Unlimited Drinks Package

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, George C said:

Cost was less on msc yacht club than suites we normally book on rccl or celebrity, cost was just over 2k each, so I definitely do not consider that a considerable cost. we got a email for a premium line this week and cost started at 6k. We might consider Viking or other premium for next Europe cruise . What is your favorite line and ship for premium line?

What is MY favorite line/ship is far less important than you being armed with the right research to find your good fit.

 

Suffice to say that, when we started cruising 20+ years ago, addressing the needs of our kid was paramount and, at that time (with no Disney ships) the best kid's program was on Royal Caribbean.

 

Over the years since then (along with a variety of other cruise experiences), our travel preferences, expectations and the mean to pay for them have morphed into our current cruising profile, which has us preferring one single line that defines "good fit" for us. And fortunately, it's everchanging itineraries (including numerous longggggg.... journeys) save us having to look much at other lines.

 

So, OUR preferred cruise line is Oceania. Apart from the excellent food, amenities and service, the relatively small ships and genuinely personable/responsive crew set the stage for predictable and worry free experiences at our "home away from home." This allows us to get the most out of port visits while enjoying the shipboard company of well-traveled, cosmopolitan and professionally accomplished passengers, most of whom have worked hard for their money and know what is true value. 

 

Of Oceania's six current ships, two 1200 passenger "O" vessels (Marina and Riviera) were custom built for O. Three of the four <700 passenger "R" ships were acquired/upgraded  from the former Renaissance line when O was started about 15 years ago. And if you want to see some very tangible evidence of the difference between mass market and premium/luxury, check out what a $40 million upgrade accomplished when O acquired the former Ocean Princess (now Sirena) several years ago.

 

Though the "O" ships have four specialty restaurants (vs the two on R ships) and a "hands on" cooking school, we prefer the more intimate R ships - again, just a better fit for us.  As to which one is at the top of our list, that varies since we value most their itineraries as well as who will be the senior officers (GM and Captain) and staff (CD, Exec Chef, Exec Concierge, O Club Ambassador) for our planned trips. (FWIW, we'll do all four ships over a "1 yr +" time span that began this past November).

 

O's got two new ships coming on line in the next several years  - "A" (Allura class) - which will be somewhat similar to the "O" ships but probably with less passenger load giving way to larger cabins and more dining venues.

 

While Cruise Critic is just one way to view the possibilities, it is worth perusing the line specific threads to get a flavor for, at least, a portion of the passenger profile. Equally important, find a well-respected trio of TAs who specialize in premium/luxury cruising and, once you've "interviewed" each other, compare their recommendations of what might be a good fit for you.

 

Apart from my personal bias, I'm betting each one of those TAs will probably have Oceania somewhere on its short list if you share many aspects of OUR profile (touched on earlier in this post).

Edited December 28, 2019 by Flatbush Flyer

[George C]

I have been cruising for over 40 years  with over 60 cruises , while we in general prefer  larger ships , loved our first Europe cuties on renaissance in 2001, as you said Oceania bought several of those ships after they went under in 2001 in believe Princess also bought some . Sad they went under they were perfect for us non smoking and adults only. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

11 minutes ago, George C said:

I have been cruising for over 40 years  with over 60 cruises , while we in general prefer  larger ships , loved our first Europe cuties on renaissance in 2001, as you said Oceania bought several of those ships after they went under in 2001 in believe Princess also bought some . Sad they went under they were perfect for us non smoking and adults only. 

You're in luck. Oceania's R ships are a favorite of non-smoking adults!

 

Somewhat related to my point: Princess' lack of care for it's R ship, Ocean Princess,.necessitated a $40 million expenditure to bring it up to Oceania's standard.

 

Whatever the case, R ships are true cruise ships rather than the "floating apartment complexes on an amusement park" so many mass market ships represent today.

[SRF]

20 hours ago, ducklite said:

The line we cruise with includes juice, coffees and teas (including specialties), soda, etc. 

 

We sail port intensive cruises with very few or no sea days.  We don't typically return to the ship for lunch, we prefer to eat local food in the ports.  We typically get off right after breakfast and return either during tea or in time to change for dinner.  We're typically exhausted and in bed within an hour or so after finishing dinner.  Typically we might have a pre-dinner cocktail and a glass or two with dinner--and we prefer to order a bottle as the quality is much higher with the by the bottle offerings.  We simply aren't on the ship enough to have more than that.

 

Then, in your case, it doesn't make sense.  Unless it is very cheap.

 

There is no one right answer.

[pacruise804]

On 12/28/2019 at 9:18 PM, George C said:

I have been cruising for over 40 years  with over 60 cruises , while we in general prefer  larger ships , loved our first Europe cuties on renaissance in 2001, as you said Oceania bought several of those ships after they went under in 2001 in believe Princess also bought some . Sad they went under they were perfect for us non smoking and adults only. 

 

Viking Ocean is also in the premium level along with Oceania.  Viking is non-smoking (except a small outside area) and no passengers under 18.  They also don't have a casino, which is a plus for many but a deterrent for some.

[Flatbush Flyer]

16 minutes ago, pacruise804 said:

 

Viking Ocean is also in the premium level along with Oceania.  Viking is non-smoking (except a small outside area) and no passengers under 18.  They also don't have a casino, which is a plus for many but a deterrent for some.

Viking "Ocean" has yet to stand the test of time that would justify its self-proclamation as a "premium" line (or similar praise heaped on it by media from which it buys so much advertising).

[George C]

22 minutes ago, pacruise804 said:

 

Viking Ocean is also in the premium level along with Oceania.  Viking is non-smoking (except a small outside area) and no passengers under 18.  They also don't have a casino, which is a plus for many but a deterrent for some.

Really prefer ships with casino but still will consider Viking for future cruise.

[sanger727]

On 12/28/2019 at 6:28 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

What is MY favorite line/ship is far less important than you being armed with the right research to find your good fit.

 

Suffice to say that, when we started cruising 20+ years ago, addressing the needs of our kid was paramount and, at that time (with no Disney ships) the best kid's program was on Royal Caribbean.

 

Over the years since then (along with a variety of other cruise experiences), our travel preferences, expectations and the mean to pay for them have morphed into our current cruising profile, which has us preferring one single line that defines "good fit" for us. And fortunately, it's everchanging itineraries (including numerous longggggg.... journeys) save us having to look much at other lines.

 

So, OUR preferred cruise line is Oceania. Apart from the excellent food, amenities and service, the relatively small ships and genuinely personable/responsive crew set the stage for predictable and worry free experiences at our "home away from home." This allows us to get the most out of port visits while enjoying the shipboard company of well-traveled, cosmopolitan and professionally accomplished passengers, most of whom have worked hard for their money and know what is true value. 

 

 

I’ve considered the idea of trying a ‘luxury’ line but have trouble seeing the value. For one, I see the added ‘free airfare’; I’m not sure how they do that but norwegian often adds free/discounted airfare and from what people reported, you couldn’t pay me to take those flights. Leave at 5 am with 3 layovers or take off/land at an inconvenient airport. I believe Oceania still charges for specialty dining? Drinks aren’t included? Are tips included? I’m not seeing all the inclusions to value in the price compared to the non luxury lines.

[Flatbush Flyer]

36 minutes ago, sanger727 said:

I’ve considered the idea of trying a ‘luxury’ line but have trouble seeing the value. For one, I see the added ‘free airfare’; I’m not sure how they do that but norwegian often adds free/discounted airfare and from what people reported, you couldn’t pay me to take those flights. Leave at 5 am with 3 layovers or take off/land at an inconvenient airport. I believe Oceania still charges for specialty dining? Drinks aren’t included? Are tips included? I’m not seeing all the inclusions to value in the price compared to the non luxury lines.

If you have zero interest in quality then there would be less value for you. But, some of us shudder at the thought of eating dinner at Golden Corral or staying at a "Motel 6 at sea" or fighting through a overcrowded humanity on a floating amusement park.

 

Quality aside (heavenly bedding and toiletries, great crew and space ratios, etc), you're misinformed about Oceania. There's no charge for specialty restaurants (usually as many as you want as long as your flexible about time/sharing). Unlimited internet is included. And you can take an air credit if you prefer to DIY. 

 

Smoking is severely limited. Passenger demographic is primarily cosmopolitan travelers, successful in their work and who know how to spend a buck. O Life adds a perk from among booze, Tours or SBC.

TAs usually cover gratuities and share commissions. Loyalty gets you real perks like gratuities, SBC, complimentary cruises et al.

 

Itineraries are often long and exotic.

 

Skip the nickel/diming, photogs, chair hogs and incessant PA announcements.

 

Try Oceania for yourself.

 

 

 

 

[Cruzaholic41]

4 hours ago, sanger727 said:

I’ve considered the idea of trying a ‘luxury’ line but have trouble seeing the value. 

You’re not alone. Luxury on a cruise ship tends to be overrated, especially when you can book arguably better suites on a large mass market ship, and get better entertainment. And best of all, a lot less snobbery. 😉

[Flatbush Flyer]

28 minutes ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

....Luxury on a cruise ship tends to be overrated....

I'm betting that you'd get some significant disagreement from the various mass market lines that are increasingly carving out ship-within-a-ship "luxury" offerings and to all the folks who pay top dollar for that experience (ironically, often paying more at the "bottom line" than if they had booked the real thing).

[sanger727]

14 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

If you have zero interest in quality then there would be less value for you. But, some of us shudder at the thought of eating dinner at Golden Corral or staying at a "Motel 6 at sea" or fighting through a overcrowded humanity on a floating amusement park.

 

Quality aside (heavenly bedding and toiletries, great crew and space ratios, etc), you're misinformed about Oceania. There's no charge for specialty restaurants (usually as many as you want as long as your flexible about time/sharing). Unlimited internet is included. And you can take an air credit if you prefer to DIY. 

 

Smoking is severely limited. Passenger demographic is primarily cosmopolitan travelers, successful in their work and who know how to spend a buck. O Life adds a perk from among booze, Tours or SBC.

TAs usually cover gratuities and share commissions. Loyalty gets you real perks like gratuities, SBC, complimentary cruises et al.

 

Itineraries are often long and exotic.

 

Skip the nickel/diming, photogs, chair hogs and incessant PA announcements.

 

Try Oceania for yourself.

 

 

 

 

I never said that I have zero interest in quality. I’m willing to pay extra for a better product. But if I am paying extra for a luxury experience my expectation is that I will not them get hit with everything on the ship costing extra. One of the things I enjoy about norwegian is paying a bit extra upfront to then have free drinks and specialty dining on the ship. Thank you for your opinion about Oceania. I will had considered it in the past and took it off due to my perception that they were not a good value. I will look at them again. 

Edited January 8, 2020 by sanger727

[ducklite]

10 hours ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

You’re not alone. Luxury on a cruise ship tends to be overrated, especially when you can book arguably better suites on a large mass market ship, and get better entertainment. And best of all, a lot less snobbery. 😉

What luxury lines have you sailed to be able to make the claim of "snobbery?"  I see these claims regularly from people who have no actual experience with a luxury line but make assumptions about them.  

[pacruise804]

17 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Viking "Ocean" has yet to stand the test of time that would justify its self-proclamation as a "premium" line (or similar praise heaped on it by media from which it buys so much advertising).

What are your criteria for test of time and/or premium?  I understand that you are extremely fond of Oceania (and apparently don't approve of any other lines), but I don't see how the product offered by Viking isn't premium.  No children, included excursion at each port, (virtually) no smoking, all verandah cabins, all restaurants included (except the one that combines a shopping experience), no nickel and diming, etc.  What are they missing?

[Joebucks]

12 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

I'm betting that you'd get some significant disagreement from the various mass market lines that are increasingly carving out ship-within-a-ship "luxury" offerings and to all the folks who pay top dollar for that experience (ironically, often paying more at the "bottom line" than if they had booked the real thing).

 

One of the greatest things about cruising is the variety. Calling one the "real thing" is a subjective claim. One person may just want the cheapest barrier to entry. One person may want a quiet luxurious experience. One person may want luxury when they want and tons of entertainment when they want.

 

I'll never understand the hate that the ships within a ship get. Personally, they are not for me as I find all of the extras to be nonsense (including the drink package as this discussion started). However, I absolutely understand the value to some. It's not even up for debate that some of the luxury ships don't offer the same "experience" as some of the mass market ships. Some people, believe it or not, don't deal in extremes. Some people want the best of both worlds. Some people want options

[Cruzaholic41]

3 hours ago, ducklite said:

What luxury lines have you sailed to be able to make the claim of "snobbery?"  I see these claims regularly from people who have no actual experience with a luxury line but make assumptions about them.  

Well, since you asked, I’m a former partner of a large Miami cruise travel firm. I have well over 300 cruises under my belt, and I still cruise almost every new ship class that comes out. In the premium and luxury categories, I’ve cruised Oceania, Viking Ocean, Azamara, Windstar, Silversea, Seabourne, Crystal, and Regent. I even cruised on The World once. 
 

I just returned from Celebrity Flora, and the service and dining blew most of those premium/luxury lines away.  Exceptions - I’ve been very happy with VO, and I’m particularly fond of Windstar’s dining. 
 

Ref snobbery, all one needs to do is read this thread - for example, referring  to cruise lines other than your line of choice as “Motel 6”.

[Flatbush Flyer]

47 minutes ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

Well, since you asked, I’m a former partner of a large Miami cruise travel firm. I have well over 300 cruises under my belt, and I still cruise almost every new ship class that comes out. In the premium and luxury categories, I’ve cruised Oceania, Viking Ocean, Azamara, Windstar, Silversea, Seabourne, Crystal, and Regent. I even cruised on The World once. 
 

I just returned from Celebrity Flora, and the service and dining blew most of those premium/luxury lines away.  Exceptions - I’ve been very happy with VO, and I’m particularly fond of Windstar’s dining. 
 

Ref snobbery, all one needs to do is read this thread - for example, referring  to cruise lines other than your line of choice as “Motel 6”.

Fortunately, your often employed "go to" response of name calling (e.g., snobbery) when you disagree with reality doesn't change that reality.

 

That said, you're assuming that there's something wrong with Motel 6. Like Golden Corral, it's a budget offering that serves the needs of many folks in a perfectly adequate way for their needs, preferences, expectations and means. For others, however, it promises "nothing" other than a disappointing experience.

 

That has little to do with snobbery. Rather, it reminds us all that there are "different strokes for different folks" and, particularly when it comes to cruise lines, the choice of ship can often be far more of a consideration than the itinerary. After all, antiquities, attractions, beaches, etc. in any particular port are the same no matter which ship gets you there. But, your "home away from home" (ship) can make a huge difference in your overall vacation enjoyment.

 

Snobbery? No. Common sense? Yes.