That's what my Mom keeps asking me, after I've put her through the ringer in trying to decide which cruise to take with her.

So, after weeks of searching, and spending the better portion of the last three days doing practically nothing BUT research, read reviews, wrack my brain, talk things over endlessly with Mom, and tear my hair out, I finally have a decision. I think. No, really, this is it. I'm done. If anyone is interested in my ramblings of how I finally came to this decision, here it is.

The criteria was, we want to have a luxury cruise, somewhere that we haven't been before. We want to travel for about 3 weeks. We have a certain amount of money to spend. My choices came down to these:

1. 7-day PG, with a 2-week pre-cruise in NZ (currently booked)
2. 18-day Mariner, Auckland to LA, through FP
3. 25-day Oceania Nautica, Istanbul to Singapore, with stops in Egypt, Oman, Dubia, India
4. 26-day Oceania Regatta, Miami-Miami, through the Caribbean, to Brazil, and up the Amazon

I'd pretty much ruled out the PG, since our original reason for doing that one was to cruise with another couple we met on our Voyager cruise, who now won't be able to do it. Hence my heading back to the drawing board.

I was pretty settled on the Mariner, having looked at many other cruises on the other luxury lines, but I didn't see anything on Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, or SeaDream that looked good. I stuck with the luxury lines, since we really got spoiled on our last cruise and don't want to step backwards.

But then I started reading more about Oceania, and it sounded like it might be a similar experience, albeit with a few annoying differences (completely NON-inclusive, even charging for soda and water). But the prices were amazing, and certainly these were exotic ports! The fact that there is even a separate board for Oceania here on LCT had an impact -- it's gotta fall somewhere within the realm of luxury, right? The itineraries are rather long, but really, the prices were staggeringly low.

So I started doing serious research into Oceania. And here's where things started to get confusing. Certainly they have many points in their favor:

1. The price.

2. Okay, I admit it, the FOOD! I read almost universally raving reviews about the dining experiences.

3. The ships look absolutely exquisite, in terms of their decor, luxury, and overall beauty. The public areas look downright stunning.

4. They seem to be going for the luxury market, at least in how they present themselves, so presumably the overall service and experience would be on a par with what I got used to on Voyager.

5. Many reviewers had nothing but wonderful things to say about them.

6. The fantastic price!

7. The exotic itineraries.

9. Did I mention the price??

However, from what I can tell, there are just too many points against them in terms of MY particular desires, and here's what they are:

1. The small cabins. In order to get a cabin comparable to the Voyager or Mariner, I'd have to upgrade to the point where it would be out of the price range. We'd be stuck with a 160-sq-ft inside cabin with a teensy bathroom.

2. The activities and entertainment. Both itineraries have quite a few sea days, and since I'm traveling with my mother, we can't exactly spend our time enjoying long romantic days at sea or sparkling nights holding hands over a lovely meal while gazing out over the ocean. As much as we enjoy each other's company, frankly we sometimes need things to do to get AWAY from each other. Given what I know about RSSC's entertainment and sea day activities, this should not prove to be a problem on the Mariner. But it sounds as if there just ain't much to do on Oceania except art auctions, bingo, or extra-cost classes or craft activities (yuck). And the entertainment sounds rather too sedate for me.

3. Nickel & diming -- the utter lack of inclusivity appears to be worse than I'd originally thought. Not only do they charge for virtually everything, but their prices sound rediculous. $2.50 for a small bottle of water? $20 corkage fee if I bring my own wine? $40 for a supermarket-level California wine? $8 to $10 for a decent martini? On such a long cruise, man this could add up, completely negating any value that I found in that great price.

4. Alcohol policy -- the $20 corkage fee is bad enough, but evidently they also frown upon bringing your own booze on board. And there's no bar setup in the cabin. There's not even a refrigerator! No martini glasses, nor could I get the room attendant to bring me a martini shaker and all the mixers for free, like I did on Voyager. I read in a couple places that you're not even supposed to bring any booze from your room out of your room. On Voyager I'd often pour myself a single-malt from one of my bar bottles when I went back to my room after dinner, then go out and meet friends on deck. I guess that would be against the rules. Look, I'm no alky, but I do enjoy fine wine, as well as good drinks when I'm on vacation, and I LEFT the mass-market lines so I wouldn't have to feel like a teenager smuggling booze past the booze police in order to mix my own martini in my own room, for crying out loud.

5. Lousy excursions. I read over and over that their excursions were overpriced, poorly done, and generally unexciting. This is in stark contrast to what I've read and experienced firsthand with RSSC. And as many of these ports were of the exotic ilk where I'd be reluctant to try to arrange private tours, would I find myself disappointed in these places that I'm so eager to tour?

5. Port changes -- I've read several disturbing threads and reviews indicating that not only do they have a history of frequently changing ports, but they don't seem to do much in terms of customer compensation when they do. Given the reports of lousy excursions, I would probably be arranging as many private ones as possible, but if port changes are common this could be disastrous.

6. Service -- While there are many glowing reviews about their service, there are a few too many reports of bad service, lousy attitudes, rude or uncaring crew, and poorly handled situations. I realize I have to take this all with a grain of salt as no cruise line can please everyone, and there are always grouches or one-off experiences, I do have to pay attention to patterns, and certain troubling patterns were emerging. It's just so hard to know how much credence to give these reports, but you have to face facts when there's just so MANY of them. And while there are bad RSSC reviews out there, they are far fewer than I found on Oceania. If I'm going to be on a ship for almost a month, how awful would that be if I found myself dissatisfied with the overall service?

So, I assume that if anyone has bothered to read this far, you've probably already guessed that we decided to stick with what we know and love, which is RSSC. (Lousy new perk program notwithstanding.) We're going to do the Mariner. I won't have to worry about nickel & diming, or booze-smuggling, or a huge novel-sized bill shoved under our door at the end of the trip. The entertainment will be what we're used to, and know we enjoy. There will be things to do on sea days -- oh, and that's even enhanced by the fact that this is a "Spotlight on Film" cruise, and we love movies! The cabin will be large and comfy, with a nice balcony and large bathroom. And we know the service will be exemplary (not to mention the food.)

So there ya have it. Decision made. Yep, life is good! :D

Sounds a sound decision. When is it?

Unfortunately, not till November! And I've got two other cruises (or land vacations, not sure yet) still to plan prior to that time -- one in April/May with hubby, and one in August with the kids. But I really wanted to get the one with my Mom nailed down first, as that will be the biggest one.

LeeAnne

All your research blows me away with admiration. You have made the right decision - IMHO.

LeeAnne, based on your exhaustive research, I feel you've made the right decision. I too find Oceania to have great itineraries and pricing but I read way to many mixed reviews overall. I'm sure you and your mom will really enjoy your pick!

Nancy

Welcome home, LeeAnne! (I love how Radisson's crew say that) ...& tks for sharing your research! You & your Mom will have a great time.
- Michele

I think you made the best choice. The Mariner is a wonderful ship. And think, you'll be on her after MUSH so you will get to hear all the fables from the crew (hee hee)

LeeAnne, I love your analysis....you've saved me some research for 2007. I think you should love your trip.

After your #4 of the positive points about Oceania I knew there had to be a big BUT coming and I don't blame you. I would have made the same decision!

I think you certainly have many less question marks with the Mariner cruise. It sounds perfect to me!

Well I do hope I'm not being too hard on Oceania, as I know many people have had wonderful experiences on them. But I couldn't ignore the many reports of service that may be satisfactory for a premium mass-market line, but is less than we'd expect from a luxury line. I might even be willing to put up with that for the exotic itinerary at such an amazing price.

But given the nickel & diming, and the outrageous prices for everything, there goes the amazing price. If I'm going to pay the big bucks anyway, I'm going for the best.

So I'm happy to be "home". :)

Very good analysis, LeeAnne. I'm sure you and your Mom will be pleased with your decision.

LeeAnne: I printed out your analysis - well done I was so impressed - you're going to have great trip with your Mom - I envy you - Joanna

Lee Anne:
You will have a wonderful trip. i too envy you. Great job on the research, the last thing we need on vacation is ANY sort of disapointment. For me the water alone is a deal breaker, I drink 100 oz a day. that adds up!!!!
have a great time with your mom

Cindy

LeeAnne, you did a fantastic job...18 days on the Mariner...ooooh you lucky girl!!

Thanks all of you for such kind words about my research! Honestly, I think I might have a problem -- I do too MUCH research. I probably spend 10 times the amount of time researching vacations than I actually do ON the vacations. Oh well, the way I see it, it just prolongs the experience. :cool:

My mom is absolutely stoked about this cruise, and the more I talk to her, the more I'm happy with my choice. I do still want to try Oceania someday, but that will have to wait at least until 2007.

I too want to thank you LeeAnne for all your research. I looked at Oceania as they have a really great itinerary in 2007 which includes Croatia which I believe is stunning, but having been spoilt on the Navigator and hoping to have a similar experience on the Voyager in June, I'm hesitating. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they don't appear to have self service laundries which on a 14 day cruise could work out a trifle expensive (or smelly)! Hopefully RSSC will have something in their 2007 calendar which suits me. To think I only discovered cruising last year - how dumb can one be? Please don't answer that!
Lee

Lee: You will LOVE the Voyager - I don't know a thing about Oceania but some itineraries look fantastic - I, too, just discovered cruising 2 1/2 years ago - agree - we have been dumb about cruising for a long time - Joanna :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Lee and Joanna - Not dumb. Just fairly recently enlightened!

Y'know, for the longest time I had absolutely no interest in cruising because my only knowledge of it was from the Love Boat show, and a friend of mine who just loves those booze cruises to Ensenada. I always thought they were just opportunities to laze around a pool in between pig-out fests at cheesy buffets. (Well some of them still are, I suppose!) It wasn't until a few years ago when friends of mine started coming home from Alaskan cruises with amazing photos and wonderful reports that I started even looking into it. And now look what's happened to me!

Lee,
Oceania does have self laundry. It costs $1.50 per wash and $1.50 per dry. The laundry rooms also have irons and ironing boards, which are complimentary.

Susan,

Thanks for clarifying that ( and thanks to Lee for asking the question). I was under the wrong impression that they didn't have self-serve laundry rooms.

Because I have to travel lightly (I'm solely responsible for getting my suitcase from here to there and lifting heavy things doesn't come high on my list of priorities), laundries are a must. Does anyone know when RSSC's 2007 cruise calender comes out?