Land & Sea - LIVE from Spain as we sail & compare HAL to Oceania

[kazu]

I looked at that ramp and tried to imagine someone who uses a rollator or wheelchair getting up that slope. I guess they could get crew to push a wheelchair, and maybe have a transfer chair to get a rollator user up the ramp.

 

Kazu, was it that steep in all ports?

 

The passenger gangway was not that steep in all of the ports. There were certanly steps but it was not as steep as in Nassau.

 

Sorry, I neglected to take pics in other ports so I can't show you the difference.

 

apologies.

[iancal]

We have found the price deltas to be all over the map.

 

We booked an Oceania cruise (Regatta) about two years ago. We were close to the cancellation window but still outside. I think we booked about six months out. Unfortunately we had to cancel...but we were still outside the final payment window.

 

The price difference for us was just about 20/25 percent over a HAL, Celebrity, or Princess cruise at the time. We jumped at it because we wanted to try Oceania and because we felt there was more value. If we get an offer like this again we will jump at it. The price deltas seem higher now. On the other hand I think the Oceania value proposition for has increased (for us) because of the decline in standards on the mass market cruise lines-especially HAL.

Edited December 1, 2015 by iancal

[kazu]

The passenger gangway was not that steep in all of the ports. There were certanly steps but it was not as steep as in Nassau.

 

Sorry, I neglected to take pics in other ports so I can't show you the difference.

 

apologies.

 

Ok, I snapped new pics today to give you all a better clarification.

 

I need to download them and that probably won't happen until tomorrow in FLL but I will do it and post them tomorrow for you all at the latest.

 

I think this will show it better and put those that need it at ease.

[hpf]

Sorry, I neglected to take pics in other ports so I can't show you the difference.

 

apologies.

 

No need to apologize, you are doing a great job and we can ask you any questions we want to know.

Thank you for all the information you have shared with us.

Helen

Edited December 2, 2015 by hpf
Hadn't finished

[hpf]

Sorry, I neglected to take pics in other ports so I can't show you the difference.

 

apologies.

 

No need to apologize, you are doing a great job and we can ask you any questions we want to know.

Thank you for all the information that you have shared with us.

Helen

[ON cruiser]

I've been reading everything you wrote about your cruise with lots of interest, and cant wait for more details.

 

Oceania has long been on my radar if we are to ever 'jump ship" on HAL. It's interesting, I noticed that NCL and Oceania are the two lines most people consider to try to improve on HAL. I think people who put more value on entertainment, dining choices, more action lean towards NCL, and those that put more value on the smoking policy, improved overall dining, and traditional cruise values lean Oceania. (Very general statment, I know). I'm definitely in the lean to Oceania category. What has prevented me from booking with them so far is that I wonder about the value for the price differential. I would expect that there are many things I would like better - as I said the smoking policy, a generally more upscale vibe, better food, I know I would like all that. But to justify the price increase, I'm not sure I would like it THAT much better, as well as I know there are things I would continue to like about HAL (more intangible things, we have so many nights on HAL it's just so nostalgic and comfortable to us).

 

RuthC's review back when she sailed was helpful to me, too and confirmed a lot of the way I feel. Cant wait to read more of yours!!

 

....re above quote, that is what I tried to express earlier on (post 134, page 7), but perhaps this poster said it better. It is not strictly dollars, at least for me and seemingly for "we love cruising" , but rather that seemingly intangible question of " value" . So, LHT, it is not, for me, just the money to book O or Seabourn for that matter, but rather whatever line will give me and my wife best value for our vacation dollars. We still like HAL but are now open to options, if they work for us.

 

Having read Ruth's view a while back, which I appreciated, I now look forward to the views of another " straight-shooter," Kazu after she has unpacked, dug out the snow, etc.

[LHT28]

I agree with you

sometimes it is not the price but a feeling or some other thing that I cannot put my finger on that keeps me cruising on Oceania

Not everyone will see it the same way

Like I said give them a try & see if they tick your boxes

 

Hal has some things we liked but also some things we did not like the smoking ... we are so used to going to the casino without smokers I forgot on HAL & walked into the thick of it :eek:

Lyn

[sapper1]

....re above quote, that is what I tried to express earlier on (post 134, page 7), but perhaps this poster said it better. It is not strictly dollars, at least for me and seemingly for "we love cruising" , but rather that seemingly intangible question of " value" . So, LHT, it is not, for me, just the money to book O or Seabourn for that matter, but rather whatever line will give me and my wife best value for our vacation dollars. We still like HAL but are now open to options, if they work for us.

 

Having read Ruth's view a while back, which I appreciated, I now look forward to the views of another " straight-shooter," Kazu after she has unpacked, dug out the snow, etc.

I can assure Jacqui that we have no snow for her to dig out from under----yet. :D:D:

[kazu]

I can assure Jacqui that we have no snow for her to dig out from under----yet. :D:D:

 

 

Sounds like it is on it's way though - right when I have to pick up the dogs. I might have to change my "programming" for that one.

 

With the laundry closed, I had no choice but to use O's HAL package - similar to HAL's laundry by the bag package - it is 20 items for $24.95.

 

Here is my laundry returned to me...

 

 

No, this is not my laundry going out - it is it returned. Everything was folded inside though. Nothing was on a hanger unless you paid for pressing. I still had two certificates left (comes with PH) so I used it for two of DH's shirts.

 

I think you may notice a slight difference ;)

[hpf]

A very BIG difference from the way I get mine back from HAL. Even though I just say folded I usually get the most of it back also hanging on hangers. Love HAL.

Helen

[kazu]

Having sailed on O, I have a better understanding now about RuthC's impressions.

 

As a bit of a background, we had originally planned to sail on the Ryndam for her final sailing and I arranged a land tour that had been on Dh's bucket list for some time. My only condition was that I didn't want to fly both ways.

 

When HAL changed the Ryndam's itinerary to the Far East, I had to find a new option. The Zuiderdam's itinerary didn't have a lot of appeal and I didn't want to fly to Rome (or was it Athens?) from Spain to catch the Prinsendam & the itinerary was too similar to what we had done last year.

 

So, I went looking.

 

Oceania had long intrigued us. I knew a lot of HAL cruisers had used O, some had switched and some were doing O and HAL (in fact on this cruise I found a number of O cruisers who also sail HAL happily). I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try out a premium cruise line.

 

I researched voraciously to learn as much about O as I could so we would not be total ducks out of water and I must say, that the O board was very helpful and kind to me. And I thank them for helping me to prepare.

 

I learned that you shouldn't board O with too high expectations and not to listen to too much of the hype. Wise advice and I followed it.

 

I DID expect more than what we got on HAL and I DID expect better food than what we got on HAL.

 

I walked on embracing O with open arms.

 

So, I guess this is the beginning of the comparison and it may take a few posts. Keep in mind that these are just our comparisons (DH and mine) and some other HAL cruisers may agree but these are just ours that are being expressed.

 

I really didn't like going back to the old days of dragging my carry ons around on the ship and waiting until we were called to go to our room. HAL does this much better having rooms ready and, when they are not, you can usually put your carry ons in and get rid of the weight.

 

Lunch is in the Terrace Grill (HAL's Lido) on embarkation day. It wasn't hectic as O boards people in stages. The only people on at this stage were the upper suites (the good ones) such as the Oceania Suite, Vista Suite & Owner's Suites followed by the PH (aka Penthouse Suite) and concierge level verandas.

 

We were able to go to our cabins around 1 pm and I have to say that I was VERY impressed with the PH (Penthouse Suite) on O.

They are spacious enough with a ton of storage, lots of outlets to plug in whatever you need (at least 3 or 4), a gorgeous bathroom & Bulgari products. The room comes with a butler. Basically he can help with reservations, replenish your mini bar, do your in room dining, deliver your canapes in the early evening, etc.

 

Loved the PH - it is a bit bigger than a Signature Suite on HAL and a bit smaller than a Neptune Suite. (Remember this is on Riviera. The PH's on the smaller ships are smaller).

 

The lay out is nice and the table is a decent size to eat off of . You still have your "coffee/living room table" by the couch.

 

It's a very well designed room IMO

 

I thought that the room came with a choice of pillows but ours didn't. The bed is quite comfortable but I still give the plus to HAL on that one, but it could be because of the pillows. They weren't the most comfortable. One of our roll call members mentioned on their survey and they had a choice of pillows the next day. I hadn't thought of that. We certainly slept well though and I managed with the pillows.

[kazu]

The PH comes with access to an Executive/Concierge Lounge. It's ok but it is not well laid out & it doesn't have the reading materials that the Neptune Lounge does on HAL. DH hangs out there more than I do (I just went to get coffee and a statement from the concierge) and he far prefers the Neptune Lounge.

 

So, my view point is that IF you normally book a signature suite, O is better since you now have a lounge if you book a PH or concierge veranda. For the Neptune Suite dwellers, the Neptune Lounge wins hands down. Munchies are far better. Much more spacious and better laid out, etc.

 

There are little munchies in the lounge - pastries and that type of thing. So, not the choice you have on HAL, but you can order canapes through your butler every day. The canape list never changed for our cruise so, as a result we only ordered twice.

 

DH far preferred the Neptune when his personal concierge (me) would go and get him some munchies that he would enjoy.

[sail7seas]

I have said this before but if you are just comparing the dollar price with HAL VS Oceania then you will never go on Oceania

There are things of value other than $$ JMO

 

The only way you will know is to try Oceania & see for yourself

 

I am not a foodie & still enjoy Oceania ..HAL was OK but the smoking rules put me off

 

Enjoy whatever cruise you choose it is NOT a competition

 

Pricing differential very much depends upon which categories one books on each cruise line. If someone always books a Neptune Suite on HAL and they book one or even two categories down on Oceania, the price is not that much different.

 

Sure, if someone is accustomed to paying $399 or $499 on HAL, the prices on Oceania may be a bit shocking to them.

 

[LHT28]

Sure, if someone is accustomed to paying $399 or $499 on HAL, the prices on Oceania may be a bit shocking to them.

 

More than shocking It would probably put them into cardiac arrest :D

[POA1]

Thanks, J -

 

You really did a wonderful job with the reports. I can't believe that you're dealing with snow already. You're much braver than we are! :D

[kazu]

The Terrace Grill (equivalent to HAL's Lido) has a nice selection of things to eat and breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

The cheese selection alternates and is really good on O. They beat HAL on the cheeses for sure.

 

Selection is better, but the selection is the same each day so after a while if only certain things appeal, that is what you are eating. The hot selections do vary and the grilling side offers many of the same things the same day. So, if you want to eat lobster every day, you can.

 

There is a good dessert selection so those that like desserts will be in 7th heaven. DH and I tried a couple and they were very good.

 

But the Terrace Grill is quite crowded. The chairs are too close together making it difficult to manoeuver.

 

It is hard to find a table to sit at as they take forever to clear tables and reset them. Dirty tables abounded and one time we actually asked for one to be cleared and set so we could sit down.

 

and yes, it is noisy. The ceiling seems low which I think accounts for some of the problem.

 

If you happen to go at a time when there are few people it's a great spot. Not so much at peak times.

 

We liked Waves for sitting as it was rarely crowded, not as loud and you were outside. Service at Waves far surpassed service in the Terrace Grill.

[kazu]

The passenger gangway was not that steep in all of the ports. There were certanly steps but it was not as steep as in Nassau.

 

 

 

Sorry, I neglected to take pics in other ports so I can't show you the difference.

 

 

 

apologies.

 

 

oops I realized I forgot to post the pics of the gangway to give you a clearer idea.

 

The one you see at the front is the crew gangway which a lot of people used.

 

 

Here is a close up of it so you can see that it is indeed level

 

 

What a pleasure to upload a pic and have it all done in 30 seconds instead of 15 minutes ;)

[kazu]

Here's a different comparison for you. You know how a lot of us hope for "upsells" on HAL?

 

Not on O. The upper categories sell quickly on most cruises and what you may get instead is a "downgrade" offer or a "move over offer". They offer you money to take a lower category and offer you money to change cruises if the one you are on and your category is overbooked.

 

We did get a downgrade offer to switch to a concierge veranda. I agonized but was afraid that if we hit bad weather that there was not enough public space without the pool area and if we needed refuge we might need the room. So, I turned it down.

 

In retrospect, after seeing the veranda room, it seemed adequate - not near the storage space of course, but we could have made do.

 

My fear was that if we did a veranda, my cruise would be "coloured" as we were used to Signature Suites or Neptunes on HAL and DH likes his space. With the Noro on board, I don't regret my decision.

 

We didn't use our butler a lot but he did come in handy. I developed that cough I call Cruise Crud and couldn't find lemon and honey at night on the ship. The little bell went off in my head and I called the butler. I apologized for bothering him late at night and he said "I'm glad you called". He brought me my hot water in a carafe with lemon and honey and it helped.

 

The next day I found lemons and honey and kept them but couldn't get a carafe for hot water at the Terrace Grill so I said <sigh> I'll call the butler. When I called him he said and lemon and honey, right? From then on, every night, there was a tray when I returned from dinner with my lemon, honey & hot water on my table. I call that nice service :)

 

When we were in Madeira I got a small bottle of panache and used it to make hot toddies with the lemon & honey. Worked like a charm.

 

That one thing alone made me glad I stuck with the PH.

 

Oh and breakfast room service is only available to PH and above.

[kazu]

For those that may book Neptune Suites..... a little comparison.

 

O's upper suites are the Oceania, Vista & Owner's Suites. They are larger than a Neptune and in varying sizes so could be more adequately compared to Penthouse suites on HAL of various sizes.

 

The PH gets a bottle of champagne and the butler and earlier embarkation. And 2 free pressings per person.

 

The upper suites get 6 bottles of liquor (or wine) of their choice from a certain selection. They get to board even earlier and of course they get free pressings.

 

None of them get sepecial dismebarkation. They just can't walk off the ship when they want - they must wait for their number to be called.

 

None of them get free laundry or internet.

 

Now the upper suites do get more specialty dinner reservations - but that is a mixed bag and if you want more dinners and are willing to share a table it can be done.

 

So, the perks for the upper suites are few IMO and from what I heard from one roll call member who was in an O suite, the butlers are not necessarily the best. His butler was not good and was only seen 3 times in the entire cruise. (and this person is regular O cruiser so I think he knows what to expect ;))

Edited December 3, 2015 by kazu

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just catching up on your review and pictures.

Love your comparisons.

After reading everything, I don't think Oceania is for us. I see too many problems getting around with a rollator. Also I do not know how Oceania handles wheelchair people on embarkation and disembarkation days.

[kazu]

I know some thought my live from got negative because of the Noro.

 

In reality, I have had Noro incidents before and it is not the end of the world.

 

What I didn't like was the lack of communication leading up to Bermuda.

 

They started spritzing passengers at the pool and since they never had before I knew something was up.

 

Meanwhile, as I am sitting out at the pool area a roll call member comes up to me and asks how the new "all on board time" is going to affect our catamaran tour. I said huh? Apparently in the currents they had announced a new time for us to leave Bermuda. I had seen nothing.

 

I went back to my cabin and double checked and I had nothing. So, I went to reception to ask them what time we were leaving Bermuda. He told me 4 pm which is what I knew the itinerary had been switched to from the Maritime website at Bermuda (thanks to my tour operator). So, I said all is good and went back to the business of cruising.

 

At bingo, I ran into some new friends who were following the live thread and they asked why I wasn't posting about the new time for Bermuda. huh? I asked them if they got something in their cabin and they said yes, we are leaving a half an hour earlier.

 

So back I go to reception. This time I asked them for the insert that should have been in my currents. Which crurrents they ask - last night's - the one that pertains to Bermuda. They print it off for me and low and behold we are leaving at 3:30 instead of 4.

 

So, I tear up to the pool (where the internet is the best) with my ipad to email my operator. Since I have to cut it shot, I ask if there is anything that can be done price wise (nicely) acknnowledging that this is not their fautl nor mine.

 

She kindly reduces the price so I tear back to my cabin to write up 13 notes to my touring companions and then tear back to reception to get small bills so I can geive them all their refunds.

 

I completed the notes and was about to deliver them when DH said "you've done enough tearing around - why don't you surprise them that day or deliver them later". Thank heaveens I listened to DH. That night the Captain announced at dinner that we were refused entry to Bermuda.

 

GRRRRR - now I have to head to reception and get more bills broken down so I can refund all the tour money, write new notes and get the $ back to everyone. AND of course, I have to pray that email and internet will work so I can reach the tour operator. Reception on this ship was not very helpful. One lady was lovely but the rest really seemed to resent me asking for bills, etc.

 

The captain told a roll call member that he and Head Office had been dealing with Bermuda all day to try to get us in.

 

If that was the case, then why didn't he announce earlier that they were having issues and would do their best but we may not be able to go to Bermuda? At least people would have been somewhat prepared for the disappointment.

 

I compare this to our P'dam cruise when we couldn't dock in St. Tropez. The captain warned us there was a storm there and they were checking and we might not be able to get there early. At least we were prepared. By afternoon, Captain Gunderson came on to say that the dock was destroyed and we couldn't go so he had arranged an overnight in Barcelona.

 

If the Captain had warned us as Captian G did on the P'dam, I don't think it would have been so upsetting. Still upsetting, mind you, but not as bad. To announce then night before you are about to arrive is enough to cause a revolt when you have been at sea for five days and it is your first port of call for two glorious days after a transatlantic.

 

A lot of people booked this cruise because of the two days in Bermuda.

 

Communication on the ship was poor IMO and absolutely nothing was done when the announcement came - not even a free glass of cheap champagne.

 

There were NO special activities planned for the extra two days, not even a Grand Brunch or anything like that.

 

I found several things never made it into my Currents that the other Penthouses got and yes, we all had the same cabin steward.

Edited December 3, 2015 by kazu

[kazu]

Just catching up on your review and pictures.

Love your comparisons.

After reading everything, I don't think Oceania is for us. I see too many problems getting around with a rollator. Also I do not know how Oceania handles wheelchair people on embarkation and disembarkation days.

 

 

They do provide wheelchair assistance KK. I don't think they get a separate embarkation or disembarkation though. I didn't see it. If RuthC sees this she can probably confirm better than I.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry you had to go through all that hassle concerning Bermuda, no real information from the captain, getting refunds for a cancelled tour, etc.

We have missed ports due to weather and didn't get any free glass of cheap champagne either.

[Lizzie68]

Thanks for the reports, Jacqui. A dumb question - what are "Currents"? I had been thinking it was the Daily Explorer, but your last sentence threw me.

I thought communication on HAL was bad (no, I should clarify that, not so much on the ships but definitely at HAL HQ;)) but it sounds way worse on O.

[LHT28]

Oh and breakfast room service is only available to PH and above.

incorrect

HOT breakfast is available in Concierge & above other Cat get cold items

 

They do have upsells on some sailings usually TA's are more popular so not many upsells