Having really enjoyed the Voyager experience we searched but are unable to find another cruise on RCL, at the time and place that suits us.

We have found a Panama cruise on the Oceana Regatta.
We would appreciate any honest response from anyone who has enjoyed, (or otherwise) both lines.

David and Betty -

I recently cruised on Oceania's Regetta, and posted a review under "cruise reviews" and we are loyal RSSC cruiser's, but really enjoyed our experience on Oceania, in spite of having to "pay as you go" so to speak - so hopefully that will give you some recent insight. Also, Susan, at B&K is, I think the Oceania expert, and she may well be able to give you some insight.

D&B: Susan is the "O" expert from B&K...

Don't forget Jancruz. She loves Oceania and has the inside info on the line.

I know thousands of TA's book Oceania including my neighbor and good friend - but after booking 8 cruises with B&K and experiencing their above and beyond service I will only book with them - sent several friends to Susan for Oceania they were delighted with her knowledge and expertise - and, of course, I so appreciate this wonderful board provided to us by Ngaire -

Yes, Joanna

I too have very special friends and a client too who are TA's, but we are very appreciative of Ngaire and her brand of service.

Kathy: All the gals who work for B&K are outstanding - I cannot tell you the extra things they have done for us with securing visas etc and pointing out helpful options - an acquaintence In Ponte Vedra told me she could get better deal with someone else - I said "have at it" - she now is booking her 3rd trip with B&K -

Kathy and Joanna, could not agree more. With all due respect to Jancruz, this is a B&K board. If I was going to book Oceania, I would do it through B&K.

Wendy: I think we all agree - I know there are other TA's on LCT who are so lovely is that a good word?" and do not promote themselves?

Well said Joanna and Wendy!!! Ngaire will never get rich from our bookings, but we wouldn't consider anyone else. They booked our Silversea cruise as well. Perfection both times.

Have to agree as well. I have been incredibly impressed with B&K. We have another Agent, but I would only use her for items B&K doesn't sell. For anything B&K sells, I cannot imagine how anyone could even approach their level of service. To receive that service at a discounted price is incredible to me.

Kathy

Back to the question about comparisons..
I LOVE Oceania..I love everything about them.
They are the most beautiful ships at sea bar none.
The food and service are always wonderful. They have great itineraries. And prices are much nicer on pocketbook than R's have become.
Doesn't mean I don't like Radisson I mean Regent..
I do... I like that they serve wine with dinner, not a big deal but nicer than having to buy every night. The cabins on O are a bit smaller esp. bathroom and some cabin categories do not have little refrigerators in them ( stupid).

Thanks for those words of encouragement Claudia. We have been reading reviews on various boards and find the degree of praise almost unanimous. As we do not drink the "free" wine in the "R" is not an issue with us.
I think we can "do" 2 similar length cruises on "O" for the price of 1 on "R."

David and Betty, it sounds like Oceana is a good fit for you, since you don't drink, and the more restrictive smoking rules seem better for a non-smoker from Calabasas! Just interested to know, did you upgrade your cabin selection to get one similar in size to the Voyager standard suite? I remember that Claudia has stayed in the Owner's Suite, who couldn't love that?? My accommodations are important to me, and I would sorely miss not having somewhat the same square footage of the Regent ships

Unfortunately when we booked, no PH suites were available. The cruise is in Jan '07!! We are waitlisted for an upgrade if one becomes available.

We have had smaller cabins on other ships and as we still like each other a great deal we have never had a problem!!!!!

My problem is that every time I price Oceania I am hit with the "suite size gap" between lower cost rooms and the PH suites. The lesser rooms just aren't large enough for us on Oceania's longer cruises, and by the time we upgrade to a PH (which appears to be about the size of the base suites on the Mariner), we seem to be hit with a fare which is very "Regent-like" and lacks all the inclusions.

But itinerary and timing are major factors to most of us, and Oceania does have some good iteneraries.

Thanks,
Richard

Richard:

I was pleasantly surprised when I "shopped" the "O" cruise how competitive agents were. The "R" seems to hold the price much closer.