Luxury?

Wading in...

It sounds like there are three basic concerns:

• Decor
  
• Condition of Regatta at the moment
  
• Illness on the previous leg and the impact from it
  

Decor: Insignia has the same decor as Regatta. 'Nuff said.

Condition: I was on Regatta last fall and everything seemed well cared for. However, starting at the Australian circumnavigation (IIRC), there were multiple complaints about the condition of the ship. It sounds like the decline was sudden and significant, and that attention is definitely needed.

Some repairs might not be possible during voyages. For example, you mentioned missing tiles in the swimming pool. They probably can't do anything to fix that - assuming they even have the materials - without impacting the availability of the pool for multiple days. I didn't see it so I don't know how bad the missing tiles were, but was the result bad enough to merit closing the pool for repairs during the trip?

Restrictions based on illness aboard: I think that the crew do what they can with what they have. Janecambridge's reports from her January Marina trip - the one immediately before mine - sounded dire indeed. When I boarded, it was clear that the crew - including a lot of new/replacement folks flown in to PPT to join the ship - were doing everything they could to get things back up to standards.

They are trying to stamp it out as quickly as possible. And like someone else said upthread, it really is the passengers. The number of women who would go directly from the stall to the door, not even using one of the tissues to open it, was appalling. And this was on a cruise where we had all been notified ahead of time of illness on the preceding leg, with delayed boarding and special cleaning! But still, horrible lack of basic hygienic practices. (Shudder.)

You and Janecamridge both pointed out that the Casino and Spa, which are revenue centers, seem to somehow be exempt from the health-based closures and restrictions. This, in my opinion, sends a bad message. I don't know why they are kept open when other things like the library aren't, but I think that most of us assume that it's revenue. Oceania needs greater transparency around this. It's not like we aren't talking about it anyway.

So for your 2019 Insignia trip:

• The decor will be more or less the same.
  
• Hopefully Insignia won't suffer the decline that Regatta did. (And they'll get Regatta fixed up ASAP.)
  
• If there is illness on the preceding leg, they are probably going to do what they did this time around, and it's going to suck for a few days but then hopefully be back to normal.
  

I hope that it all turns out beautifully for you.

It does sound like you'd be happier on a mass market ship like Carnival.

 

 

I suspect the Code Red-type conditions sensitized the OP to the other conditions she is complaining about, but she does have seemingly valid opinions about Regatta’s condition and the initial service she received; no need to assign her to steerage.

I do wonder why she chose Oceania: from her few posts it seemed the OP was seeking Broadway Musical level entertainment; I think we can pretty much agree that Oceania would not be a first choice for that.

It’s been years since I was on regatta so I can’t comment on her current condition. I enjoyed her just as I had enjoyed Renaissance for its classic style; a few tiles falling would not matter much to me as I have the same problem at home. Hard to get that waterproof glue to hold.

I was on the (HAL) Noordam in February and despite several posts I found its condition non-problematic, but there was one significant leak on the pool deck which was never resolved if one felt the need to carp.

Let’s see what kind of updates if any we receive before assigning the OP to the apparently watery grave that is Carnival (Admission: I sailed on her 4 times including a pre-inaugural on the Pride and even participated in a hairy chest and find your husband contest).

I have taken Regent 0ver 70 days on it and that is why I wanted to go with O .... Silversea and Crystal are from the reviews and info are everything I do not want. an upstairs down stairs life style. Flaunt and strut Dont know about Seabourn But again its layout and options are a no go.

 

Too as Paulchili and others have repeatedly posted the passengers on the Luxury ships are a bit aloof and reserved..many needing their hand held. I can think of better ways to spend $1000.00 a day on.........BUT that is me

As for Carnival, my wife took a cruise with girl friends... and gave me a detail report wild paryty types, drunks and druggies. ( I dont have to live on skid row to know I dont want to go there)

LOL, your posts are always entertaining, and I hope you’re wrong about Crystal; I have a NYC to Montreal cruise coming up in September and I plan to bring a coat (which I need for my favorite restaurant in NYC in any event) but I don’t need attitude. That being said I found that in 25 cruises (haven’t been on Silver Seas or Regent) the worst “privileged” passengers were on Sea Dream: no need for fancy clothes to flaunt your apparent supremeness. The best cruise, where passengers and crew regularly socialized on shore was on one of the smaller Star Clipper ships. No attitude and no BS.

As to upstairs/downstairs I agree that a butler on a cruise ship is a laughable attempt to pretend the year is 1910. I prefer to make my own dining reservations and don’t need someone to lay out my clothes. I’ve worked with CEO’s who have Exec. Secretaries who perform like butlers, but who needs one in your closet on a cruise?

I am wondering what post is the truth

one said 2% another 90 pax which would be closer to 13%

next problem people want the spa & casino closed for the 98 or 87% of those that are not sick

wouldn't that be more entertaining to watch the mutiny onboard than post on CC

I agree that some people's hygiene practices leave something to be desired

absolutely disgusting that people have not learned to wash their hands after using the washroom ...it is not like they are 5 yrs old in a hurry to get back to playing with friends

JMO

I am hoping I did not make a mistake. I have a cruise booked on Insignia for summer 2019. The only other cruise I have done to date is Princess (Crown Princess). I will be doing a Royal Caribbean, Empress (couldn't find itinerary on Oceania that I liked and was available) and QM2.

 

I realize Oceania isn't considered true top of the line luxury however, the itinerary on Insignia meets my needs at an acceptable price point. I was OK with Crown Princess (was not rowdy as I have heard Carnival can be and the people were friendly, service was fine) although I would have liked a little better food.

About Decor:

Insignia is going into drydock this year and will be taken down to the studs..EVERYTHING is going to be redone..from cabins to restaurants to Lobby..I am being told we will not recognize the ship when it returns and next year the others will be done the same way..

Jancruz1

About Decor:

Insignia is going into drydock this year and will be taken down to the studs..EVERYTHING is going to be redone..from cabins to restaurants to Lobby..I am being told we will not recognize the ship when it returns and next year the others will be done the same way..

Jancruz1

I hope they are not going to make them ugly like some of the other R Ships :eek:

So it’s day 5. There was cutlery on the tables and the cards came out this morning. The crew and passengers are in better spirits. No virus for 48 hours.

Don’t stay home because of the decor. The repeat passengers like it. First timers like me are surprised that they went out of their way to find old fashioned fabrics and furniture and choose to darken spaces with heavy curtains. Taste is personal. If you like that stuff go for it.

This doesn’t excuse the condition of the pool. It should have been repaired before we set off from Honolulu

And yes, as some one mentioned, I probably would have been less critical of the decor if other things went smoothly. I wasn’t expecting broadway musicals. My posts about that were some time back and out of curiosity.

Interesting to see the usual cheerleaders making those snide little "you should have done your research" posts.

The home page of Oceania Cruises states "...aboard the elegant ships of Oceania Cruises..." and "Relax on board our luxurious ships..." and "Considering the uncompromising quality...". Oh, and "Lavish complementary amenities abound...".

How dare the OP expect the cruise line to offer a standard they advertise.

When you're blinded by devotion, perhaps terms like "elegant", "luxurious", "uncompromising", and "lavish" mean very different things.

I am boarding the Regatta on 4/26/18. It looks like the ship will be empty in Miami for a couple of days before we board. This is my first Oceania cruise and I have been worried about it. I have cruised HAL, Carnival, Princess, RCL, Crystal and Azamara and have enjoyed each cruise I will have a good attitude and hope for the best.

How has the food been on this sailing? Hope things improve for you.

About Decor:

Insignia is going into drydock this year and will be taken down to the studs..EVERYTHING is going to be redone..from cabins to restaurants to Lobby..I am being told we will not recognize the ship when it returns and next year the others will be done the same way..

Jancruz1

Can you verify this, please.

Are they supposedly doing away with the English country decor? What a shame, if so. It was the prettiest ship I've been on and was looking forward to living on it for 6 months next year.

delete

I agree that some people's hygiene practices leave something to be desired

absolutely disgusting that people have not learned to wash their hands after using the washroom ...it is not like they are 5 yrs old in a hurry to get back to playing with friends

 

JMO

My last cruise was on the new Mein Schiff 5. The designers took these internationally disgusting habits into consideration. You were unable to leave the public restroom without almost brushing against one of the sinks, then you had to pass a hand sanitizer dispenser AND the exit door opened on its own. If this was not enough, the main restaurant had a row of sinks at the entrance (designed to go with the décor), so did the pool snack restaurant at its narrow entrance which forced people to enter and exit next to the sink.

Older ships had designers who assumed people would wash their hands automatically.

Sheila, I agree completely. Currently on this cruise as well.

Aside from the code Red, our dismay started from the moment we reached the pier at 2:45. There was no one to help us with our bags. While a group of workers appeared to be standing around they only pointed where to schlep out bags ourselves and then the opposite for direction passed them again for passenger entry.

Oceania said, that isn't the norm but they don't control the piers so we didn't even get an I'm sorry.

Rather than giving us an accurate time to be allowed in our cabin, we would be told 1/2 he, then 40 minutes, soon.....kept returning to zip. Announcement okayed at 5:45. BTW, our corridor entrances showed "this area sanitized sign" at 3 PM. I guess they wanted everyone let in at same time. Suites were let in at noon.

We found feces in our toilet. Eventually explained some cabins had a backup when they pushed out to clean pipes and just were too busy sanitizing to check back each cabin. With 47 cruises, I've been on a few following a Noro outbreak but the cruise lines were more forthcoming and accomodating. We also needed maintenance in to fix our air conditioner.

Never met our cabin Stewart until day 3.

They refused to use the "N" word, insisted it was just a GI event. But the restriction tone is what I felt was lacking.

Anyway day 5, first sea day of 5, they dropped the code Red just before lunch, although still serving us at the buffet. We had about 4 hour of happiness before the Captain announced we had to turn around and return to Honolulu for a medical emergency. I haven't heard yet how the captain will make up the estimated 36 hours.

I got back to my cabin last night at 1130 to no water to find out a pipe burst. They did repair it overnight. Not sure if that affected all or part of ship. But I certainly hope this ship gets a good overhaul for future passengers.

The average age on the ship is much older than I expected (I'm praying there are no more medical emergencies), so with that said I'm not finding venues crowded or activities well attended. IMHO, I believe they might get more showing up if they started thing earlier. Dancing doesn't start until 1030. They have a show each night at 930.

So far the shows have been good. 3 out of 4 singers are really great as are the 2 dancers. Have no idea how they danced in the show as the seas have been so rocky.

So to address the luxury aspect, I think not. I may try Azamara next.

I am hoping I did not make a mistake. I have a cruise booked on Insignia for summer 2019. The only other cruise I have done to date is Princess (Crown Princess). I will be doing a Royal Caribbean, Empress (couldn't find itinerary on Oceania that I liked and was available) and QM2.

 

I realize Oceania isn't considered true top of the line luxury however, the itinerary on Insignia meets my needs at an acceptable price point. I was OK with Crown Princess (was not rowdy as I have heard Carnival can be and the people were friendly, service was fine) although I would have liked a little better food.

We cruised on Insignia last summer. It is a small ship, and old, but the crew was great. You will find it to be very different from the Crown Princess (I sailed on her 9 years ago). What I love about the small ships is that they can get into ports that the bigger ships cannot. Our experience two summers ago in Greece was very different on the Nautica than it was on the Star Princess based on the ports we could visit.

Anyway day 5, first sea day of 5, they dropped the code Red just before lunch, although still serving us at the buffet.

They will continue to do so until the cruise is over

A small point. The OP observed that despite a relaxation of the restrictions on board, "they are still serving us in the buffet" Oceania Cruises always serves the guests in the buffet. Self service it is not. In fact if guests try to serve themselves they will find the servers and the other guests frowning at them!!

3rd day on Regatta. No sign of luxury yet.

 

Tiles missing from pool wall, rusty trim, worn upholstery, chipped basin in bathroom. No basics like flowers on tables.

 

Staff appear to be overwhelmed. Always rushing about. When asked about the price of a glass of wine, the sommelier, who had shown up 20 minutes after we were seated, replied “I don’t know, I just came on board”.

 

No salt, pepper, cutlery on tables. No laundry, card room or library. They say this is because passengers are not washing their hands. Money makers like the spa and bars are open though.

In an Oceania brochure received just last week, the line swears the following: "Being of service comes naturally to our staff, a trait as innate as their unbridled enthusiasm. You can see it in their warm smiles and hear it in the sincere tones of their voices, as they zealously devote their full attention to fulfilling your wishes. Their commitment runs deep and never diminishes,no matter what the task." So, golly gee, Sheila. Clearly, you must be wrong.

Seriously, I'm not making this up. One wonders if their brochure writers can actually keep straight faces as they churn out this foolishness.

In an Oceania brochure received just last week, the line swears the following: "Being of service comes naturally to our staff, a trait as innate as their unbridled enthusiasm. You can see it in their warm smiles and hear it in the sincere tones of their voices, as they zealously devote their full attention to fulfilling your wishes. Their commitment runs deep and never diminishes,no matter what the task." So, golly gee, Sheila. Clearly, you must be wrong.

 

Seriously, I'm not making this up. One wonders if their brochure writers can actually keep straight faces as they churn out this foolishness.

Have you ever cruised on Oceania?

What was your experience as compared to the advertisements?

In an Oceania brochure received just last week, the line swears the following: "Being of service comes naturally to our staff, a trait as innate as their unbridled enthusiasm. You can see it in their warm smiles and hear it in the sincere tones of their voices, as they zealously devote their full attention to fulfilling your wishes. Their commitment runs deep and never diminishes,no matter what the task." So, golly gee, Sheila. Clearly, you must be wrong.

 

Seriously, I'm not making this up. One wonders if their brochure writers can actually keep straight faces as they churn out this foolishness.

Yeah, you would think so but I had exceptionally good and personable service on the Riviera in December; not talking name recognition or anything silly like that but genuine friendliness which I don’t look for. I was surprised.

To Kruzkrazy post #42 - Regarding Oceania brochures

I am not handsome, rather plain and ordinary, and not like the silver haired models (men) in the brochures.

Yet someone made a mistake and allowed me to buy, take and enjoy several cruises with Oceaniia.

Obviously something is wrong with their advertising and, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then your comments, while valid, then Oceania advertising may, by that standard, be quite restrained.

I apologize if you look like their pictures ( and for 6 ", s" in one sentence).

Have a great day and next cruise with whichever cruise line floats your boat.

Thanks Sheila and Linda for sharing your current observations and hopefully it will be smooth sailing for you from here on out.

But from what I'm reading on this thread as well as on other recent ones, I don't think we'll be booking a cruise on the Regatta until after it goes into dry dock to address her various issues, hopefully in late April 2019 from the rumors. We've written to customer service asking if this date is a good one, but have yet to hear back.

If you're going to take a Carnival cruise for perspective you should also take a Seabourn or Silversea or Crystal cruise for perspective. And I still maintain Oceania and Regent have more code reds than any other cruise line on the seas. Coincidence or pattern?????

With all due respect, think that you need to check your facts (specifically the CDC). Oceania and Regent take "code red" precautions if a certain number of passengers have any communicable disease. In terms reportable Code Red's, there have been a couple on Oceania but none on Regent for years.

In terms of "luxury", those who state that Oceania is not considered a luxury cruise line is accurate and the premium plus/luxury lite designation comes from the top level of management. While the décor of the Riviera and Marina rival luxury cruise lines, the difference is in the details.

With all due respect, think that you need to check your facts (specifically the CDC). Oceania and Regent take "code red" precautions if a certain number of passengers have any communicable disease. In terms reportable Code Red's, there have been a couple on Oceania but none on Regent for years.

 

In terms of "luxury", those who state that Oceania is not considered a luxury cruise line is accurate and the premium plus/luxury lite designation comes from the top level of management. While the décor of the Riviera and Marina rival luxury cruise lines, the difference is in the details.

Agree on both,

There is no way to judge a ships TRUE code red history. If the ship does not touch a US port during a code red episode -- it does not get reported. We had code red issues on our last O cruise. Since it was in Australia, it was not reported. Our previous O cruise on Nautica -- also bad cases of Noro from Mumbai onwards -- also not reported.

As far as numbers of reportable as whether SS or Crystal have any -- they won't. Certainly Crystal with only two ships == hardly touches a reportable port in the USA. The ships that mainly are on the CDC list are those doing the Caribbean and Panama Canal crossings.

Also the mandatory limits on reporting as a % of passenger and crew are more likely to hit on a smaller ship (Riviera is small) than a big mega Oasis class ship

I am boarding the Regatta on 4/26/18. It looks like the ship will be empty in Miami for a couple of days before we board. This is my first Oceania cruise and I have been worried about it. I have cruised HAL, Carnival, Princess, RCL, Crystal and Azamara and have enjoyed each cruise I will have a good attitude and hope for the best.

 

How has the food been on this sailing? Hope things improve for you.

The food has improved since the first abysmal day and is actually quite good. There are daily region of the world offerings, staples, signature dishes, low cal items, lots of variety. The meats and desserts are particularly good. Not much choice for vegans and celiacs. We are allowed to help ourselves to tea and coffee at the self service station now.

Agree on both,

 

There is no way to judge a ships TRUE code red history. If the ship does not touch a US port during a code red episode -- it does not get reported. We had code red issues on our last O cruise. Since it was in Australia, it was not reported. Our previous O cruise on Nautica -- also bad cases of Noro from Mumbai onwards -- also not reported.

 

As far as numbers of reportable as whether SS or Crystal have any -- they won't. Certainly Crystal with only two ships == hardly touches a reportable port in the USA. The ships that mainly are on the CDC list are those doing the Caribbean and Panama Canal crossings.

 

 

Also the mandatory limits on reporting as a % of passenger and crew are more likely to hit on a smaller ship (Riviera is small) than a big mega Oasis class ship

Perhaps they are not required to notify the CDC but Oceania did report an outbreak of "something but not noro" when Marina went code red on the Lima - Papeete cruise. Three CDC representatives boarded at Easter Island for inspection.