Couple in their low 40s

[ilikewhatisgood]

Hello,

 

I understand these are all great cruise lines, but if we are in our low 40s which one would have a more similar demographics? And which one would be definitely not a good match?

 

Oceania, Viking, Crystal, Azamara, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas?

 

We are foodies. Love great service but are not very much into tuxedos or ties required. Love the sun and taking in the sea views.

 

We’ve been on Celebrity Edge with access to The Retreat and liked it but we’re thinking about the next step up.

 

And no kids (we did our share of Disney cruises!)

 

Thank you!

[Flatbush Flyer]

16 minutes ago, ilikewhatisgood said:

Hello,

 

I understand these are all great cruise lines, but if we are in our low 40s which one would have a more similar demographics? And which one would be definitely not a good match?

 

Oceania, Viking, Crystal, Azamara, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas?

 

We are foodies. Love great service but are not very much into tuxedos or ties required. Love the sun and taking in the sea views.

 

We’ve been on Celebrity Edge with access to The Retreat and liked it but we’re thinking about the next step up.

 

And no kids (we did our share of Disney cruises!)

 

Thank you!

With its dining venues curated by Jacques Pepin, Oceania is well respected by many publications and travel experts as having the "best food at sea"™.

O's specialty restaurants are not "better." Rather, they are true "specialty" restaurants (never an extra charge) with fixed menus focused on specific cuisines.

A favorite of collegiate alumni associations, Oceania's demographic is very much related to the itinerary length and destinations- - younger on the short Med, Alaska and Caribbean cruises (even including kids) and older on the longer cruises to more exotic locations.

We've done numerous cruise lines across various cruise industry segments over many years and have found that no other cruise line gets a cosmopolitan traveler more "bang for your buck."

[lauren009]

If you're looking for relaxing, try Norwegian. If you're looking for fun, try Carnival. I haven't been on Royal Caribbean yet - people say great things about it. If you can spend more on a luxury cruise, well, I can't help with that! I know there is less to do on board because the ships are smaller, but there will also be less people - esp. kids!

 

To be honest, you should filter first by where you want to cruise from, then by where you want to cruise to, then by how much you want to spend. I love cruiseweb.com for doing this! Try different cruise lines and see what you like. People are weirdly biased against Carnival, but it's my favorite.

 

Cruise when the kids are in school - avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter, spring and summer breaks.

[Aquahound]

16 hours ago, ilikewhatisgood said:

Oceania, Viking, Crystal, Azamara, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas?

 

I've been researching these same lines for the same reasons.  Right now, I'm most attracted to Viking Ocean.  One, their new ships look beautiful.  There are other reasons but above all.....no kids!  Viking is an adults only cruise line.  

[pacruise804]

18 hours ago, ilikewhatisgood said:

Hello,

 

I understand these are all great cruise lines, but if we are in our low 40s which one would have a more similar demographics? And which one would be definitely not a good match?

 

Oceania, Viking, Crystal, Azamara, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas?

 

We are foodies. Love great service but are not very much into tuxedos or ties required. Love the sun and taking in the sea views.

 

We’ve been on Celebrity Edge with access to The Retreat and liked it but we’re thinking about the next step up.

 

And no kids (we did our share of Disney cruises!)

 

Thank you!

 

12 hours ago, laurenofalltrades said:

If you're looking for relaxing, try Norwegian. If you're looking for fun, try Carnival. I haven't been on Royal Caribbean yet - people say great things about it. If you can spend more on a luxury cruise, well, I can't help with that! I know there is less to do on board because the ships are smaller, but there will also be less people - esp. kids!

 

To be honest, you should filter first by where you want to cruise from, then by where you want to cruise to, then by how much you want to spend. I love cruiseweb.com for doing this! Try different cruise lines and see what you like. People are weirdly biased against Carnival, but it's my favorite.

 

Cruise when the kids are in school - avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter, spring and summer breaks.

 

Lauren I'm used to you usually giving good advice, but did you read the original post?  I enjoy Carnival too, but would never consider them (or NCL or RCCL) as "the next step up" or "no kids."  A couple of foodies who enjoy the sun and taking in the views might not want other things to do.  Even during the breaks the mainstream lines will likely have more kids than this poster would prefer.

 

OP, I haven't sailed the higher lines yet so can't offer much help.  I think Azamara is part of the RCI line along with X, so if you like that product it might be a similar feel (maybe not though since HA and Cunard sound very different from Carnival).  Since you enjoy the sun and views I would look at the deck plans for what looks the most appealing.  I'd check the dress codes for each line too.  At this level I would expect excellent food and service from any of your choices.

[donaldsc]

On 1/6/2019 at 8:31 PM, lauren009 said:

If you're looking for relaxing, try Norwegian. If you're looking for fun, try Carnival. I haven't been on Royal Caribbean yet - people say great things about it. If you can spend more on a luxury cruise, well, I can't help with that! I know there is less to do on board because the ships are smaller, but there will also be less people - esp. kids!

 

To be honest, you should filter first by where you want to cruise from, then by where you want to cruise to, then by how much you want to spend. I love cruiseweb.com for doing this! Try different cruise lines and see what you like. People are weirdly biased against Carnival, but it's my favorite.

 

Cruise when the kids are in school - avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter, spring and summer breaks.

 

Norwegian, Carnival or Royal Caribbean lines are hardly in the class that the OP mentioned in their post.

 

DON

[ilikewhatisgood]

Thanks for all the replies. Should we consider HAL? Is it superior to Celebrity?

 

We booked Azamara (March 2019), Oceania (Dec 2019) and Crystal (Dec 2020)

[Aquahound]

19 minutes ago, ilikewhatisgood said:

Thanks for all the replies. Should we consider HAL? Is it superior to Celebrity?

 

We booked Azamara (March 2019), Oceania (Dec 2019) and Crystal (Dec 2020)

 

HAL superior to Celebrity?  Absolute not.  Well, that's my opinion at least.  I think Celebrity blows HAL away in their ship designs, modern decor, entertainment and food.      

 

Great choices on those last 3.  Those should be very nice cruises.  

[cb at sea]

Look, age has little to do with it.  I know folks in their 70's that can party with the best of them...and people in their 30's that are "stick in the mud" sorts.

 

It really depends on what specific things you like.  You can do as much or as little on ANY cruise line....not everyone on the ship will be just like you.....sort of like hotels.....not everyone meets the same demographic!

[Cruzaholic41]

1 hour ago, cb at sea said:

Look, age has little to do with it.  I know folks in their 70's that can party with the best of them...and people in their 30's that are "stick in the mud" sorts.

 

It really depends on what specific things you like.  You can do as much or as little on ANY cruise line....not everyone on the ship will be just like you.....sort of like hotels.....not everyone meets the same demographic!

 

How does any of that help the op?  Did you actually read their question?

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 1/6/2019 at 11:31 PM, lauren009 said:

If you're looking for relaxing, try Norwegian. If you're looking for fun, try Carnival. I haven't been on Royal Caribbean yet - people say great things about it. 

 

Not if you like good food. :)

[Flatbush Flyer]

8 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

Not if you like good food. 🙂

Actually RCI food is fine if you consider Golden Corral or Chili's a "night out on the town."

[Itchy&Scratchy]

1 minute ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Actually RCI food is fine if you consider Golden Corral or Chili's a "night out on the town."

I am already dreading it in 2 months.... I keep telling myself - we are doing it for family activities and entertainment! And it's not like we are going to starve...

Sigh... We'll make it up on Princess this November.

[GUT2407]

With those specs I’d look at Viking, Ociana, Azamara

 

in that order.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 minute ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I am already dreading it in 2 months.... I keep telling myself - we are doing it for family activities and entertainment! And it's not like we are going to starve...

Sigh... We'll make it up on Princess this November.

Sorry but, Princess is not much better. How about Oceania (do the bottom line comparison math on included vs optional costs - particularly if international airfare is in the mix). You may be very surprised at Oceania's true value.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

9 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Sorry but, Princess is not much better. How about Oceania (do the bottom line comparison math on included vs optional costs - particularly if international airfare is in the mix). You may be very surprised at Oceania's true value.

I am extremely frugal, and Royal/Regal Princess does wonders for us, especially for what I pay for the cruise. We don't need any extra added value or anything optional.

I did look up Oceania once, and the price was nowhere near what I am prepared to pay for a cruise.

[Flatbush Flyer]

21 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I am extremely frugal, and Royal/Regal Princess does wonders for us, especially for what I pay for the cruise. We don't need any extra added value or anything optional.

I did look up Oceania once, and the price was nowhere near what I am prepared to pay for a cruise.

Don't make the mistake of comparing only cabin  prices. That included international airfare (or air credit) and no charge for beverages, internet, restaurants, some excursions/booze/etc plus commission sharing by TAs will surprise you. Also, look for O's two new Allura Class small ships (1000+) due in 2022.

Edited January 10, 2019 by Flatbush Flyer

[Heidi13]

On 1/6/2019 at 2:33 PM, ilikewhatisgood said:

Hello,

 

I understand these are all great cruise lines, but if we are in our low 40s which one would have a more similar demographics? And which one would be definitely not a good match?

 

Oceania, Viking, Crystal, Azamara, Seabourn or Regent Seven Seas?

 

We are foodies. Love great service but are not very much into tuxedos or ties required. Love the sun and taking in the sea views.

 

We’ve been on Celebrity Edge with access to The Retreat and liked it but we’re thinking about the next step up.

 

And no kids (we did our share of Disney cruises!)

 

Thank you!

Based on your requirements, Viking should be your # 1 choice.

 

Viking has zero kids, as all ships are 18+. Great food, with both specialty restaurants being complimentary. Chef's table has various tasting menus they pair with wines.

 

No formal nights, as every evening is elegant casual.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

16 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Don't make the mistake of comparing only cabin  prices. That included international airfare (or air credit) and no charge for beverages, internet, restaurants, some excursions/booze/etc plus commission sharing by TAs will surprise you. Also, look for O's two new Allura Class small ships (1000+) due in 2022.

so, what you are saying is that a 7-10 day Thanksgiving cruise on Oceania (to the Caribbean) for the 3 of us will cost me less than $3,500 (that's including the cruise fare, gratuities, flying to a Florida port, and simple beach trips at the destinations)? And the kicker is that they only have 3 sailings, and none of them actually cover just the Thanksgiving week, so we personally couldn't go anyway.

 

We don't do specialty restaurants, I force my DH to give up his phone for a week making it a family vacation, and we don't drink.

 

Can I expect the total price to be under $3,500 for the 3 of us? I don't think so, because their website says: so, you only get to choose one - either the booze or the excursions or OBC. 

 

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10-Day Voyage
Riviera - November 25, 2019

Fares from $1,799 per guest

 

 

Special Offer

With OLife Choice*, our limited-time inclusive package, enjoy Roundtrip Airfare*plus choose one: 

FREE - 6 Shore Excursions 
FREE - Beverage Package 
FREE - $600 Shipboard Credit 
Amenities are per stateroom

Edited January 11, 2019 by Itchy&Scratchy

[pacruise804]

20 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I am extremely frugal, and Royal/Regal Princess does wonders for us, especially for what I pay for the cruise. We don't need any extra added value or anything optional.

I did look up Oceania once, and the price was nowhere near what I am prepared to pay for a cruise.

 

When we went on Regal we found the food at Alfredo's to be very good for a relaxing complimentary lunch.  The winemaker's table is one of the best meals we ever had, and at least when we went the price was very affordable even if you just consider the food (since you said you don't drink).

[Aquahound]

4 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

Can I expect the total price to be under $3,500 for the 3 of us? I don't think so, because their website says: so, you only get to choose one - either the booze or the excursions or OBC. 

 

I've looked at Oceania a few times.  I've never found the net cost to be anywhere near lines like Celebrity, Princess, RCI, etc.  In fact, it's been as much as double...or more.  I'd like to try a more premium line....I'm actually leaning more toward Viking Ocean...but I haven't pulled the trigger yet because I keep having excellent experiences on other lines.

 

Nothing against Flatbush Flyer, we all have our preferences, but he does seem to push Oceania an unusually high amount on these boards.  

[Flatbush Flyer]

3 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

I've looked at Oceania a few times.  I've never found the net cost to be anywhere near lines like Celebrity, Princess, RCI, etc.  In fact, it's been as much as double...or more.  I'd like to try a more premium line....I'm actually leaning more toward Viking Ocean...but I haven't pulled the trigger yet because I keep having excellent experiences on other lines.

 

Nothing against Flatbush Flyer, we all have our preferences, but he does seem to push Oceania an unusually high amount on these boards.  

No offense taken.

We recommend Oceania as a good fit for well traveled folks who have worked hard for their money.

And we've done the bottom line "net daily rate" price comparisons with Celebrity/HAL/Princess at one end and the Luxury lines at the other. IMO, it's no contest when it comes to the big picture of value AND quality.

Next time you price a longer exotic locations cruise, remember O's inclusion of international airfare (or an air credit). That alone can be a $1500+\- pp value. Add unlimited internet, beverages, restaurants and choice of booze, tours or OBC as well as 5-10% TA commission sharing (often also with gratuities) and compare all that to the "nickel diming" lines rather than just cabin price.

And we haven't even touched on food quality, service, crew ratio, blah blah blah.

 

There's a reason why Oceania has such a loyal following- enough folks in fact that two brand new ships are on the horizon for 2022.

 

[samiam0403]

On 1/11/2019 at 4:56 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

No offense taken.

We recommend Oceania as a good fit for well traveled folks who have worked hard for their money.

...

There's a reason why Oceania has such a loyal following- enough folks in fact that two brand new ships are on the horizon for 2022.

 

 

Flatbush Flyer - not to hijack the thread, but I've been looking at stepping up to Oceania after sailing in NCL's suites for a while based on their inclusive fares. But unfortunately, my husband is not a tuxedo-type guy. Is O a less formal cruise line (in general, not compared to NCL obviously)? I've not been able to get a good feel for that question on the O boards. Thanks! (And in keeping with the OP's question - we are also in our 40's, are ready to step up our cruiselines of choice, and prefer non-formal dinners, so appreciate all of the advice.)

Edited January 21, 2019 by samiam0403

[Flatbush Flyer]

5 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

 

Flatbush Flyer - not to hijack the thread, but I've been looking at stepping up to Oceania after sailing in NCL's suites for a while based on their inclusive fares. But unfortunately, my husband is not a tuxedo-type guy. Is O a less formal cruise line (in general, not compared to NCL obviously)? I've not been able to get a good feel for that question on the O boards. Thanks! (And in keeping with the OP's question - we are also in our 40's, are ready to step up our cruiselines of choice, and prefer non-formal dinners, so appreciate all of the advice.)

On Oceania, Country Club Casual™ Is just that:

No need for ties or jackets; no "prom nights." Some folks will wear a blazer or the occasional suit in one of the "specialty" restaurants (no extra cost - rather a specific cuisine in intimate settings). But, all O asks is that you don't wear jeans, shorts, tee shirts, baseball caps to dinner. Always appropriate are slacks and collared/buttoned shirts.

As for comparing O to NCL suites, there's a significant difference in food and service quality. Once you try Oceania, it's very hard to go back to any mass market line - even those with the "wannabe" ship-within-a-ship concepts.

Edited January 21, 2019 by Flatbush Flyer

[samiam0403]

4 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

On Oceania, Country Club Casual™ Is just that:

No need for ties or jackets; no "prom nights." Some folks will wear a blazer or the occasional suit in one of the "specialty" restaurants (no extra cost - rather a specific cuisine in intimate settings). But, all O asks is that you don't wear jeans, shorts, tee shirts, baseball caps to dinner. Always appropriate are slacks and collared/buttoned shirts.

As for comparing O to NCL suites, there's a significant difference in food and service quality. Once you try Oceania, it's very hard to go back to any mass market line - even those with the "wannabe" ship-within-a-ship concepts.

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like Oceania might be perfect for us.