I have taken Oceania and will be leaving Sunday for their Med cruise from Barcelona to Venice. I happen to love the ship esp. the decor.. I don't find it over the top.. rather like a country manor ( how many other cruise ships have fireplaces in their lounges? )I happen to think the Chintz draperies are gorgeous.. and I thought that the Mariner was a bit dark and drab.. so different strokes for different folks.
Their prices have been good ( lower than some and the same as some ( lines)..but when they have a 2 for one special ( just as Rad. does )..those prices for a "14" day itinerary versus a 7 day on "other" lines- well do the math..it can be very
nice on the checkbook.. and when they throw in
the port charges, and free air..which ofcourse is
economy- is great deal. We take their air credit and get our own biz fights( FF miles).. but getting that credit back is also a good thing.
The cabins are basically the same as Mariner ( that would be comparing the regular type
balcony cabins)although Mariner had an incredible walkin closet.. and bathroom more spacious..and you are right they don't all have refigerators ( which is stupid)..agree.
We like their owners' suites ( which are their top cabins) and you do get what you pay for on those.. gorgeous..over 1000 sq. ft. cabin,terrace
( not balcony) living room,bedroom,, cd/vcr..refrigerator wink and butler..
I think their food as touted by them as best at sea.. is great.. although also have had great dinners on Radisson.. so I think that is subjective too.
As far as nickle & diming the passengers for water..cokes etc.. yep... got to agree there.. our bar bill on Oceania last summer was about another cruise kidding- but you get the drift)..and I do like that all is included on Rad.
Although that won't stop me from taking Oceania again and again if the itinerary is what we are looking for. Infact, have also booked their South American cruise for Feb 2005, BA to Rio.. 12 days, 2 for one and free air ( again).. what a great itinerary and prices.
Have heard conflicting reports that their crew are green, which may be that they have just Christened their 2nd ship Insignia and their crew was moved there.. lucky for me that is the one we will be on.... so we get an experienced crew..
will report when get back.