This was our 20th cruise . We started in 2007, and have travelled with Celebrity, (Elite) HAL and Regent, amongst others.

Embarkation was quite slow.We appreciated NOT having the often seen picture-taking employee. We noted that there was no welcoming sparkling wine ( I dislike seeing people refer to champagne when it is not), possibly because Oceania frequent travellers get a bottle of sparkling wine in their cabin.We had booked a guaranteed balcony cabin,and our cabin was very well positioned, a few steps to the elevator,one floor up from the MDR, with no issue whatsoever with noise. We found the service excellent; neither familiar,nor pompous or obsequious. The food was delicious,well prepared and presented, and the portions were not obscene. The specialty restaurants were very good as well. Food preferences are objective; no need to comment. We found the cruise director,Roy Perez, somewhat lacking in easy- going and sunny personality. Mind you, the poor fellow had to defend against ethnocentric jabs from Americans who objected to his"accent".

Entertainment was so so,but the classical quartet,a regular feature on the ship, which welcomes you upon arrival, was lovely. Read more