Having done 44 cruises throughout the world, we deem ourselves as experienced cruisers though this was our first Oceania cruise experience.
Our first port of call and embarkation was Istanbul - good thing the ship was in dock for two days - we checked in at 8:45 PM on the first day. Needless to say, by the time we checked in, we were exhausted after going thru three airports and the layovers. So not impressed with the air arrangements thru Oceania.
There are four specialty restaurants, one grand dining room and the buffet. The specialty restaurants are free of charge but reservations are mandatory - which are difficult to obtain as there are so many passengers on the ship. One night, we showed up at the "Red Ginger", without a reservation, in hopes of a possible cancellation. We waited for 10 minutes before the Maitre'D decided to grace us with her attention and then we were rudely told that, "no reservation, no service". So not impressed with her stuffy attitude.
Nicely appointed - and well maintained - we did not meet our cabin steward until the 6th day of our cruise.