Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Expert Review of Oceania's Vista

oceania cruise review

We tried to transfer our deposit to another cruise next year - they refused - and took $1100. That's because there's never so much happening that attending a lecture or a game of shuffleboard would create a strain in a tight schedule. For many, that's a relief -- you can lie in the sun and sleep soundly at night knowing you only skipped golf putting.

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They’re also part of a new class of Allura ships, which feature more onboard amenities and features compared with the other six ships in the fleet. Some examples of this on the Vista include four new dining venues, concierge-level staterooms for solo travelers and larger standard staterooms with over 290 square feet of space. Cabins are spacious and nicely appointed -- a welcome change from the R-class's tight fits -- and the suites are gorgeous. Four specialty restaurants -- French, Italian, Asian and steak -- supplement the main restaurant nicely and provide welcome dining variety. A Culinary Center and Artist Loft are designed specifically for enrichment classes; the library is a sleeper hit with inviting leather chairs and quiet nooks adjacent to a coffee shop.

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Plentiful shore excursion choices meant choosing was challenging. In Kusadasi, Turkey, when most visitors toured Ephesus, I joined a small group for a cooking demonstration and sumptuous Turkish lunch prepared by local cooks at a mountain resort hideaway. How fascinating to learn how grapevines here thrive on dew alone, and that many island residents make wine with grapes grown in their backyards.

Vista itineraries and pricing

It's a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star. On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked. At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the "Taste of the World" sampler platter themed around a different country each day. The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.

Oceania consistently invests in its food and wine, most recently adding a full plant-based menu that spans all dining areas. After a morning of shopping and an afternoon of Corsican charcuterie, I returned to my cabin and posted up on my balcony to watch as we pulled away from Ajaccio. My concierge-level stateroom, at 270 square feet, had a sizable balcony, a queen-size bed, and a double shower.

More about Oceania Vista

The answer is Vista's new "healthy" dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill. Earning status can take a while unless your first cruise is lengthy. If you’re looking for elite status on a cruise line, Oceania isn't especially rewarding for people who cruise occasionally. Oceania hold thenselves out as Vegetarian specialists - they are not. They say they have a veg menu, but all they have is a regular menu we could pick items off.

More about Oceania Marina

Waiting for us inside the hotel, the oldest on Corsica, dating back to 1880, was an impressive charcuterie spread, served under vines weeping down from wood-paneled ceilings. Last week, I was one of 1,200 passengers on Oceania Cruises’ first new ship in 11 years. With the debut of Vista, the brand, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, rolled out its new Allura class of ship.

Expert Review of Oceania's Vista - CruiseCritic.co.uk

Expert Review of Oceania's Vista.

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:36:32 GMT [source]

Oceania Cruises sails to all seven continents and visits more than 600 ports in more than 100 countries. The line recently introduced a new base fare, which includes round-trip airfare and Wi-Fi. Overall, the essentials -- your room, the food, the surroundings, the crew -- are top-notch on Insignia, and a vacation with plenty of ports will distract from some of the gaps in programming. The ship has a lot of fans, and the contemporary, elegant look, outstanding dining and interesting itineraries will likely bring more into the fold. Vista's top-end suites are a sight to behold, including the three mammoth Owner's Suites that take up the entire width of the aft portions of Decks 8, 9 and 10 and span a whopping 2,400 square feet apiece.

Vista cruise ship review: What to expect on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship

All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques. The recently-introduced new base fare, “simply MORE,” also includes round-trip flights, airport transfers and a beverage package for all guests in the cabin. Oceania Club members earn credits on each cruise they take, with more points awarded for longer cruises.

What bothered me was that I had been completely unaware what the discrepancy was until I reread the excursion pamphlet while on the cruise. If there was genuinely no issue with their system, it raises concerns about their business ethics. They enticed customers with a discount, accepted full payment, and then demanded repayment for the discount before issuing tickets. It left the customer with no choice but to comply.Additionally, Oceania automatically charged my credit card for gratuities, even though they were supposed to be free as part of my booking. Fortunately, we noticed the charge and immediately contacted my travel agent while still on the cruise.

oceania cruise review

For example, in St. Kitts passengers may learn about hydroponic farming in rainforests, or in Athens, observe injured and ill sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation. I stayed in a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, which had more than enough elbow room for two guests, thanks to the seating area—there’s a small couch and a chair in front of the dresser and mirror—and balcony. Decorated with cool gray tones, marble and leather accents, and crisp white bedding, the rooms feel upscale but not ostentatious. We were particularly delighted by the large bathroom, especially the shower, and the seemingly endless storage space throughout the cabin; little things like the USB chargers on either side of the bed were appreciated as well.

From our corner table, my husband and I took in the glass-and-gold light fixtures and the geometric black aluminum dividers that created cozy seating nooks near the windows. We dug into tuna and salmon sashimi, pork-and-vermicelli spring rolls, and — of course — the famed duck-and-watermelon salad (which lived up to the hype), all paired with a Sonoma chardonnay. The showstopper, though, was the medium-rare bulgogi rib-eye plated on chic, blue-rimmed Tokyo Design Studio ceramic. We capped our night at Martinis — bet you can guess what that bar serves — where a pianist plays every night and the well of Elton John covers and The Botanist gin seemingly never runs dry. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear.

I had a frustrating experience with Oceania Cruise and their onshore excursions. I booked a family cruise with Oceania and took advantage of a 25% discount promotion for the excursions. However, in my Oceania account, all the excursions were reserved, and no outstanding amount was shown. Despite my travel agent's efforts to resolve the issue, Oceania insisted on the payment. When I returned from the holiday, I cross-checked my bank statement and realized that the amount Oceania had charged me back was actually the 25% discount. I promptly contacted my travel agent to communicate with Oceania.

While children are allowed onboard, there is no kids’ programming. The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. Oceania sailings include accommodations, shore excursions, port shuttles, activities, food and most beverages, specialty dining and entertainment. Not included in the fare are some beverage packages, gratuities, spa treatments, laundry and specialty excursions.

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