We are seasoned cruisers having been on many lines including Azamara, HAL but mainly Celebrity. We wanted to try Oceania and this cruise seemed as good a place as any to start. On embarkation, which was a breeze, we realised that the ship is identical to the Azamara Journey. Nicely decorated and our cabin (outside 4th deck) was spacious and had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. However, it was let down by the bathroom!! Minuscule with a tiny shower with a horrid cheap shower curtain which I am sure was not changed when the ship was refurbished. Ugh!! Interesting itinerary which was changed because of weather conditions but still we visited lovely places in the main. However, I can't see the point of being dropped off in places such as Marsailles. It's like being left in Manchester. Too big and not enough time to do it justice. I know they want you to take their tours but they are extortionately priced so we always do our own thing.

I have some issues with my food and after a word with Maitre D Sinisia from Croatia, he made everything perfect. He looked after us superbly and every day he made sure we had what we needed and had food specially made for us and even brought the chef up to meet us to check everything was OK. Superb attention to detail and it made us feel very special. Can't thank him enough for his help. On the subject of food, which in the main was great, there were a few hours in the late afternoon where there was nothing available to eat anywhere on the ship except for room service. I have never known this happen on any other line and it is an issue that needs addressing.

The entertainment in the evening was so so with the exception of a couple of speciality acts such as the violinists who were great. The Cruise Director is working under false pretences. Didn't see him speak to any passengers and hardly saw him at all. On that point. we didn't see the Captain anywhere on the ship, ever!! I suppose he must have been on board!! Read more