Oceana Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was only our second cruise and the first with P&O. It was perhaps a little adventurous to do a 35 day cruise when so relatively inexperienced but absolutely no regrets. We took a "select price" fare which for the extra cost allowed us to choose our cabin from those available and to dine at flexible times and choose to either share a table or eat at a table for two. It also gave us additional on board spending money - all of which we were glad to have chosen.
We picked a balcony cabin on deck 11 and were very pleased with it, although as other reviews have said, the balcony doors could be noisy when the wind was in a certain direction and at gale force. Other reviews have mentioned ongoing maintenance being carried out but I'm not sure what else these passengers would expect. The ship (as with most others) are on immediate turn round and by doing this, increase ship utility and keep costs down in a competitive market. The price we paid after allowing for on board spending etc. worked out about £200 per day (or £100 each). For a balcony cabin, this seems to be a good deal. For those paying less for an interior cabin, no doubt fantastic value. I would rate the quality and choice of food available as superb and if purchased in a reasonable restaurant at home would no doubt cost at least £50 per head per day i.e., at least half the fare. So with the other half for cabin and travel, not to mention entertainment etc., I think brilliant value.
Other passengers have mentioned falling standards but I would guess prices have fallen also as competition increases. I look back on previous package holidays and over the years there is absolutely no doubt that prices have fallen despite inflation.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom with Shower
Bathroom a trifle small and occasional problem with sliding balcony doors in very windy conditions. Plenty of storage space even for 35 day cruise and the excessive luggage brought for this length of journey.
Port Reviews
Southampton
Stayed the night before the cruise and enjoyed sightseeing before very efficient embarkation.
Madeira (Funchal)
Very wet weather spoilt our visit but a beautiful city and very friendly people.
Antigua
Initially concerned with harassment from taxi drivers. We got used to this as the cruise progressed. Apart from cruise terminal area and duty free shops, the town was a bit scruffy. Taxi taken to beautiful Coconut Grove beach where coconut shrimp lunch was superb.
St. Lucia
Fantastic half day cruise, with swimming stop, dancing and endless rum punch. Back in time to explore the town which was authentic Caribbean. No overly manicured cruise terminal shopping area.
Barbados
Strange contrast between poor and scruffy on the one hand with upmarket department store etc on the other. The cathedral for example was immaculate inside but was scruffy outside. Kensington Oval Cricket Ground very good to see but on the edge of a commercial/industrial area.
Grenada
"Highlights" was a bit of a misnomer - nutmeg packing shed and glacial lake. Guide very good, however, and the tour was informative albeit the steep narrow mountain roads were a bit unnerving at times.
Aruba
Very Americanised - a bit like a mini Vegas without the excitement. Expensive shops but good bars and restaurants.
Colon (Cristobal)
Only stopped here to pick up those who'd been on a excursion from the Panama Canal. Just ventured into the duty free cruise terminal shop (singular!)
Roatan
Although highly manicured - purpose built cruise terminal shopping area and man made beach area - it was pleasant enough with a nice landscaped walk from one to the other with enjoyable bars on the beach area or the more adventurous could take the chair lift to the beach from the shops. Better than expected.
Cozumel
Chichen Itza - a long trip with a rough ferry ride from Cozumel to the mainland - but well worth it. A good day in a great place. May well return to Mexico.
Montego Bay
Took a taxi to the shopping area of Gloucester Avenue. Taxi driver took us to his mate's mini market! Walked back - very few attractive shops and ended up in Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville which was fun but overall I would not recommend Montego Bay.
Tortola
As the ship cruised towards its berth, Tortola looked beautiful. On shore it was in fact a bit disappointing with few buildings of interest. The cruise terminal development is only half finished and will be attractive when its done. I would recommend taking a trip to other parts of the island although hilly narrow roads.
St. Maarten
My kind of place. Beautiful beach with bars and restaurants on the board walk. Good shops and interesting churches etc on front street and back street. Mixture of authentic and manicured.
Ponta Delgada
Very picturesque and interesting call. Would go again for more exploring.