We chose this particular cruise because the itinerary included three places we wanted to visit. It was our first experience with Oceania and will be our last.

When we signed up or the trip, we were unaware of how Oceania differs from most or all other cruise lines. We have cruised with most of the better known lines, in the Baltic, Alaska, Hawaii, Carribean, Panama, Cuba, Bahamas, and on most European rivers. This was not our first rodeo.

When we received the package from the line, we discovered that unlike most cruise lines, there were no complimentary walking tours at any of the ports of call. All tours cost in excess of $100 per person, some much more. The company provided $300 per person credit which could be applied to the tour cost, but that did not go far, considering the cost of the tours. When we took tours, we discovered that the guides did not provide the VOX system communicators which allow a large group to hear what the guide is saying, thus, at Ephesus, of a group of thirty people, no more than ten or so had any idea what she was saying. Only one of the guides (Lisbon) made use of the communication system. Fortunately, I was able to get on-line and hire private guides for Santorini and Barcelona (and at rates cheaper than the ship tours). Our Barcelona tour got us inside Sagrada Familia at a scheduled time, something not offered by the ship. Aside from the sub-par tours, the other aggravating discovery is that the company does not provide complementary wine with meals. In my experience, I do not recall another line so parsimonious. This was certainly not a budget cruise, and we expected better. Read more