If You Need Internet Connectivity Forget Nautica

We have completed 5 cruises, 3 on Nautica back to back and 2 on Marina back to back in the last 18 months. Chose to return to Nautica for our 6th cruise of 18 nights as we found Marina impersonal and lacking the atmosphere of Nautica.

We had immediate problems with Internet access and speed. We both run businesses so Internet access is very important consideration.

We had free wifi access package for one device at a time which I think many many other passengers also had. We would have paid double the charged price if wifi to have slow but reliable connection. That apparently doesn't matter. No how much you are prepared to pay apparently you get nothing more.

We accept the explanation that satellite internet is far slower than on shore but in he past Nautica and Marina offered speeds which were just tolerable.

This last cruise on Nautica Internet access was unacceptable in this day and age. The explanation from the IT manager is simply 600 guests and crew using Internet make it slow. It is even slower and at times non existent when docked. I even tried setting my alarm and trying log in at 3.00am as most of the oldies would be in bed. It didn't help speed just as slow at this time also.

We also had an issue with our Indian visa due to receiving an email with important information meaning I applied for one that was not valid for sea port arrival. Not the ships fault but their attitude when we asked for help was to say they would see what they could do perhaps a group visa. It turned out after having to ask twice again that they knew hey couldn't help but hadn't told us. There answer was for us to get off at either Phuket or Yangon the next stops after Singapore.

The two issues both of which seemed were unsolvable, Internet access and visa, made us decide to disembark at Singapore after 6 nights. We could not afford for our businesses the hopelessness of the Internet. It was costing us more than we lost leaving early.

When we appeared at Reception to say we were leaving they were nonplussed and after some ten minutes of radio class to the Chief Purser Second Purser and god knows who else we finalised our account and left.

It seemed to be of little interest to management staff.

One highlight not to be missed on Nautica the is the ability to watch the much revered Jacqueline Pepin,who Oceania puts much faith in for their food offering, age through threats from young man to middle aged to senior. The never ending loop is hilarious but not as hilarious as the extortionate liquor prices on board. Still they do let you bring your own alcohol on board which helps.

So that's it for us and Oceania and their much touted food offering. Until they are able to upgrade and offer better connectivity for younger passengers which is required in this modern world I don't see any hope of us returning for our Big O points anytime soon.

The one thing that makes Nautica, and my hat off to them, are the cabin attendants, food servers, wait people.

You know, all the staff that are paid less that Management or Officers.

They are great.

Clean but dusty. Not everything done each day like fridge top up are glasses replaced.