So we have now been on Oceania for two nights. We still have a lot to experience so I am documenting my observations as I go and will post when I leave the ship. Comparing one cruise line to another is difficult and I know you are all waiting for me to do just that. I think most people will prefer one over the other with the majority of people staying with the line that works best for them. Regent is more expensive of course, is more inclusive with larger cabins. Oceania offers a great value but not the same level of luxury. Actually both cruise lines are excellent and it is nice to have the choice of paying for the luxury or still getting a great level of cruise at a value price.

The Regent cost difference shows immediately as it should. If you pay more for a cruise there should be discernible differences for that extra cost. This shows not only in the all inclusive aspect of the Regent cruise but in the cabin size and space onboard. I do not have the space ratio statistics but for comparison Oceania is 30,000 tons for 684 guests, Voyager is 46,000 tons for 700 guests and Mariner is 50,000 tons for 700 guests. This is something I sensed right away. Décor is quite different also. The old world, English type décor is present on Oceania. In certain areas this is very appealing, the library and main lobby area are really quite stunning. Regent has a lighter, and more up to date décor which I personally prefer. Others may prefer the Oceania styling. I find the Regent ship layout less confusing and more straightforward. After a few days you get the layout down on any ship so this is not really a big issue. Food I will hold my impressions until I have eaten in all the restaurants.

Crew
A mixture of Eastern Europeans and Filipino’s for the crew. Excellent staff, always smiling and willing to assist in anyway they can.

As to the rest I will continue to write up my observations daily and then post these impressions before I leave Oceania or as I board Regent.

Ngaire, I forget what ship are you on? We can sail along with you on their webcam!

Given their locations, I'm pretty sure she has to be on the Regatta.

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Eugene

Regatta webcam link

Here is the bridge cam:

[img]http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/liveshipview/imageretriever.aspx?CamLoc=OR2[/img]

and the computer room cam:

[img]http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/liveshipview/imageretriever.aspx?CamLoc=OR1[/img]

Sailing into Cadiz....

Yes the Regatta. I did not know they had a web cam onboard in the computer room. We have wireless in the cabin so I have not even been in the computer room.

Had a WONDERFUL day in Seville today, great city. We missed Seville when we were onboard REgent with John and Tonya and regretted we did not join them on the trip to Seville.

Perfect day, temperature in the 70's and sunny.

First night out it was rough but since then the weather has been great.

One GOOD thing on the Regatta is their hamburgers. They have a wonderful mushroom/swiss burger and I just demolished it with great glee after my full day in Seville and no lunch.

Super nice captain on board Dimitris Flokos. He has met Captain Dag and we had a wonderful conversation.

More details later need to get myself pulled together for dinner tonight.