Oceania Cruises Reviews

Thursday 24th May 2012

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Oceania Cruises

Nautica

Nautica But Nice

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Nautica but nice	4 of 4 people found this review informative

Reviewed By: Edwards, Wem, Shrewsbury on 25th Oct 2011
Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Nautica	Sailed: January, 2011
Destination: Far East	Age: 65+
Cabin: Balcony	Occasion: Annual/regular holiday

We have cruised many times, but are definitely not cruise snobs, having enjoyed over recent years, everything from a Celebrity suite to a Thomson inside cabin. We booked our trip with Planet cruises - their arrangements were first class, though Head Office support re. visa requirements left a lot to be desired. We flew with Emirates from Manchester to Dubai, then onto Hong Kong. Excellent cabin service, but very, very cramped seating. After two hotel nights overlooking the race course, we joined the Nautica along with nearly 700 fellow cruisers made up primarily of Europeans (of most were British) and Americans/Canadians. The Nautica is quite a small ship, with an intimate 'Gentleman’s Club' or 'English Country House' atmosphere. Quality is apparent everywhere, from the teak decks, 'double' sun loungers and spacious cabins etc, to the Egyptian cotton bed linen, and the china, crystal and cutlery. However if the ship impressed, the service did more so. This was a happy ship with systems and crew dedicated to trying to exceed expectations. Typical of this was the service provided on board at each port. Tending to 'do our own thing' where it is safe to do so, we mostly find that information for the independent traveller is very scarce on board, due to the urge to sell tours. This did not apply to Nautica. In most ports, officials came on board offering a wealth of information, maps and even currency exchange. What did I like best about the ship? The feeling of class, the quality of food, (superb) and for a change, the relaxed dining options (no first/second sitting). The jury is still out about not having any formal nights - my husband loved it, while I missed the sense of occasion, though to be fair, the smart casual dress code all through meant that dress standards were maintained. It was certainly easier to pack! What did I like least about the ship? The lack of fun. Entertainment was generally high brow and low key. By ten o'clock at night, the ship started to resemble the Marie Céleste. At present there is no resident show group, only visiting acts, but this I understand is due to alter. Had we had many more sea days, the lack of on board activities might have been frustrating, but with such a port intensive cruise, a few hours spent reading in such comfortable surroundings was bliss. The Itinerary: Starting in Hong Kong and ending in Bangkok with a two night stay at the amazing Marriott Hotel and Spa on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, our trip took us to such counties as Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Cambodia etc. All in all an amazing experience, with too many highlights to recall, though for my husband, the two days spent in Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) including watching from our balcony, the comings and goings of the river traffic, will always be a favourite.
Quality of Food
All four restaurants were very good, but the buffet self service restaurants was the best I have ever witnessed in terms of variety and service. Not so much self service, but personal service.
Entertainment
The fact that I struggle to remember the best act says it all. Entertainment was mediocre, rather than unsatisfactory.
Shore Excursions
The Mekong Delta Cruise was the best experience.
Staff
All staff I encountered impressed, with one exception. Our own room attendant. She invariably forgot to top up the mini bar with the free mixers.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins

Overall Rating

4 of 4 people found this review informative

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Comment by Bowles, Kings Lynn (25 Oct 11 16:05) about this REVIEW

Having just returned from a superb 12 days cruise on Oceania's Insignia, I can only echo the content of your excellent review. In particular, the quality of food and high levels of discerning service made for a "special" cruise. I like you couldn't believe how quiet the ship became after 10.00 pm. Whilst our group are no "party" animals, a little more atmosphere would have been to our likeing. In part I put this down to a lack of "vocalists". The resident string quartet and pianist were excellent, but a little bit of singing say in Horizons would have for us, been welcome. Azamara cruises (same ships) offers a very similar "experiance" to Oceania but with a little more evening entertainment variety. Thank you "Edwards" for your review. Regards.

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Comment by Waite, Washington (06 Dec 11 01:02) about a COMMENT by Bowles (25 Oct 11 16:05)

Have to say I quite like the low key entertainment on Oceania. However when we were on Insignia apparently the party started in the disco after the evening show and continued long into the night. Not that we ever went but I think it was in the Horizons Bar.

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