We loved the cruise though the ship did not complete its itinerary. NCL and Oceania did the right thing by diverting us to Dubai and canceling their Asian itineraries. Muscat was great!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very Quick; health monitored before boarding the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Specialty restaurants were excellent, both food and service. Hidden gem is the excellent variety of food and theme nights in the Terrace Cafe. The Main Dining Room is always excellent and a treat for breakfast but it takes a while to complete your meal
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
A change in our itinerary caused by corona virus precautions led to more days at sea. The Entertainment Staff came up with many onboard activities to pass the time. An officers versus passenger skill challenge, a country fair, etc. all were successful.
Speakers- OUTSTANDING. Oceania brought on board two speakers. One was a geologist who did over 12 excellent presentations on the world around us; global warming, The Tsunami of 2004, meteors, etc. The other speaker was Steven Friedman who is a published author of books on Broadway. He was unbelievable. Both speakers stepped up and did an additional talk after our itinerary was altered to head to Dubai and not Singapore.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainers brought on board were excellent! Best we ever had- Singers, magician/comedian, piano and violin virtuosos, etc. The Nautica band, string quartet and the ship's production team were very talented.
Children's Programs
We didn't bring children and Oceania does not develop programs for the under 21 age group.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The well trained and always polite staff are a major plus for Oceania. They work very hard but never complain and are there to help.
Housekeeping was excellent; our cabin was never cleaner.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The R ships are smaller versions of the Marina and Riviera. They lack some of the amenities but there is plenty to do. The ship was in excellent shape, and is expected to be renovated in May.
Corona virus concerns rose during the duration of our 30 day voyage, and Nautica was prepared with their cleaning policies, availability of hand sanitizers, bathroom etiquette, etc.
On a daily basis, the ship was always clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
I won't complain too much here. I knew what I was getting, a 216 sq. ft. cabin. The bathroom is very small, so know that before you travel on these R ships. I used the locker room, steam room and shaving area in the Aquamer in order to allow my wife to have the use of the bathroom and cabin to get ready. Housekeeping did an EXCELLENT job in our cabin.
Unfortunately this is a port Oceania may be by-passing on future cruises. Many safari options were offered here. We went to Kwantu. Oceania should skip Mossel and continue to go here.
The rating is not for the port. We did not spend time here-
Instead,
We did an overland to Thanda Private Game Preserve from here. Spend the extra $ and go there. Beautiful accomodations, food. Early morning (5:00 am) and late afternoon safaris with outstanding guides!!!
Different vibe here; military presence, contrasts between rich and poor. A more realistic view of true African life than the resorts you could visit if that is your choice.
Take a 4-5 hour overview tour of the city.
Beautiful island. Great tour and guide to the Cirque d' Salazie. We were here prior to outbreaks of violence toward passengers of another cruise that residents feared were carrying the corona virus.
The Seychelles are gorgeous. Take a Nature Walk to see the coco de mer. Be prepared to go swimming afterward which the tour does not tell you.. Wonderful stop.
Take a self guided tour of Male. You can easily do it on your own.
Different vibe here from the Seychelles. The devout Muslims of these islands seemed to be more serious and guarded toward visitors.
If you go to a resort for a day trip, only go on a very calm day. Resort we went to was no where near as nice as those in Cancun.
Hidden Gem of the Trip!! Go on a city tour that includes a visit to a Buddhist temple, a Hindu Shrine, museum, etc. Wonderful tour. Very friendly people.
River cruise- nice outing; don't expect to see wildlife though.
Go to the fort which includes shopping and chance to ride a tuck tuck. Or see the fisherman on stilts.
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