Not up to Oceania standards

Nautica Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean

UFAlum88

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

22 Night Domes Of Discovery (Jerusalem To Barcelona)

Sail date: September 04, 2022

Ship: Nautica

Cabin number: 7064

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

I have vacationed on Oceania multiple times and this was, by far, the worst experience I have had. We travelled from Haifa to Trieste in Sept of 2022. That said, it was still good, but for the money, I could have gotten a nicer ship, better service, BETTER FOOD, and a better experience for a lot less. One thing about Oceania is that their buffet is (was) better than most ships' specialty restaurants. Well, not on the Nautica. Not only was the food average but the selection was limited, and the food was poorly prepared. On my past Oceania cruises, this had been the highlight of the cruise. In this Polo Grill, the preparation of food left much to be desired. The oysters Rockefeller was half frozen when served. They ran out of jumbo shrimp a number of days before the cruise ended. The quality of the meat and other items also deteriorated before the end of the cruise as you could tell that the prime beef had also run out. Taking into account that Oceania prides itself on being a line for foodees, this was shocking. Another benefit of Oceania was the ratio of service people to passengers. On this trip, there were very few passengers and even with that, there was a shortage of crew. We had 4 cabins at around $11,000 a piece. For that money, we could have gotten suites on most ships. After this trip, I do not think I will be paying the premium for Oceania any longer.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

The passengers were told not to come to the port, but rather report to a hotel where they would be taken by bus to the port in Haifa. This was a confused process, the people at the hotel appeared bothered by the interlopers and the cruise passengers kept getting shuffled from place to place in the hotel because they had not coordinated with the hotel where the passengers could sit.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

One thing that made Oceania is their food. It was always excellent. Even the buffet is (was) better than most ships' specialty restaurants. Well, not on the Nautica. Not only was the food average, but the specialty restaurants ran out of some featured food before the end of the cruise.

Polo Grill

2 out of 5

On my past Oceania cruises, this has been the highlight of the cruise. In this Polo Grill, the preparation of food left much to be desired. The oysters Rockefeller was half frozen when served. They ran out of jumbo shrimp a number of days before the cruise ended. The quality of the meat also deteriorated before the end of the cruise as you could tell that the prime beef had also run out. Taking into account that Oceania prides itself on being a line for foodees, this was shocking.

Toscana

3 out of 5

One thing about Oceania is that their buffet is (was) better than most ships' specialty restaurants. Well, not on the Nautica. Not only was the food average but the selection was limited, and the food was poorly prepared. While better than most, still below their past standards.

Terrace Café

4 out of 5

Much better than the Polo Grille. The food was consistently good.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

The casino on all Oceania ships is poor. They are usually deserted by the end of the cruise because NO ONE wins.

Oceania @ Sea Internet Center

2 out of 5

Many time, we lost internet. Plus, the people who fix the connection are often off duty. It was not good.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

On this cruise, the shows were pretty poor. Only one was noteworthy.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

A benefit of Oceania was the ratio of service people to passengers. On this trip, there were very few passengers and even with that, there was a shortage of crew.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The ship is older and even though refurbished in 2022, the main areas still look dated.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The concierge level cabins were very nice.