mjfship

I'm pleased that this issue has been brought up. As a recent newbie to the Oceania board on Cruise Critic and a newcomer to the cruise line, I'm truly surprised by the negative interaction from fellow cruisers and the disappointing reviews about the line. It starkly contrasts the other cruise line I've been loyal to for many years. I hope that the onboard experience and exchange with fellow passengers will be much more enjoyable than what I've seen so far.

We are on Vista's transatlantic cruise to Rome

Thank you for your review. After enjoying 23 years of Celebrity Cruises, we have decided to try our first Oceania Cruise on Vista in March and a May cruise on Silversea Nova. Our most recent experience with X was a 14-night stay in the PH on APEX, although enjoyable, we felt that the timing was right to explore the new smaller ships that recently entered the marketplace. Like anything new, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness is natural, and your review confirms that we made the right choice. Looking forward to the Vista!

That sounds about right! We have booked our first Oceania Vista transatlantic cruise after 23 years of Celebrity cruises. We are looking forward to the new experience.

We haven't exactly abandoned ship from X, but following our November transatlantic voyage in a PH on the APEX, we're considering other cruise lines. Like many others, we have remained loyal to Celebrity for the past 23 years. We have always enjoyed sailing on a new ship and typically embark on two transatlantic cruises and one or two others with port-intensive itineraries annually. This year, there are plenty of options, with Silversea Nova, Oceania Vista, Seabourn Pursuit, and Regent Grandeur taking the lead with their impressive new ships. After enjoying The Retreat on the E-Class ships since the launch of Edge in December 2018, we decided it was time to explore the new offerings from other top premium cruise lines without the ‘small ship within a ship’ concept. Currently, we have 15 nights booked on Oceania Vista and an Alaskan cruise booked on Silversea Nova for 2024. X was fortunate to have new ships released in close succession, while other lines did not have the same advantage. Now, there are many choices for all types of cruisers. With X's ridiculous current suite pricing compared to the smaller premium brands, it is a no-brainer.

Exactly! I'm a business owner and Starlink now affords me the luxury of cruising two transatlantics a year along with a few more during other time periods. Game changer!

The "younger people" cruisers have evolved into global nomads. Their mantra; have fast WiFi, will travel, and always be on the move. Now, with X's reliable and fast Starlink internet, this new crop of travelers will work from the ship, and the number of these travelers is bound to soar. Definitely, a demographic X is targeting since traditional office work is decreasing and remote is on the rise.

New cruisers have low expectations? Hmmmmmm, not following your logic. Sorry.

One of my questions is actually one of yours. I would like to know what other changes or modifications are in the pipeline, knowing very well that the 2024 marketing and operating budgets are finalized. The executive team at X certainly has the approved strategic blueprint for next year and beyond.

Very strategic maneuver, and lays the predicate for Laura acting like a 'good cop' in the future. From a marketing/ public relations perspective, although softball, the end result was a solid triple if not home run!

Indeed, it would be sad. However, with X's possession of a robust database of hundreds and hundreds of thousands of potential cruisers (with new ones joining daily), the impact of a small fraction of dissatisfied Cruise Critics becomes less significant.

On a recent X cruise, the Hotel Director stated that ALL ships in the fleet are experiencing 94% occupancies or higher. With most sailing at full capacity.

The assumption is solely based on the opinions of a mere 121 engaged Cruise Critic followers, which is definitely an insufficient amount of data to accurately gauge the demographics or passenger base of X.

The 'Autogrill'! 😀

Looking forward to the next installment of the Charla Chronicles with great anticipation! You have a gift for storytelling, effortlessly incorporating details about your voyages: the destinations, the ship life, the culinary experiences, and the libations—all presented with a touch of whimsy. Let the journey begin. And, Happy Birthday to Jeremy. Bon voyage!