Regent vs Oceania? Food?

[mango puddin]

Can anyone who has tried Regent and Oceania offer any comments?

 

I've tried Regent and wondered how Oceania compares. 

 

Primarily interested in the food quality and overall experience.

[MEFIowa]

Have you looked at the various threads over time here? To see all the discussions about food and comparisons to other lines, including "family" NCL and Regents.

[AMHuntFerry]

46 minutes ago, mango puddin said:

Can anyone who has tried Regent and Oceania offer any comments?

 

I've tried Regent and wondered how Oceania compares. 

 

Primarily interested in the food quality and overall experience.

It looks like you are fairly new to the CC forums so I'll provide some info on how to use the (not terribly friendly) search-system. For this question, I suggest going to the search box in the upper right (assuming you're on a computer browser), type "regent" in the search-box and make sure to use the pull-down menu to choose "This Forum" instead of "This Topic"; click on the search-icon. On the next page below the search box (where it still says "regent"), click on "regent in content titles only" so that all of the time regent is mentioned are eliminated. This will leave you with more than enough opinions on the subject. 😉 

[sailfar]

We recently returned from a 4 week trip on each of the ships:  Regent Splendor and Oceania Marina.

 

On Regent you serve yourself at the buffet that is covered.  I personally like the extra protection during possible outbreaks of Covid 19 and norovirus.  Also, several times I found the large serving spoon in a dish like lasagna too heavy and awkward to reach my plate.  I like to be served, especially on a rocking ship.  

 

On Regent, there were more daily choices of where to eat, as one of the specialty restaurants, Prime 7 or Charteuse, were open each day in port in addition to the pool deck restaurant and the buffet.  There was no extra charge for the lunch in the specialty restaurants and the service and venues were fantastic as well as the food.  

 

I found the bread better on Regent than Oceania.  For whatever reason the breads were too dry on Oceania and tasted almost day old.  Regent breads seemed fresher.  However, I missed Oceania's sticky buns when I was on Regent.

 

There were more choices of included wine on Regent than Oceania.  Also if you like to start with a cocktail before dinner, Regent has a bar in each specialty restaurant and fast nearby bar service in their other restaurants.  Cocktails are included on Regent and you pay for all cocktails on Oceania with Simply More. It is difficult to find out what included wines you like the best on each ship.  Regent has an included wine tasting event, but it is a stand up event in the lobby.  When you do find a wine included that you like, make note of it and order it again.  Regent had more wines that we liked, and more varieties.  Oceania needs to expand their list offered with Simply More.

 

I liked the Asian restaurant on Oceania better than Regent.  Also there was wonderful sushi available each night at the Oceania buffet.

 

You can't go wrong with either Regent or Oceania as far as food.  It helps if you know what you like and read cruise critic to find out what items at each venue are best.  Lobster, veal and cuts of steak have varied wildly in quality.  So much of this is caused by supply chains and location.  

 

We sail both Oceania and Regent for the quality of food and the extremely comfortable beds.  We would never go back to Princess, Celebrity of Royal Caribbean.  Happy trails to you!

 

I 

[mango puddin]

1 hour ago, MEFIowa said:

Have you looked at the various threads over time here? To see all the discussions about food and comparisons to other lines, including "family" NCL and Regents.

Yes, I have been reading old threads and using the search function, thanks.

Edited April 14 by mango puddin

[mango puddin]

42 minutes ago, sailfar said:

We recently returned from a 4 week trip on each of the ships:  Regent Splendor and Oceania Marina.

 

On Regent you serve yourself at the buffet that is covered.  I personally like the extra protection during possible outbreaks of Covid 19 and norovirus.  Also, several times I found the large serving spoon in a dish like lasagna too heavy and awkward to reach my plate.  I like to be served, especially on a rocking ship.  

 

On Regent, there were more daily choices of where to eat, as one of the specialty restaurants, Prime 7 or Charteuse, were open each day in port in addition to the pool deck restaurant and the buffet.  There was no extra charge for the lunch in the specialty restaurants and the service and venues were fantastic as well as the food.  

 

I found the bread better on Regent than Oceania.  For whatever reason the breads were too dry on Oceania and tasted almost day old.  Regent breads seemed fresher.  However, I missed Oceania's sticky buns when I was on Regent.

 

There were more choices of included wine on Regent than Oceania.  Also if you like to start with a cocktail before dinner, Regent has a bar in each specialty restaurant and fast nearby bar service in their other restaurants.  Cocktails are included on Regent and you pay for all cocktails on Oceania with Simply More. It is difficult to find out what included wines you like the best on each ship.  Regent has an included wine tasting event, but it is a stand up event in the lobby.  When you do find a wine included that you like, make note of it and order it again.  Regent had more wines that we liked, and more varieties.  Oceania needs to expand their list offered with Simply More.

 

I liked the Asian restaurant on Oceania better than Regent.  Also there was wonderful sushi available each night at the Oceania buffet.

 

You can't go wrong with either Regent or Oceania as far as food.  It helps if you know what you like and read cruise critic to find out what items at each venue are best.  Lobster, veal and cuts of steak have varied wildly in quality.  So much of this is caused by supply chains and location.  

 

We sail both Oceania and Regent for the quality of food and the extremely comfortable beds.  We would never go back to Princess, Celebrity of Royal Caribbean.  Happy trails to you!

 

I 

 

Thanks for your detailed answer! Very helpful to hear from someone who has tried both fairly recently.

[firsttimers68]

Just back from a trip on Regent Explorer and I have to say we were disappointed with the food. Breakfast and lunch were limited in choice in buffet restaurants. Dinner was often overcooked. Oceania in my opinion is far superior.

[floatplan]

On 4/14/2024 at 3:19 PM, mango puddin said:

Can anyone who has tried Regent and Oceania offer any comments?

 

It would help if you posted what you like to eat on Regent and what venues you prefer or don't?

 

I've met people on R that love the Pizza and eat it most days for lunch, which does not make sense to me given the $$$+ it costs per day.

 

Some never eat in the buffet, or always eat there. Which isn't possible on R since it turns into an Italian restaurant at dinner so no option for a very casual dinner. 

 

 

 

 

[clo]

On 4/14/2024 at 1:56 PM, MEFIowa said:

Have you looked at the various threads over time here? To see all the discussions about food and comparisons to other lines, including "family" NCL and Regents.

Try looking at the post below yours.

[edgee]

On 4/15/2024 at 12:07 AM, firsttimers68 said:

Just back from a trip on Regent Explorer and I have to say we were disappointed with the food. Breakfast and lunch were limited in choice in buffet restaurants. Dinner was often overcooked. Oceania in my opinion is far superior.

Just disembarked 14 night Regent Splendor TA cruise. Also have cruised 27 nights on Oceania Vista in last 6 months. Regent is clearly superior in main dining room, both in terms of service, food quality and diversity of choices...not even close IMHO. Oceania wins in food options and quality in buffet and in Waves/ Outside Grill area, but service is better on Regent Staffed served model on O buffet creates crowding and IMHO the facade of being more sanitary without any documented better/healthy results. In fact the only time I have encountered a noro virus outbreak in more than 50 cruises has been on an O cruise. Specialty restaurants are a tie. 

[Tsunami74]

We have been on both Oceania (Riviera) and Regent (Explorer and Grandeur) recently, and I have to agree with all the comments so far - very good info.

Only one comment I do not understand is the complaint about breakfast offerings at Regent buffet. Seems like more than enough choices for me!

Both have very good food and you should be pleased on either foodwise.

I must say that some of the choices in Oceania's Jacques and Red Ginger are truly memorable dishes.

Now for the food or life snobs out there.  I do not care whether the pea vichyssoise or the sea bass in puff pastry is authentic French.  I simply do not care if you lived in France and never saw such a  dish. We enjoyed them, and that's what is important.

Also, my husband really feels that the duck watermellon salad on Oceania is far superior.  He could give you many reasons. 😋

[mauibabes]

JMHO, our tastes are all different and some are more food adventurous than others.  I do not “try” things even though I can on the ship. I order what I like and that is “my” decision. I must say however that after over 15 years of sailing on Oceania, I have NEVER gone hungry or walked away from the table in need of finding something to eat. 
I must say I do have my favorites so in Jacques, I go for the Pumpkin Soup, the Dover Sole, the Sea Bass in Puff Pastry. In Toscana I can not pass up the Oil and Balsamic trolly with the bread basket and focaccia, the Lasagne, the Dover Sole and virtually any Chef’s Pasta Special of the night and YES to me it makes a difference if the Chef is Italian. Red Ginger, it MUST be the Watermelon and Duck Salad, the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, the Rack of Lamb, DW loves the Teriyaki Beef.  Polo, DW goes for the Filet Mignon, Waldorf Salad, various potato offerings and the Giant Shrimp Cocktail and also the Table made Caesar Salad. Ember, while not gourmet, all of the entrees have been very good. GDR, good meals but DW always orders Jacques Chicken to take a break from the meals served in the Specialties. Terrace Cafe, B L D there are always delicious offerings, best buffet dining we have ever had aboard any line. 
 

Well, that is my $0.03, Inflation you know. With this said, it’s time to “Drop” my mic and fade into the sunset. 

Mauibabes

[SATaxman]

40 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

JMHO, our tastes are all different and some are more food adventurous than others.  I do not “try” things even though I can on the ship. I order what I like and that is “my” decision. I must say however that after over 15 years of sailing on Oceania, I have NEVER gone hungry or walked away from the table in need of finding something to eat. 
I must say I do have my favorites so in Jacques, I go for the Pumpkin Soup, the Dover Sole, the Sea Bass in Puff Pastry. In Toscana I can not pass up the Oil and Balsamic trolly with the bread basket and focaccia, the Lasagne, the Dover Sole and virtually any Chef’s Pasta Special of the night and YES to me it makes a difference if the Chef is Italian. Red Ginger, it MUST be the Watermelon and Duck Salad, the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, the Rack of Lamb, DW loves the Teriyaki Beef.  Polo, DW goes for the Filet Mignon, Waldorf Salad, various potato offerings and the Giant Shrimp Cocktail and also the Table made Caesar Salad. Ember, while not gourmet, all of the entrees have been very good. GDR, good meals but DW always orders Jacques Chicken to take a break from the meals served in the Specialties. Terrace Cafe, B L D there are always delicious offerings, best buffet dining we have ever had aboard any line. 
 

Well, that is my $0.03, Inflation you know. With this said, it’s time to “Drop” my mic and fade into the sunset. 

Mauibabes

Your list includes all of our favorites. Looking forward to being on the refurbished Marina later this year.

[ORV]

1 hour ago, mauibabes said:

JMHO, our tastes are all different and some are more food adventurous than others.  I do not “try” things even though I can on the ship. I order what I like and that is “my” decision. I must say however that after over 15 years of sailing on Oceania, I have NEVER gone hungry or walked away from the table in need of finding something to eat. 
I must say I do have my favorites so in Jacques, I go for the Pumpkin Soup, the Dover Sole, the Sea Bass in Puff Pastry. In Toscana I can not pass up the Oil and Balsamic trolly with the bread basket and focaccia, the Lasagne, the Dover Sole and virtually any Chef’s Pasta Special of the night and YES to me it makes a difference if the Chef is Italian. Red Ginger, it MUST be the Watermelon and Duck Salad, the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, the Rack of Lamb, DW loves the Teriyaki Beef.  Polo, DW goes for the Filet Mignon, Waldorf Salad, various potato offerings and the Giant Shrimp Cocktail and also the Table made Caesar Salad. Ember, while not gourmet, all of the entrees have been very good. GDR, good meals but DW always orders Jacques Chicken to take a break from the meals served in the Specialties. Terrace Cafe, B L D there are always delicious offerings, best buffet dining we have ever had aboard any line. 
 

Well, that is my $0.03, Inflation you know. With this said, it’s time to “Drop” my mic and fade into the sunset. 

Mauibabes

But how did it compare to Regent? 

[Hlitner]

I think what is missing from the thread is value.  What is the cost, per day, or Regent vs O?  And for what it is worth, the watermelon/duck salad on Explora Journeys (EJ1) is far superior to what we have on the Vista.  And we do think the bread on the Vista is the best we have had at sea.

 

Hank

[mauibabes]

Sorry, can’t make that comparison. Since Franc G is the Top chef with Explora, I can believe it would be very excellent. 
I will just “tough it out “ on O and call it good enough. 
Mauibabes

[edgee]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

I think what is missing from the thread is value.  What is the cost, per day, or Regent vs O?  And for what it is worth, the watermelon/duck salad on Explora Journeys (EJ1) is far superior to what we have on the Vista.  And we do think the bread on the Vista is the best we have had at sea.

 

Hank

Not sure how value could constructively be added to the discussion. Since Oceania brazenly touts itself as having best cuisine at sea, I think it is fair to compare it straight up with cruise lines with much higher fare structures.. IMHO O food is equal or better with cruise lines that have much higher price points but because it is not all inclusive, for some who purchase alchohol and ship tours, the cost of an O cruise can equal that of some cruise lines with more all inclusive pricing. 

[mango puddin]

On 4/15/2024 at 5:07 AM, firsttimers68 said:

Just back from a trip on Regent Explorer and I have to say we were disappointed with the food. Breakfast and lunch were limited in choice in buffet restaurants. Dinner was often overcooked. Oceania in my opinion is far superior.

 

Thanks for your comment.

 

Have you sailed with Oceania recently? 

[docBarb]

We were on Regent in November 2023.  We sail on Oceania fairly frequently and I was very worried that I would be spoiled by the Regent experience and no longer be happy with Oceania.  I am happy to report that did not happen.  I found most things to be comparable but a no go for me was the lack of a casual dining option for dinner.  Our issue is not about the dress code but about the amount of time we allot to having dinner.  We usually go to the terrace for dinner on Oceania and have never had a bad meal there.  We can get in and get out as quickly or as slowly as we want.  We just find that works best for us and will not be going back on Regent.

[Hearthosesteeldrumsplayin]

Did a TA on Regent after the Pandemic and enjoyed every minute.  Food was great, loved our stateroom (PH), enjoyed the smaller ship size.  Booked another cruise on RSSC.

Our first O cruise was in Feb on the VISTA.  Had a wonderful cruise, food was great, loved our stateroom (PH), enjoyed the ship size.  Booked another cruise on O.

I like Regent for the included business class flights, shorex and drinks.  I like O for the more reasonable price point.  I am happy on either!  It just depends on what is important for the part of the world I plan to sail in, along with family preferences.  (I want a craps table in the casino, so can only sail on certain O ships.)

Assess what is most important to you.  You'll find good food and good people on either line.  As far as I am concerned, if I am on an upscale line its a WIN/WIN; but hey, you'll also find me in The Retreat (Celebrity), the Yacht Club (MSC), and the Haven (NCL).  Each line has its own uniqueness and quirks, so I like to shake it up a bit.  If I'm staying in the Caribbean, I can go mass market ship-within-a-ship, no problem.  If I am planning far-afield cruises, then I tend to get pickier and want a better experience.

[firsttimers68]

On 4/17/2024 at 1:01 AM, mango puddin said:

 

Thanks for your comment.

 

Have you sailed with Oceania recently? 

Yes, I sail with them frequently, luckily for me. I've noticed all lines I've traveled on have changed food wise since the pandemic, but at Regent's price point expected far better. One passenger remarked that the food was akin to Princess Lines, I couldn't comment as I've never sailed with them

[Aloha 1]

We are Gold on Regent and Silver on Oceania. Been on both in the last 9 months. 

 

Regent Splendor,17 nites: Not one bad meal in Compass Rose. Had the best steak ever on R or O in Prime 7. Excellent food in Pacific Rim plus they had a very good sake selection. Although Chartreuse is our least favorite, the one visit we had was excellent. Sette Mari also very good both times.

 

Oceania Riviera, 18 nites: The BEST thing about O is The Terrace. Not having to dress after a long day touring is priceless plus the food selection hits all the right notes. We never go to the GDR as we are not fans of 2 1/2 hour long meals. Jacques, Toscana, and Red Ginger all were excellent. Polo once again failed epically; slow service, steak not cooked as ordered. No clue as to why this one venue just can't get it right. Waves pizza in the evening was a nice change of pace especially since you can pair its with whatever from The Terrace.

 

Bottom line, we did notice a few cutbacks, typically at breakfast and lunch, on both lines. But in general the food was still better than the mass market lines. I wish O could deliver the same type of experience as Compass Rose and wish R had a casual venue in the evening ( like the Pool Grill) where you didn't have to dress, however.