Just written!!

Release Date: 5/23/2006
Oceania Unveils "Perfect Table" for Dining Experience


Oceania Cruises has created The Perfect Table for its dining service. The table is adorned with Versace china, Christofle silver and Riedel crystal. A multi-million dollar undertaking, The Perfect Table blends the line's Signature Service with all of the key elements necessary for a top dining experience. Renowned for their celebrated cuisine, Oceania Cruises' menus are the work of Master Chef, Jacques Pépin, and the menus have been refined with an infusion of new creations, classic dishes, and time-honored favorites. Four open seating gourmet restaurants offer almost 200 different items every day that change on a daily basis to offer you an astounding number of choices at every meal. "The Perfect Table is more than a dramatic place setting. Every work of art deserves a truly great setting in which to be showcased and the stunning beauty of our new Versace china, Christolfe silver and Riedel stemware forms an exquisite frame around our gastronomic works of art," said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Oceania. The Perfect Table debuted aboard Nautica on May 21, 2006 and is scheduled to debut aboard Regatta on June 6, 2006 and aboard Insignia on June 14, 2006. For additional information or reservations, call 800-531-5658 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com.

Jan

Jan, is this new place setting at all four restaurants?

thanks,

Yes Marc and there are also new additions to the menus:

Dishes in the Polo Grill include veal chop, rack of lamb and whole Maine lobster tail, while Toscana offers choices such as veal tenderloin and Aragosta Fra Diavolo (prepared with a fresh whole Maine lobster). In the Grand Dining Room selections include beef tartare, steak au poivre and lobster thermidor.

Oceania executive corporate chef Franck Garanger conceived authentic baguettes using Viron flour from the Beauce region of France and baked in special ovens. Made fresh daily, the selection includes poulichette, Normandy bread, brioche, bacon bread, chestnut rolls and olive bread, among many others.

Jan

That's all well and good, but I just can't get my head past them charging for bottled water and not having fridges in every cabin. Maybe they could cut back on the fancy tableware and not charge for water.

(We all know that I am very opionated.)

Pam, you are right on! I think they have fridges in the the cabins that are in the concierge level and the penthouses!

Nancy

Me too, Pam - I hate being nickle and dimed. I'd swap exquisite service to have all inclusive. I did suggest to Frank at one point we might try it but the room sizes for a basic cabin and the extra charges are a deal breaker.

When I priced both Regent and Oceania for a similar itinerary, the difference in price more than made up for paying for wine and water! As for cabin size, I have only been on Paul Gaughin where the cabin's are about the same size as the balcony cabin's on Regatta. So I will not really notice the difference. I had a call last week with an offer to upgrade to Penthouse for only $250 pp. Regretfully I was out of town and was too late to accept. Jeanine We are sailing from Dover on the 20th!! 14 day Baltics cruise

Jeanine

Jan, I am surprised that they are using the fancy china and crystal at Tapas on the Terrace. I would be afraid, since it is a buffet, that there would be extensive breakage. Of course, I wouldn't call a Tapas restaurant "gourmet" so I may be confused on which is the fourth restaurant mentioned in the press release.

I think we would probably enjoy Oceania; it is just that I hate paying for more than the lowest level of cabin and I think we would need a Penthouse on Oceania (balcony, space, and refrigerator are musts). We are going on Celebrity Century this year and have a concierge class cabin which is exactly same size as concierge class on Oceania and the amenities are almost identical. This will give us a good idea on whether Concierge or Penthouse is minimum cabin for us on Oceania.

As for the water or cokes, we go through at least a dozen a day. It would be terrible having to find them let alone have to pay for them.

I am sure Oceania is wonderful - their PH suites and above look very nice - however, you call yourself a lux line and charge for WATER???? I know you can buy it in port and schlepp to your room - come on Oceania provide water -

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Marc: IN PART
[qb] Jan, I am surprised that they are using the fancy china and crystal at Tapas on the Terrace. I would be afraid, since it is a buffet, that there would be extensive breakage.quote]


It is a buffet..but you "still " are served..


and you wrote:
[quote]
"I think we would probably enjoy Oceania; it is just that I hate paying for more than the lowest level of cabin and I think we would need a Penthouse on Oceania (balcony, space, and refrigerator are musts). ]"

I didn't think that the deck 7 on Mariner cabins are any "LARGER" than O's "lowest" level balcony cabin..infact the only dif to us was in the closet R larger.. O has sufficient storage not the walk in and the bathroom which is a larger on R than O..as far as drinking dozens of cokes and
dying of thirst from lack of free water.. it would certainly be made up in the price differential..I am certain of that. :D and shouldn't be a deal breaker if you want to try a really class act ship for a change of pace.. :eek:

They supply tons of it in the cabins..of course it costs about 3.00 a huge Evian bottle...oh well...as much as I agree that they should just supply it..their cruise prices are alot less than other ships , who pack that "free water and cokes and booze" into their price anyways, so really ..would you let a few bucks blow a beautiful cruise ??

okay now I will get off of my Oceania soap box for the evening.
Thank you ..thank you very much................ :app:

The concierge cabins are 173 sq ft plus 43 sq ft balcony. Smallest cabin on Paul Gauguin is 202 sq ft and smallest on Mariner is 252 sq ft plus 49 sq ft balcony. The Penthouse Suites on Oceania are 260 sq ft plus 62 sq ft balcony or just a bit larger than Mariner. (I used Nautica for all cabin sizes since these are sister ships.) Of course, smallest on Voyager is 301 sq ft plus 55 sq ft balcony.

My comment on water and cokes is not the cost nor the signing of chits; it is the ready availability. On Regent, I can find cokes and water in computer room, card room, or even unmanned bars. I can always find plenty in the refrigerator in our room. If I am in someone elses room, it is no big deal for me to "borrow" one of theirs since there isn't a charge involved. This may seem minor but when you are wandering around a ship all day, it is nice to always have liquid refreshment on hand. Working on a jigsaw puzzle or surfing the net (for free) or just reading a book in the library can create a desire for a cold drink. I have just gotten used to Regent.

Mark,
The buffet is called Tapas at night and is really a lovely buffet..much different than during the day..
Jan

I like both Regent and SS, prefer SS as it is even more inclusive than Regent (at least now) to echo the arguments above vs. Oceania. However, Claudia, Jan, and Susan Walsh make powerful arguments to at least try Oceania...unfortunately this working soul, can't take the 14-21 days their attractive Asian, other itineraries take...look fwd to tying Oceania, when I retire in less than two years..r/wes

I am loving the SS cruise you are going to do Wes.. think that SS is on the list for me 4 sure!

I continue to be amazed at the many posts about nickle and diming and signing chits,.

On a typical day at home you can sign 5,6 or more chits, the diner for your early morning breakfast before work, the luncheon with a client, the parking garage, gas on the way to the mall, your purchase of outerwear for your next cruise, wine and cheese at a specialty shop, flowers for spouse to announce your next cruise, and a video for evening entertainment, if needed.

That was eight, so, why grumble about signing for two cokes at lunch, wine at dinner, and an after dinner drink?

Perhaps I should have started a new thread!

Exactly the point, I HATE to sign chits and certainly don't want to on a luxury cruiseline. I really would rather pay more upfront and be done with it but that's just my personal pet peeve.

Dooley: Why start another thread? I prefer inclusive and willing to pay for it. Yes, I sign all day in my daily life I just do not want to do it on a cruise ship while on vacation! Oceania may win over Regent for cost even when you include all those chits signed. However, there is something about paying for water that really annoys me - I may try "O" someday - who knows? On Regent we rarely sign for any drinks as we drink at dinner - NO chits!! And, of course water is FREE!!! The various opinions on this board are what make it so interesting. You don't mind signing - I do - and FYI I am far from a grumbler...just know what I prefer! Joanna

This is such an example of "apples to oranges" that I'm amazed. How does outerwear come in to play, in a thread about food and drink? Oh well, on to the signing of chits. In your "typical day", I wouldn't have already laid out a few thou for the privilege of being there. And several of us were more concerned with availability of water, etc., than signing chits for drinks and wine. Drinks and wine are on one end of the necessity spectrum, water on the other.

dooley, as others have said, it is more the expectations than just the hassle. I like to know water is always available. By the way, how was your recent Oceania cruise?

That's it Marc! You hit the nail on the head!

I am contemplating an Oceania cruise for 2007 Baltics - just in the idea of comparing and planning stages. If we are taking this on RSSC then I would want to book on-board during WAVE.

So far - adjusting the pricing to account for Tips and chit signed items for us, same itineary - but on R - 3 days shorter - both have free air. Tip credit by TA so included, smaller room on O (E Category) adjusting again by SSS and an onboard price booking, the Per Diem for RSSC (Category G) is $525 pp per day and O is $328.

Now I am comparing apples and oranges but have done much to make it even. If I booked a Concierge Class on O - it would be much closer in price, but, since I am sneaking this one into the travel plans, just those few thousand could mean missing this itinerary for this particular year.

Kathy, there is the rub. If you want/need space, then Regent is a much better value as you would have to book a Penthouse on Oceania. If you can live without the space, Oceania is cheaper. Of course, you then need to look at food, service, amenities, etc.

Kathy, that "few thousand" can make a difference in whether you get an extra vacation! Just decide whether the cabin size makes a difference. Marc did a great analysis above, and to get to RSSC standard balcony suite, it is clear you have to go to PH to get a little bit bigger cabin from Mariner.

Once you decide on cabin requirements, its just a matter of what you'd spend at the bar, for water, etc, and tips, and then the value of all the other amenities that you would pay for on Oceania. I think you should try it if it fits an extra vacation in the year!

Kathy, we also considered Oceania for the Baltics in 2006 and decided we would be willing to go in a smaller cabin on O in order to have an extra vacation as you said. The Baltics itinerary is so port intensive, and I just don't see us needing a lot of cabin space, as long as we have good food and a comfortable place to sleep. I also like the longer itinerary, 7 days just doesn't seem long enough for that part of the world. Timing just didn't work out this year, but we are undecided about 2007. Will consider Baltics/Med on RSSC if there are some very good deals that come out (such as the Baltics 2-for-1's being offered this year) and will reconsider Oceania. It's good to have options!

Dena

One thing that for me plays in is the loyalty program. I'm close to Gold now so that is a small factor too. If I can book a spring 07 with RSSC, then I will be Gold on the Crossing.

I am NOT an expert on Oceania at all. Not sailed the ship so I speak only from touring the ships and from my staff's experience from sailing on the ships. The comments below are ONLY my personal observation.

I know I need to sail Oceania at some point just to really experience the cruise, as I did with Crystal. I just dont want to give up the Regent cruises and keep putting it off and not making the booking, I have to bring myself to do this at some time.

My little list on Oceania

Food will be good on Oceania, this is one of their strong points.

Cabins will be smaller, even the larger penthouse cabins just did not look or feel as good as the Regent cabins to me. I just dont get that quality feel in the cabins. Crystal has small standard cabins with very small bathrooms, however the cabins still have a quality feel to them. To me Oceania misses the mark here. Others may disagree. I just did not like the cabins, even the larger ones.

Air problems could arise if you do air through Oceania. I cannot tell you exactly what the problems are, and I am sure some have done air with Oceania with no problems. However, I know the girls in my office are always having fits with the air department and complaining about how it is done. They cant talk to a "real" person it is all by fax and I think they nickel and dime the itinerary with extra connections, long layovers etc to save some $$ whereas Regent normally takes the best and direct route where possible. People still complain about Regent air but lets face it, flying these days is a minefield with the best of schedules. Just a suggestion, if possible do your own air if you sail Oceania.

I felt claustrophobica as the ceilings were so low throughout the ship. That really bothered me - may not bother others.

Some of their public rooms are absolutely gorgeous, more decorated than Regent. Other rooms were really poorly designed. The main lounge for shows the sight lines were terrible. Just dont understand how they could design something like that.

You will be nickled and dime, just accept that up front. The tipping issue of a land trip (ROAR) or any trip that does not truly include all major tipping situations is truly a pain for me, others handle it with ease.

To make a choice between Oceania or Regent or any other line is a personal decision depending on each persons current situation.

The itinerary, the cost, the amount of vacation time you have etc. If you get very little time off and your vacation is something you want to be perfect spend the money and go on a Regent or Silversea ship. If you go often and just want to fit in an itinerary and dont mind a different experience from Regent then go on Oceania, or Celebrity or whatever else it is that you considering.

I think the bottom line is that you do not go expecting a Regent or Silversea experience. Go with an open mind and recognize you are paying less and appreciate the value.

Thanks, Ngaire. Still on the fence, but, thinking that 2008 will be a Baltics trip for us on RSSC.

Marc, we have very much enjoyed our three Oceania cruises, much more so than our Radisson cruise. The food quality and presentation is top notch on Oceania; we were several times disappointed on Radisson, as were tablemates.

I do not mind signing a chit or two here and there, and we're not bent out of shape on smaller cabin sizes, and water is a non-issue for us.

Bang for your buck, it's easily Oceania. I'm particularly appalled at some of Regent's prices for 2007, particularly the fjords cruise you've booked.

Dooley,
This is what's great about the cruise industry...there's something for each of us. What appeals to one may be a turnoff to others. Life is always interesting! BTW, I'm booked on FJORDS. I'm not only looking forward to seeing a part of the world we've never seen before but so much to us is always about the people we're traveling with and we have a GREAT group going! How do you put a price tag on that??

dooley, how do you compare Oceania to Seabourn?

If possible do your own air with ANY cruise is my motto :D
Take the air credit and book your own. Leaving YOUR schedule to someone else is always not a good thing.
If you must use the "O" ship air you can always get a deviation on their flights. I believe now they charge a deviation fee of $75 per person, you pick YOUR flights and tell them ( through your TA)what you want/flights times dates and airline and they will book you on those flights if the flights are available. If the flights cost more than the "cruise air allowance" then they will tell you what the difference is and you can then decide to take that in which case you pay the diff and the deviation fee or decide not to and to go with whatever they offer ( you then don't get charged the deviation fee) or just take the credit and buy your own tickets.
So there are choices to this thing called airline marathon flights ;)

Claudia:

How right you are on airline flights! Often, we HAVE booked air through cruise lines IF the lines are of the type that really provide transfers in places strange to us, and/or provide "forced overnight" hotel accomodations. Sometimes, it doesn't cost any more that way, and sometimes it does.

But in any event, even if one books through the cruise line, it is very advisable that one have certain flights in mind, and request those from the cruise line.

We checked out the flight options for our Sept. 13 cruise on the Silver Cloud (Stockholm to London), and found that the best option for our arrival flight would be Oklahoma City to Newark -- and then a six hour layover in Newark before a flight to Stockholm. In our case, we have AMEX Platinum and the airline is Continental so we can use their first class lounge at Newark. This (for us) is better than a second connection here within the US. We wanted to book air through Silversea, because we checked prices and felt that the hotel they offered in Stockholm, plus the transfers in Stockholm and London were worth any additional cost. But, in our request to Silversea for booking air, our TA made it dependent on our getting certain flights -- including these. And, we got them.

Another example is that people who travel (like all of us) often know that some air carriers are unreliable. For this reason, we always avoid any air out of Oklahoma City involving the American Eagle to Dallas conecting to American there (or vice versa) because we know from experience that the American Eagle flights between Oklahoma City and Dallas are notorious for unreliability. On our last cruise on RSSC's PG, we requested instead that we be routed to LAX with United through Salt Lake City. And we got it.

On the times when we have decided (with full info on the options) to book through the cruise lines, we have always independently investigated routing and carrier options, and when options are there have requested our choice. So far, we've always received our choice. But cruise lines can't read our minds as to personal preferences or as to experienced lack of reliability of regional flights.

Bottom line, you've got to do your homework, whether you book air through the cruise lines or not.

Thanks,
Richard

Richard,

That is very true - I usually need to deviate if I am doing a pre- or post cruise stay, which is almost always. Fortunately, I live in a major hub city, but I always discuss a choice of flights with my TA (Brown and Keene) and I have never had any difficulty.

ChatKat and all:

If you live in a major hub city, you've got more than half of the problem of air to a cruise solved for you! Those of us out here in "fly over country" have a whole different set of problems, as Jim B. from Montana will attest. As a result of changes in the airline industry which happened in the 80s, we are now "second class citizens" as far as flying out of the country is concerned.

How does this relate to the original topic of this post about the benefits of Oceania? Ngaire's post elsewhere on this board relate the impossibilities of contacting a "real human being" when booking air through Oceania. How else could a TA convey the fact that a guest would prefer a six hour layover in Newark to having two flight changes before reaching the "intertnational hub" other than by talking to a "human being"? How could a TA convey the fact that a guest KNOWS from experience that certain flights are unreliable other than by talking to a "human being"?

Answer: the TA can't. And, with me, for Oceania that's too bad.

Thanks,
Richard

Richard,
It is possible to get the best air schedule with Oceania, it just takes much more work since it is back and forth with emails. However, if one prefers to use miles or purchase their own an air credit is available.

The Versace china is not used at Tapas. It is only used in the other three restaurants where they tables are already set and the waiters bring all the food. They use white china plates at the buffet.