New to the group

[kgs60089]

I'm interested in looking into another cruise line for future trips. I have taken 3 with Royal and going on one in October 2007 with Royal. I like the idea of a smaller ship and am looking for more interesting ports. In addition, I'd prefer little to no children. I had a very bad February, 2006 experience with Royal and 1/3 of the ship being children. I don't blame Royal as much as I blame the parents that assumed it was Royal's responsibility to babysit them.

Also, does anyone know if Oceania is mostly couples? I travel with a friend of mine and neither one of us is married. We are definitely not interested in "single" cruises as they tend to cater to the 20 somethings and we are over 40.

Thank you.

[LHT28]

Also, does anyone know if Oceania is mostly couples? I travel with a friend of mine and neither one of us is married. We are definitely not interested in "single" cruises as they tend to cater to the 20 somethings and we are over 40.

Thank you.
Welcome!
I understand about the children part...we did a NCL in March! BIG MISTAKE!
We are now back to Oceania!

You will find a lot of couples but also singles travelling alone or together.
It is a different crowd on O as opposed to some of the mass market lines.
Most are well travelled and children if any are well behaved (the ones I have seen)

Maybe take the Med cruise on Oceania and you will be sold! ;)

[Jane110]

Karen,

Oceania has no facilities geared for children, so the few kids that are on Oceania have always been self-sufficient and well behaved kids.

Other than on singles cruises, ALL cruises are really geared for couples because the cabins are sold on a per person basis with single supplements being very expensive.
That said, I don't think that anyone not "coupled" would feel uncomfortable on Oceania. Seating is open and most couples, whether straight or gay, are extremely friendly. My Oceania cruises have been with groups of cyber friends and we often seperate from our spouses or significant others to be with our friends for various activities aboard ship or on tours.

I've gone up to the disco at night with a friend (and you *know* who you are, Ms. C!) when the husband has pooped out on me - and we've danced the night away with......well, I'm not telling! :)

Personally, I would not hesitate at all to go on Oceania with a friend.

[Three Amigas]

Karen,

If you and your friend are fairly independent travelers that appreciate creative and well-prepared food, excellent service, and interesting ports, you should have a great time. Four friends and I (all single forty-somethings) sailed on a Mediterranean cruise this past May. We did not partake in the ship's shore excursions (with one exception), so I cannot comment on that aspect of Oceania, although the one excursion we booked with them was quite enjoyable, as we had a good guide. While on board we often went our separate ways - reading in the library, snoozing in our cabana, soaking in the hot tub, playing shuffleboard, attending line dancing class, working out in the gym, getting spa treatments, etc. Several times I ate breakfast or had afternoon tea by myself and had great service. I am not aware of any difficulties or lack of service encounter by my friends.

The passengers we met tended to be older than our group's average age, but they were friendly and we enjoyed chatting with them. We never felt out of place or unwelcome because we were singletons. The kid factor was extremely low, and the two or three we did spot were very well-behaved. This may have been due to the time of year we sailed (mid-May).

The cruise was a great way for the five of us to de-stress from our jobs while having a wonderful time at some lovely ports. One of my friends and I have booked a cruise for next year. It will be interesting to see if our experience will be just as enjoyable with one friend instead of four!

[kgs60089]

Great feedback and I appreciate it. All of you should be on the marketing / sales staff of Oceania. You've got me sold.

We are looking for a shorter cruise but from what I see there are only 10 days or greater. But 10 days being pampered. hmmmm could I handle that? :rolleyes: I think so.