Oceania - Anyone have advice?

Has anyone on this forum traveled on Oceania? Was wondering if they have a good amount of gay and gay friendly travelers. My partner and I are both 55 plus and have very much enjoyed our Celebrity cruises, always felt welcome and comfortable as a gay couple.

I am looking at the Oceania Rivera on a cruise in France and Italy.

Would appreciate any comments.

Thanks, Mark

We were on a Caribbean cruise on the Marina last year and I would say there were 5-6 gay couples on board, there was a LGBT meetup but only one other couple showed. We had a great time and currently have 3 more Oceania cruises booked. We may be weird but even at home we socialize with straight folks about 60% of the time, if you socialize more exclusively with gay guys you may have to bring them with you on Oceania, of course some destinations or particular cruises may also have more gay folks on them than we experienced.

On the Oceania Regatta Trans Atlantic back in September-October there were 34 gay people show up at the FOD gathering, representing at least four countries. We are not sure if that is the norm for a TA with Oceania but it was great to be part of it all. The ship was very Gay positive and the crossing was fun and most enjoyable. Hope your cruise works out as well.

Ont-CA- Wow, especially on one of the smaller "R" ships, that sounds like a lot of gays. Was there some kind of group on board or a gay travel agency booking or was it just a lucky coincidence?

I keep wondering are you Ontario California or Canada?

Ont-CA- Wow, especially on one of the smaller "R" ships, that sounds like a lot of gays. Was there some kind of group on board or a gay travel agency booking or was it just a lucky coincidence?

 

I keep wondering are you Ontario California or Canada?

Ontario Canada

While there were small groups of 4-6 on the Regatta who were travelling together, the large number was more of a coincidence I believe. Met some great people and we continue to communicate today. This was only our third cruise with Oceania and our first TA, but apparently the TA is popular with family. My largest contingent in a none organized cruise was about 250 on an extended Pacific cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver but that was, we are told, to be expected.

Thanks for your responses. It is good to hear that Oceania is gay friendly.

Mark

ONT-CA - We were on the Regatta Transatlantic last summer. That was our 23rd cruise; first on Oceania. It was gay friendly and the service was great.

Oceania Regatta was a bit too small for us. Food is much better on Celebrity and even Princess -- and if you made any noise at the pool (even talking) you were in trouble as it interfered with reading and sleeping. Night life - non-existent - except for the Casino which the staff was wonderful. You can read my reivew for Regatta last summer on the Transatlantic.

Good luck and happy sailing...:)

My partner & I were on Regatta's September transatlantic last year, and 10-15% of passengers were G&L. FoD gatherings were relatively quiet as many felt no need to attend as the whole atmosphere was so relaxed on board.

My sweetie and I cruised on the marina from Athens to Barcelona in may 2011. Everyone was wonderful We connected mostly with straight folks but absolutely no awkwardness about us. I wouldn't worry about Oceania. Great cruise line that attracts educated passengers. If you're on the marina be sure to go to dine at red ginger. Great and different food

I think you and your partner will have a great time. My partner and I were on our 1st Oceania Cruise last March Miami - Barcelonia on Marina, Great time, wonderful food, very relaxling. We met about 14-16 Gay couples who were all well travelled and alot of fun. 2 of the 3 Owners Suites were occuppied by Gay couples. They had a few FOD parties and they were pretty well attended and a great opportunity to meet very nice people. We still keep up with several couples on this trip. :cool:

What is the general age range on Oceania? I've read great things about the food and would like to try them someday, but I've read it skews even older than typical cruise lines.

What is the general age range on Oceania? I've read great things about the food and would like to try them someday, but I've read it skews even older than typical cruise lines.

"Typical cruise lines" is a very broad pallet with which to paint the age factor of passengers. But as an Elite customer of Princess who has sailed Oceania and will again, I think you will find that its more a question of attitude than found geriatrics. You will undoubtedly find a vibrant and a more inclusive group of people aboard Oceania; one where I personally find that finance is not confused with comradery.

Good news for us. We are on Marina December on South American Journey. Might you be onboard?

My partner and I, late 60s:mad:, have done 12 Oceania cruises and have two more booked. It is the only line we will go on unless there is a special reason such as a group of friends or a specific port.

While the age group is slightly older everyone is well traveled and friendly and, in fact, we have 3 straight couples we still correspond with and two gay couples we have repeat traveled with and visited.

The ships are small so don't expect an RSVP experience but it is more like staying at you wealthy uncle's country house with some enjoyable guests and great food.

I could not recommend them more highly.

Has been anyone been on Oceania lately? I have my first cruise with them booked for next year on the Riviera. How is food, service, entertainment currently? Especially with the recent involvement of NCL, which we stay far away from. We are a couple in our 30s, trying to get away from the mass market ships and hoping this will fit the bill.

Michael