Not up to par

i don't know what happened.  We had heard such great things about Oceania and we were somewhat disapointed. The food and the service in the specialty restaurants was very good, especially Jacque's.  However, we referred to the dining room as the Mess Hall.  The service was very up and down (mostly down).  The food was inconsistent at best.  The first night some of us had dover sole and it came un-fileted.  I've never had that happen before!

The ship itself is lovely and the cabins were good.  We had penthouse 11027 which was a fabulous location.  Butler and cabin stewardess were just great.  Our butler was able to get us some last minute specialty reservations which helped since as I mentioned before we didn't liike the dining room.  

The pool staff walk around without making eye contact.  Never ask if you want anything, but gladly get it if you ask. Service got a little better as the trip went on, but never great.  Very comfortable sun beds. Great bartenders at the pool, I might add.

We bought the drink package, but found it annoying to constantly hand over our card.  We were told it was for inventory control.  Pain in the butt!

.  We were told Oceania doesn't encourage children and would provide no childrens activities no matter how many kids were onboard. No babysitters, either.  The rep was very rude about it. I get it, but this is Christmas and who leaves their kids at home?  Upon arrival we were told there was a kids orientation at 4:30.  We had a 5 & 8 yr. old with us.

Oceania had a fabulous kids club and our little ones were chomping at the bit before each session. Three sessions a day including 7:30- 10:00.  Sometiimes they were too tired to go to the evening session and in that case we had a babysitter.  I would have been livid had a paid for a nanny plus her cabin as we had considered doing after being told about the lack of child care.

We had 11 people/6 cabins.  We cancelled two previously booked cruises on Oceania consisting of a 35 day and an 18 day.  Just not up to our "Crystal" inspired standard.  No one bothered to contact us to ask why.  Sorry Oceania but we're going back to Crystal.  Expensive yes, but they "get it,"