There are many threads here (some elsewhere) comparing Oceania to RSSC. Seems unfair; Oceania is not in the same class, cost- or experience-wise, as RSSC. Perhaps a more meaningful comparison would be to the so-called "Premier" cruise lines, which I understand to include Celebrity, Holland-American and Princess. Can anyone give us, or point us at, a comparison with one or more of these lines, particularly Celebrity and Princess (a really bad experience on the Prinsendam three years ago has strongly biased us against HAL, perhaps in perpetuity.)

The problem is Oceania is in a class by itself..it is not in line with the mass market ships, Princess, HAL or Celebrity and yet it is not as all inclusive as Radisson and the more upscale cruises..I suggest you try it and let us know your opinion!!
Jan

Count, as my friend described Oceania, it is like being on a premier line with the nickel and diming. The only difference is they're smaller ships carrying many fewer passengers than Princess or Celebrity. I think they're more similar to the mass marketed lines than to the luxury lines. She said her cruise was OK just not what she had hoped for so everyone has different expectations.

Actually they are not like the mass market lines so you are right everyone has different expectations..
Jan

In my opinion, Oceania is a blend. They offer the small ship experience and service but then have some of the mass market policies as far as charging for all beverages and gratuities.

However, I like the open seating, open dining, all casual dress code, no extra charge for specialty restaurants, and unlike the mass lines they do permit you to bring your own beverages onboard with no hassle.

Personally I like a ship with 700 passengers or less which the mass lines don't have. With fewer passengers, you don't have to deal with the long lines. Most passengers are either retired or business professionals. There are very few children. I found the food to be much better than the mass lines.

While I prefer all inclusive and don't particularly enjoy paying for each beverage, at a 2 for 1 price with free air, I can afford to buy whatever drinks I want.

Unfortunately, each cruiselines has its pluses and minuses but I think the pluses far outweigh the minuses with Oceania. However, it isn't for everyone.