Couple in their low 40s

[Heidi13]

16 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

 

Flatbush Flyer - not to hijack the thread, but I've been looking at stepping up to Oceania after sailing in NCL's suites for a while based on their inclusive fares. But unfortunately, my husband is not a tuxedo-type guy. Is O a less formal cruise line (in general, not compared to NCL obviously)? I've not been able to get a good feel for that question on the O boards. Thanks! (And in keeping with the OP's question - we are also in our 40's, are ready to step up our cruiselines of choice, and prefer non-formal dinners, so appreciate all of the advice.)

In addition to Oceania, suggest checking out Viking Ocean. They are very similar in that they have no formal nights, with every evening being elegant casual. Each ship is 930 pax, with minimum age being 18. Also no casino.

 

They have launched 5 ships since 2015, have another coming out this year + 6 more ships on order.

[Flatbush Flyer]

20 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

In addition to Oceania, suggest checking out Viking Ocean. They are very similar in that they have no formal nights, with every evening being elegant casual. Each ship is 930 pax, with minimum age being 18. Also no casino.

 

They have launched 5 ships since 2015, have another coming out this year + 6 more ships on order.

The "jury is still out" on Viking Ocean. Many reviews are panning the food, particularly when compared to the industry "food" leader - Oceania. 

Edited January 22, 2019 by Flatbush Flyer

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

The "jury is still out" on Viking Ocean. Many reviews are panning the food, particularly when compared to the industry "food" leader - Oceania. 

In your opinion, the "Jury is still out", but many other passengers have Viking rated significantly higher than Oceania.

 

1) Travel & Leisure readers, for the 3rd year in a row have rated Viking Ocean as the # 1 Cruise Line for vessels of 600 to 2,199. Oceania only rated as # 6

 

2) Cruise Critic Editors' Picks, in the luxury category Viking Ocean were placed 1st in 3 categories. Oceania only placed first in 1 category (food)

 

3) Conde Nast, in the medium ship category of 500 to 2,500 passengers, Crystal were rated # 1, Viking were rated # 2 and Oceania were again rated as # 6

 

4) Which ? Consumer Group, as a result of passenger ratings have recently rated Viking Ocean as this year's # 1 cruise line. Oceania were not listed in the top 5, although they were rated # 1 the previous year. Therefore Oceania have recently dropped significantly. 

 

We thoroughly researched all the luxury & premium lines and selected Viking. Not only did they have excellent independent reviews, but they are also not owned by a Mega ship cruise line. Their ownership actually operated the very successful luxury line Royal Viking back in the 70's, 80's & 90's. Oceania is owned by NCL.

 

Oceania was actually our 2nd choice, determining they had the best food, but in selecting a cruise line we look for more than just quality meals. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, Heidi13 said:

In your opinion, the "Jury is still out", but many other passengers have Viking rated significantly higher than Oceania.

 

1) Travel & Leisure readers, for the 3rd year in a row have rated Viking Ocean as the # 1 Cruise Line for vessels of 600 to 2,199. Oceania only rated as # 6

 

2) Cruise Critic Editors' Picks, in the luxury category Viking Ocean were placed 1st in 3 categories. Oceania only placed first in 1 category (food)

 

3) Conde Nast, in the medium ship category of 500 to 2,500 passengers, Crystal were rated # 1, Viking were rated # 2 and Oceania were again rated as # 6

 

4) Which ? Consumer Group, as a result of passenger ratings have recently rated Viking Ocean as this year's # 1 cruise line. Oceania were not listed in the top 5, although they were rated # 1 the previous year. Therefore Oceania have recently dropped significantly. 

 

We thoroughly researched all the luxury & premium lines and selected Viking. Not only did they have excellent independent reviews, but they are also not owned by a Mega ship cruise line. Their ownership actually operated the very successful luxury line Royal Viking back in the 70's, 80's & 90's. Oceania is owned by NCL.

 

Oceania was actually our 2nd choice, determining they had the best food, but in selecting a cruise line we look for more than just quality meals. 

You do realize that every "reader poll" in the travel industry is based primarily on total number of respondents vs any kind of "per capita" formula application and there are no validated qualifications for either judge or judgement. In essence, they're  unscientific popularity polls or, in the case of "editor picks" often whatever pleases their best advertisers (just look at the CC editors picks). That said, remember that 2/3 of O's Ships are much smaller than Viking's. Ergo, less voters?

 

In defense of the polls however: the cost to do a true "best" poll would be cost prohibitive.

 

In any case, I am not saying Ocean Viking is bad. Rather, I am saying that the line's Ocean operation has yet to stand the test of time.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Flatbush Flyer

[ldubs]

5 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

". . . with every evening being elegant casual."

 

 

Elegant casual?  How is it even possible to have elegant dress and casual dress together.  I suspect this is a fancy way of saying no jeans.       

[Heidi13]

6 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

Elegant casual?  How is it even possible to have elegant dress and casual dress together.  I suspect this is a fancy way of saying no jeans.       

Affirmative, dress trousers and a collared shirt. No jeans in the evening.

[Flatbush Flyer]

28 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

Elegant casual?  How is it even possible to have elegant dress and casual dress together.  I suspect this is a fancy way of saying no jeans.       

Elegant casual? Oxymoron?

[pacruise804]

8 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

We thoroughly researched all the luxury & premium lines and selected Viking. Not only did they have excellent independent reviews, but they are also not owned by a Mega ship cruise line. Their ownership actually operated the very successful luxury line Royal Viking back in the 70's, 80's & 90's. Oceania is owned by NCL.

 

Oceania was actually our 2nd choice, determining they had the best food, but in selecting a cruise line we look for more than just quality meals. 

 

Thank you for pointing this out.  When we reach the point of trying a luxury line (hopefully within the next 5 years) I suspect we will also want to go with someone independent.  I didn't realize Oceania was owned by NCL (I never looked that much into them), but knowing that and our negative experience with NCL would make me hesitant to book with Oceania.

 

6 hours ago, ldubs said:

 

Elegant casual?  How is it even possible to have elegant dress and casual dress together.  I suspect this is a fancy way of saying no jeans.       

 

6 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Affirmative, dress trousers and a collared shirt. No jeans in the evening.

 

5 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Elegant casual? Oxymoron?

 

I don't see it as an oxymoron.  Our culture seems to have equated casual with athletic or leisure clothes (shorts/jeans) so adding elegant to casual helps to differentiate - for me at least - between anything goes vs. coat & tie/cocktail dress or ball gown.  When I was working outside the home I remember business casual Friday, which was a less formal dress than Monday-Thursday but still not blue jeans.  It's a level of dress that should be easier for packing than full formal but still very nice.  Jeans are comfortable, but they are also heavy - I find pants pack easier and are generally more climate friendly regardless.

[Heidi13]

7 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Elegant casual? Oxymoron?

Suggest checking out Oceania's website FAQ. The response to "Is there a dress code" is - "For evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is suggested".

 

So is Oceania's dress code also an Oxymoron?

 

Both Viking and your preference Oceania both use similar terms and provide reasonable descriptions of their expectations for neat, but casual evening attire.

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 hours ago, pacruise804 said:

 

Thank you for pointing this out.  When we reach the point of trying a luxury line (hopefully within the next 5 years) I suspect we will also want to go with someone independent.  I didn't realize Oceania was owned by NCL (I never looked that much into them), but knowing that and our negative experience with NCL would make me hesitant to book with Oceania..

Actually a "holding company" NCLH owns both (along with Regent) and the entire operation is headed up by Oceania's founder. If anything, FDR will not sacrifice his "baby" and NCL will only benefit from the arrangement by upping its game.

[Flatbush Flyer]

3 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

Suggest checking out Oceania's website FAQ. The response to "Is there a dress code" is - "For evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is suggested".

 

So is Oceania's dress code also an Oxymoron?

 

Both Viking and your preference Oceania both use similar terms and provide reasonable descriptions of their expectations for neat, but casual evening attire.

I f I had to fault O for something, it would be the occasional hiccups in their web info. Oceania has two trademarked tag lines: "Finest cuisine at sea" and "country club casual."

Don't know why they may have decided to bury "elegant" in their FAQs. But, "country club casual" is a far more descriptive term.

[Heidi13]

On 1/22/2019 at 10:29 AM, Flatbush Flyer said:

I f I had to fault O for something, it would be the occasional hiccups in their web info. Oceania has two trademarked tag lines: "Finest cuisine at sea" and "country club casual."

Don't know why they may have decided to bury "elegant" in their FAQs. But, "country club casual" is a far more descriptive term.

The important thing is that regardless of the titles, both O & VO have good descriptions of the dress standards. They are also virtually identical with no formal nights.

[Flatbush Flyer]

10 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

The important thing is that regardless of the titles, both O & VO have good descriptions of the dress standards. They are also virtually identical with no formal nights.

They say that "imitation is the greatest form of flattery."

[Aquahound]

On 1/21/2019 at 10:41 PM, Heidi13 said:

In your opinion, the "Jury is still out", but many other passengers have Viking rated significantly higher than Oceania.

 

I've been giving Viking Ocean a hard look lately.  My neighbor likes to spend $$$$ on cruises....lines like Crystal, Seabourne, etc.  They've also cruised Oceania and Azamara.  They recently returned from a Viking Ocean cruise and said they found a new favorite line.  They thought food and service was on par with luxury lines but what set VO apart was the ship.  They really loved the ship and they have deposits on 2 future VO cruises.  That's what impressed the most because I have never known them to be loyalists to any one line.     

Edited January 24, 2019 by Aquahound

[ilikewhatisgood]

As far as ship goes, watching videos on YouTube, my favorite is the Viking ship. We have Crystal and AZ booked and will definitely travel Viking. Still debating if we should give O a try.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, ilikewhatisgood said:

As far as ship goes, watching videos on YouTube, my favorite is the Viking ship. We have Crystal and AZ booked and will definitely travel Viking. Still debating if we should give O a try.

With a "one word" CC profile stating "Foodie," you may want to move Oceania to the top of that list.

As for the ships themselves, also look at the Oceania "Next" project. It includes total interior makeovers for the four 670 passenger R ships (already underway) and two brand new "Allura" class ships (approx 1000 passengers) due in 2922 and 2025.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

11 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

It includes total interior makeovers for the four 670 passenger R ships (already underway) and two brand new "Allura" class ships (approx 1000 passengers) due in 2922.

I don't think I'll live long enough to experience it. :)

[ilikewhatisgood]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

With a "one word" CC profile stating "Foodie," you may want to move Oceania to the top of that list.

As for the ships themselves, also look at the Oceania "Next" project. It includes total interior makeovers for the four 670 passenger R ships (already underway) and two brand new "Allura" class ships (approx 1000 passengers) due in 2922 and 2025.

 

I'm looking at Insignia Lisbon to London or Riviera Rome to Barcelona, both in September 2020.

 

 

[ilikewhatisgood]

I meant Sirena.

[samiam0403]

On 1/21/2019 at 7:18 PM, Heidi13 said:

In addition to Oceania, suggest checking out Viking Ocean. They are very similar in that they have no formal nights, with every evening being elegant casual. Each ship is 930 pax, with minimum age being 18. Also no casino.

 

They have launched 5 ships since 2015, have another coming out this year + 6 more ships on order.

 

Thank you so much for the info! I've been curious about Viking Ocean, but the info revealed in your comment takes them off of my cruising list. I won't cruise without a casino on board. In fact, my level with NCL's casino now gives me a discount off of an Oceania cruise - which I plan on taking advantage of this year or next. Am I a gambling degenerate? Probably. 😂 But I budget it in as entertainment and enjoy the perks that my gambling habit brings. (For example, cruising in a 2 Bedroom Haven Suite next week for less than $2200 for 3 pax in addition to other perks.) But thank you to you and Flatbush Flyer for all of the info! Much appreciated!

[Heidi13]

9 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

 

Thank you so much for the info! I've been curious about Viking Ocean, but the info revealed in your comment takes them off of my cruising list. I won't cruise without a casino on board. In fact, my level with NCL's casino now gives me a discount off of an Oceania cruise - which I plan on taking advantage of this year or next. Am I a gambling degenerate? Probably. 😂 But I budget it in as entertainment and enjoy the perks that my gambling habit brings. (For example, cruising in a 2 Bedroom Haven Suite next week for less than $2200 for 3 pax in addition to other perks.) But thank you to you and Flatbush Flyer for all of the info! Much appreciated!

As the casino is an important feature for you, Oceania would be a better fit, as their ships have casinos on board.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

As the casino is an important feature for you, Oceania would be a better fit, as their ships have casinos on board.

Of course, s/he may be the only passenger in the casino.

[samiam0403]

12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Of course, s/he may be the only passenger in the casino.

 

Hah! Are they really that empty? Maybe that's why they give the discount from NCL - to lure more gamblers to their ships. (Also, I'm a she. 😃 )

Edited January 27, 2019 by samiam0403

[Flatbush Flyer]

26 minutes ago, samiam0403 said:

 

Hah! Are they really that empty? Maybe that's why they give the discount from NCL - to lure more gamblers to their ships. (Also, I'm a she. 😃 )

There's usually a single pre-dinner poker game going on; 2-4 folks on the slots and perhaps 10-20 max players in the evenings. Fortunately, there's no smoking.

Nonetheless, getting rid of the casino would certainly not alter their customer base in any significant way.

[cementhands]

On 1/8/2019 at 7:56 PM, ilikewhatisgood said:

Thanks for all the replies. Should we consider HAL? Is it superior to Celebrity?

 

We booked Azamara (March 2019), Oceania (Dec 2019) and Crystal (Dec 2020)

 

HAL is too old a crowd for us. In our 60’s but very active. You’re in your 40’s like food of a better quality the shorter cruises on Celebrity will have younger people. Doing a back2back will give you the best of everything.

RCL new big ships are amazing fun activities. I fly simulated ski diving on Anthem is great. 

We loved celebrity food and service but prefer RCL for activities. 

Ncl is fun and sometimes the food is great but sometimes so so.

Cruisecritic reviews are helpful.