Oceania vs Celebrity

Of course! The preferred partner occasional "new O discount" is in addition to the TA OBC of 10%+/-.

Not talking about OBC at all. Many times OBC is non-refundable and if so you end up buying overpriced stuff in the gift shop. If it is totally refundable, that is fine but, I'm talking about a check for the 10% + that you can get before you leave and then decide how to spend. And, some lines actually let you take the rebate as a fare discount so you only pay the discounted amount when you make final payment.

Rebates and discounts are so much better than having to spend the money on stuff you really don't want but, but in order to spend the OBC and prefer to decide ourselves where to spend the money. And, should you decide to spend your rebate on board, you can charge it and get valuable credit card points and delay payment for up to about 60 days depending on your closing date. Win/win/win!!

Not talking about OBC at all. Many times OBC is non-refundable and if so you end up buying overpriced stuff in the gift shop. If it is totally refundable, that is fine but, I'm talking about a check for the 10% + that you can get before you leave and then decide how to spend. And, some lines actually let you take the rebate as a fare discount so you only pay the discounted amount when you make final payment.

 

Rebates and discounts are so much better than having to spend the money on stuff you really don't want but, but in order to spend the OBC and prefer to decide ourselves where to spend the money. And, should you decide to spend your rebate on board, you can charge it and get valuable credit card points and delay payment for up to about 60 days depending on your closing date. Win/win/win!!

However you and TA want to do any discounting is a separate discussion. We've gotten OBC and refund. Usually we take it as OBC since we will buy prestige packages on board.

We are looking at an Oceania cruise with a great itinerary and are wondering if anyone could compare the line to Celebrity. We usually book a Sky suite or a Celebrity suite, but on Oceania, it looks like we would be booking a veranda cabin. Could anyone compare: is Oceania worth the extra cost? Thanks

We are long time Celebrity cruisers and we, like you, have traditionally booked a Sky Suite or a Celebrity Suite. We just got back from a sailing on Silhouette in the Penthouse, but that was a "special treat."

We have booked our first Oceania cruise, on Riviera, for December of this year because we wanted to see what reasonable alternatives were available. We are not unhappy with Celebrity...this is just something we need to do. We did look at a number of other cruise lines but we kept coming back to Oceania because we felt it was the most reasonable alternative for us. We booked a PH1 and felt the price was comparable to what we would pay in a Celebrity Suite. We must say that food and service in Luminae is a cut above the main dining room on Celebrity, but even knowing that, we are really looking forward to the Oceania experience.

When our first experience with Oceania is behind us, we will be in a better position to evaluate our cruising future, but from what we have seen so far, December can't come soon enough.

Randy

We have cruised on both lines. The food is quite good on celebrity so that's not an issue for us. The biggest plus for us on celebrity is entertainment. Oceania's entertainment is awful but might improve now that ncl is taking over

Size matters. 650 passengers is way better than 2000 or more. It changes the entire dynamic of a cruise.

We are not considering celebrity anymore. Their itineraries are not that interesting. But if the itinerary were right we would not rule it out. We much prefer the Oceania experience and we are trying Seabourn -- even smaller ships with fabulous itineraries.

We have sailed three times with Celebrity in Aqua class, and enjoyed it very much. We sailed on the Marina last year, and thought the food was better on Oceania, especially in the speciality restaurants. However, we felt that Celebrity was a better value.

I cant even imagine thinking about canceling any cruise on the word of one person you dont even know..how would you know if you liked it or not without even trying??

Jancruz1

And I cannot believe that there is a thread comparing Oceania to Celebrity. They are not even competition to each other nor are they in the same "class". Yes -- some little areas on Celebrity are a bit more high end, however, once you leave your private little area you are basically on a huge cruise ship with a couple of thousand other people. Oceania is luxury lite (emphasis on luxury). IMO, there is no comparison - even if Celebrity put a mansion in for their "special" customers....... what about the rest of the ship? JMHO.

We have sailed three times with Celebrity in Aqua class, and enjoyed it very much. We sailed on the Marina last year, and thought the food was better on Oceania, especially in the speciality restaurants. However, we felt that Celebrity was a better value.

We would also consider travel with Celebrity again. We have sailed Princess on some local itineraries and while we don't favor the line - we've actually had some lovely experiences on board. We did Celebrity when the Millennium was new in a Sky Suite and were disappointed. Friends of ours recently were on Celebrity who have cruised Regent and Oceania and reported they enjoyed themselves.

We are trying Crystal next but we are considering Azamara, Celebrity and Silverseas for our next booking.

And I cannot believe that there is a thread comparing Oceania to Celebrity. They are not even competition to each other nor are they in the same "class". Yes -- some little areas on Celebrity are a bit more high end, however, once you leave your private little area you are basically on a huge cruise ship with a couple of thousand other people. Oceania is luxury lite (emphasis on luxury). IMO, there is no comparison - even if Celebrity put a mansion in for their "special" customers....... what about the rest of the ship? JMHO.

Would you mind if I ask when was the last time you sailed on Celebrity?

Personally since 2009 I've only cruised on Oceania & Celebrity, with one short exception on RCL.

You have to take each one for what they are, but I think Celebrity is a good product for the price.

My take is I don't think Celebrity is near as bad as many people tend to think it is, and perhaps Oceania is not near as great as some people make it out to be. I like them both. But I'm a simple person.

And I cannot believe that there is a thread comparing Oceania to Celebrity. They are not even competition to each other nor are they in the same "class". Yes -- some little areas on Celebrity are a bit more high end, however, once you leave your private little area you are basically on a huge cruise ship with a couple of thousand other people. Oceania is luxury lite (emphasis on luxury). IMO, there is no comparison - even if Celebrity put a mansion in for their "special" customers....... what about the rest of the ship? JMHO.

We think Celebrity offers a very good product for the price. We especially like the Solstice class ships, which for the most part, did not seem much more crowded than the Marina. There were many days on the Marina when we had to circle around the buffet seating area for a long time to find an available table. We never had that problem on Celebrity, although the seating was much closer together on Celebrity.

Would you mind if I ask when was the last time you sailed on Celebrity?

 

Personally since 2009 I've only cruised on Oceania & Celebrity, with one short exception on RCL.

 

You have to take each one for what they are, but I think Celebrity is a good product for the price.

 

My take is I don't think Celebrity is near as bad as many people tend to think it is, and perhaps Oceania is not near as great as some people make it out to be. I like them both. But I'm a simple person.

Do you have to sail on Celebrity to know that there is a separation between the passengers that stay in a special part of the ship and the rest of the passengers? And, do you need to sail on Celebrity to know how many passengers the ship carries?

I would not comment on things that are not either public knowledge or information available on the website or on Cruise Critic.

You indicated that Celebrity is "a good product for the price". If it is considerably less money than a similar suite on Oceania, I can understand why this would be a good fit for some people. However, when we did research on upper premium/luxury lite cruise lines, Oceania was the only game in town (followed by Azamara).

Do you have to sail on Celebrity to know that there is a separation between the passengers that stay in a special part of the ship and the rest of the passengers? And, do you need to sail on Celebrity to know how many passengers the ship carries?

 

I would not comment on things that are not either public knowledge or information available on the website or on Cruise Critic.

 

You indicated that Celebrity is "a good product for the price". If it is considerably less money than a similar suite on Oceania, I can understand why this would be a good fit for some people. However, when we did research on upper premium/luxury lite cruise lines, Oceania was the only game in town (followed by Azamara).

I'm sorry but from your posts you've obviously got Celebrity mixed up with some other cruise line. The only "private areas" are Michael's Lounge for the top suites, and the Aqua Class rooms, which is basically just another level of room, like Concierge Class or PH level. It does have a relaxation area(available for a fee to others, part of AQ fare) and a special dining room(part of your fare). These passengers share the rest of the ship with the unwashed masses. There is no private pool etc.

How is their private areas any different than the Executive Lounge or the Concierge lounge or the "certain levels and up Spa area on Oceania?

I feel your post that they are a different class is totally off base. Celebrity and Holland America are direct competition with Oceania. Look at Oceania's marketing material and they compare their costs with those two. Oceania's customer base consists of many current and former passengers of them both that are looking for "the way it used to be" on those lines. Probably more moving upmarket than there are like yourself, that occasionally move downmarket.

A cruise is a lot about the experience. A few years back I was looking for a great way to spend time with grandchildren. Only one class of cabin for adjoining rooms on Royal Caribbean three day. 120 sq ft bare bones room. Two twin beds in the cabins. Food just meh. Entertainment very very good. Crowded ship with belly flop contests and college students on spring break.

Twin 7 year olds (now 17) who still rave 10 years later about what a special week we had. The experience is in the eye of the beholder.

Do you have to sail on Celebrity to know that there is a separation between the passengers that stay in a special part of the ship and the rest of the passengers? And, do you need to sail on Celebrity to know how many passengers the ship carries?

I would not comment on things that are not either public knowledge or information available on the website or on Cruise Critic.

You indicated that Celebrity is "a good product for the price". If it is considerably less money than a similar suite on Oceania, I can understand why this would be a good fit for some people. However, when we did research on upper premium/luxury lite cruise lines, Oceania was the only game in town (followed by Azamara).

I believe you have Celebrity confused with the very Mass Market NCL which does have a completely seperate Haven area.

ChatKat

I totally agree with you. Our first cruise was with Celebrity for our 25th anniversary to Alaska. Maybe because it was our first and we got upgraded to a suite but when I think about cruising, my mind goes back to that very first one. I also live in CA so have experienced Princess (sailing out of SF is only a short drive) and have fond memories there too. However, at this stage of my life, I love smaller ships with less crowds and excellent service. . In a couple of weeks, I'll be experiencing my first Oceania cruise and can't wait.

I feel your post that they are a different class is totally off base. Celebrity and Holland America are direct competition with Oceania. Look at Oceania's marketing material and they compare their costs with those two. Oceania's customer base consists of many current and former passengers of them both that are looking for "the way it used to be" on those lines. Probably more moving upmarket than there are like yourself, that occasionally move downmarket.

IMO, Oceania is one step up from Celebrity and Holland America. You mentioned Oceania's marketing material - comparing costs of Oceania with HAL and Celebrity. Actually, Regent has had the same marketing campaign in the past. They were trying to lure upper suite passengers on these lines to Regent (or in this case Oceania) rather than trying to compete with them.

If you look at Azamara, Oceania and now Viking Ocean Cruises, you will see a lot of similarities in what they offer their guests as well in the size of their ships. Generally, travel magazines group HAL, Celebrity and Princess together (one step below Oceania, Azamara, etc. )

In terms of mistaking Celebrity with other cruise lines, it is possible. I had a friend that regularly sailed in the top suites on Celebrity and was constantly saying how many special perks they get in their suite (even getting escorted on and of the ship and being permitted to sit in the front of the bus). It sounded as if the area they stayed in was private. Again, it is entirely possible that I misunderstood.

IMO, Oceania is one step up from Celebrity and Holland America. You mentioned Oceania's marketing material - comparing costs of Oceania with HAL and Celebrity. Actually, Regent has had the same marketing campaign in the past. They were trying to lure upper suite passengers on these lines to Regent (or in this case Oceania) rather than trying to compete with them.

 

If you look at Azamara, Oceania and now Viking Ocean Cruises, you will see a lot of similarities in what they offer their guests as well in the size of their ships. Generally, travel magazines group HAL, Celebrity and Princess together (one step below Oceania, Azamara, etc. )

 

In terms of mistaking Celebrity with other cruise lines, it is possible. I had a friend that regularly sailed in the top suites on Celebrity and was constantly saying how many special perks they get in their suite (even getting escorted on and of the ship and being permitted to sit in the front of the bus). It sounded as if the area they stayed in was private. Again, it is entirely possible that I misunderstood.

Oh, make no mistake that those in the upper suites get perks that the rest of the ship doesn't. Don't they all work that way? I believe Oceania offers quite a few perks to the upper rooms that the rest don't get. Butler, internet minutes, certain off limit to the rest of the ship lounges, bar set up, more specialty reservations, earlier booking of reservations, specialty dining every night in room. I don't understand why that's an issue, to me it's just the reality of cruising.

I guess my point is from my experience that of the mass market cruise lines Celebrity is about as good as it gets. Other people feel differently. From there yes, for us the next step was Oceania.

I think it's a very valid comparison.

Oh, make no mistake that those in the upper suites get perks that the rest of the ship doesn't. Don't they all work that way? I believe Oceania offers quite a few perks to the upper rooms that the rest don't get. Butler, internet minutes, certain off limit to the rest of the ship lounges, bar set up, more specialty reservations, earlier booking of reservations, specialty dining every night in room. I don't understand why that's an issue, to me it's just the reality of cruising.

 

I guess my point is from my experience that of the mass market cruise lines Celebrity is about as good as it gets. Other people feel differently. From there yes, for us the next step was Oceania.

 

I think it's a very valid comparison.

Being "raised" on Regent (1st cruise in 2004), we are used to everyone being treated the same once you step foot outside your suite. Yes - upper suites get some perks within the suite, as you mentioned. However, there is not a nook or cranny on a Regent ship where only certain passengers are permitted to enter. No one knows or cares whether you are in the Master Suite or the lowest cost suite (well, I guess it can be looked up on the computer but you rarely, if ever, present a room key for anything) This is our "reality" and we were very surprised when we learned that this is only done on luxury cruise lines. Although we loved our two Oceania cruises, the "Executive" and "Concierge" lounges were an issue (even though we were "eligible" to visit them.

In terms of cruise lines, we do not consider Celebrity to be "mainstream". Rather, it is typically listed with the other "Premium" lines (HAL and Princess). Mainstream is usually thought of as NCL, Carnival and RCCL. In case, while there is nothing wrong with comparing the two lines, IMO, it is more difficult as there seems to be more differences than similarities. Celebrity is two to three times the size of Oceania ships, you have to pay for specialty restaurants (although I understand that they are very good), soft drinks, etc.

Okay -- I'll leave you guys to continue to discussion. I was simply wondering why the two cruise lines were being compared (almost like comparing Regent and Oceania - both great cruise lines but very different).

because a fellow CCer started this thread...as the OP...and asked the question. That is why this thread exists...and why some are trying to answer the question. LuAnn

However, there is not a nook or cranny on a Regent ship where only certain passengers are permitted to enter. No one knows or cares whether you are in the Master Suite or the lowest cost suite (well, I guess it can be looked up on the computer but you rarely, if ever, present a room key for anything) This is our "reality" and we were very surprised when we learned that this is only done on luxury cruise lines. Although we loved our two Oceania cruises, the "Executive" and "Concierge" lounges were an issue (even though we were "eligible" to visit them.

 

 

Okay -- I'll leave you guys to continue to discussion. I was simply wondering why the two cruise lines were being compared (almost like comparing Regent and Oceania - both great cruise lines but very different).

- Oceania and Regent are quite similar in many respects. That is my opinion. I have cruised those lines sufficiently and compared at length. Even the excursions are identical if you chose to take them. Even the staff is interchangable in many instances. On my last O cruise - the executive chefs were having a summit onboard and took over the Culinary center to devise menus for the lines. As to people in upper suites being treated the same as those in lower cabins on Regent being your reality - that is your perception - not reality.

- Oceania and Regent are quite similar in many respects. That is my opinion. I have cruised those lines sufficiently and compared at length. Even the excursions are identical if you chose to take them. Even the staff is interchangable in many instances. On my last O cruise - the executive chefs were having a summit onboard and took over the Culinary center to devise menus for the lines. As to people in upper suites being treated the same as those in lower cabins on Regent being your reality - that is your perception - not reality.

We probably need to agree to disagree on the subject of Oceania and Regent. I know that we have only cruised Oceania twice (and you have once or twice), but we found a lot of differences. And, when Oceania G.M.'s move over to Regent, there is quite a learning curve (I've spoken to G.M.'s from both lines about this - there a culture difference that can be difficult to adjust to for some).

In terms of being treated the same on Regent, we have been in every category of suite on the Voyager multiple times. While there are many differences within the suites, this is not the case outside of the suites. The same is true of Seabourn and Silversea (not quite as equal on Crystal according to some posts I have read). The only time we have seen passengers treated differently is when they have sailed with Regent frequently (an example would be group cruises with our TA). Regent seems to treat return guests very special (having nothing to do with which category of suite they are booked in).

We probably need to agree to disagree on the subject of Oceania and Regent. I know that we have only cruised Oceania twice (and you have once or twice), but we found a lot of differences. And, when Oceania G.M.'s move over to Regent, there is quite a learning curve (I've spoken to G.M.'s from both lines about this - there a culture difference that can be difficult to adjust to for some).

 

In terms of being treated the same on Regent, we have been in every category of suite on the Voyager multiple times. While there are many differences within the suites, this is not the case outside of the suites. The same is true of Seabourn and Silversea (not quite as equal on Crystal according to some posts I have read). The only time we have seen passengers treated differently is when they have sailed with Regent frequently (an example would be group cruises with our TA). Regent seems to treat return guests very special (having nothing to do with which category of suite they are booked in).

Yes, Jackie - we will not agree. As I too have been on all the Regent ships in multiple suite categories. I have 60 + Days on Oceania and 150+ on Regent leaving on another Oceania this week.

Yes, Jackie - we will not agree. As I too have been on all the Regent ships in multiple suite categories. I have 60 + Days on Oceania and 150+ on Regent leaving on another Oceania this week.

Enjoy your Oceania cruise. It is doubtful that we will sail on Oceania again but, for us, it is a very good alternative to Regent.