Cruise Line recommendations for between Oceania and NCL?

[LadySadie1]

We recently went on a cruise to Alaska with HAL and have decided that cruising is for us. We liked HAL (the MS Zaandam) pretty well but the vaguely "colonial" feel was a little much for us.

I've started researching other lines and we're looking to do a 7-10 day Med cruise in 2016. I really like the Med cruise listings for Cunard's Queen Victoria but 3+ formal nights a cruise is NOT us. My husband hates wearing ties and will do anything to get out of it.

 

I looked into Oceania and NCL because both are supposed to be more laid back but Oceania is very expensive. I haven't figured air yet but the price is really more than I would want to pay.

 

NCL cabins just seem to small. We were looking at getting a balcony cabin but even with the lower price, which is considerably less than even Cunard, I don't think we'd be happy with the size.

 

Is there any line sort of in the middle between Oceania's price, Cunard's crazy formal nights and NCL's tiny cabins? Should we just cruise HAL again?

[cruiserking]

We recently went on a cruise to Alaska with HAL and have decided that cruising is for us. We liked HAL (the MS Zaandam) pretty well but the vaguely "colonial" feel was a little much for us.

I've started researching other lines and we're looking to do a 7-10 day Med cruise in 2016. I really like the Med cruise listings for Cunard's Queen Victoria but 3+ formal nights a cruise is NOT us. My husband hates wearing ties and will do anything to get out of it.

 

I looked into Oceania and NCL because both are supposed to be more laid back but Oceania is very expensive. I haven't figured air yet but the price is really more than I would want to pay.

 

NCL cabins just seem to small. We were looking at getting a balcony cabin but even with the lower price, which is considerably less than even Cunard, I don't think we'd be happy with the size.

 

Is there any line sort of in the middle between Oceania's price, Cunard's crazy formal nights and NCL's tiny cabins? Should we just cruise HAL again?

 

Welcome to cruising and to Cruise Critic. You might consider Celebrity Cruises particularly their newer Solstice Class ships, like Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Solstice. Also Royal Caribbean Cruise Line particularly their Radiance and Voyager Class ships.

 

Oceana Cruises are on another level completely, very luxurious. NCL is the complete other end of the spectrum, they pioneered Freestyle cruising with multiple dining venues and much less traditional feel of HAL. Sadly, Royal Caribbean is moving in this direction but, their smaller ships will maintain traditional dining at least for now.

 

Jonathan

[skandls]

You might look into the newer Celebrity ships. Cunard will tend to be more formal than some of the other cruise lines. Celebrity will have 'formal' nights but these are becoming less tux/suit with the luggage fees the airlines are imposing. If DH refuses to wear a tie that should not be a problem especially if you are on cruise with more of us yanks. The Europeans tend to be more formal dress.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. By the way - Oceania is wonderful - have not been on NCL so I have not comment on them.

[navybankerteacher]

Oceania is distinctly premium and priced accordingly. You would probably enjoy Celebrity - if you were inclined to like HAL. They would probably be fairly similar for a 7 - 10 day Med cruise. I am not sure what "colonial" means applied to a cruise ship - if it is "formal", you will find Celebrity fairly similar.

[LHT28]

Oceania is very different than the other lines you mentioned no formal nights, smaller ships, open dining (eat when you want) many things are included in the price, very few lines ups anywhere on the ship

remember the air is included in the prices shown

If you do not want to use their air you get a small discount for the air only

If you find the right TA gratuities may be included as well as an OBC

 

It depends on how big of a ship you want to sail on

You could look at princess or celebrity as mentioned but they to have formal nights

 

You may want to make a list of the things that are important to you then check the cruise lines to see what works best for your wants/needs

 

Enjoy whatever cruise you choose

 

Lyn

[Flatbush Flyer]

We recently went on a cruise to Alaska with HAL and have decided that cruising is for us. We liked HAL (the MS Zaandam) pretty well but the vaguely "colonial" feel was a little much for us.

I've started researching other lines and we're looking to do a 7-10 day Med cruise in 2016. I really like the Med cruise listings for Cunard's Queen Victoria but 3+ formal nights a cruise is NOT us. My husband hates wearing ties and will do anything to get out of it.

 

I looked into Oceania and NCL because both are supposed to be more laid back but Oceania is very expensive. I haven't figured air yet but the price is really more than I would want to pay.

 

NCL cabins just seem to small. We were looking at getting a balcony cabin but even with the lower price, which is considerably less than even Cunard, I don't think we'd be happy with the size.

 

Is there any line sort of in the middle between Oceania's price, Cunard's crazy formal nights and NCL's tiny cabins? Should we just cruise HAL again?

 

 

We looked at HAL and Princess vs Oceania for Alaska (this past July) and chose Oceania. The "free" air credit, an Oceania special discount with free gratuities (available to our TA as a top O producer) a price drop and significant TA OBC actually made Oceania cheaper than the other two. A top O producing TA is the key here.

Check Conde Nast Traveler for "cruise specialist" recommendations that include both Oceania and Alaska. Even if it turns out that O is a few bucks more than you find with other lines, remember the quality of food and services (plus under 700 passengers) will surpass the mass market lines.

 

 

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[dancinman66]

Look at celebrity also or Hal as also laid back options for you

 

 

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[alexspepa]

on Oceania every night is lobster night...

[LHT28]

on Oceania every night is lobster night...

 

do not forget the surf & turf sandwiches for lunch :D

[alexspepa]

do not forget the surf & turf sandwiches for lunch :D

lol - i started to put that in too!...lobster and filet mignon on a bun!

[LadySadie1]

We looked at HAL and Princess vs Oceania for Alaska (this past July) and chose Oceania. The "free" air credit, an Oceania special discount with free gratuities (available to our TA as a top O producer) a price drop and significant TA OBC actually made Oceania cheaper than the other two. A top O producing TA is the key here.

Check Conde Nast Traveler for "cruise specialist" recommendations that include both Oceania and Alaska. Even if it turns out that O is a few bucks more than you find with other lines, remember the quality of food and services (plus under 700 passengers) will surpass the mass market lines.

 

 

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I didn't consider that using a TA with special status could bring Oceania down to the same price level of Celebrity/Princess, after all the perks were added in.

 

This might be a bit of a picky question, but how are the drinks on Oceania? I'm willing to pay $10 for a cocktail if it's good.

 

Thanks.

[LHT28]

I didn't consider that using a TA with special status could bring Oceania down to the same price level of Celebrity/Princess, after all the perks were added in.

 

This might be a bit of a picky question, but how are the drinks on Oceania? I'm willing to pay $10 for a cocktail if it's good.

 

Thanks.

 

Depends on your tastes

I found the drinks just fine

DH usually takes a small bottle of gin or scotch for in the cabin

 

YMMV

Edited September 10, 2014 by LHT28

[Flatbush Flyer]

I didn't consider that using a TA with special status could bring Oceania down to the same price level of Celebrity/Princess, after all the perks were added in.

 

This might be a bit of a picky question, but how are the drinks on Oceania? I'm willing to pay $10 for a cocktail if it's good.

 

Thanks.

 

 

We did the prestige package at $60/person/day, which included the 18% gratuities. Works out to 4 or 5 better spirits cocktails or wine glasses per day. At Martinis on Regatta, the bartender even changed the way he made certain cocktails and/or poured doubles per our requests. All it took was a card swipe with no nickle/diming. Remember too that there's no charge for the specialty restaurants (which figured into my calculations for 4 of the 10 nights).

 

Know that Oceania occasionally runs discount specials for new customers via the top producer TAs. Ours was about 10% cash back plus gratuities (after the final payment date!). And, as aforementioned, there was an air credit in place of the "free air," a price drop adjustment (pre-final payment) and TA OBC.

 

 

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[Hlitner]

We are somewhat underwhelmed by Oceania when it comes to price/quality...especially on their older R-Class ships (Nautica and Insignia). Oceania does seem to charge relatively high prices for a line that does not include drinks and grautities (for which they charge at least $15 per passenger day) in their pricing. Oceania also is not well known for good onboard entertainment. So we often wonder what this line does that justifies their oft high prices. One can make a case to cruise on NCL, spend some extra money for the better restaurants on your NCL ship, and still save significant money over Oceania. We think this is especially true for the port intensive Med where there are generally not a lot of sea days.

 

Hank

[Mistizoom]

Sounds like NCL would be a good fit for you if you went with a bigger cabin. A mini-suite is essentially a larger balcony cabin (no suite perks) but if you upgrade to a true suite the room is bigger and the perks are great.

[Monalis]

Sounds like NCL would be a good fit for you if you went with a bigger cabin. A mini-suite is essentially a larger balcony cabin (no suite perks) but if you upgrade to a true suite the room is bigger and the perks are great.

 

This..... I would choose NCL, get a mini suite or higher (should still be cheaper than Oceania or Cunard). Then you'll have your less formal dining for your husband and a whole slew of restaurants to choose from, most of which there is no dress code, other than resort casual. You can even add on their unlimited dining or possibly their new "all inclusive" package.

[buggins0402]

We are somewhat underwhelmed by Oceania when it comes to price/quality...especially on their older R-Class ships (Nautica and Insignia). Oceania does seem to charge relatively high prices for a line that does not include drinks and grautities (for which they charge at least $15 per passenger day) in their pricing. Oceania also is not well known for good onboard entertainment. So we often wonder what this line does that justifies their oft high prices. One can make a case to cruise on NCL, spend some extra money for the better restaurants on your NCL ship, and still save significant money over Oceania. We think this is especially true for the port intensive Med where there are generally not a lot of sea days.

 

Hank

 

Actually, the port intensive Med cruises is where Oceania can shine. They do many port to ports, allowing one to explore the embarkation and disembarkation cities in more depth on land. Entertainment is not as much a factor on port intensive cruises. The string quartets and subdued piano entertainment is perfect for those that just need a quiet drink before and/or after a great meal.

 

Factor in the included airfare and the prices are in the ballpark for those willing to pay just a bit more for overall nicer ambiance. They also have many specials which include gratuities, OBC and sometimes WIFI. A good TA will also throw more OBC your way. And, I agree with the other posters, Oceania's Lido is heads and heals above the Mass Markets - with fresh berries, the best croissants at sea, served selections, tablecloths at night, and beverages served at the table.

 

If OP continues to consider O, they should focus on the two newer ships, which have larger cabins.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Actually, the port intensive Med cruises is where Oceania can shine. They do many port to ports, allowing one to explore the embarkation and disembarkation cities in more depth on land. Entertainment is not as much a factor on port intensive cruises. The string quartets and subdued piano entertainment is perfect for those that just need a quiet drink before and/or after a great meal.

 

 

 

Factor in the included airfare and the prices are in the ballpark for those willing to pay just a bit more for overall nicer ambiance. They also have many specials which include gratuities, OBC and sometimes WIFI. A good TA will also throw more OBC your way. And, I agree with the other posters, Oceania's Lido is heads and heals above the Mass Markets - with fresh berries, the best croissants at sea, served selections, tablecloths at night, and beverages served at the table.

 

 

 

If OP continues to consider O, they should focus on the two newer ships, which have larger cabins.

 

 

I agree with you regarding the "ambiance" quality. And it does translate to concrete things like bedding, amenities, sophisticated entertainment and a standard for food and service that rivals, at least, 2+ star restaurants here in the SF Bay Area..

The challenge of accommodations and food/beverage service is that the subjectivity is very much tied to one's frame of reference. If you live in cities like New York or Chicago and have the means and inclination to enjoy all that they offer, a line like O may have considerable appeal. If you live in an area where less variety and other factors are limited, a line like NCL might seem luxurious.

That said, we also must consider what O is not: it's not walkie-talkies, kid programs, coolers full of rum runners and cases of personal soda, long lines, crowded venues, smoking (though NCL has recently cleaned that up a bit), photographers, endless PA announcements, etc.

Somewhat related, NCL just purchased the company that owns O and Regent. If these lines were not substantially different from mass market NCL, why bother doing that transaction (no need to post answers here regarding the sale. There are already other threads.

 

 

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[LHT28]

If it is all about the $$ go with NCL

 

You cannot put a price on the intangibles Oceania has

 

I agree with the others it is what O does not have that attracts us & we are will to pay more for

 

It really is a personal choice...you really have to try both & decide what works best for you

 

JMO

 

Lyn