Journey was practically identical to Regatta except it looked a little tired and in need of care. The wonderful lounge and Piano Bar on Regatta had a whole extension from the Casino in its place on Journey.This left their midships 'Shopping Mall' as the locale for Trivia, Piano Sing along etc, not enough seats, no bar and limited service. They took away tables that were in place on Regatta on the outdoor area at the stern at the 9th deck buffet and installed a bar on Journey. The bar was rarely open, the seats were chipped and in need of stain and varnish. At night they had a barman but no waiters.

The service level EXCEPT in Discoveries was poor, not enough wait staff in any of the Bar areas. In the Buffet (Windows) they had specialty cooking station but only one chef leading to long line ups for specialized fish, Asian, Indian Entrees. Your dirty plates could sit around for quite a while as there was no help to move them. Water or drinks were your own responsibility. The same criteria applied at the Grill on Deck 9 Poolside, one cook doing custom work. Discoveries was impeccable with a MAitre'D who remembered your name after DAy 1, great service, great selection and perfect cuisine. If Journey could apply the principles of Discoveries to the rest of the ships management they may catch up with Oceania.

CAbin Service was poor. The much touted Butler Service was just a Housekeeper with a Bow Tie. we got Fresh Flowers Day 1 and they were never replaced. The Fresh Fruit was only replacing as and when they felt like it. If you like attention, towel figures and all that forget it. We never saw the Butler after Day 1. When our door lock failed neither they or Customer Relations helped, I had to seek out the Engineering Officer (SAfety) who fixed it for us. Just a lack of commitment and organization. Always polite but it was largely superficial. Read more