Regatta Disappointment

[FeliciaLee]

1 hour ago, Classiccruiser777 said:

On these kinds of posts I always question why the person didn't raise the issues onboard, while they were occurring, but waited to complain on a forum well after the fact. I have no sympathy.

In theory, I definitely agree with this sentiment.

 

We are all different. My husband wouldn't complain if the ship was on fire. He was raised in a "You catch more flies with honey" type of family. My theory is that it doesn't do a business any good if someone doesn't say anything, yet never patronizes said business again and they eventually go under. Jobs lost, etc.

 

The balance is to address an issue without being hyperbolic or rude. I'll keep working on that one 😉

[nadalina]

19 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

Too bad you didn't buy your fare off of some serious cabin upgrade sale to make it less expensive.

 

You had very high expectations. And it seems like food can be obsessive for some cruisers, esp. solo cruisers. Did you eat at Terrace Cafe? If so, what did you think? We love it. (Never have eaten in the GDR so far. Always prefer the TC when not in a specialty restaurant.)

 

BUT I note you didn't discuss the solo gatherings or other interactions O has for both solo and non-solo cruisers on board. Did you do any of that?

 

(Wife and I were 1st time cruisers on Riviera 12/2021 and then 2nd time on Sirena 11/2022. We had a fantastic time.

I have lived alone for over 30 years and I still work full time for the same man for 27 of those years. I eat 99.9% of my meals alone and cooking for one is not easy or fun, so, yes, when I cruise, quality of food is highly important to me, as is excellent service. I wanted SO MUCH to love every aspect of this cruise!  I met some wonderful people that I hope will keep in touch. There were aspects of the cruise that I loved. I went to two wine tastings and a whiskey tasting that were excellently presented and a lot of fun. The library is gorgeous and an absolute delight!  Barista’s was excellent, just very crowded at times and not nearly enough seating. Everyone raved about the ice cream and milkshakes but I didn’t partake. The other desserts I tried were delicious. I did eat in Waves twice ( once inside and once outside) and at the buffet three or four times. The food at Waves sounded and looked delicious, but the quality was disappointing the second time. As for the buffet, the offerings were beautiful and plentiful and, for the most part, good. The cook making eggs and omelets to order needs to find a new position. And training desperately needs to be conducted with the waiters here. So many didn’t have a clue about the nuances of good service. They were all very cute, polite and friendly but inexperienced. Not a big deal but a little surprising. My disappointing experiences regarding the food happened in different locations but I had some wonderful experiences as well. The dining room offered a dessert soufflé of different flavors every night — amazing and unheard of on other lines!!  I am not a fan of lobster but I love most all other seafood, and all of the seafood I ate was superb and perfectly cooked — shrimp, escargot, sea bass, salmon, grouper, calamari and monkfish!!  I truly regret my negative experiences but I truly don’t believe I am exaggerating them either. 

[pinotlover]

Ordering room service between 4:30-6:00 is similar to complaining about rush hour traffic at major highway arteries. Unless a medical reason, best to avoid. Bad time to be on a highway, bad time to order room service.

 

Some people don’t like, and avoid, confrontation. It’s just their nature. They still have every right to post reviews of their cruise experience. As a paying customer, for anything, I don’t believe it’s my/our obligation to give management a detailed review of my experience. You come aboard, or enter a dining venue, and absorb what’s around you. Either during the visit, or afterwards after contemplation, you decide if you ever want to return. You pay the bill and tip as appropriate and leave. The contract is fulfilled. Plenty of other people to give advice and opinions on things they know nothing about.

[MEFIowa]

4 minutes ago, nadalina said:

  I truly regret my negative experiences but I truly don’t believe I am exaggerating them either. 

You seem heavily focused on food with a bit of complaining on training and customer service. BOTH issues entirely subjective. Not sure I can find an objective issue in your experience on which to say "I can understand that fully".

 

And things seem off. You say people raved about the ice cream and milkshakes but you didn't partake? Why not? I did both smoothies (Sun Salutation) and milkshakes regularly on both Riviera (11/2021) and Sirena (12/2022). Loved them both. My wife couldn't get over the amazing desserts. I'm not a dessert person so I'd rather have another grilled lobster tail, lamb or shrimp. 

 

DID YOU do any of the solo meet & greets/events? O has them. If not, why not? If so, did you enjoy them?

[avalong]

On my recent Regatta cruise I remember seeing something in Currents about completing an on-line survey regarding the cruise. Then I remembered reading on Cruise Critic that it was a somewhat cranky procedure requiring some time and patience. I decided I didn't want to spend my cruise time doing it. They really should send out questionnaires after the fact .I would gladly have done it then. And I would have had nothing but good things to say (well, except for the room service coffee...). The food was excellent in all venues.

[nadalina]

Wow!  I’ve been a member of Cruise Critics since 2008 and I didn’t expect so much pushback by simply expressing my experience as a first-time O cruiser. For years I have placed O on a very high pedestal but they were, candidly, out of my price range. So this cruise was a true splurge for me and not one I regret at all in any way. I have not asked for nor have I wanted or expected sympathy, agreement or validation. As others have said, opinions about food and service are completely subjective and I own my opinions. 
 

To answer some of your questions, no, I did not complain while onboard for a couple of reasons. Whether you agree with my reasons or not or whether you would have handled the issues differently is irrelevant. Again, MY reasons, MY opinions.  #1, I didn’t complain because there wasn’t anything I wanted them to do or to “make right”.

#2, I didn’t want to make a scene, cause a problem, draw attention to myself, or cause someone/anyone in particular to get in trouble because of my complaint. #3, It’s Oceania, for crying out loud, so my particular experience must be an aberration and there’s no need to bring it to their attention. It will fix itself. 
 

No, I did not attend any of the solo gatherings. #1, I wasn’t invited to any, and #2, I would not have gone even if I had been because I wasn’t there to meet other single people. I signed up to share my tables everywhere so I could meet others, no matter the age, ethnicity or marital status.

 

Out of the many meals I ate onboard, only two were room service. As someone else noted, there’s no place to eat in the solo staterooms, really, so I had the tray placed on my bed and ate there. The fact that both of those meals were really bad is just a simple fact, in my opinion. 
 

I participated in three events and went to the spa three times and bought $200 worth of products. No complaints there. I did not take any shore excursions, so I can’t offer an opinion about those. I didn’t indulge in the ice cream and milkshakes because I’m lactose intolerant, but they looked very enticing.  As for the entertainment, I thoroughly enjoyed the pianist and the string quartet. The singers and dancers were fine, as was the Cruise Director. I played a little in the casino but quickly lost my gambling allowance. I purchased a lovely pair of Swarovski earrings in the Boutique, and I purchased two $125 (plus 20% tip) bottles of delicious wine for my table in Toscana that I am delighted to learn that I can buy here for $64.95 each. 

Here’s to Oceania and its continued success and to all of their loyal guests!!

 

[Snaefell3]

@nadalina Methinks much of the pushback is from a feeling that you didn't give Oceania a chance to fix it for the next folks, but simply waved those next folks off Oceania.

 

Stuff happens.  Stuff *always* happens, especially when the boss ain't looking.  No need to be confrontational, no need to demand recompense, but if the boss didn't see it, it won't be fixed for the next folks.

[GeezerCouple]

3 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

You seem heavily focused on food with a bit of complaining on training and customer service. BOTH issues entirely subjective. Not sure I can find an objective issue in your experience on which to say "I can understand that fully".

As you say, those issues are *subjective*, so why are you looking for an objective issue?

OP is reporting *their* experiences/perceptions.

 

3 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

And things seem off. You say people raved about the ice cream and milkshakes but you didn't partake? Why not? I did both smoothies (Sun Salutation) and milkshakes regularly on both Riviera (11/2021) and Sirena (12/2022). Loved them both. My wife couldn't get over the amazing desserts. I'm not a dessert person so I'd rather have another grilled lobster tail, lamb or shrimp. 

Why challenge OP about why they didn't partake?

I could easily report when others mention that the escargots are wonderful.  But I happen to hate them, so ... why should *I* need to try them, if all I'm doing is reporting what I've heard, to share that information?

 

3 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

DID YOU do any of the solo meet & greets/events? O has them. If not, why not? If so, did you enjoy them?

Likewise, why would OP need to explain why they didn't participate in something(s)?

"If not, why not?" ???

 

And things like not getting ice despite requesting it for each day, several times... not okay.

The description of the food brought by room service doesn't sound appealing, and certainly a disappointment, especially given Oceania's "food" reputation.

 

I'm a bit perplexed by the response to OP.

 

GC

[Rumpledbumskin]

It’s unfortunate that you didn’t have a good experience. I understand completely that you didn’t complain. I hate complaining too. I usually just hope that things will improve. I am fortunate that my partner feels comfortable speaking up.

 

Some on here seem to want to blame the victim. I won’t.  Maybe things would have improved if you’d spoken up. Maybe they wouldn’t have.  But it is a perhaps a good lesson to us all to speak to someone who can make things change.

 

I hope you get a chance to try Oceania again.  I’ve had nothing but good experiences sailing with them.  Good luck on your next cruise, whoever you sail with.

 

Jim

[LHT28]

I have said this before

Oceania is not perfect  no matter what some people say

Stuff  happens

If you do not want to  bring  a problem to the attention of management  so be it

 

 

[PhD-iva]

1 hour ago, GeezerCouple said:

As you say, those issues are *subjective*, so why are you looking for an objective issue?

OP is reporting *their* experiences/perceptions.

 

Why challenge OP about why they didn't partake?

I could easily report when others mention that the escargots are wonderful.  But I happen to hate them, so ... why should *I* need to try them, if all I'm doing is reporting what I've heard, to share that information?

 

Likewise, why would OP need to explain why they didn't participate in something(s)?

"If not, why not?" ???

 

And things like not getting ice despite requesting it for each day, several times... not okay.

The description of the food brought by room service doesn't sound appealing, and certainly a disappointment, especially given Oceania's "food" reputation.

 

I'm a bit perplexed by the response to OP.

 

GC

Plus 1!

[Flatbush Flyer]

7 hours ago, Rumpledbumskin said:

…. Maybe things would have improved if you’d spoken up. Maybe they wouldn’t have. …..

They would have.

[Harters]

12 hours ago, pinotlover said:

Either during the visit, or afterwards after contemplation, you decide if you ever want to return.

Entirely agree with this. Going to restaurants is our shared hobby. We eat out at least once a week. We've been to 30 different restaurants so far this year - some old favourites, some new places to which we'd return, others where we wouldnt return. I rarely complain and sending food back is such a rare occurance that I can remember the date of one occasion (12/8/72). I enjoy the whole process - from deciding where to eat, through the enjoyment of the meal, to writing a review of it for one online site or another. The experience is what it is.

 

We've only cruised rarely over the years. The last was in 2017, on Marina, and our next one, also with O, is coming up soon. I recently looked at my diary of the 2017 cruise. The food was pretty good but by no means faultless. And that's fine. If I'm eating at a favourite restaurant at home, I wouldnt stop going just because of one meal. And I adopted the same attitude to that last cruise - that was nearly two weeks of dinners and they are bound to get some dishes better than others (and of course, my choices are sometimes better than other occasions).

 

I have no idea whether O's food is the "finest at sea". I simply don't have the knowledge of other ships to make that comparision. Nor do I much care. But I do care about whether I have a nice holiday - I'll see how it goes.

[PhD-iva]

I fully understand the attitude that, unless you know raise concerns, then they can’t fix the issue. I think I was raised differently, or have a different personality. I don’t like to complain. I don’t want anyone to get into trouble. So, I would find it very difficult to send food back, or to talk to a general manager, or maître d’ about a less than stellar eating experience, or even a bad eating experience.

and I think the aggressive tone I’ve read in a few posts in this thread are very unfortunate.

[cruisemom42]

 

16 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

DID YOU do any of the solo meet & greets/events? O has them. If not, why not? If so, did you enjoy them?

 

My goodness!  Why is it okay to hector a solo traveler to this extent about solo get-togethers???

 

As a solo traveler of many years, I have less than zero interest in attending any solo get-together. Just because another traveler is a solo, why should I have more in common with them than with anyone else?  I'd much prefer to go to a get together for Italophiles, or oenophiles or even those who enjoy choral singing or history....  I do not choose my friends or acquaintances based on whether or not they are accompanied by another....

 

Or are you one of those who still think solo travelers are a strange anomaly that should be grouped together and not allowed to roam freely? I assure you we do not have three heads. 😂

 

Re the food:  as a first time Oceania passenger later this summer, I'd venture to say that a lot of first-timers are very interested in the food because that is what we hear about -- we hear it from Oceania in their advertising, and we hear it on these boards in other forums from those comparing it with other cruise lines. It is little wonder that it should be one of the things about which folks are curious and expect much.

 

 

[di T]

21 minutes ago, PhD-iva said:

I fully understand the attitude that, unless you know raise concerns, then they can’t fix the issue. I think I was raised differently, or have a different personality. I don’t like to complain. I don’t want anyone to get into trouble. So, I would find it very difficult to send food back, or to talk to a general manager, or maître d’ about a less than stellar eating experience, or even a bad eating experience.

and I think the aggressive tone I’ve read in a few posts in this thread are very unfortunate.

Well said, each to their own.Some just don’t like to cause a fuss.However as a couple who cruise many times a year mostly on Celebrity we have rarely sent back food,and if I left my meal I would expect the waiter to ask if there was a problem and maybe offer to replace.Here’s hoping Oceania food is mostly of the high standard they proclaim.Eating good food is something we enjoy at home and in restaurants.One of the main reasons to cruise for us.

[sunlover12]

There is a happy medium between complaining and not saying anything.  As a paying customer it is okay to say something if there is a lapse in service or quality. It can be done discreetly and gently. A good manager will welcome comments because then they can work on it and make improvements. If nothing is said, the issues will continue for the next customers.   

If I have a legitimate concern or issue, I will say something discreetly. This doesn't just apply to cruising. 

[LHT28]

18 minutes ago, di T said:

Well said, each to their own.Some just don’t like to cause a fuss.However as a couple who cruise many times a year mostly on Celebrity we have rarely sent back food,and if I left my meal I would expect the waiter to ask if there was a problem and maybe offer to replace.Here’s hoping Oceania food is mostly of the high standard they proclaim.Eating good food is something we enjoy at home and in restaurants.One of the main reasons to cruise for us.

Some  waiters will ask if there is  a problem but some may think you are just not hungry or you just wanted a taste

 If the dish is not to your liking just mention it to the waiter

No need to jump up & shout  that it is awful  just quietly tell them the issue

 

We had an issue in one of the Specialties  nothing serious  but a training thing

We wrote a note gave it to the Concierge 

we got  a call from the restaurant manager apologizing

the waitstaff person was new & the Manager was training them but  got busy with the reservation guests  

"stuff happens "  but he thanked us  so he could keep a closer eye on the  new trainee

YMMV

[Elbig]

FWIW. When I ran a business I always wanted feedback from my clients/customers.  I would have no other way to know if we did not meet our service or quality goals. I didn’t use it to get anyone in trouble. Our view was not who is at fault but rather what is at fault. In fact my belief was that I was at fault either because of insufficient training or lack of support or some other systemic problem. The only way I could improve was through feedback. I also believe this feedback should be timely so it can be addressed as soon as possible. So…I have no problem in letting management know if there is a problem. I do it in a non-judgmental hopefully non-emotional manner. Always in the spirit of trying to help them improve. My experience has been that for the most part, my feedback is appreciated and viewed as helpful. 

[Cruzin Terri]

Not every cruise line works for everyone.  It is obvious that Oceania was not a good fit for OP.

It is unfortunate that she had such high expectations and they were not fulfilled.  However to really give her a hard time for this is not reasonable.

I do think she focused heavily on food and not the entire picture, but then again, O advertises having the “best cuisine at sea”. 

I hope she finds the cruise line that works for her.

As for me and DH, Oceania works well.  Is everything perfect? No.  But we enjoy the line.  If something is not right we make it known.  It is usually corrected if it is possible and we move on.  I have not had a bad cruise on Oceania.

Terri

[pinotlover]

41 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Not every cruise line works for everyone.  It is obvious that Oceania was not a good fit for OP.

It is unfortunate that she had such high expectations and they were not fulfilled.  However to really give her a hard time for this is not reasonable.

I do think she focused heavily on food and not the entire picture, but then again, O advertises having the “best cuisine at sea”. 

I hope she finds the cruise line that works for her.

As for me and DH, Oceania works well.  Is everything perfect? No.  But we enjoy the line.  If something is not right we make it known.  It is usually corrected if it is possible and we move on.  I have not had a bad cruise on Oceania.

Terri

Terri;

 

I believe the largest issue presented by the OP was she made a significant financial reach, for her, to try Oceania and primarily its “ finest cruise at sea”.

 

In the wine business we have Quality Price Ratio ( QPR). Is that $50 bottle of wine twice as good as that $25 bottle? Would you rather drink two bottles ( even over time) of the lesser priced, or one bottle of the more expensive? People’s perception of $50 ( price) often ends up being larger than quality. If $50 is mostly chump change, the $50 bottle will typically win out. However, if one stretches to buy a $50 bottle with great expectations from aggressive marketing and it disappoints, that’s another matter.

 

I believe the OP reasonably explained her starting position and objectively discussed her experience. The Cheerleaders unnecessarily ravaged her. 

Edited May 21, 2023 by pinotlover

[shepherd really]

Sorry your experience was less than stellar.  The Oceania "product" is not perfect but it works for me and my wife, even with the occasional glitch or miss. 

 

Also sorry for those who pile on at the least bit of criticism.  

 

Would you say the cruise was "good enough" to consider giving the line a second chance or are you "one and done"?    I hope the former, they really can deliver most of the time.

 

 

[pinotlover]

An important point on returning food abroad ship. We most typically enjoy sharing at dinner. Part of the enjoyment of cruising and traveling for us the the wide assortment of interesting people we meet. Some of our table mates hate the leisurely pace of dinner we enjoy on Oceania. This opinion is consistently repeated here on CC, with some even complaining about people ordering four (4) courses! 😳

 

The last time I sent a steak back, it was ordered medium rare and came out near carbonized. The process, in a busy Polo Grill, took about 15-20 minutes to get our ( actually it happened to another of us at the table) replaced steaks. The third couple at the table were beside themselves! They had finished their course before our food had arrived and were mad at us because we were making them wait so long for dessert and to finish.

 

I’ve never been hungry on a cruise ship. It’s far easier for me to forgo the dish than to inconvenience everyone else at the table. Additionally, having had Oceania Cheerleaders at the table in the past, they would pipe in and tell us how absolutely perfectly done their steaks are, and how we were probably just wrong on the steaks being well done plus. Easier to just move on.

[PhD-iva]

8 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

An important point on returning food abroad ship. We most typically enjoy sharing at dinner. Part of the enjoyment of cruising and traveling for us the the wide assortment of interesting people we meet. Some of our table mates hate the leisurely pace of dinner we enjoy on Oceania. This opinion is consistently repeated here on CC, with some even complaining about people ordering four (4) courses! 😳

 

The last time I sent a steak back, it was ordered medium rare and came out near carbonized. The process, in a busy Polo Grill, took about 15-20 minutes to get our ( actually it happened to another of us at the table) replaced steaks. The third couple at the table were beside themselves! They had finished their course before our food had arrived and were mad at us because we were making them wait so long for dessert and to finish.

 

I’ve never been hungry on a cruise ship. It’s far easier for me to forgo the dish than to inconvenience everyone else at the table. Additionally, having had Oceania Cheerleaders at the table in the past, they would pipe in and tell us how absolutely perfectly done their steaks are, and how we were probably just wrong on the steaks being well done plus. Easier to just move on.

Yes, very good point. If I were to send food back, it delays the next course for everyone else at the table. Of course, I could still provide feedback to an appropriate person, however we’ve already covered how reluctant I am to do that.

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 minutes ago, PhD-iva said:

Yes, very good point. If I were to send food back, it delays the next course for everyone else at the table. Of course, I could still provide feedback to an appropriate person, however we’ve already covered how reluctant I am to do that.

Of course, a simple “please go on without me” (to both waiter and companions) would work just fine.