Oceania vs. Princess Small Ships

[hondorner]

Excellent point Paulchili. We also make cruise selections based on itinerary & sometimes our preferred cruise line(s) just don't sail where we want to go. Back in the day, we sailed expedition ships to Antarctica & Amazon because it was the only choice. And we enjoyed every second, even if it wasn't to Oceania standard. So perhaps we should consider the small ships of Princess if the itinerary is compelling. Thanks for the reality check.

People cruise for different reasons. For us, the shipboard experience is the primary consideration. The ship is our destination, much like a land-based resort, with the added bonus that it moves around. Itineraries are a factor, and we do try to go to places where we have not been, but frankly, visiting a port where your experience is typically limited to 8 hours or so is not exactly what we call traveling for the purpose of learning abut other places.

 

That's why we generally eschew port-intensive cruises and love transAtlantics. Very recently, we seriously considered a cruise on another line that stopped in only one port in 13 days! When you consider that it was a mostly all-inclusive luxury cruise for the basic cruise fare (not including airfare or hotels to get there) of $153 per day per person, you begin to see our priorities. We ended up rejecting the booking because we were upset at the handling of a promotion and were concerned about the smoking policy, but that Seabourn Legend cruise was really tempting!

 

The point is, for a lot of cruisers like us, the cruise line policies and the ship's ambiance are the most important thing about a cruise. That's why, with few exceptions, I primarily sail Oceania, and now Regent when the price is right.

[MightyQuinn]

People cruise for different reasons. For us, the shipboard experience is the primary consideration. The ship is our destination, much like a land-based resort, with the added bonus that it moves around. Itineraries are a factor, and we do try to go to places where we have not been, but frankly, visiting a port where your experience is typically limited to 8 hours or so is not exactly what we call traveling for the purpose of learning abut other places.

Yup I get it! Even though we make our cruising decisions based primarily on itinerary, I do understand your perspective. In fact, we very much enjoyed the luxurious freedom of doing nothing for endless sea days on our recent transAtlantic sailings. Not to mention the outstanding $$ deals on transAtlantics (going to hunt down that Seabourn cruise now)! On sea-intensive voyages, I agree that the ship is the destination. Every aspect of shipboard life should be as good as it can be. Oceania is a natural choice.

 

But we also enjoy port-intensive cruises & seeing parts of the world that are best accessed by cruise ship, even if our time in port is brief. For us, cruising is a wonderful alternative to land travel for certain destinations. In fact, I can think of many places that we’ve been that would not have been possible except by ship. On port-intensive voyages, the ship is not our destination - it’s a means to an end & not an end in itself. Shipboard life is still important & we expect quality food, accommodation & service. But we're equally focused on well-planned itineraries & enrichment. For such cruises, we have Oceania as well as other cruise lines to consider. And we're thrilled to have that choice.

[roothy123]

I didn't read the whole string, but here's my 2 cents' worth: I've been on Oceania 4 times, a smaller Princess ship once, and a couple Viking River Cruise ships. We cruised on Princess because we wanted to go to Alaska, and at the time, Oceania didn't go there. I would say that Oceania is definitely better, but not by leaps and bounds. They have just a little better food, a little better service, and a little more traveled, experienced passengers on board. My husband would probably scoff at this, but if Princess is charging half of what Oceania is charging, and the itineraries are the same, I could see going with Princess! While on the Pacific Princess, it didn't feel "right," but I also didn't feel I was on Carnival, either!

[California Native]

I have spent quite a bit of time on the Pacific Princess.

My favorite cabin is either 7111 or 7117.

I have not sailed on Oceania YET

They say a picture is worth a thousand words

So, if you are interesting I have A LOT of pictures of the Pacific Princess

on our personal travel journal website.

Along with a review of my last cruise on her...

The link is below ..just scroll to the very bottom for the album

Hope this helps!

Karen

[LHT28]

I have spent quite a bit of time on the Pacific Princess.

 

My favorite cabin is either 7111 or 7117.

 

I have not sailed on Oceania YET

 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words

 

Karen

Pretty much the same same furnishings & carpets

Except for the plastic stuff in the buffet & deck areas O has teak

 

A few different things on the Princess ships but basically the same

[California Native]

Pretty much the same same furnishings & carpets

Except for the plastic stuff in the buffet & deck areas O has teak

 

A few different things on the Princess ships but basically the same

 

I've studied the Oceania website because we love the R ships so much..

I was surprised to see that the cabins had the same soft goods. that my Princess cabin had...

Because of the significant price difference between the 2 lines I thought Oceania would have upgraded.

[YoHoHo]

I've studied the Oceania website because we love the R ships so much..

 

I was surprised to see that the cabins had the same soft goods. that my Princess cabin had...

 

Because of the significant price difference between the 2 lines I thought Oceania would have upgraded.

Upgrades are in progress. The announcement is in: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1216343

[umtali]

If you like freestyle dining...Oceania

If you like alternative dining options with NO surcharge....Oceania

If you like being bumped aside by Casino/Specialty Shop/Bar/Wait staff on Deck 5 for them to have a smoke...Princess R class

If you like attentive high class service in restaurants and bars...Oceania

If you like to hear crude jokes about other passengers, and "I am the centre of the universe" from bar staff, try the English bartenders on Princess R class.

We chose a Princess R class cruise because of the itinerary, sea days and ports visited, and would probably never return because of the attitude of the predominately English crew. They were not there to service us, we were there as an annoyance to them.

[California Native]

" from bar staff, try the English bartenders on Princess R class.

We chose a Princess R class cruise because of the itinerary, sea days and ports visited, and would probably never return because of the attitude of the predominately English crew. They were not there to service us, we were there as an annoyance to them.

 

I've spent a total of several months onboard the Pacific Princess and I can think of 2 shop girls and 1 Captain who were English...

on any of my sailings. Never saw a bartender, waiter, shorex, cabin steward, majority of officers etc who were English.

it's too bad you had such an experience.

[LHT28]

I've studied the Oceania website because we love the R ships so much..

 

I was surprised to see that the cabins had the same soft goods. that my Princess cabin had...

 

Because of the significant price difference between the 2 lines I thought Oceania would have upgraded.

 

There were upgrades.... but seem all 3 cruise lines still used the same fabric so you could not tell if they were new or not :D

 

Oceania had some new chairs in Polo & GDR bar area last time we were on the Regatta (2008) flat screen TV's, DVD players in all cabins

It is the little things that count

[California Native]

There were upgrades.... but seem all 3 cruise lines still used the same fabric so you could not tell if they were new or not :D

 

Oceania had some new chairs in Polo & GDR bar area last time we were on the Regatta (2008) flat screen TV's, DVD players in all cabins

It is the little things that count

 

 

I totally agree with you about the little things that count

I only showed up on this thread, because I thought the OP would like the option of seeing my photos since I covered many sections of the ship.

I'm not discounting the Oceania experience..I just haven't found the itinerary and pricing combined that spoke to me YET!!!!

I'm on AZ for 24 days later this year

and honestly I love R ships and the Prinsendam...

Oceania is always on my radar for future options!!!

K.

[uprrp]

We have cruised in Azamara, Windstar, Princess and last May in Regatta (Oceania). We loved Azamara, Windstar and Princess. We tend to agree on most reviews regarding Oceania, but we don't think it is the best value for your money.

 

Food is excellent as well as cabins; however shore excursions are sooo expensive compared to those on other cruise lines...and in our opinion they are not worth it. We ended up paying a huge sum of of money on the shore excursions, and many people just decided not to go on them.

 

If you love dancing, as we do, Oceania is not for you. The band (in the Regatta) is so boring, and their repertoire is so small, maybe this is the main reason why we are not planning another cruise in Oceania.

 

My two favorites: Princess and Azamara!

[caribbeansun]

May I ask what level of cabin you were in?

 

There definitely wasn't a flat screen in our room in Feb/10 (B1 cat)

 

Oceania had some new chairs in Polo & GDR bar area last time we were on the Regatta (2008) flat screen TV's, DVD players in all cabins

It is the little things that count

[LHT28]

May I ask what level of cabin you were in?

 

There definitely wasn't a flat screen in our room in Feb/10 (B1 cat)

 

Maybe flat screen was not the correct wording used .. they are LCD screen (flat to me) but they changed out the CRT (tube type ) while we were on the cruise

 

We were a C1 or a B2 in 2008 DH thinks it was 2007 they changed them but cannot remember either :D Both cruises on the Regatta

 

They looked like our computer monitor to me

 

Lyn

[JimandStan]

Maybe flat screen was not the correct wording used .. they are LCD screen (flat to me) but they changed out the CRT (tube type ) while we were on the cruise

 

We were a C1 or a B2 in 2008 DH thinks it was 2007 they changed them but cannot remember either :D Both cruises on the Regatta

 

They looked like our computer monitor to me

 

Lyn

 

It was March of '08 during the Pearls of the Caribbean cruise on the Regatta.......

And they definately ARE flat screen TV's

[LHT28]

It was March of '08 during the Pearls of the Caribbean cruise on the Regatta.......

And they definately ARE flat screen TV's

Thanks Jim

I knew it was one or the other cruise ;)

I remember the old sets lined up along the hall as they did the switch

 

They looked flat to me compared to the beast that was there before

 

Lyn

[caribbeansun]

Okay, I'll write that off to failing memory on my part - the TV was only on for the morning info - when the term flat screen is used I mistakenly associate it with a screen on a wall rather than in the little cubby.

 

Sorry for the confusion - back to your regularly scheduled programming...;)

[dcdee]

Where2next --- Thanks for the link to your website --- very informative and helpful.

[Queenk2]

My first time on Oceania! We have just returned from the Holy Land itinerary on the Pacific Princess and loved the feel of the smaller ship. It actually reminded us of when we first began to cruise 20 years ago. We had a wonderful cruise...great ports, terrific staff and good, not great food.We have sailed over 50 times on most lines...Platinum on Princess, Elite on Celebrity etc., but I personally hate the large ships. The embarkation/ tendering etc are a real pain.We are not smokers and we usually opt to go to the specialty restaurants on formal night to avoid the dreaded tuxedo. We have booked Oceania for Alaska next summer because it is the only small ship going there. I have avoided this trip because of the mega ships going there. The Royal is being sold and so we cannot do the 14 day Alaska on her. When we priced the trip, Oceania is approximately the same cost as the Diamond with a 5 day land package. I think I like 12 days on the ship...no packing and taking a train/bus into the parks. Since this is the inaugural season for Oceania their pricing is compelititve. Any tips you can offer to a newcomer? I have read this thread and I am happy to see that alternative restaurnats are free. Is htere ever a wait in the dining venues? Must we make reservations in the main dining room? I do appriecate your help... I like to do my homework before I sail!

Karen

[hondorner]

Which Alaska cruise have you booked? We are supposed to be on the June 29 sailing from Anchorage to Vancouver. There are roll calls started for several of the Alaska sailings.

 

If you liked the "R" ship with Princess, you will love it with Oceania. The food has the reputation of being the best at sea, although that is very subjective, of course. We have never had to wait in any dining venue. You make reservations for the specialty restaurants at specific times -- usually 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 etc. You will be expected, no wait.

 

In the main dining room, there may be a line immediately after the Captain's welcome party or similar occasion, but it moves quickly. We have never had to wait until someone else vacates a table, and we have almost always gotten the type of table we wanted that evening. There are tables for 2, 4, 6, and 8. Just tell the maitre 'd what you prefer and if you are willing to share a table. It's a great way to meet new friends each evening. We personally prefer a table for 4 because it makes conversation easier. If you're meeting friends, there is a nice little lounge/bar right outside the main dining room.

 

One tip is to be sure to search out the pool grille. There are a variety of sandwiches made to order, a salad bar, and that is where the ice cream bar is located and where the milkshakes are available. Another tip is to try the main dining room for breakfast and order the baby lambchops.

[Queenk2]

Thanks...it appears you want me to be FAT, LOL! I started a roll call..we are on the July 23 Anchorage to vancouver. I wanted to be a bit later in the season.

Are there any perks for past sailors? I know that on princess there is free laundry and internet time. Of course I am assuming we will love Oceania and want to return.Who am I kidding!

Karen

[potterhill]

Those wee chops are indeed yummy. I try to have them at least once per cruise.

 

On our last cruise we waited about 15 minutes for a table and then they came over and asked us if we'd mind going up to Polo as they could take us right away. No problem here! ( We were a grooup of four that evening). That's the only time we have waited more than a couple of minutes other than after the Captain's reception.

 

Mo

[Queenk2]

I am happy to hear that the dining issue will not be a problem. We are traveling with friends, so will most probably be a party of 4 on a regular basis.

Karen

[hondorner]

That happens more often than most realize. With true open seating, sometimes everyone seems to respond to the same instinct and head for the Grand Dining Room at the same time. The reason there is usually no waiting is because between all the restaurants, there is ample capacity for diners. If it happens, by chance, to get unbalanced, the heavier demand in the GDR will be accompanied by empty tables in Polo or Toscana, and they will strive to achieve the balance, again. All it takes is being in the right place at the right time.

 

We were at the last table in the Terrace buffet one day. near to door to the pool grille, when a young man who had been just around the corner taking reservations for Polo and Toscana, walked up to us and said, "I still have space in Toscana tonight -- do you want a table? We signed up for a table for 4, then called a couple we had met previously and offered to share. They thought we were wizards with special privileges -- we let them think that for the first half of the meal, then we laughed and told them it was pure luck :cool:.

[oskidunker]

Mini Suites on Princess are 323 square feet but include the balcony. Not sure if Oceana does