Any Oceania cruisers also sailed on HAL?

[Waxer]

Greetings!

We are researching a European or Baltic cruise, and our TA is steering us towards Oceania. We had a wonderful HAL cruise to Alaska on Zuiderdam - if anyone has experience with Oceania who has also sailed HAL and would be willing to give your opinion on the differences between the two, it would be greatly appreciated. I found the Oceania printed brochure very impressive, and my DW likes the itineraries. All pros and cons and comments appreciated!

Thanks, in advance!

[esther e]

We have been on both and have a reservation for future cruises on both, also. There really is no comparison as one is a much smaller cruise line than the other.

HAL is our favorite for two-seating 1200+ pax; Oceania is our favorite for an open-seating, under 700 pax (with Regent close behind). Before I continue, let me say the HAL reservation we're holding is a long cruise to Europe, but r/t Boston; therefore, no flights which is a very big pro for us.

As far as cabins, we've only had suites on HAL and they're huge! However, the food is much better on Oceania and there is no charge for the altenative restaurants. To be honest, if the itinerary was exactly the same, Oceania would win hands down.

Entertainment is better on HAL; we like the shows. But, we love the no-smoking atmosphere on Oceania. Oceania ships are beautiful inside and outside. The only con I find is the darn art auction that overtook one of the most beautiful areas on the Regatta.

Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either line. HAL is more formal in dress whereas Oceania is country-club casual--no formal wear or suits.

Beautiful ship, good (great) food, one open seating, no extra charge for alternative restaurants...that's Oceania.

Great shows, a respectable internet charge, larger rooms, fresh o.j. on the Lido (a huge pro)...that's HAL.

Esther

[Fleuve]

Having been on over 30 cruises--3 on HAL & one on Oceania( 2 more booked),
I will never go on HAL unless it is a " great" deal.
We are in our fifties, & felt that HAL catered to the ( much) older crowd.
Princess was our favorite, until our first Oceania cruise 4 months ago.
Doing Rome to Athens at the end of sept on the Insignia.
Can't wait.

[Leonid]

Like Fleuve, we've been on 30 cruises with three being HAL and one being O (got two more booked for 2007). We much prefer O because of the "country club casual" environment...have done the formal routine on Crystal, Seabourn & Silversea lately and we're tired of it. Can't beat the beautiful decor of O, and the food is as good as any we have experienced. Specialty restaurants excel and "no extra charge" is true. HAL is good...we believe O is better.

[lcand1923]

3 HAL, 1 Oceania

Several other differences worth mentioning:
1. HAL has more stuff to do on at-sea days than Oceania.
Oceania has very few "activities".
2. HAL does a much better job explaining the "exertion level" of their Shore Excursions.
3. Oceania's walking track in on the top deck. Always enjoyed the Promenade Deck on HAL.
4. On HAL you can get food on the Lido just about round the clock. On Oceania the "midnight snack" is via Room Service.

We enjoyed Oceania so much, that we've pretty much decided that HAL has lost a customer.

[Waxer]

Thanks, everyone; we got (apparently) the last cabin on our sailing :p and are very excited to be first-time O cruisers!

Cheers,

[esther e]

Wonderful! Have a great cruise!!!!
Esther