Looking for greener grass….

[ak1004]

38 minutes ago, Jayne E said:

Our Oceania cruise stays in Abu Dhabi until 11 P.M.  We have an O excursion ending at 2:30 P.M. in the city. We’d like to return to ship later on our own. Are taxis easily available and how long is the ride back to cruise port?  Thanks so much. 

 

We took SS shuttle back to the ship, so I'm not sure about taxis. However, we did use taxis in Dubai, and it was very easy and pretty cheap (the only thing that was cheap in UAE lol). I would assume it's the same in Dubai.

 

We had high tea and Emirates Palace, then walked to Marina Mall (amazing views) and the ride from Marin Mall to the cruise terminal was I believe around 20-25 minutes.

 

 

 

[PaulMCO]

On 6/19/2023 at 11:28 AM, mauibabes said:

I do not like the shorter stays in the ports that O is doing in the name of Saving the Planet, carbon footprint, etc, what does the extra time in ports do for you?  I am not paying O or SB or SS prices and then eat one or two meals in the ports.  Not everyone can or will do 12+ hour days in ports touring, shopping or dining. I would think there is a more reasonable balance for port time to be had and these extended port times are just making a marketing pitch sound wonderful when few travelers actually take advantage of them. JMHO.  One 4-8 hour excursion in a day and the rest of the port time is wasted on me and I am not blowing off my O dining rooms. 
Since we have not done one of these type cruises, I need enlightenment so seriously want to understand the benefits.

Mauibabes

Here is a example.  Kusadasi Turkey.

 

Oceania Riviera docks at 0700h and departs at 1700h.  Everyone does their Ephesus tour and visits the pottery or carpet factory, gets back to port and departs -- has dinner sees a mediocre show,

 

Seabourn Encore docks at 0730h departs at 2330h.

Everyone does their Ephesus tour and visits the pottery or carpet factory.

We have dinner and drinks

Those that wish to take a bus back to Ephesus for an included concert under the stars by the library

Ship departs at 2330h

 

6.5 hours extra at port = PRICELESS

 

added -- this was a true day last month in May

 

1 hour ago, Jayne E said:

Our Oceania cruise stays in Abu Dhabi until 11 P.M.  We have an O excursion ending at 2:30 P.M. in the city. We’d like to return to ship later on our own. Are taxis easily available and how long is the ride back to cruise port?  Thanks so much. 

 

Yes they are readily available as are Ubers.  Ubers are generally better so called black taxis

Edited June 25, 2023 by PaulMCO

[Vineyard View]

 I compared Viking 15 day (13 full days on ship) Mediterranean and Italian Sojourn. Oceania Barcelona -Rome 14 day (13 full days on ship), and Seabourn 14 day Treasures of the Adriatic (13 full days on ship). Viking includes an excursion per port that is a bus drive or walking tour. Seabourn has a two cabin category upgrade now that puts basic balcony cabin cost midship. 
I wanted to compare what we have booked with Seabourn total cost. In doing so I needed to use the cabin categories I selected below to be as close in comparison as possible to size and location on ships. I also needed to include beverage packages at levels included to be as equal as possible. I received a 5% discount on Seabourn due to past cruise. I used a $200 past passenger discount i would receive on Viking in pricing. I did not include any TA rebates. I looked at April/May 2024
 

Viking, PV3 (Penthouse Veranda)  (930 pax)

            338 sq ft incl balcony.              $18,796

            SSBP (upgraded drinks).               840

           Gratuities room steward                 476 

            Total.                                       $20,112

           One excursion in each port (bus drive  or walking tour)                        

 

Oceania Concierge A2.       (1238 pax)            
          291 sq ft (+ balcony?).              $11,398

          Prestige package upgrade              840

          Gratuities room steward.                504

          Wi-Fi                                               350

          Total.                                        $13,092

           Olife used for basic drinks. No excursions included  

 

Seabourn Balcony midship    (600 Pax)
         246-302 sq ft inside 

         Plus 68-83 sq ft balcony.           $14,289

         All else included except excursions  

 

I realize that not all want balconies or drink packages that include cocktails or additional wines other than those poured at meals. This was an exercise for me to truly understand total cost differences when sailing these lines using a booked cruise as my baseline. It was eye opening for me. I hope it is helpful for others 
 

It will be interesting to see what the new included amenities does to Oceania total pricing. 
             

          

 

            

 

[1985rz1]

6 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

 I compared Viking 15 day (13 full days on ship) Mediterranean and Italian Sojourn. Oceania Barcelona -Rome 14 day (13 full days on ship), and Seabourn 14 day Treasures of the Adriatic (13 full days on ship). Viking includes an excursion per port that is a bus drive or walking tour. Seabourn has a two cabin category upgrade now that puts basic balcony cabin cost midship. 
I wanted to compare what we have booked with Seabourn total cost. In doing so I needed to use the cabin categories I selected below to be as close in comparison as possible to size and location on ships. I also needed to include beverage packages at levels included to be as equal as possible. I received a 5% discount on Seabourn due to past cruise. I used a $200 past passenger discount i would receive on Viking in pricing. I did not include any TA rebates. I looked at April/May 2024
 

Viking, PV3 (Penthouse Veranda)  (930 pax)

            338 sq ft incl balcony.              $18,796

            SSBP (upgraded drinks).               840

           Gratuities room steward                 476 

            Total.                                       $20,112

           One excursion in each port (bus drive  or walking tour)                        

 

Oceania Concierge A2.       (1238 pax)            
          291 sq ft (+ balcony?).              $11,398

          Prestige package upgrade              840

          Gratuities room steward.                504

          Wi-Fi                                               350

          Total.                                        $13,092

           Olife used for basic drinks. No excursions included  

 

Seabourn Balcony midship    (600 Pax)
         246-302 sq ft inside 

         Plus 68-83 sq ft balcony.           $14,289

         All else included except excursions  

 

I realize that not all want balconies or drink packages that include cocktails or additional wines other than those poured at meals. This was an exercise for me to truly understand total cost differences when sailing these lines using a booked cruise as my baseline. It was eye opening for me. I hope it is helpful for others 
 

It will be interesting to see what the new included amenities does to Oceania total pricing. 
             

          

 

            

 

Great comparison.  Thanks.

 

Here are the specs I found for Oceania and Viking statetooms:

 

The Oceania O-ship Concierge midship stateroom is 234 sq ft interior with a 48 sq ft balcony (numbers vary slightly depending on source).

 

The Oceania O-ship Penthouse midship stateroom is 348 sq ft with a 72 sq ft balcony.

 

The Viking Ocean Veranda is 224 sq ft with a 46 sq ft balcony.

 

The Viking Ocean Penthouse is 280 sq ft with a 60 sq ft balcony.

 

This might impact the comparisons.

 

 

 

[ak1004]

49 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

 I compared Viking 15 day (13 full days on ship) Mediterranean and Italian Sojourn. Oceania Barcelona -Rome 14 day (13 full days on ship), and Seabourn 14 day Treasures of the Adriatic (13 full days on ship). Viking includes an excursion per port that is a bus drive or walking tour. Seabourn has a two cabin category upgrade now that puts basic balcony cabin cost midship. 
I wanted to compare what we have booked with Seabourn total cost. In doing so I needed to use the cabin categories I selected below to be as close in comparison as possible to size and location on ships. I also needed to include beverage packages at levels included to be as equal as possible. I received a 5% discount on Seabourn due to past cruise. I used a $200 past passenger discount i would receive on Viking in pricing. I did not include any TA rebates. I looked at April/May 2024
 

Viking, PV3 (Penthouse Veranda)  (930 pax)

            338 sq ft incl balcony.              $18,796

            SSBP (upgraded drinks).               840

           Gratuities room steward                 476 

            Total.                                       $20,112

           One excursion in each port (bus drive  or walking tour)                        

 

Oceania Concierge A2.       (1238 pax)            
          291 sq ft (+ balcony?).              $11,398

          Prestige package upgrade              840

          Gratuities room steward.                504

          Wi-Fi                                               350

          Total.                                        $13,092

           Olife used for basic drinks. No excursions included  

 

Seabourn Balcony midship    (600 Pax)
         246-302 sq ft inside 

         Plus 68-83 sq ft balcony.           $14,289

         All else included except excursions  

 

I realize that not all want balconies or drink packages that include cocktails or additional wines other than those poured at meals. This was an exercise for me to truly understand total cost differences when sailing these lines using a booked cruise as my baseline. It was eye opening for me. I hope it is helpful for others 
 

It will be interesting to see what the new included amenities does to Oceania total pricing. 
             

          

 

            

 

 

Great comparison, thanks! Which part was eye opening?

 

Oceania balcony is 280 sqft including balcony (240+40). Wifi is included, I assume you added the second device?

 

Pretty amazing that the difference between O and SB is so small..

 

Would you mind specifying the dates of O and SB sailings so I can check if Canadian pricing is similar?

[Vineyard View]

10 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

Great comparison.  Thanks.

 

Here are the specs I found for Oceania and Viking statetooms:

 

The Oceania O-ship Concierge midship stateroom is 234 sq ft interior with a 48 sq ft balcony (numbers vary slightly depending on source).

 

The Oceania O-ship Penthouse midship stateroom is 348 sq ft with a 72 sq ft balcony.

 

The Viking Ocean Veranda is 224 sq ft with a 46 sq ft balcony.

 

The Viking Ocean Penthouse is 280 sq ft with a 60 sq ft balcony.

 

This might impact the comparisons.

 

 

 

It was hard to find exact cabin size comparisons. 

‘Thank you for pointing these variances out. You are absolutely correct. 
 

SB balcony, including balcony, range from 314 sq ft to 385 sq ft depending on location. I could not determine how to find where those ranges of sizes were, so I chose the lower category on O to be conservative on the numbers. You are correct though in that if the SB balcony cabin was in the larger size range offered, then the Penthouse on O would be a more equal comparison in size and would certainly increase the price on O. 
 

The  sizes on V stated for each category include balcony. So again, could go either way. 
 

 

[Vineyard View]

9 hours ago, ak1004 said:

 

Great comparison, thanks! Which part was eye opening?

 

Oceania balcony is 280 sqft including balcony (240+40). Wifi is included, I assume you added the second device?

 

Pretty amazing that the difference between O and SB is so small..

 

Would you mind specifying the dates of O and SB sailings so I can check if Canadian pricing is similar?

I was surprised at how expensive Viking has become. We first sailed rivers with them 10 years ago. We sailed on their first ever Oceans inaugural and have sailed them since. It wasn’t like that in comparison regarding pricing. I was also surprised at how close true total costs were between SB and O.

After our recent first cruise on SB we were greatly impressed. The cabins were top drawer. Bathrooms had dual vanity sinks, shower, bath with shower all done in full marble, with a walk in closet. Standard verandah. I could go on. I cannot compare O as I have not sailed yet, but in looking at the cabins, there is a difference. JMHO. That said, I am very attracted to this O itinerary next year and am very torn. 
 

SB sails 4/21 (preferred with hopefully less crowds)

O sails   5/18 (will be more crowded for sure)

 

It will be interesting to know how that compares in pricing in Canada. 

[PaulMCO]

17 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

I was surprised at how expensive Viking has become. We first sailed rivers with them 10 years ago. We sailed on their first ever Oceans inaugural and have sailed them since. It wasn’t like that in comparison regarding pricing. I was also surprised at how close true total costs were between SB and O.

After our recent first cruise on SB we were greatly impressed. The cabins were top drawer. Bathrooms had dual vanity sinks, shower, bath with shower all done in full marble, with a walk in closet. Standard verandah. I could go on. I cannot compare O as I have not sailed yet, but in looking at the cabins, there is a difference. JMHO. That said, I am very attracted to this O itinerary next year and am very torn. 
 

SB sails 4/21 (preferred with hopefully less crowds)

O sails   5/18 (will be more crowded for sure)

 

It will be interesting to know how that compares in pricing in Canada. 

There are smaller and larger cabins in each of the categories and not category dependent.  Purely location.  You have some slight smaller ones in V1 and V4..

 

My chief consideration is ships size -- 1200 versus 600.  Both ships likely will be full.

Also make sure you include port taxes.  Seabourn add it and Oceania includes it.

[ak1004]

9 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

I was surprised at how expensive Viking has become. We first sailed rivers with them 10 years ago. We sailed on their first ever Oceans inaugural and have sailed them since. It wasn’t like that in comparison regarding pricing. I was also surprised at how close true total costs were between SB and O.

After our recent first cruise on SB we were greatly impressed. The cabins were top drawer. Bathrooms had dual vanity sinks, shower, bath with shower all done in full marble, with a walk in closet. Standard verandah. I could go on. I cannot compare O as I have not sailed yet, but in looking at the cabins, there is a difference. JMHO. That said, I am very attracted to this O itinerary next year and am very torn. 
 

SB sails 4/21 (preferred with hopefully less crowds)

O sails   5/18 (will be more crowded for sure)

 

It will be interesting to know how that compares in pricing in Canada. 

 

Oceania Concierge A2           $11,398 in CAD: $7,699 or $15,398 for 2

Adds on: $1,694 USD or $2,230 CAD

Total: $17,628 CAD

 

 

Seabourn Balcony midship    (600 Pax)
         246-302 sq ft inside 

         Plus 68-83 sq ft balcony.           $14,289 or $9,373 CAD for V1 or $18,746 CAD

 

Was your price for V1? V2 is $500 CAD more expensive.

 

So the gap is pretty similar.

 

However, personally I could never understand the benefits on concierge on O. Free laundry (otherwise there is free self laundry), Concierge Lounge and couple more small perks? The difference in price can be significant. For example, for this sailing, B2 is $6,449 CAD, $1,250 CAD less! 

 

Also, sailings in April can be cheaper as it is considered off season. 

 

 

[ak1004]

4 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

There are smaller and larger cabins in each of the categories and not category dependent.  Purely location.  You have some slight smaller ones in V1 and V4..

 

My chief consideration is ships size -- 1200 versus 600.  Both ships likely will be full.

Also make sure you include port taxes.  Seabourn add it and Oceania includes it.

 

Interesting that Canadian site has SB prices including taxes. I noticed the same for some other lines as well (Uniworld has Canadian site including taxes and US site excluding).

 

I agree about ship size, also better passenger/crew ratio (1.33 on SB vs. 1.56 on O).

 

I was surprised to see such small difference in price when you consider all inclusions. However, for people like us who don't drink and are fine with OV, the difference is pretty significant.

[AMHuntFerry]

4 hours ago, ak1004 said:

I was surprised to see such small difference in price when you consider all inclusions. However, for people like us who don't drink and are fine with OV, the difference is pretty significant.

This brings up an important point when comparison shopping. The luxury brands become comparable to O when comparing PH and above (sometimes concierge veranda), but less so when comparing inside, OV, french balcony, or B-cabins.

One thing I do when looking at a new brand is to see where their lowest price point is; this makes elimination of some brands easy. For example, I choose 2024 (to avoid ship-filling sales) and don't limit where or when then see what the lowest prices are. SB's lowest prices for a <2 week cruise are about $500 per person per day; O is about $200 (Vista ~$300 since no inside or OV). For someone "moving up" or for whom luxury-style doesn't work (for whatever reason), O has a less expensive entry point as long as you are OK without a full balcony (which makes sense since it's premium, not luxury). That said, SB on sale becomes price-competitive even though I won't utilize some of the luxury perks.

[YourWorldWithBill]

On our Viking cruises we felt that the free excursion in each port did not really add much value, as we almost always took paid excursions. If you happen to be someone who likes having access to a concierge, that is a significant added value to the comparison between the Viking penthouse verandah with no concierge and the O A2, with concierge but so much less expensive. 

There are several other small issues that boost O, such as the varied restaurants, casinos, etc.

That's also makes the comparison between O and SB so interesting.

[SJD117]

2 minutes ago, YourWorldWithBill said:

There are several other small issues that boost O, such as the varied restaurants, casinos, etc.

IMO, the absence of casinos is a boost for Viking. But that’s just me — to each his or her own.

[ak1004]

24 minutes ago, AMHuntFerry said:

This brings up an important point when comparison shopping. The luxury brands become comparable to O when comparing PH and above (sometimes concierge veranda), but less so when comparing inside, OV, french balcony, or B-cabins.

One thing I do when looking at a new brand is to see where their lowest price point is; this makes elimination of some brands easy. For example, I choose 2024 (to avoid ship-filling sales) and don't limit where or when then see what the lowest prices are. SB's lowest prices for a <2 week cruise are about $500 per person per day; O is about $200 (Vista ~$300 since no inside or OV). For someone "moving up" or for whom luxury-style doesn't work (for whatever reason), O has a less expensive entry point as long as you are OK without a full balcony (which makes sense since it's premium, not luxury). That said, SB on sale becomes price-competitive even though I won't utilize some of the luxury perks.

 

We feel exactly the same. While comparing OV on O is not exactly apples to apples, but for us 240 sqft is more than enough, we don't use the balcony anyway, and don't drink.

 

That said, we were able to book few SS sailings for under $400 USD pp, and this price includes excursions, so even with no drinking, it's still an excellent value. Those deals are rare, but they do happen. On SB, I do see few sailings that are around $450 USD, and this is even without any sales (just upgrades). Last year they had a 15% sale, so some sailings were actually under $400, a great deal.

[YourWorldWithBill]

6 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

That said, we were able to book few SS sailings for under $400 USD pp, and this price includes excursions, so even with no drinking, it's still an excellent value. 

Very true: the included excursions make the real difference. We are typically suckers for the lines' excursions, even though we should know better. Trying to hold back.

[ak1004]

Just now, YourWorldWithBill said:

Very true: the included excursions make the real difference. We are typically suckers for the lines' excursions, even though we should know better. Trying to hold back.

 

We were on only one SS cruise so far, but the excursions were pretty good. Around 30 people per group which is decent, and good selection. 

[AMHuntFerry]

11 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

We feel exactly the same. While comparing OV on O is not exactly apples to apples, but for us 240 sqft is more than enough, we don't use the balcony anyway, and don't drink.

 

That said, we were able to book few SS sailings for under $400 USD pp, and this price includes excursions, so even with no drinking, it's still an excellent value. Those deals are rare, but they do happen. On SB, I do see few sailings that are around $450 USD, and this is even without any sales (just upgrades). Last year they had a 15% sale, so some sailings were actually under $400, a great deal.

I've been a DIYer my whole life (camping was our typical family vacation mode when I was young) and both of us were raised by silent-gen. parents, so we're still getting comfortable with $300/person/day spending which seems incredibly extravagant to us. I just don't think we would value the things available on luxury lines enough to spend more. Now Windstar on the other hand is creeping into the "maybe" category even though it's closer to $400.

(Note: being of the DIY mind set, any group tour, no matter the size, is not attractive to us for any price. We'd rather trek off on our own unless there is danger in doing so)

Edited June 26, 2023 by AMHuntFerry

[Woofa]

45 minutes ago, AMHuntFerry said:

This brings up an important point when comparison shopping. The luxury brands become comparable to O when comparing PH and above (sometimes concierge veranda), but less so when comparing inside, OV, french balcony, or B-cabins.

One thing I do when looking at a new brand is to see where their lowest price point is; this makes elimination of some brands easy. For example, I choose 2024 (to avoid ship-filling sales) and don't limit where or when then see what the lowest prices are. SB's lowest prices for a <2 week cruise are about $500 per person per day; O is about $200 (Vista ~$300 since no inside or OV). For someone "moving up" or for whom luxury-style doesn't work (for whatever reason), O has a less expensive entry point as long as you are OK without a full balcony (which makes sense since it's premium, not luxury). That said, SB on sale becomes price-competitive even though I won't utilize some of the luxury perks.

 

I think this is the real crux of the matter.  Generally speaking if you are looking for at least a penthouse, and plan on getting the extended liquor package, and/or paying for some excursions and from what I hear, business class air, I think you are in a categories where it pays to at least look at the "luxury" level lines.  It is clear that some still prefer O for whatever they're reasons.  

On the other hand, if you take a veranda or lower and DIY shorex, flights, bring on board liquor/wine then this is where you can get great VALUE using O.  New prices may negatively affect this.

[Vineyard View]

Everyone has their must haves and not important, so to speak. The prices that used did not use PH for O and still ended up close to SB. We do not need PH level. We do always want  Balconies, nice wine, and the occasional cocktail. It is something we enjoy. We really enjoyed the caviar on SB because that is an indulgence that worked for us. 
Viking excursions are worthless to us. We also are DIY or private. So included excursions on brands such as Viking or SS is not a financially sound decision for us. 
There are really good points made here regarding balcony levels on O and associated costs. I used concierge because of the extra amenities being closer to SB and V. 
We are still looking a the O itinerary that I listed. It is a later travel date than we prefer, but the ports are attractive. I think at the end of the day, I will continue to look at both lines. Not sure about Azamara. For us the entry level suite would be important for any R ship due to bathrooms. 
for me it was a really good exercise in understanding total true costs on three different lines and I truly found some surprises at the end of it. 
 

[AMHuntFerry]

4 minutes ago, Vineyard View said:

Everyone has their must haves and not important, so to speak. The prices that used did not use PH for O and still ended up close to SB. We do not need PH level. We do always want  Balconies, nice wine, and the occasional cocktail. It is something we enjoy. We really enjoyed the caviar on SB because that is an indulgence that worked for us. 
Viking excursions are worthless to us. We also are DIY or private. So included excursions on brands such as Viking or SS is not a financially sound decision for us. 
There are really good points made here regarding balcony levels on O and associated costs. I used concierge because of the extra amenities being closer to SB and V. 
We are still looking a the O itinerary that I listed. It is a later travel date than we prefer, but the ports are attractive. I think at the end of the day, I will continue to look at both lines. Not sure about Azamara. For us the entry level suite would be important for any R ship due to bathrooms. 
for me it was a really good exercise in understanding total true costs on three different lines and I truly found some surprises at the end of it. 
 

I think you did a really good job comparing apples to (similar) apples given the info that is available. It's not a simple exercise, plus you need to evaluate/prioritize what is valuable to you (and your traveling partner if applicable) while ignoring marketing hype. I enjoy seeing what others have done even if it doesn't apply directly to me. It's all part of the fun (like speculating on what O will do next 😉 ).

[jonthomas]

and dont forget what you get with Loyalty...the perks can be considerable...does any line come close in their perks to O?

[Orator]

2 hours ago, jonthomas said:

and dont forget what you get with Loyalty...the perks can be considerable...does any line come close in their perks to O?

Celebrity for there top level includes unlimited free dry cleaning and laundry. Free premium drink package. Free unlimited premium internet. Upgraded bath products and usually a lunch with senior officers and more.

[basenji56]

20 minutes ago, Orator said:

Celebrity for there top level includes unlimited free dry cleaning and laundry. Free premium drink package. Free unlimited premium internet. Upgraded bath products and usually a lunch with senior officers and more.

Is that Zenith? Almost unattainable unless you cruise all the time in suites. 
 

[Orator]

2 minutes ago, basenji56 said:

Is that Zenith? Almost unattainable unless you cruise all the time in suites. 
 

It is Zenith. Many have made it to that level including members of the Blue Chip Club (gamblers) who receive free cruises. Benefits cost money and I suspect that many lines will cut benefits. 

[jakes47]

Our cruise line experience is limited but I watch for itineraries of SB and O's large ships.  I tend to look towards O when open ocean is involved and SB for calmer seas just because of the size of the ships.  SB is the first site I go to when looking for a cruise but we have booked more cruises with O.

With O we book PH but with SB we book verandah suite and were surprise how well the verandah suite works for us and actually like it better than the Ph on O because of the curtains that separated  the bed and sitting area.  I am an early to bed person compared to my husband who like to sit up and watch a bit of TV.  We loved the fact we never had to produce our cards for drinks.

Our very first cruise was on NCL and even though it was a great introduction to cruising I could go back to the larger ships with constant noise, general standard of behaviour, queues, the nickel and dimming etc.  

If we were cruising 2+ time a year I suppose I would be looking out for greener pastures just for a change but for now we are sticking with what we know and are comfortable with.