Oceania’s Insignia - Med Cruise - July 1-11 2008

[Gustavas]

OCEANIA INSIGNIA/AN IN DEPTH REVIEW

 

After returning from a lengthy journey which started in Barcelona and ended with almost a week in Rome afterwards, we’ve just returned from Oceania Insignia’s ten day Med voyage (July 1st - July 11th) from Barcelona, Spain to Rome via Civitivecchia, Italy. As a long time veteran of the Celebrity Cruises brand, my comparisons were unavoidable. This was especially in light of the powerful marketing that Oceania so beautifully creates. Oceania is invariably a cruise line in a class by itself.

 

THE FLIGHTS TO EUROPE

We always book our own air and took the tiny credit from Oceania. Flying from the U.S. to Barcelona via London, Gatwick on British Airways, I can say that I love British Airways transatlantic business class and even its World Traveler Plus class. No charges for liqueur or wines; no charges for anything. Clean, modern Boeing 777 aircraft combine with professional British attitudes at 38,000 feet over the Atlantic. Food and drink and drink and food and more drink with loads of service have been my experience. Gatwick however, is not the greatest airport to wait for any flight connection. The airport is dated as there is plenty of walking down vast lengthy corridors (extensions over the years) then a flight of steps up and down and then up again. Not a plus for weary jet-lagers East or West bound. Boarding a BA-737 from Gatwick two hours later, we arrived in Barcelona at 12:20PM to beautiful weather and a waiting driver bound for the Arts Hotel, Barcelona.

 

THE ARTS HOTEL, BARCELONA

The Arts Hotel is a Ritz Carlton property directly on the Mediterranean that stands like a monument to modern luxury. High tech and chic, this hotel is stunning in a multitude of ways. Uniformed, professional courtesy and meticulous attention to detail reside in every square foot of this marble and glass masterpiece. The men and women working there all look like Vogue ads or GQ models but act like true professionals. The service, amenities, attitude and property are all truly first class with no exceptions.

 

The high-rise suites (we were on the 28th floor) are phenomenal, extra huge and very pricey with sweeping views of the city and the sea. A large living room, two TV’s, dressing room, two separate bathrooms, a wide hallway leading to a massive corner view bedroom, a full bar and more high tech buttons than anyone requires. From the marble and polished granite master bathroom (you could park a car in this one with plenty of space to spare) to the mood lighting and push button electronic curtains and drapes that covered the massive floor to ceiling windows, these suites and this hotel will definitely please. I was informed by pool attendant and the bellman that several film stars request this suite as well.

 

We decided to enjoy a little pool side time and then the beach before a late afternoon nap and ultimately, dinner. The pool here is five star. Attendants escort guests to their choice of designer lounge seating and welcome you with several lush towels, designer umbrellas and bottles of water. On the beach however, don’t be surprised to see several topless bathers. With the horrible value of the dollar in Europe, cash goes quickly here also. Two cocktails at pool side amounted to a U.S. conversion of $56.00. It’s all relative when one considers that a suite at the Arts Hotel runs $1000 a night, plus, plus.

 

BARCELONA, SPAIN

Later that evening, while enjoying a state of the art shower system than can best be described as a private cocoon of marble with multiple and powerful water jets, (LBJ would have loved it) we were getting prepared for our evening on the town before the cruise the following day.

We had reservations for a late dinner that night as we enjoyed the glittering lights of Barcelona from 28 floors beneath us. While getting ready, the extensive surround stereo sound system (even in the bathroom) lulled us with Andre Bocelli from CD’s provided ensuite.

 

The concierge desk rang politely to tell us that our driver was downstairs and ready when we were. There were frequently so many black and midnight blue Mercedes S-Class sedans with suited drivers waiting outside this hotel that you’d think it was a diplomatic location. Admittedly, being driven around Barcelona in this manner is a great convenience and goes hand in hand with the culture of this hotel.

 

After a 20 minute ride past the Ramblas into the buzz, sights and nightlife of downtown Barcelona, we arrived at a well established and popular restaurant called Botafumiero. A busy, elegant, old world seafood paradise. Reservations a must. Passing wall photos of famous former diners including politicians and actors, we were greeted warmly and escorted to our table. I had noticed that among the photos were Bill Clinton, Robert De Niro, Cuba Gooding and even King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia posing with the owner. Apparently the Spanish royal family keeps a place in Barcelona and eat at Botafumiero.

 

In a word, excellent. Had a wonderful shellfish broth, a great Cabernet and the Mediterranean sea bass. Slightly brisk but professional service with truly fabulous food. Highly recommended. Later we were driven around the sights and ended our evening at the large and busy casino next door to the hotel.

 

The following morning we indulged in a memorably delicious breakfast amidst the gentle sea breeze surrounded by lush floral gardens and delightful service at the garden terrace of the hotel. This is one of many beautiful locations to eat at this hotel. In a matter of a few hour it was time to embark the Oceania Insignia for our Med voyage. Checkout was seamless and with our car and driver at the ready, we were off to the pier terminal.

 

THE OCEANIA INSIGNIA

My review of this ship is a mixed one as you will see. It is a fine ship but not what I expected. Passengers are permitted to board as early as 11:00 AM but don’t expect to go to your stateroom. The terminal has a dedicated check-in desk for suites. However, neither suites nor staterooms are ready when boarding.

 

Luncheon is served but rooms are not ready until 2:00 PM.. Suites came first, then others second. Also, don’t expect champagne or Mimosa flutes on silver trays held by white gloved stewards as on Celebrity, its not there. No stewards to show you to your room. Carry your own carry-on when the announcement comes that your room is ready. Different. Also, shops onboard are very, very minimal.

 

Also, there is no ship’s photographer whatsoever. Don’t expect to pose for boarding photos or any other photos because this venue is non-existent. At hot summer ports, no cold towels unless you’re on a tour from Oceania; in which case the ship’s band, staff and a red carpet welcome you back. I found this strange considering I booked a suite. Their penthouse suite is a generous 322 square feet with a better bathroom than most in its class. Closet space is ample but other storage is not well situated. There is a safe but no ice water pitchers, just an ice bucket, glasses and mini bar bottled water with a price. They did offer two complimentary small bottles of water upon embarkation but that was it.

 

Our two average size bags which normally fit under the beds of most ships, did not on Insignia but had to be forced. The mattress, pillows and bed linens are divine and extremely comfortable. The balcony of decent size although not huge for a penthouse suite. Hi-tech enough although not in the same class as some ships. The decor and appointments, while classic and traditional tend to be slightly nostalgic. Brass wall lamps and shades on dark wood paneling reminded me of a turn of the century liner.

Suite was tasteful with a hint of modern but not overdone. This classic vintage was apparent throughout the ship. Sometimes heavier in areas than others but never overdone. It is a beautiful and clean ship, well policed and maintained.

 

She is so easy to get around that it is second nature in less than 48 hours. It indeed reminds one of a very fine English manor house or an overgrown private luxury yacht laden with dark woods, gold leaf furnishings, inlay paneling, polished brass, oriental carpeting and fine tapestry at sea. The ship has a truly beautiful library, card room and internet café. The decor is almost royal and amenities are numerous but not overblown. In our suite, champagne on ice with two flutes on the dining table welcomed our first view of our home away from home for the next ten days. The compulsory lifeboat drill was painless and over before we knew it at 5:30PM. We quietly slipped out of the port of Barcelona at 8:00 PM as scheduled on a smooth Med sea and clear weather.

 

BUTLERS MAIDS AND STEWARDS

We met our butler, our stewardess and her assistant. Butler was average and tried to please but little more than a costumed novelty in my opinion. Our maid/stewardess was fair. We’ve had better. She didn’t get it. A passenger has the right, the absolute right, to leave their suite as late in the day as they see fit without any comments from a maid.

 

She was a regular investigator about our travel plans being late in the morning. Often there was uncomfortable, feigned smiling and conversation from a maid about how glad she is that we "left the room earlier" today than yesterday. Some of these people need retraining and a reminder of who’s the passenger and who’s the maid.

 

When we first entered the suite I noticed that the sofa seat cushion was out of place, as though someone had lifted it to look for something and then failed to properly replace it. This was an omen to me of first impressions. Several times during the voyage, our bed was turned down in late afternoon, often before 6PM.

 

Ice buckets were always an issue because the room would be made up at usually 12 noon or so, then again turned down before 6PM and then by 8PM when I wanted to make a drink with some ice, there was nothing but water in the bucket and I’d have to ring and wait and explain etc..a little annoying daily.

 

The plush bathrobes that come with the use of the suite were missing and I again had to make a telephone call to get what was suppose to be there in the first place. One expected better on a small ship. Once again, attention to detail.

 

 

The Oceania Insignia is truly in a class of its own. It is not a small ship as in Silversea; nor is it a large ship. The term mid-sized is also deceiving because it is smaller than say, the Celebrity Century. I will say that the caliber of passengers on this voyage was wonderful. Passengers were a friendly international mix of wealthy Americans, English, Canadians, Norwegians, Australians, Turks, South Americans and French. Ages varied between 50-75 with a mix of 30-40's as well. In this modern age of cruise ships that fall short and fail to deliver as advertised, I noticed several old school cruisers who found their niche with Oceania.

 

With a little over 600, it was not difficult to be sociable and remain so with the same people. Most were successful professionals, gourmets, artists, musicians or retired business owners with a few honeymooners as well. All were well seasoned travelers who knew how to enjoy life and played hard while retaining refinement and decency at all times. The social atmosphere on Insignia was one of the best I’ve known.

 

Since the smoking policy is so strict on Oceania ships, (two locations only) most smokers were all best of friends by day two. The deck nine starboard pool crowd was the "in" crowd. It was the place where smokers (and drinkers) met hourly.

 

Oceania’s "Country Club Casual" dress code is something that I could do without however. While it is pleasurable to be comfortable on a Med cruise, several took the "casual" portion of "Country Club Casual" just a bit too far. Dressing for dinner has always been something we’ve looked forward to, however, tuxedos and gowns were really not in vogue on Insignia.

 

Ladies dressed a cut above the men in the evenings and generally looked great, many men wore sport jackets. While the majority of passengers dressed properly, a limited few took casual to mean tee-shirts and jeans at dinner. I would have preferred the old traditions of formal nights.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Jerry Blaine at the piano in the lounges and Sasha’s band in other lounges along with the four lovely girls on strings were all great. Jerry is also a wonderful and interesting person with many years in show business. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with him daily. The evening shows were always at one set time. There was only one show and no early/late seating shows, so if you missed it, you missed it. Dinner in the Grand Dining Room is a ceremonial event and the larger the table, the longer the event.

 

These dinners that began at 8:30 PM consisting of multiple courses usually caused us to miss the evening shows even when we had a table for two. Although we didn’t wind missing the shows, we did catch the final show and it was enjoyable with the exception of the singer and the cruise director who truly lack talent.

 

On an ship like this, I fail to see the need for a cruise director, in the traditional sense. Most passengers were well seasoned cruisers with scores of cruises under their belts like myself and had no need of a cruise director. In my early days of cruising, cruise directors were like silver haired stars on game shows. Nowadays, you’ll see these young borderline social hosts or hostesses who lack real people skills or a sincere personality.

 

The very American cruise director on Insignia seemed nervous, insecure and out of place on a ship like this with a passenger list like this. He was inadequate to the task in disposition, demeanor and stature. I think he made a poor first impression and really served no purpose other than announcements and MC work which anyone else with a good voice could do.

 

CASINO, GYM & SPA

There might as well not be a casino on this ship as it is so tiny that it is not exciting but then I’m not a major gambler. Roulette, blackjack and slot machines with a bar and a cashier. As for the spa, while beautiful to visit, I did not use the spa as we prefer masseuses on land and masseuses that we know personally. We also have no use for treadmills or weight lifting on vacation. It was also annoying to see joggers running around deck ten as the lap was so small that it was pointless.

 

SHIPS EXCURSION AND LAND TOURS

We never booked one and had no intentions of booking one. In a word, extremely overpriced. We don’t care for bus tours or crowds with tour guides. We had, long in advance, arranged all our own private cars with drivers at almost every port for a fraction of Oceania’s listed price for private cars. Ironically, Insignia offers private Ford vans with drivers for almost three times the price of a private Mercedes sedan with a driver, which we took advantage of. We found this funny especially when we saw people booking these Ford vans like they had something special at a special ship price.

 

 

ART AUCTIONS BE GONE !!!

I really, really wish that Park West and all the rest out there would all disappear from the sea. Like the often annoying photographers of mass market cruise lines, this art auction nonsense has gotten out of hand at sea with almost every cruise line. It’s all such a con. A con of major proportions (I wont go into it right now) and such a waste of time. Why not sell AVON or Florida Time Shares onboard too ?? Let’s be realistic, if you want to buy serious art you know where to go and it’s not to sea. I also failed to appreciate a special announcement in the late afternoon over the entire ships’s PA system combined with constant flyers in my daily program to tell me about raffles and an auction. I found this to be in poor taste on a ship like Insignia. A ship that is apparently trying to rise above the rest.

 

BARS AND LOUNGES

Bar prices are fair and unlike many lines, Oceania does not push sales of drinks or any other sales. The drinks are generous enough and the bar staff friendly. Some bar staff is fantastic. Hors d’ oeuvres are fair to average during cocktail hour but there was nothing extraordinary. The wine list aboard Insignia is relatively decent and like most ships, noticeably marked up. As for bottles of spirits, I ordered a liter of Chopin vodka for my suite from Special Services of Oceania several months before the cruise and it was not there upon arrival. I had to enquire at the reception desk and finally it arrived. They charged $110.00 for this bottle which goes for $42.00 at a local liquor store. I usually stay far away from mini-bars so I can not comment there.

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

Besides the missing liter of vodka in my suite, I also ordered two ounces of Russian caviar, also missing in my suite, but the front reception desk knew nothing about either when I enquired. This was later remedied by the head of food and beverage who made a personal visit to my suite to explain the details and apologize. However, toward the end of the voyage there was also a billing mistake on these items significantly overcharging me. Once again, a visit to the reception. Going down to this desk on deck four was an inconvenience and the staff there suffers from a mild language/nuance barrier, (one felt like they were not to be bothered, they were politely busy.)

 

Ironically, once again, the food and beverage head called me, apologized and remedied the situation. At premium prices, attention to detail is a hallmark of luxury. Most luxury vessels could have handled this simple request in a blink. High value for the high dollar gets high marks. Not evident with these events.

 

FOOD, SERVICE AND DINING VENUES

The Grand Dining Room.

To look at this room, it’s a jewel of old world charm and turn of the century civility. Classic ocean liner decor from the early 1900s. The table linens, lamps, stemware, flatware and cutlery were all outstanding and make a most memorable impression. It’s a great room. Sitting with whom you choose and dining whenever you wish is a definite plus. You may not establish a long term relationship with your waiter, but that can also be a blessing if they’re not up to snuff. I was disappointed never to see or hear the advertised orchestra in the dining room however. Perhaps they played before 8:00 PM

 

Service in the Grand Dining Room is formal and gracious but not particularly friendly, consistent or welcoming. There was almost never an attendant at the desk station when diners entered the room and one had to inevitably wait for him to return, in order to again wait to be seated. In some cases at lunch we were almost the only ones in the room and still orders were incorrect and service was lacking. One evening at dinner, a female assistant waiter toppled a sorbet, spilling the syrupy juice on my wife’s oriental gown. The diningroom captain offered apologies as well as free onboard cleaning, which we accepted.

 

Main courses were very good but not outstanding or legendary by any means. The advertised "finest cuisine at sea" is total boardroom marketing. I was expecting so much more from the line’s strong marketing of their cuisine. This food and presentations will not exceed your expectations, unless you’re accustomed to dining on discount Caribbean cruise lines.

 

However, if fine gourmet dining is a major part of your cruise enjoyment, then I’m afraid that you’ll be left in the same conundrum as we were.. Jacques Pepin is, I am certain, a fine French chef, but his work is not evident from Insignia’s kitchen. Michele Roux, however, the celebrated former chef of Celebrity Cruises, always exceeded my expectations each and every voyage.

 

Even still, Celebrity ships not withstanding, I’ve enjoyed far better cuisine on ships that carry four times as many passengers, which is backwards. Again, food was very good but not great. Desserts were nice but nothing that made you smile brightly. Although the after dinner cheese platters were excellent.

 

Sometimes I had to ask for my water glass to be refilled at lunch in the grand dining room. At no time did I feel that the chef was doing anything above the norm. One night I asked for Roquefort sauce for my NY strip and I was informed by the waiter and his superior from the kitchen that it was not possible. Ridiculous. That never happened on Celebrity. The presentations were satisfactory but not unusual, dramatic or exciting. One night, caviar was offered on the menu as an appetizer and we were pleasantly surprised. Soups and salads were all good to very good, but sadly not awe inspiring.

 

I want to make it clear here that the food is very good but don’t look for spectacular cuisine or stellar presentations. On the last night in the Grand Dining Room, the wife of a dinner mate of mine was apparently insulted by a waiter who told her that she was rude for claiming that she simply did not order a decaf cappuccino. She was most definitely not rude. She merely informed him of his mistake. This caused a major event but the waiter finally admitted to her husband who was furious that he did in fact say this to his wife. He later apologized but he should have been terminated. Unheard of in my many years of cruising and crossing.

 

The Toscana Restaurant was a treat and was superb is all ways. Toscana’s Italian cuisine was excellent. Well prepared sauces, seafood and pastas. Unlike the other restaurants in terms of food and service, Toscana’s service was crisper, warmer and friendlier. Excellent manager. The staff more attentive than other locations and the ambiance was beautiful. No cover charge as with some lines.

 

The Polo Grill is a steakhouse. It is good; but not exceptional by any means. You can enjoy finer steaks at the Capital Grille or Chophouse 47. Lobster was decent here as it is in all Insignia restaurants. It was nice to see a whole Maine lobster and not just tails. Polo Grill, while not particularly impressive in a culinary light, is a welcomed change during the cruise. The food is delicious and the service is good, just not spectacular. The restaurant manager is very friendly and warm there as well. Also, no cover charge.

 

The Buffets are probably Oceania’s weakest dining venue. Due to the fact that the ship is smaller than many, the space is limited and the entire aft section of deck nine serves as many restaurants with many names. In short, cafeterias with a theme. They were all singularly unimpressive with limited selections. Breakfasts and luncheons shut down too early. The daily buffets, regardless of time, were totally uninspiring each day with little to no flair and certainly no creativity. The "bosses" of this area were usually rather hardcore females when it came to bossing the other workers around. When she said it was time to shut down, that was it. Total robotic shut down.

 

I like gourmet cheeses but the cheese platters need to be covered by glass as they suffered greatly from a barrage of tiny flying insects on the attack. As I do not do hamburgers and hot dogs on cruises, I can’t comment on these. Smokers who want coffee in the AM can’t get coffee in the designated smoking section unless they walk the length of the deck aft and then walk back. When I once asked for coffee, I was directed aft. This is not service. However, there is no charge for cappuccino.

 

DINING IN SUITE

We twice dined in our suite via our butler. Butlers will serve course by course from all three restaurants. This is a welcome luxury. As a strange rule with Oceania, only suites can enjoy hot breakfasts and full menus delivered.

 

TEA-BAG TIME

Horizons on deck ten at 4:00PM. This is a pleasant tradition although not executed properly. One day there are greeters, English girls, the next day, no one at the door and seat yourself. Insignia has a wonderful, live stringed orchestra playing the classics. Cakes, little sandwiches, tarts etc. I liked the scones with jam and clotted cream. However, unfortunately, once again, Oceania lacks here and does not impress. The tea service is less than traditional and certainly not classic.

 

In England, using ordinary Twinning tea-bags that you can buy at any grocery store at a formal tea, is as much of a faux pas as lighting a cigarette in church. Nevertheless, Oceania proudly offers tea-bags on Insignia. The staff makes a serious effort to convey this very British tradition but it is clearly more of a play than a reality. A delicious afternoon snack and a cute novelty but not a serious tea.

 

SMOKING:

Deck nine forward /starboard pool

Deck ten forward /rear of Horizons lounge

That’s it period. Don’t be foolish enough to do it anywhere else.

 

THE PORTS OF THE RIVIERA

The port of Marseilles had a fisherman’s strike and they were blocking the harbor so our Captain cancelled Marseilles and we sailed for Toulon, France. Toulon was wonderfully charming and smaller than Marseilles and reportedly easier to get around. Spain, France and Italy are beautiful. So many picture postcard harbors that were all phenomenal.

 

All excellent ports with fantastic views from our balcony. Each place breathtaking with its own unique flavor, history and culture. These places are truly glorious and speak volumes.

 

From the Rolls Royce limousines and boutiques of St Tropez to the monster yachts, casinos and Ferrari’s of Monte Carlo, my attempt to describe these locations would be inadequate and have already been done many times. Oceania’s itinerary is excellent to say the least. I only wish they would remain in some longer than others.

 

DISEMBARKATION

Insignia’s disembarkation is by far, the easiest of them all. Simple, clean and no fuss or crowds whatsoever. Simply get off after breakfast when you’re ready. No big lines or announcements of color cards etc...The terminal in Civitavecchia is small and without any payphones or seating. The security in the terminal want you out of the building and waiting for your rides on the sidewalk outside.

 

They are quick to clear this building in anticipation of the next cruise. It was a bit rushed, "get your bags and get out". Our driver took us into Rome where we stayed an additional five days to rest before returning to the US. We again enjoyed Rome’s wonderful restaurants and familiar sights.

 

SUMMARY CONCLUSION

It is difficult for me to criticize any luxury liner or cruise ship as I deeply love ships and realize, more than most, how difficult and monumental a task it is to have a successful ship. It is equally difficult for me to criticize such a fine ship as Insignia or such a celebrated line as Oceania. However, speaking from considerable experience in this arena, I must tell it like it is and offer this mixed review.

 

I wish my review could be a rave review but for me, Insignia was a ship constantly trying to decide whether it was ultra-deluxe or just premium. She exhibited daily, if not hourly fluctuations back and forth in all venues and service departments. At no time did this ship or its services exceed my expectations as I had hoped it would. Although I would indeed sail with Oceania again without hesitation, it would not be my first choice.

[LHT28]

I am speechless :eek::eek:

[sacway]

Thank you for your interesting review. Illustrates how we differ in our needs, expectations, and experiences.

 

I would like to elaborate one item you mention, the red carpet treatment (which you saw, I believe, in Livorno?) We watched this from Deck 5, where the band was playing. David Robinson (CD) and about 20 staff applauded each guest (not just those departing busses) as he or she returned, for about an hour, maybe two. It was very hot and humid work. The whole thing seemed a bit corny and over the top, but then, at some level, who wouldn't like to be given some direct appreciation, at least once in a while? I asked David about this scene, and he said he tries to arrange it at least once on each cruise (and that was the only day, I believe, it was done on our cruise.)

 

I'm surprised you would mention being annoyed by joggers. Even at 13 laps to the mile, if one runs enough of them it is not at all pointless. At least it couldn't have been me annoying you since I walk, not jog, and in the early morning when mostly it's only me and several workers putting terry cloth covers and towels on deck chairs for the day. Unlike the hotel and cruise staff, who often apologize if you convey they have failed to serve you appropriately, I fear you are unlikely to find another passenger apologizing for using the jogging track for its designated purpose. In my case, I was delighted that a) there were no deck chairs and loungers obstructing the track and b) there were no empty glasses, leftover meals, and other garbage creating hazards underfoot. Both are chronic clutter problems on other lines in our experience.

 

(May I also say, since I get the impression you or another member of your party is a smoker, I am equally nonplussed when people complain about smokers smoking in a designated smoking area.)

 

Two things I'd like to note are not related to your review of Oceania and this Insignia cruise, per se, but to your other comments.

 

While you were cruising the Ramblas in your hired Mercedes in Barcelona, we might have been crowding the street outside a bar in the Barri Gotic with about 200 soccer fans rooting for Espana. Some of them looked like they came out of GQ, too. We Americans, I fear, tend overall to appear rather lumpy and poorly dressed, as you noted. Again, it just goes to show what a good thing it is when we can find and enjoy holiday activities that allow us to satisfy our varying and particular interests.

 

It was Celebrity who came out with the ill-chosen slogan "exceeding your expectations" at a time when for many it clearly did exceed expectations. I could not believe how many people complained once the motto was in use that their expectations were not exceeded. "Your world your way" seems more reasonable, it works for us. We used to be exclusively Celebrity cruisers, but felt brand quality was seriously compromised post RCCL acquisition, and that the line's appreciation for past passengers was zero. We liked the Michel Roux menu the first and second and even the third time we ate it. About the fifth cruise where not one item was changed, but the quality of elements of it appeared in decline, we decided it was us who needed to remedy matters by cruising elsewhere. Celebrity's recent launch of Azamara, which seems a pretty direct knock-off of Oceania, suggests that we were not alone in deciding to try another style. From your review, it seems Oceania is not well suited to you, or at least that was the case for this cruise. I hope you are more satisfied with the food and service on your next cruise, where ever you may be.

[Decebal]

OCEANIA INSIGNIA/AN IN DEPTH REVIEW

 

BUTLERS MAIDS AND STEWARDS

She didn’t get it. A passenger has the right, the absolute right, to leave their suite as late in the day as they see fit without any comments from a maid.

 

She was a regular investigator about our travel plans being late in the morning. Often there was uncomfortable, feigned smiling and conversation from a maid about how glad she is that we "left the room earlier" today than yesterday. Some of these people need retraining and a reminder of who’s the passenger and who’s the maid..

 

Wow, quite a review. Thanks for taking the time to post.

Just curious about the maid situation. What time in the morning was she hinting for you to "get out already"?

[Gustavas]

Wow, quite a review. Thanks for taking the time to post.

Just curious about the maid situation. What time in the morning was she hinting for you to "get out already"?

 

 

Remember, we were on vacation. We would order breakfast delivered via butler around 10:00am; we'd eat, then shower etc.. and my wife would take her time so it was generally around 11:40am - 12:30pm. Maid's comments were along the lines of:

 

SMILING WITH AN ACCENT:

"Oh...you no go ashore today ?!..everything ok ?"

"Oh, you want me to make room now or no ?!'

"Oh, you go out late today huh, you ok ?!!

"Oh, your wife sleeping now ?..ahhhh, she tired.."

[debsjc]

Thanks for your interesting review.

 

Just out of interest i'm surprised you found Gatwick dated, as your flights went into and out of the north terminal. This is the newer part of the airport and was only opened in 1987, it is 10 times better than the crowded and dated south terminal. I actually prefer Gatwick north to Heathrow.

 

Also, BA provide complimentary alcohol in all classes on international flights, with the exception of champagne and high end liqueurs which are just in the premium cabins. It's good to hear you enjoyed the flight though. :)

[CruiseLiz]

Maid's comments were along the lines of:

 

SMILING WITH AN ACCENT:

"Oh...you no go ashore today ?!..everything ok ?"

"Oh, you want me to make room now or no ?!'

"Oh, you go out late today huh, you ok ?!!

"Oh, your wife sleeping now ?..ahhhh, she tired.."

 

Just curious - did you ever mention to your maid that you like to sleep in and you would regularly leave your room around noon?

 

Often if you let the staff know your routine that they will gladly accommodate it. Yes she is a "maid", but she is also just a person trying to get her work done.

 

And, why on earth would it matter if she speaks with an accent or not? :confused:

 

 

By the way, I found your review quite fascinating.

[Gustavas]

Just curious - did you ever mention to your maid that you like to sleep in and you would regularly leave your room around noon?

 

Often if you let the staff know your routine that they will gladly accommodate it. Yes she is a "maid", but she is also just a person trying to get her work done.

 

And, why on earth would it matter if she speaks with an accent or not? :confused:

 

 

By the way, I found your review quite fascinating.

 

 

After a lifetime of cruising I know this. We did tell her. The first day we met her, I explained that. It didn't register or matter. As for the accent, that does not matter by any means. I was merely trying to demonstrate what she sounded like and the language/nuance barrier.

I was illustrating that she had an accent so that you would get the full picture of her speaking. Thanks for the compliments.

 

Gustavas

[CruiseLiz]

Well if you told her, then I certainly understand your frustration with that.

 

Just on a side note, I read your similar post on the Celebrity boards and I think it's very interesting that more Celebrity cruisers seemed to jump in and defend Oceania while the response on this board was less spirited.

 

I hope your next cruise on Oceania is better since after this cruise you no doubt have different expectations of a cruise on O.

[WaterView2]

Quite an interesting review. We got off the ship on 1 July in Barcelona, the day you boarded. I completely agree about the cruise director--wrong person for the job and perhaps not needed at all. Ian from Park West Gallery was nice enough, but I don't think they should be on board. We also had a suite and found the butler service a novelty at first but quite helpful during the cruise. Apparently you didn't find the early morning coffee, juice and pastry in Horizons, deck 10 forward, starboard. The tea service was sort of strange (but at least they tried) and the two for one happy hour immediately followed it in Horizons which made for some odd transitions.

[CruiseLiz]

Well I wanted to mention it because if anyone reads this post and is concerned about the quality on O versus X, they might not choose to go on an Oceania cruise. For those people, I suggest that they also read the post on the Celebrity boards. It's called: Celebrity vs Oceania.

 

Certainly one's expectations can color a cruise...I expected Oceania to be the nicest cruise I've been on and it certainly was.

[LHT28]

Well I wanted to mention it because if anyone reads this post and is concerned about the quality on O versus X, they might not choose to go on an Oceania cruise.

 

I would think one would read more than just one review before booking ANY cruise line! :rolleyes:

[sacway]

I would think one would read more than just one review before booking ANY cruise line! :rolleyes:

 

I agree, and there is at least one other review of this very same cruise,

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=812386

 

The comment that X board posters were more engaged is interesting, do you have the link to that post?

[DaveFr]

sacway,

 

Ask and ye shall receive. :D

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=813122.

 

Dave

[nparmelee]

Ok folks, please play nice. Everybody has different expectations and different requirements and how we experience things can vary greatly. Personally we prefer to O to Celebrity, it seems the OP prefers Celebrity. This is why we have so many choices available to us. Others should read this review and the other review posting about the same cruise and look for those items important to them. To the OP, I am sorry O did not live up to your expectations and I hope your next cruise experience is more what you are looking for.

 

For us many of your points are actually on the plus side for O to us, especially the no formal nights, no ship photographer and the strict smoking policy. We like being able to dress up a bit more or not depending on our mood and energy level. And as a person who does like a little exercise on lower energy level days, I enjoy the running track area and gym for a brisk walk with no obstructions and some exercise to help work off the food. We have never had a problem getting our suitcases under the beds on any ship, sometimes you need to lift the edge a touch or try the other side to slip them under, but its always worked for us. We have always had good relationships with our room stewards as well and enjoy having conversations with them about where they are from and other things, possibly we have just been lucky. Living in a gambling state, the casino has never been a draw for us on any cruise and on Princess and Celebrity just walking through was fairly painful for me with the heavy smoke in the air.

[sacway]

sacway,

 

Ask and ye shall receive. :D

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=813122.

 

Dave

 

Thanks, Dave! I really enjoyed reading the X thread, as our first five cruises were all on Celebrity. I'd forgotten about "chair hogs" and other common inconveniences. Not that we've sworn off Celebrity forever, we just haven't seen anything compelling to us in terms of ship and itinerary.

 

In comparing the responses here to those on the X thread, perhaps this reflect some of the variation in these two groups of passengers. It is interesting.

[sacway]

Regarding what constitutes "criticism" tens of thousands of pages have been written. Each cruise "critic" speaks with a real voice representative of some small percentage of the people who pay varying amounts of money (thank you, yield management software!) to have someone else handle many of the details of a vacation, and pay it in advance. It's a strange deal and part of why many people *don't* cruise, because they can't imagine paying in advance for something that has almost no certainties as any cruise results in a range of experiences. The precise elements and quality of services any one is given can vary even in the most posh of settings in my experience (which includes far beyond 5-star: e.g., extremely high end personal transport and service at a many-to-one ratio.)

 

It's a significant indicator that when 100 (say) Cruise Critic reviewers rate a given ship 3 or 4 or 5 stars, travel magazines and websites will duly note this, regardless of past experience and expertise of review authors, or whether the tea was loose or came from a box of tea bags. Beyond any one's relevant personal experience, the latter points are covered by those who rate ship professionally, and add or subtract from scores accordingly.

 

My fortunate-so-far life path has crossed all manner of the most important and least unimportant people around the globe in working environments and at leisure. I'm grateful that I've met each of them, and found that I can be humbled by the lowly as well as the powerful. I doubt I'm the worse for that, but one result is that I choose to be careful in my public criticisms. (My professional life is one of critical review, but this is not my personal wont or interest here.) No one else need to have that strategy, of course, and your choice is welcome. I do concur with others that many cruise boosters, on this and other boards, in fact know quite a bit about five star service.

[Gustavas]

You sailed the Alexander Pushkin I see. This is very interesting. I saw my mother off on Pushkin's sister ship, the Mikhail Lermontov decades ago. My mother was heartbroken when she heard the news in 1986 that it sank.

 

In case you're interested

http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/lermontov.htm

[CruiseLiz]

Thanks, Dave! I really enjoyed reading the X thread, as our first five cruises were all on Celebrity. I'd forgotten about "chair hogs" and other common inconveniences. Not that we've sworn off Celebrity forever, we just haven't seen anything compelling to us in terms of ship and itinerary.

 

In comparing the responses here to those on the X thread, perhaps this reflect some of the variation in these two groups of passengers. It is interesting.

 

I agree. Most X cruisers compared their experience to O and thought O was a superior product. I've never been on X, but have an upcoming cruise booked, I'll have to put in my 2 cents at that time.

 

I will say about the variation in passengers of X and O that I'm actually a little worried. From reading the X boards and posts from those who cruise often with X, I am a little put off.

We like the finer things, but we're down to earth people and we go with the flow without expecting too much (I mean this more in the way of attitude)...it seems that X cruisers are a little more high strung, and I'm curious if the people we'll encounter will be pretentious or highly demanding.

[nparmelee]

CruiseLiz, I'm willing to bet that you already know that any cruise is what you decide to make of it. You find all kinds of people on each cruise and just go with the flow and find the ones you like to be around and avoid the others. We had a good time on X too, we do prefer the O food and service to X, but if we ever saw the right itinerary on X we'd give them a good look for it.

[LHT28]

In case you're interested

http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/lermontov.htm

Thanks for the link

 

The Pushkin was a different type of cruising back in the 70's

[sacway]

I will say about the variation in passengers of X and O that I'm actually a little worried. From reading the X boards and posts from those who cruise often with X, I am a little put off. We like the finer things, but we're down to earth people and we go with the flow without expecting too much (I mean this more in the way of attitude)...it seems that X cruisers are a little more high strung, and I'm curious if the people we'll encounter will be pretentious or highly demanding.

 

Because O is a newer line it doesn't yet face the situation of repeat cruisers who can remember way back when... Not that X ever could have been quite as amazing as our recollection of our very first cruise...but we credit that cruise with initiating our enduring pleasure in cruising.

 

Much of what you read/hear may be due to the four identical larger ships that X had to take on, and the efforts the line has taken to fill them each week. You should find some pax appear "upscale" but also many "downscale" from your vantage point.

 

Way back when, X had a handful of smallish (around a thousand pax) ships but then it was assigned four large ship builds after its acquisition by RCCL. What happened to X then seems to me to be a ten-year case of indigestion and restatement of the brand. That process seems to be nearing completion now, and we note two interesting changes in X. First, with the R ships, it's targeting O's pax base. Second, with the Solstice and subsequent ships, it's restating a nature different from Royal Caribbean.

 

X as a result is not a single product -- different ships, different embarkation ports, different times of year cause variations in the cruise experience. Regardless, all the ships are very attractive, the spa cuisine is quite good, and the overall menus can be excellent (though, as many have noted, if you cruise repeatedly, you will rapidly be eating exactly the same meals over and over). You can avoid most of the onboard selling and there aren't too many "art auction" type announcements. Your cruise probably has an active Cruise Critic Roll Call, and that should go a long way to alleviating your concerns.

[meow!]

Presumably Sacway and Gustavas both went on the same voyage, it is interesting to see their writing two reviews with such different tones!

[CruiseLiz]

CruiseLiz, I'm willing to bet that you already know that any cruise is what you decide to make of it. You find all kinds of people on each cruise and just go with the flow and find the ones you like to be around and avoid the others. We had a good time on X too, we do prefer the O food and service to X, but if we ever saw the right itinerary on X we'd give them a good look for it.

 

Thanks for your input. We chose X because of the itinerary, price and also some friends of ours had nothing but good things to say about them.

 

I am really looking forward to trying something new because that is exciting in itself.

 

I guess I've just been reading too many dress code threads on the X boards. ;)

[Decebal]

I think everyone spoke their mind about the issue. Ok, so it wasn't to his standards, you can't please everyone. To each his own.

In my experience, when you expect absolute perfection from a loved one, a pair of shoes, a car, or an expensive vacation, you will be 100% dissapointed. There is no perfection, other than a flawless 5 carat diamond. That would never dissapoint me.

When I travel, I consider it life's great gift to me and enjoy every minute of it. They would have to throw me overboard to really start bitching how bad it was.

Oh, and I did travel with Celebrity to Alaska. It was a very nice experience, but not something that totally blew my socks off.