely lady. However on Insignia last year we met the wonderful Gabriel Ovesea, food and beverage manager,......nothing was too much trouble and he was extremely personable. A great credit to Oceania.

[Reggiefan]

Piscean, thanks for the comment. And I mean that sincerely. Upon reading it, I readily concede that my comments are based on a small sample size--one cruise on each cruise line.

 

Were I to take a cruises with several sea days, I personally would not book with Azamara. I found the Journey last year to be well maintained, but on a totally different level from the Marina. Indeed, I found the Oceania product in several ways to be of higher quality--the ship, the stateroom, afternoon tea, and especially the quality of the dining options. Even with my limited sample size, I did not find any comparison between the quality of the dining options on the Marina and that on the Journey. I realize judging food is to some extent subjective, but I think the overwhelming consensus is that the food on Oceania is overall excellent and superior to the food on Azamara.

 

However, were I to take a port-intensive cruise in, say, the Mediterranean, I would consider strongly Azamara because its itineraries are very port-intensive with overnight stays and late departures. I can remember on our Oceania cruise how limited our time was in Monte Carlo and in Amalfi, and it seems that the Oceania itineraries try to include as many ports as possible rather than emphasizing as much time as possible in the most attractive ports of call.

 

It also seems to me that Oceania's pricing remains a tad higher than Azamara's, though booking a cabin on Azamara is akin to booking a flight with an airline--the pricing constantly changes because of supply and demand.

Edited April 21, 2015 by Reggiefan

[LHT28]

It also seems to me that Oceania's pricing remains a tad higher than Azamara's, though booking a cabin on Azamara is akin to booking a flight with an airline--the pricing constantly changes because of supply and demand.

 

Does Azamara's price include airfare like the pricing on Oceania?

 

Staying longer is some ports would have an advantage

[ShopperfiendTO]

Does Azamara's price include airfare like the pricing on Oceania?

 

Staying longer is some ports would have an advantage

 

Generally it does not include airfare. Not sure if you think that including airfare is an advantage - I used to think it was but since O keeps on reducing the air credit and increasing the deviation fees, I'm not so sure anymore.

 

Longer port times is definitely a bonus. We really liked that part about our Az cruises.

 

I still prefer O's product because we weigh cuisine quality to be an important factor in our cruise enjoyment, but if it's not an issue (you're not too picky about food quality/options) then they're close enough.

[LHT28]

Generally it does not include airfare. Not sure if you think that including airfare is an advantage - I used to think it was but since O keeps on reducing the air credit and increasing the deviation fees, I'm not so sure anymore.

 

 

It depends on the itinerary

I weigh my options with & without the air credit plus deviation

Most of the time O air works for us

 

Lyn

[hondorner]

I'm amused by the praise Azamara gets for staying inports longer versus Oceania going to more ports. Which do you think is more beneficial to the cruise line, considering fuel and operating costs, and reduced port and dockage fees, and fewer excursion complexities? Which do you think has more bang for the buck, more ports or fewer ports? Which do you think works harder to provide a varied experience?

Edited April 22, 2015 by hondorner

[corpkid]

I do have to agree that overnights are pretty great. Let's you explore the city/locale after dark. Far too often I find we are racing back to the ship around 5pm to make dinner time / boarding.

 

That said - Oceania seems to understand this for ports "that matter" - see our upcoming itinerary... Several overnights. I hope this is the direction they go in the future. I love O's food, but on more "exotic" cruises, I want to eat the local food and drink. Dinner is one of those moments on a trip where it all comes together if you are doing it right. :

 

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/Asia-cruises/beijing-to-hong-kong-NAU160304/

Edited April 22, 2015 by corpkid

[corpkid]

It depends on the itinerary

I weigh my options with & without the air credit plus deviation

Most of the time O air works for us

 

Lyn

 

Great point. Between my extensive work travel and our credit cards it doesn't make sense for us to factor in air travel. We just outright take the credit every time. We were offered $1050pp credit for our Orlando to Beijing/Hong Kong to Orlando trip coming up. We plan to arrive 4 days earlier so the deviation fees, plus the fare differential... The fares we are seeing right now are about $1150 on UA. Use miles to upgrade to Business and we have a winner of a short layover flight with good departure / arrival times in business class. :)

Edited April 22, 2015 by corpkid

[hypercafe]

I'm amused by the praise Azamara gets for staying inports longer versus Oceania going to more ports. Which do you think is more beneficial to the cruise line, considering fuel and operating costs, and reduced port and dockage fees, and fewer excursion complexities? Which do you think has more bang for the buck, more ports or fewer ports? Which do you think works harder to provide a varied experience?

 

Seems people like to stay in ports longer. I really do not care how much fuel the ship does or doesn't use nor how hard they work. I enjoy staying longer in ports as I find it more relaxing. I wish AZ would get some bigger ships so I could try them as I find the R ships too small.

[TERRIER1]

Generally it does not include airfare. Not sure if you think that including airfare is an advantage - I used to think it was but since O keeps on reducing the air credit and increasing the deviation fees, I'm not so sure anymore.

 

Longer port times is definitely a bonus. We really liked that part about our Az cruises.

 

I still prefer O's product because we weigh cuisine quality to be an important factor in our cruise enjoyment, but if it's not an issue (you're not too picky about food quality/options) then they're close enough.

 

I agree. The food s better on Oceania but the service is better on Azamara. We really appreciated and enjoyed the longer port times on Azamara. We could take off without having to rush back to the ship for a 6 pm sailaway.

[pinotlover]

I have too often see O, when they have maybe 100 nautical miles to the next port, have a departure of 5 or 6 p.m., then just go out and do the putz around until the next morning. There is no reason, except maybe port fees is higher than fuel fees not to remain in those ports until 9-10 p.m. In some of those ports, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to sightsee longer, and even have dinner ashore for a local flair.

 

From all accounts, there exists an age differential in the make of the each line's core passengers, which creates an "energy" differential. I have suffered on private tours on O cruises, where some of the fellow tourees have pleaded to cut tours short, and go back to the boat, because they are "exhausted" by 2 p.m. Then my wife, I, and any possibly others become the jerks when we declare that we signed up for and paid for the entire tour, and we want to take it.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I have too often see O, when they have maybe 100 nautical miles to the next port, have a departure of 5 or 6 p.m., then just go out and do the putz around until the next morning. There is no reason, except maybe port fees is higher than fuel fees not to remain in those ports until 9-10 p.m.

 

Did they open the casino and shops while putzing? That's a huge revenue item.

[pinotlover]

Jazz;

 

Yep, they always get opened up, but actually the casino rarely get's going until later (post 9). Seems to be more of facilitating the meathead Trivia crew that wants to be back and rested up before Trivia at 4:30, or those wanting an afternoon, pre dinner nap at 4. I've sat up in a near empty Forward top Lounge at 5 and 6 watching a beautiful sail out of great ports wondering where is everyone. Hell, it's happy hour and 2 for 1. The old geezers are all taking a nap so to stay awake for dinner at 7. :eek:

[LAexNY]

Jazz;

 

Yep, they always get opened up, but actually the casino rarely get's going until later (post 9). Seems to be more of facilitating the meathead Trivia crew that wants to be back and rested up before Trivia at 4:30, or those wanting an afternoon, pre dinner nap at 4. I've sat up in a near empty Forward top Lounge at 5 and 6 watching a beautiful sail out of great ports wondering where is everyone. Hell, it's happy hour and 2 for 1. The old geezers are all taking a nap so to stay awake for dinner at 7. :eek:

 

Your day will come to be a geezer. Better rest up now.

[Paulchili]

Originally Posted by pinotlover

Seems to be more of facilitating the meathead Trivia crew that wants to be back and rested up before Trivia at 4:30, or those wanting an afternoon, pre dinner nap at 4. I've sat up in a near empty Forward top Lounge at 5 and 6 watching a beautiful sail out of great ports wondering where is everyone. Hell, it's happy hour and 2 for 1. The old geezers are all taking a nap so to stay awake for dinner at 7.

 

Your day will come to be a geezer.

 

How true - but only if you are lucky enough. Unfortunately, not everyone is.

There certainly are many options out there for younger and more active cruisers to choose from - a "perfect" cruise or cruise line for everyone.

Just pick the one that suits you best.

[TrulyBlonde]

"Leonardo da Vinci took multiple naps a day and slept less at night.

The French Emperor Napoleon was not shy about taking naps. He indulged daily.

Though Thomas Edison was embarrassed about his napping habit, he also practiced his ritual daily.

Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, used to boost her energy by napping before speaking engagements.

Gene Autry, “the Singing Cowboy,” routinely took naps in his dressing room between performances.

President John F. Kennedy ate his lunch in bed and then settled in for a nap—every day!

Oil industrialist and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller napped every afternoon in his office.

Winston Churchill’s afternoon nap was a non-negotiable. He believed it helped him get twice as much done each day.

President Lyndon B. Johnson took a nap every afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in order to break his day up into “two shifts.”

Though criticized for it, President Ronald Reagan famously took naps as well."

 

We are a bit younger and very fit and DH loves his mini nap every afternoon. I respect all of the "geezers" on board a ship and happy to see them still fulfilling their lives and dreams. I hope I can do the same and be called a "geezer"one day.

I had also read that many of the most successful CEO's took daily naps. Those are probably some of the nappers on board the ship who can now enjoy and afford the fruits of their labor.

[pinotlover]

From multiple reports, I'm not sure how much napping JFK and his napmates were actually doing! ;)

 

Just saying that from multiple reports from cruisers that have taken both lines, there exists an overall age differential. That differential appears to affect the energy level of the cruise. On my Feb cruise, over 70% of the passengers were repeat customers and attending the repeat cruiser events. The ship had to have three parties to accommodate all WE repeats. It's a good demographic for O to pull from, but looking around, WE all were getting older and older. Just a consideration, which will probably be ignored: If one is routinely exhausted by 2 p.m. and needs their daily nap. Don't sign up in the roll call for an all day private tour with others that might not be so afflicted. :(

[Toranut97]

Jazz;

 

 

 

Yep, they always get opened up, but actually the casino rarely get's going until later (post 9). Seems to be more of facilitating the meathead Trivia crew that wants to be back and rested up before Trivia at 4:30, or those wanting an afternoon, pre dinner nap at 4. I've sat up in a near empty Forward top Lounge at 5 and 6 watching a beautiful sail out of great ports wondering where is everyone. Hell, it's happy hour and 2 for 1. The old geezers are all taking a nap so to stay awake for dinner at 7. :eek:

 

 

Thanks for calling all of us trivia fans "meatheads." How -- special.

 

There are more things I could say in response to your "observations," but I refuse to sink to that level.

 

Donna

 

 

 

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