REGENT OR OCEANIA - YOU ASKED IMO ONLY

[ronrick1943]

REGENT OR OCEANIA ?

Some of you have asked,  is Regent worth the price over Oceania.  We’ve cruised Regent 3 times on Regent and have 4 booked more additional cruises.  Oceania we have had 9 cruises.  We just got off an Oceania on the SS Sirena this December. (We had not cruised Oceania for 4 years, not because we didn’t enjoy Oceania-but due to illness).  Once we got back to cruising we chose Regent and like the line.  Why did we go back to Oceania, Itinerary and we knew the product.  I should also tell you we prefer the bigger suites when we travel, on Oceania we take the Owners Suite and on Regent the Grand Suite. We’ll be back on the SS Mariner April 2019 for the Tokyo to Vancouver.

 

Now some of you won’t agree with what I have to say but please keep in mind this is my impression of what took place on this cruise and my passed impression of Regent.  So keep that in mind as you choose to read or not.  This has nothing to due with any other cruise we’ve taken on either line.

 

PRE-CRUISE INFORMATION: Both lines are very good for this, can’t really pick a winner.

 

EMBARKATION: Oceania is the clear winner, they handled the upper suite embarkation better and was very discreet in the way they handled it.  In the waiting area a representative came to us and took us to the sign in desk.  After getting our cruise card we turned around and the concierge introduced herself and took us on the ship.  After clearing the ship boarding area our Butler greeted us and took us to our suite.  Showed us around, took notes and he asked us questions.  Have to say Oceania wins hand down.

 

Suite: The SS Sirena is going into dry dock next year.  Have to say it’s a really nice, clean ship.  For us the ship doesn’t show it needs anything done.  Now Regent’s Grand Suite is bigger, but the furniture needs to be replaced on the Mariner at least.  From my experience I’d have to say Oceania is the winner but not by much.  If they replaced the furniture on Regents Mariner they would be the winner. (an easy fix).

 

Butler: On Oceania they are very good, on Regent Excellent.  We don’t need much or demand much, however on Regent the Butler just does more.  Even simple things like refilling the fruit bowl with the items you like.  Seems like the Regent Butler plans ahead, even before you know you wanted something.  Regents wins here.

 

Perks: About the same with the exception you get 3 bags of free laundry with a suite.  Oceania wins again in this area.  But saying that Regent has some nice perks like being able to dine anywhere on the ship.  Everything else is about equal.

 

Coffee Bar: Hands down Regent is better—better service, better seating, better variety of snacks that changes during the day.

 

Crew: Regent crew seems to smile more, better service and just in general makes you feel good about being on the ship.  On Oceania in general the crew just didn’t seem to care or have the extra friendly feeling (not all of the crew was this way, a few where good).

 

Dining: Oceania the food was not exceptional, mediocre at best.  We send a few dishes back, we also saw others sending food back.  Getting a table was fast, and seating was good. However once you were seated the server came over to take your food order—-before the drink order.  You’d have to tell them no, please come back later.  Regent, the food and service is much, a lot better.  I believe Regent has a higher standard in both food and service than Oceania.

 

Lunch Buffet:  Oceania, not so good.  Regent has better variety, better quality and better service.  Again Hands down Regent the winner.

 

Outside Pool Food Area: Oceania, again food not so good-salad bar area not kept up.  Regent much better variety, better food quality and by far better service again.

 

Entertainment: This isn’t really that important to us, however from what I’ve seem during our Regent cruise stands out over Oceania.

 

Excursions: About the same, we prefer to do it on are own when possible.  Wish Regent didn’t include this in the price of the cruise.

 

Officers: Regent stands out here.  On Oceania you never see them-you have no idea who manages what on Oceania.  Regent you see them all over the ship, they always say hello—sometimes even sit down and have coffee with you.  You just have a better feeling on Regent because you see them around the ship during the cruise.  Even the Captain walks around on Regent and stops and talks to its guest.

 

Spa: About the same, no clear winner here.

 

Disembarking: Equal here, both lines have this down pretty good.

 

I guess you get what you pay for, Regent costs more-but you get a lot more in my opinion for your money.  When we cruise we enjoy the service, the food and the staff-this makes the cruise for us.  That said we’ll be cruising Regent.  Please keep in mind, this is only the way we see it.  Others will have different opinions and that’s OK.  Is Regent perfect, no—are their things I’d like to see changed on Regent, yes.

 

If you have a question I’ll be happy to give you an answer if I can.  Rick

[MalbecWine]

Thank you for your balanced review.  Each luxury line excels in different areas.  For example Crystal has the best enrichment and entertainment but they lack in suite size unless you are in the penthouses.

 

I think every premium and luxury line have something to offer that another line does not.  We are looking forward to trying the Explorer next year in a MS..looks gorgeous.

[Travelcat2]

I agree with everything that ronrick said about food and the crew but disagree about embarkation and somewhat about embarkation and disembarkation.

 

If you are on a low category on Oceania, you may not be "entitled" to embark until 3:00 p.m.  I know that Oceania passengers say that you can embark earlier if no one is there but if someone tells me that I cannot embark until 3:00 p.m., I would not show up at noon.

 

Our experiences on Oceania have been on the Riviera (the newest ship).  Although Regent passengers can get a bit antsy about disembarking the ship, it is nowhere as bad as on Oceania.  They block everything when they wait in line to get off of the ship.  Those that have been called to disembark cannot pass to even get to the door.

 

In terms of officers, I have it on high authority that when Regent was purchased (by PCH - NCLH) they noticed how much the officers on Regent interacted with passengers.  This was something that had not been done on Oceania.  Because this was something that Regent passengers expected and enjoyed, it was not changed.  I'm guessing on this statement but assume that since Oceania passengers were used to not interacting as much, they did not change what was already working on Oceania.

 

Really glad that ronrick acknowledged that food on Regent is better.  Oceania claims that they have the best food at sea.  While this may be "almost" accurate, we find the food in the Terrace Cafe (their buffet venue) is so poor that we avoided it.  Food in the MDR also did not meet our expectations.  Having said that, Jacques on Oceania is likely the best French food that we have ever had at sea.

 

MalbecWine - Oceania is not a "luxury" cruise line - even the CEO of NCHL does not claim that they are.  Instead, their competition seems to be Azamara and other premium plus cruise lines.

 

 

[Hambagahle]

We have sailed both lines too and I agree with some things that Ronrick says and not with others.  BUT we have not sailed on Regent since 2013 and in 5 years a lot can change...we will be on the Splendour in 2020 and I am eager to see how they have changed.

 

We also, like Ronrick, cruise in "high end" suites.  Oceania, Vista and Owners Suites on the Riveria and we will be in a Grand Suite on Splendour, have been in Seven Seas Aft on Mariner. "Lowest" category was PH on Mariner, Navigator and Voyager.   Our butlers have been outstanding on both lines.  "Prizes" go to Pritham (Mariner but now on Oceania) Churchill (O), Sandeep (O but sadly now deceased...).  Worst was a butler on Voyager!

 

Food - the last time we sailed Regent the food was nowhere near as good as the food we have had since '13 on Oceania.  so I am eager to try it again.  The photos make the presentation look very good I have to say!   

 

Boarding - Oceania wins hands down BUT I understand Regent is "improving"...  I expect to be able to board when I arrive at the dock.  O has "dedicated boarding queues" for the high end suites and I think R. has those now.  However I have not had the experience of having my butler meet me and escort me to my suite on either line even when in the Owners Suite on O.   have to say I also like the String Quartet that play during boarding on O.  My experiences of boarding Regent ships have been uniformly bad.  A longish wait and no priority.  Nice though to have the glass of champagne once boarded (if that still happens...?)

 

Officers - couldn't agree more with Ronrick.  We always enjoyed getting to know the officers on Regent but I can't say, aside from the Captain's Welcome party and the O equivalent of the SSS cocktail that I ever saw the face of an officer with the exception of the GMs who invited us for dinner.

 

I am very curious as to how I will feel about all this in March 2020 when we are on Splendour!!

[ronrick1943]

On 12/26/2018 at 5:20 PM, Travelcat2 said:

I agree with everything that ronrick said about food and the crew but disagree about embarkation and somewhat about embarkation and disembarkation.

 

If you are on a low category on Oceania, you may not be "entitled" to embark until 3:00 p.m.  I know that Oceania passengers say that you can embark earlier if no one is there but if someone tells me that I cannot embark until 3:00 p.m., I would not show up at noon.

 

Our experiences on Oceania have been on the Riviera (the newest ship).  Although Regent passengers can get a bit antsy about disembarking the ship, it is nowhere as bad as on Oceania.  They block everything when they wait in line to get off of the ship.  Those that have been called to disembark cannot pass to even get to the door.

 

In terms of officers, I have it on high authority that when Regent was purchased (by PCH - NCLH) they noticed how much the officers on Regent interacted with passengers.  This was something that had not been done on Oceania.  Because this was something that Regent passengers expected and enjoyed, it was not changed.  I'm guessing on this statement but assume that since Oceania passengers were used to not interacting as much, they did not change what was already working on Oceania.

 

Really glad that ronrick acknowledged that food on Regent is better.  Oceania claims that they have the best food at sea.  While this may be "almost" accurate, we find the food in the Terrace Cafe (their buffet venue) is so poor that we avoided it.  Food in the MDR also did not meet our expectations.  Having said that, Jacques on Oceania is likely the best French food that we have ever had at sea.

 

MalbecWine - Oceania is not a "luxury" cruise line - even the CEO of NCHL does not claim that they are.  Instead, their competition seems to be Azamara and other premium plus cruise lines.

 

 

 

I knew you wouldn't agree or like Oceania's embarkation policy, but it is what it is and I hope Regents thinks about it.  Even thought I disagree with you I respect your opinion.  Rick

[Travelcat2]

1 hour ago, ronrick1943 said:

 

I knew you wouldn't agree or like Oceania's embarkation policy, but it is what it is and I hope Regents thinks about it.  Even thought I disagree with you I respect your opinion.  Rick

 

Regent did think about it ....... twice.  The first time was several years ago and the outrage from their passengers was so loud that the "Oceania type boarding" was abandoned within a month.  They must have thought about it again because last year their put in place a policy whereby passengers in Seven Seas Suites and above could board first.  There must have been an outcry from long time passengers because they have added "Titanium and above Seven Seas Society members".  

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Getting back on topic a bit.  We did one Oceania crossing on Riviera.  Just a PH, not a named cabin.  Weren't impressed, although the ship was beautiful (and brand-new.)  Just didn't do it for us, too big, impersonal, not very friendly.  Might  be persuaded to try one of the R ships since we liked Azamara (same hulls), but would have to drag my husband onboard I think.

 

I read someone comment recently that Riviera has not aged well.  Not sure if there is a scheduled refurb.  Food was very good although uneven, and the buffet procedure was onerous.  Neither R or O can beat the buffet on Seabourn Quest I think.

[travelwell]

We have cruised both on Oceania Insignia and Regent Navigator. Our Oceania cruise was our first dab into the premium category . We found it a big jump from our then go to line of Celebrity. We liked the enforced smoking policy, resort casual dress, anytime seating and the size of the ship. The veranda room was small and we would never sail Oceania again without booking a penthouse suite. The dining room and the pool were crowded on the Insignia with some chair hogs. This might not be a big issue on the larger ships which we have not been on. At the time we felt like it was a big enough step up that we wondered that the luxury cruises were like. We had the same question as you did. We have since cruised Regent, Seabourn and Crystal and are hesitant to go back to the premium category as we have found the lux lines fit us. We like the all inclusive nature, the space to passenger ratios and the service. The service and rooms are definitely a step up from Oceania (with the exception of Crystal, where we had horrible room service, musty small room and were impacted by a huge group). The people on both Regent and Oceania nice but we really bonded with our Regent and Seabourn cruise mates. I think it was due to more space on the ship and perhaps the itinerary. I would go on Oceania again but when looking at big cruises it is between Seabourn and Regent. Be warned, once you jump to the luxury arena it is very hard to go back. Of course this is just one opinion.

[Travelcat2]

On 12/29/2018 at 11:55 AM, Wendy The Wanderer said:

Getting back on topic a bit.  We did one Oceania crossing on Riviera.  Just a PH, not a named cabin.  Weren't impressed, although the ship was beautiful (and brand-new.)  Just didn't do it for us, too big, impersonal, not very friendly.  Might  be persuaded to try one of the R ships since we liked Azamara (same hulls), but would have to drag my husband onboard I think.

 

I read someone comment recently that Riviera has not aged well.  Not sure if there is a scheduled refurb.  Food was very good although uneven, and the buffet procedure was onerous.  Neither R or O can beat the buffet on Seabourn Quest I think.

 

Didn't see where anyone was off topic.  In any case, your comments about the Riviera are interesting.  We were impressed with many things but food was not one of them.  Your comments about Seabourn are also very interesting.  Based on what you've posted, why are you doing a Regent world cruise instead of a Seabourn world cruise?  Does Seabourn not do world cruises?

 

P.S.  Acknowledging that discussing Seabourn is off topic but am responding to a comment made on this thread.  

[boblerm]

As far as cost is concerned, I have done several  comparisons on similar itineraries.  I generally sail in a category F size room on Regent, which would be closest to a Penthouse suite on Marina or Riviera.  If I add in drink package, excursions (we do like to do ship excursions), internet, gratuities on O, and subtract air credit on Regent, I have found the costs to be fairly comparable.  For the same itinerary, I would choose Regent, which for me, offers an overall better product. But I would not hesitate to sail with O again if the itinerary and timing worked out better.

Bob

 

[RachelG]

Agree with Ronrick andboblerm.  We have sailed both.  Price is about the same if we lux up to what we are used to on Regent.  Only reason to cruise Oceania is itinerary or if cruising with friends who need a lower price point.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

21 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Didn't see where anyone was off topic.  In any case, your comments about the Riviera are interesting.  We were impressed with many things but food was not one of them.  Your comments about Seabourn are also very interesting.  Based on what you've posted, why are you doing a Regent world cruise instead of a Seabourn world cruise?  Does Seabourn not do world cruises?

 

P.S.  Acknowledging that discussing Seabourn is off topic but am responding to a comment made on this thread.  

 

I said the food was very good, not excellent, and as I said, uneven.  But that was one cruise, 6 years ago on Riviera.

 

As for Seabourn, would love to, ...they do do world cruises, but they are big quirky segments really, and not necessarily where we want to go.  Plus they're expensive.  And the full WC (it's eastbound, btw, ugh!), is 146 days, too long.   The ships are also small, and as much as we enjoyed our Quest experience, it would take some time for me to be as comfortable on Seabourn for a long trip as I know I will be on Mariner. Regent just suits us very nicely.

 

The Mariner WC fare is a real bargain, based on the per diem, imho.  Just hope we don't have to give up that dream because of our current insurance problems. We'd have the same issue with a Seabourn cruise I'm sure.

Edited January 1, 2019 by Wendy The Wanderer