When I speak to friends who are convinced that cruising is not for them, I explain that I had the same concerns. The following are what I do not want on my cruise experience.

1. I don't like being 'herded' and being stuck in crowds of people.

2. obnoxiously loud people in the hallways, elevators, dining areas etc..

3. I don't mind excursions in order to learn about the history of the place but huge busloads idling and waiting for those who are late at every bus stop is annoying.

4. I like to be free to do what I like, at least some of the time.

5. I hate 'institution' tasting food.

6. And I really don't like having to wait until a certain time to disembark or being obliged to return at a specific time.

6. Most of all I do not like 'cruise life'; hanging out by the pool in front of a gigantic, noise blasting movie screen,

7. sitting in the lounge listening to live piano jazz,

8. going to the spa,

9. attending poor quality shows, (lectures I like),

10. dancing under the stars,

11. the hard sell of merchandise on TV in your room every day when you check the weather, info on the upcoming destination and where you are at sea.

12. Photographer holding up disembarking to take a photo of every couple with a costumed whale or photographers who are after you on the deck to take your picture.

13. having to dress up for a formal night.

14. Inattentive service people.

15. Being nickel and dimed every day for quality coffee, fruit teas, water. soft drinks in fridge. soap for laundry etc..

16. a cramped, ugly bathroom with a clingy shower curtain (eeuch!)

I have basically just described our Princess experiences (2 cruises). From the powdered scrambled eggs and daily ersatz whipped cream desserts to the generally overcrowded, noisy environment..it was all too much.

This time we chose a Baltic/Scandinavian cruise as it seemed the only way to visit 8 countries. Five of the destination, capital cities only needed a one day visit.

Now to address the above in order to compare the standard cruise lines to our Oceania (pronounced O-shee-anna) experience.

1. The ship was not overcrowded. Halls were usually empty. Public spaces had a normal number of people, like in a hotel. At disembarkation for a excursion, there was a reasonable wait but it was a chance to get acquainted with others in our pre-planned roll call group. Passing one's card at the exit ramp was quick.

2. There were never ANY loud, obnoxious people anywhere. This was a cruise of refined, considerate people, so it seemed.

3. We took 3 of the ship's complimentary shore excursions and the busload was a good 20 people whereas our private, travel agent tours had 11 people in a mini-bus with a guide who distributed earbuds and 'speakers' so we could hear her even in crowded churches.

4. In Talinn for example, I chose to spent the day wandering the charming, cobblestone streets of the historic, old city. My husband went on one of the ship's excursions on a hike outside the city. He still had plenty of time to visit Talinn mid afternoon.

5. This is what Oceania cruises are renowned for; their 5 star meals. Quality, fresh ingredients such as real bufala mozzarella, the best balsamic vinegar, top quality steaks and seafood etc.. We ate in two of the (free) speciality restaurants but really preferred the main dining room where the choice is endless. You can even order what you want like a steak or seafood (always top quality) made to order right in front of you..with an array of toppings or sauces. Although it is considered to be a buffet, you do not however, serve yourself. Portions tend to be on the small size but you can ask for more of anything as you are being served. This really helped prevent overindulgence. Desserts were tiny but out of this world. Desserts, even cookies were very 'under-sugared', even the very healthy, organic morning smoothies. (I walked so much on the trip and still ate too much, but lost 2 pounds!)

6. Ships were in port early in the morning and left at night so you could leave right after breakfast and return late if you liked. We always felt free to come and go...except for the 3 days in St Petersburg where one must always be with the tour guides.

7 - 10: I am not a fan of attending activities on board ship. There is laundry to be done, reading material on the next destination to pursue, watching a lecture in the auditorium or on TV on the upcoming destination. For me it was uploading my photos, showering etc.. One needs to rest up for the next day. For us going on a cruise is all about the destinations.

11 - 12. On Oceania, no on ever harasses you about anything.

13. There are no formal nights although one is expected to wear normal restaurant attire in the specialty restaurants; no jeans or shorts in other words.

14. The service people are hired for their cheerful attitude. We were called by name (Mr and Mrs..) by our housekeeping cleaners.

15. Everything but alcoholic drinks is included. As you leave the ship, you can pick up bottles of water to take with you. Soft drinks, carbonated water in your fridge, excellent coffees and teas, even almond milk at breakfast, soap for do it yourself laundry (although there is a service to clean clothes).

If I were pressed to complain about one thing it would be that maybe the toilet paper could be softer... and I like a firm pillow so found theirs too soft. But the bed linen was like new and the room was cleaned daily to a very high standard. Sheets were changed every 3 days, towels as you chose.

I am pretty fussy to the point that I bring my own duvet cover from home (yes!) and I found everything on the Marina, Oceania superlative.

Another mode of travel that we enjoy is choosing one destination; Amsterdam for example, renting a VRBO type apartment and staying a full week. We cook our own dinners, make picnic lunches and really settle in, doing day trips. But for exotic destinations like the Baltic region, the easiest and even most economical way to get from one port to another is on a cruise. And Oceania is the best!

We throughly enjoyed all the destinations. Thank you, Oceania.