Nautica Review

Don't waste your $ on a Penthouse

Review for Africa Cruise on Nautica
User Avatar
raslq
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2015

For our 5th cruise on Oceania we were really excited about the Dubai to Cape Town itinerary. Decided to upgrade to a Penthouse due to the length of the cruise - what a mistake!! Noise from the Terrace Café and kitchen/dish washing area directly above us was constant from before breakfast to 1am to 2am at night. Only after I went upstairs at 1:15am and personally observed the staff banging dishes, shoveling ice into bins, washing big metal trays did the GM direct the staff to complete their work by 11pm. Despite promises to the contrary Oceania provided no compensation except for a token discount on a future cruise. Very, very disappointing.

Unlike our prior Oceania cruises, the staff on the Insignia seemed tired, more interested in just doing their jobs rather than going the extra mile to provide cheerful service (the exception was our butler Andy who was outstanding). Personally observed the front desk staff being rude to guests. Lack of follow up on special requests and lots of passing the buck to someone else rather than seeing a matter to completion caused uncomfortable aggravation. My guess is that the growth of the cruise industry and/or Oceania has created a real shortage of trained staff and us passengers suffer as a consequence.

Food, as always, is the big plus at Oceania. Had 10 dinners in the specialty restaurants but would rate only 1 as very good (none rated as outstanding), most as good but 4 with food or service issues that resulted in a below average or poor rating - something we had never experienced on our 4 prior Oceania cruises. Unlike prior Oceania cruises there seemed to be a directive to limit the size of portions. Wine selection and service is not Oceania's strong suit but to pour a 'corked' wine at a high end tasting seminar was a new low for us.

Cabin Review

10 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Nautica Cruise from $1,399

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.