Oceania Delivers Quality

Nautica Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

pmurgio

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 69

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Gaelic Glory (Dublin Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 19, 2019

Ship: Nautica

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 6003

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

My critique is an honest evaluation. I am a professional novel writer as well as having 47,000 followers on Trip Advisor. Oceania is a well run cruise line that approaches five stars. It would do well to have more of a "Ritz Carlton" feeling with the staff, especially the front desk and concierge. "No" should not be in their vocabulary. Having been on many Oceania cruise as well as other lines, I felt that the this one was a bit of budget cutter when compared to the others. (Especially with entertainment and wait staff in public areas.) The Horizon lounge had especially poor service with a 15-20 minute wait for a drink which on more than several occasions came incorrectly. We have two additional cruises booked for 2019 fall and 2020 June. I would like to see more elegance among the passengers who a noticeable percentage seemed to be on vacation from Walmart. The casual dress policy has turned into a bit of a joke. The old adage" you act like you dress" has some validity. All in all a nice trip. We look forward to our next trips.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

On many luxurary ships when you walk aboard there are usually staff to help you to your room and take your hand caries. Having a Vista Suite should provide more personal welcoming service.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The food in the specialty dining rooms was excellent. The food and service in the Grand Dining room as only B. The buffets were very good and as buffets go, superior.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Ship lacked a beat. We have been on more than 6 Oceania cruises and dozens of other luxury cruises and this one lacked something. Maybe it was the itinerary which attracted older and less sophisticated passengers. The "Dress down" policy really makes the ship feel less special and luxurious.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Very average. A bit hooky and not sophisticated at all.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

At the specialty dining venues service was first class. The Grand dining room was nothing special. The butler was nice, but just a bit off. The room stewards were sweet and accommodating. All in all things were very nice, but not exceptional. The concierge service was not exceptional They out right refused to help us get private cars, taxis and find activities that were not part of the ship's "pay for" offerings. A true concierge is there to fulfill all your needs and this staff was not at all.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Nautica is real need of a sprucing up. Although things were very clean, the ship was like a grand ole Dame who needed a make over. I liked the décor, but it was a bit tired.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The room was very nice. The size was generous and really clean. The décor needed an updating. The major draw back. was that the bed room did not a door to separate it from the living room. A drapery was provided which did not provide a great deal of privacy. Nice touches were provided.