Oceana...Reviews anybody?

[pringle8]

Hi,

We are booked on P&O's Oceana but find it hard to get a hold of any reviews on this ship. I have found a few reviews when the ship was "Ocean Princess" but not many as the "Oceana". Can anyone help?

[susancruzs]

Reviews on P&O run slim to none. I thought I could help you out but when I went to Cruise Clues and clicked on Oceana, all the reviews were Ocean Princess instead.

 

I'm thinking I want to do a P&O cruise in the next year or two, but I'm hesitating due to lack of info!

 

Susie

[LEESRE]

Well we have not sailed on Oceana but have sailed on Dawn Princess and Sun Princess also Adonia which are all the same.

We sail on Oceana in July this year but the others are very fine ships and I am sure that Oceana is.

Have you tried to look at P & O web site on their Cruise Connections they have alot of info on their On Board Forum board.

Rex

[cruisebore]

Hi you will find reviews on Oceana here:

http://www.ship-happens.co.uk/cgi/reviews.pl

Hope this helps

 

Cb

[floridakeith]

Hi,

We are booked on P&O's Oceana but find it hard to get a hold of any reviews on this ship. I have found a few reviews when the ship was "Ocean Princess" but not many as the "Oceana". Can anyone help?

 

Here were my thoughts after my cruise on Oceana last June. We enjoyed the ship so much that we have booked a 10 night Caribbean cruise next month on sister ship Sun Princess. We have sailed on Princess before so we understand the differences, though that was to Alaska on Star Princess which is much bigger. (p.s. this is one of the reviews on Ship-Happens.co.uk to which I also subscribe)

 

We tried P&O for the first time for a June 4th 11 night Canaries cruise on Oceana. It's a georgeous ship being only 4 years old. We had an inside cabin which was roomy and had plenty of storage space for clothes. We paid £875 but gratuities are extra at £3.60 a day. Drinks prices are a lot cheaper than the US cruise lines we have been on. Wine was £1.55 for a 175 cl glass or £2.50 for a 250 cl glass. The house California wine was so good we never had anything else and as the per glass price was unusually cheaper than having a bottle we never had a bottle either. Latte's in the coffe bar were £1.15 again a good price. The entertainment was excellent. Service in the restaurant was very good though compared to our previous American cruises the Indian staff were rather reserved. The only thing we didn't like was the iffy weather for the extra time sailing to and fro Southampton. The Bay of Biscay wasn't rough but the weather was grey and cool so the pool area was deserted. So while overall we enjoyed the cruise, another time we think we would rather fly out to the Med straight to the sunshine.

 

[KarenR_UK]

I went on Oceana in September, but never got round to writing a review.

 

We went to the Med. The ports were good - we did ships excusions which did make for some very crowded area (e.g. in Barcelona), but they were well organised. We did find the schedule very tiring, 5 ports in 6 days, most requiring a 7 am start, but that, to me, was the beauty of the 3 day sail from and to Southampton - wind down after all the preparation on the way down, and relax/recover from the ports on the way back. But the first and last day were considerably grayer/cooler than the others!

 

Generally, the weather was great, so we spent a lot of time on deck. We went without kids so spent a lot of time on the aft deck by the adults pool (and bar :) ) - or at the bow sunbathing (bit windy on occasion but lots of sun beds).

 

Entertainment was good. Food was good (all very unimaginative adjectives Im afraid) & we got on well with all our table mates : service was great - despite there being about 2000 people on board, the crew (particularly the bar staff) took great delight in trying to remember drink orders, room numbers and on occasion names.

Nightlife was less active than perhaps it would be peak season, the casino was usually busy, but often 'le club' only had a few passengers (quite often a few crew, which kept the bar open at least ;) ) by the time we got down there (latest we went to bed was 4am, so can't complain.)

 

A typical at sea day was :-

Up between 9 and 11 (depending on what time we rolled in the night before), followed by breakfast in 'le jardin' (refined but restricted menu) or 'the plaza' (the general buffet, cooked breakfast before 10 etc) - read the activities paper.

We would then wander round for a bit (visit shops / reception/dolphin watch from promenade deck etc).

Then up to the bow sun deck for a bit of sun bathing - listen to the captains address at midday, read and snooze.

About 2pm wander into the plaza for lunch, followed by a bit more wandering around (e.g. watch the art auction), or sunbathing.

About 5pm approach the aft bar for a 'cocktail' : sit in the jacuzzi, or just people watch. Watch the sunset.

About 7 / 7:30pm start to get ready for dinner, which after a pre dinner drink in the Yacht and Compass, for us started at 8:30. Then into the show lounges for a show or the Yacht for a further drink til about 1am. then if the following day was not a port day, down to the casino or the club. Roll home several drinks later :D

 

I loved it.

 

When are you going and where? What sort of Cabin?

 

 

 

If you have any specific queries try posting them - there are a few of us just generally lurking who will probably be able to answer.

 

Karen

[pringle8]

Hi,

 

Thanks everybody.....nice to hear "good reports" since it's now booked & deposit paid!

 

Cheers :)

[pringle8]

 

When are you going and where? What sort of Cabin?

 

Karen

 

We fly out to Barbados in December for two weeks around the southern Caribbean :p. We have booked a balcony......we had one last year & loved it, (apart from some really bad weather) our only reservation is the balcony on the Oceana is "enclosed" unlike the open ones on Princess ships

 

Last year we went on the Island Princess to Hawaii and we were really disappointed in both the Islands & the weather. The ship was brilliant though.

We much prefer the Caribbean so roll on December!!!

 

Can anyone give us info on the balcony.......do they get a good sun coverage etc. We have booked a JB grade cabin on A deck.

 

Thanks again

[BDeckD]

Here ends the slating of Oceana!!

Oceana not a true P&O ship?

Have just returned off same cruise as Karen R & have to say I thought Oceana was a fantastic ship & does not deserve the slating she gets!

The food & service were simply great. It's too easy to over-indulge in the fantastic food.

My wife & I found the staff very polite. Our head waiter, Peter, came & sought us out on the first night. We soon got to know the waiters (Levison, Kedar & Lawrence) & the head chef Roger. Not that you need any help in getting seconds if you fancy it!!

Captain Reid always came over for chat! As Karen's pointed out, the reception staff were always smiling & joking yet remaining professional. And Neil & Karen (Ents Dir & Ents Asst) were more than generous in buying us drinks at the various bars.

I have to say that there are some 'off-hand' old farts that don't speak but this is offset by the many friends & aquaintences that you make.

I would do Oceana again. The one thing I have learned though out of this cruise is... do what you wanna do & ignore the cr*p that others try & enforce upon you!!

[BDeckD]

With what's been happening to Aurora, I've been revisiting memories (inc. photos & videos) of Oceana and I still cannot stress enough how good this ship is. It still baffles me why people slate it; the food is plentiful & superb, the entertainment facilities are excellent, it's modern, and at least she sails!!

 

The wide, open atrium with its glass lifts, sweeping staircase, and the decks that overlook it is simply stunning. Either people become complaicant and/or just plain boring, or I'm missing something on why this ship is apparently so bad? I have travelled with P&O since the days of Canberra, and think that Oceana is a fitting ship to have within the fleet. It's never been the blacksheep of the family as Aurora (N.B. I'm not slatting Aurora in anyway, as I actually like her, but Oceana has never given P&O any grief).

 

For those who haven't travelled on Oceana, please try with an open-mind. You'll love her!! Don't let other peoples negativity put you off a great ship. It's like everyone's listening to a couple of inadequants who say Kylie isn't attractive... know what I mean?!! ;)

[pringle8]

I've been revisiting memories (inc. photos & videos) of Oceana and I still cannot stress enough how good this ship is. It still baffles me why people slate it; the food is plentiful & superb, the entertainment facilities are excellent, it's modern, and at least she sails!!

 

Hi BDeckD.......Great to hear your report on the Ocean, especially since you have recently been on her! I have read several "bad" reports which cheesed me off a bit as I have already booked for December.

 

Can you give any details on the balcony cabins....we are booked onto A deck & I was concerned a bit about the size of the balcony. We were on the Island Princess last month & their balconies are open to the elements which was fine on good days but not so good when the weather turned. I understand that the Oceana balconies are totally enclosed....is this a problem & also is it possible to seat 4 people around the table on the balcony. If you have any pictures of the Oceana posted somewhere, let me know so we can have a look.

 

Who were the "entertainers" you had on your cruise?

 

Any more info you can give would be most appreciated.

 

Neil

[Kittycat]

Up to now we have only cruised with Princess and like the glass balconies, but in a few weeks we will be cruising on Adonia round the Southern Caribbean and then back to Southampton. We were wondering about the balconies on Adonia as they do seem to be much more enclosed - maybe that will keep it a little more sheldered on the rougher days, but I'd be interested in comments on this too.

[Dave Hansen]

With what's been happening to Aurora, I've been revisiting memories (inc. photos & videos) of Oceana and I still cannot stress enough how good this ship is. It still baffles me why people slate it; the food is plentiful & superb, the entertainment facilities are excellent, it's modern, and at least she sails!!

 

The wide, open atrium with its glass lifts, sweeping staircase, and the decks that overlook it is simply stunning. Either people become complaicant and/or just plain boring, or I'm missing something on why this ship is apparently so bad? I have travelled with P&O since the days of Canberra, and think that Oceana is a fitting ship to have within the fleet. It's never been the blacksheep of the family as Aurora (N.B. I'm not slatting Aurora in anyway, as I actually like her, but Oceana has never given P&O any grief).

 

For those who haven't travelled on Oceana, please try with an open-mind. You'll love her!! Don't let other peoples negativity put you off a great ship. It's like everyone's listening to a couple of inadequants who say Kylie isn't attractive... know what I mean?!! ;)

Thanks, Since I've not been on a P&O Cruise, I was not able to

recognize what I like to call the lunatic fringe. I will ask my travel

agent and get some information. It's snowing here now so thinking

about Cruises is an improvement.

Dave Hansen

Chicago

[pringle8]

Thanks, Since I've not been on a P&O Cruise, I was not able to

recognize what I like to call the lunatic fringe. I will ask my travel

agent and get some information. It's snowing here now so thinking

about Cruises is an improvement.

Dave Hansen

Chicago

 

 

?????????????? You've lost me!

[BDeckD]

Hi Guys,

 

I think what he was trying to say was 'don't always listen to the minority whingers'... Oceana is a modern, 77k-tonne floating hotel with plenty to do... & eat :)

 

Unfortunetly, our cabin wasn't with a balcony, but our friends was & said it was ideal for them. We found being up on deck more than made up for not having a balcony (it's each to their own).

 

For pictures, try P&O's web site but also check out; http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/ & see how stunning she really is!!

 

D.

[blossiem]

Was on the Oceana in November 2004. We found the balconies quite shallow and definitely not deep enough to get four people around the table. They are what I think are referred to as a 'hull' balcony and so are quite protected from the weather (assuming the wind is not blowing directly at you!). Balconies on 'C' deck have smaller openings to those on A and B deck.

[dralston]

I have to say it! I just returned from my first cruise and it was in the southern Caribbean aboard the Serenade of the Seas. It has little to do with the merits of the ship but I have to tell the story. We docked next to the Oceana in Antigua. I met two couples from the UK out at Turners Beach that were cruising on it and we chatted a while. I understand they were on a two week trip out of Barbados. Well one of the highlights of our cruise, and it was all the talk, is that when we started to pull out of port about 5:00 the whole top deck of the Oceana was full of passengers cheering and waving flags!!! I was on my way to my stateroom and unfortunately did not see it but I did hear it. If it is all as fun as that on that ship, it should be good. I heard somebody say, "Those British DO know how to have a good time!" :)

 

Question of my own. I understand it is largely a British crowd that sails that line? I think I might enjoy being with others than mostly Americans sometime - hey I am American, I can say that! But will I have to know about pounds instead of dollars and all that good stuff? And what if I am not fond of tea? :)

 

With any luck you can click on the link below and see the meeting of the two ships!

 

http://community.webshots.com/photo/264783223/264877721ALPmHR

[dralston]

Hi Guys,

 

I think what he was trying to say was 'don't always listen to the minority whingers'... Oceana is a modern, 77k-tonne floating hotel with plenty to do... & eat :)

 

Unfortunetly, our cabin wasn't with a balcony, but our friends was & said it was ideal for them. We found being up on deck more than made up for not having a balcony (it's each to their own).

 

For pictures, try P&O's web site but also check out; http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/ & see how stunning she really is!!

 

D.

In terms of food, and as I note I have experience of just one Royal Caribbean cruise, can anyone compare cuisines? I guess I am talking more of type of food as opposed to quality though really interested in both. I found the Serenade to stay pretty close to standard American tastes. Would this be different on a line that I gather caters more to European tastes? I am asking this in the good sense as I like to try different cuisines and this could be something also push me away from the more "American" type ships. Just wondering particularly if you have experienced both.

 

On the Serenade I found the food of fairly good quality and enough diversity to keep me interested but though they had theme nights and what-not it all came out pretty standard American to me. Food to me is not the be-all and end-all of the cruise but it definitely plays a part for me. I thought some people on the cruise I just finished felt they had to eat everything available. I am more the type that looks for the nice dining experience if you get my drift.

[dralston]

Here is a picture I just posted taken by my brother-in-law of our sendoff in Antigua by the Oceana.

 

http://community.webshots.com/photo/267808599/267811198dzzJoP

[Britgirl]

Though this might be of some use, just picked a menu at random.

 

Starters

 

Mixed salad leaves and avocado

With shaved pecorino cheese and raspberry vinaigrette.

Parma ham with fanned melon and figs topped with parmesan shavings.

Warm chicken and stilton cheese timbale with a cassoulet of mushrooms.

 

Soup course

 

Puree of carrot soup with orange.

Chicken consomme with mixed pulses and basil.

 

Main course

Salmon supreme and grilled scallops

Roast rack of lamb

Seafood with orzo pasta

Saltimbocca of chicken breast

Tempura of vegetables

 

various vegetables

 

Puddings ( Desserts)

Maple and walnut sponge pudding

Tropical fruit cheesecake

Dark chocolate cake

Ice creams

 

A selection of British and continental cheeses with biscuits

Fresh fruit

 

Coffee tea etc

 

Hope this gives you an idea of a menu ( Feb 04 Caribbean)

[dralston]

Thanks, it was interesting to see the menu.