Wonderful trip around the Mediterranean

Sirena Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean

mybagsarepacked

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

12 Night Quintessential Mediterranean (Venice To Monte Carlo)

Sail date: June 15, 2023

Ship: Sirena

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 8054

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

All-in-all, we enjoyed the cruise very much. We are considering going back to Crystal though, because Oceania is quite expensive, and though we don't mind paying it, we would expect flawless service and we did not receive it this cruise. I saw it everywhere so it wasn't just aimed at me. The other thing that is a huge fail in our opinion, is that the excursions nearly ALWAYS return to the ship after 2:00pm and with only one exception, in ten days every time we returned to the ship in the afternoon, there was no where to eat. I heard it from lots of people, and of course it was our experience as well. It was super frustrating to go out on a very physically demanding excursion (all of ours were) and return exhausted and ravenous and literally only have one option: room service. We never called room service on the afternoons because we knew the rest of the ship was too. There was WAVES, the poolside restaurant, but there is very limited seating, it is outdoors and hot, and a limited menu that many people (including me) were too keen on as there were really no healthy options. So that was super frustrating, so much so that it will impair our excitement for the next two cruises we have booked with oceania to book any optionals. We may have to make other arrangements because Oceania just can't seem to line up returns of the day tours with having viable options for dining. If the buffet would even stay open til 3 instead of closing at 2 it would have been a HUGE help.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

This went very smoothly. We were on the ship and having lunch very quickly.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The service was definitely off on this cruise. Oceania typically has impeccable service and incredible food. There were many times we were disappointed with the food, and even two times when we got up and left the MDR because over 25 minutes had passed since being seated and no one had bothered to come to our table, or get us even a glass of water. We are typically patient, but these times the dining room was half empty and there were numerous staff just walking around and many were just talking with the other staff. It was fairly inexcusable. I was also very disappointed in the Terrace Cafe section of desserts. As someone with a nut allergy, I understand many people love and can eat them, but nearly every day, there were large bowls of loose pecans present on many of the stations, like on the pancake/waffle section; the dessert area, and even in the salad area. The salad area did not bother me too much because I love Oceania's caeser salads and had one every time we ate upstairs. But still, I can't be the only nut allergy on board. It was very careless, since the utensils were used all up and down the bowls of additions like pecans, raisins, etc. I dont' dare take a risk that someone cross-contaminated. We really felt a dramatic difference in service from the Riviera, or even from the first time we were on Serena.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We did excursions every day, some quite early, so we didn't even dip our toes in the pools once. :-)

Entertainment

We were on excursions til nearly ALL ABOARD, and we were always too exhausted, plus the shows were late and we always had early morning starts so we never stay up late.

Children's Programs

We did not have any children with us.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Our Butler and our room attendant were stellar. Most of the rest of the ship only became aware of who we were after several boo-boos were made in the MDR and they knew I was not happy. The last 4 days of the cruise the MDR staff did try to make sure they did a better job for us, but it was still really marginal service compared to what we have had in the past, and for what we would expect from a luxury line like Oceania.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship is beautiful and everything is fairly spotless.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our suite was very comfortable, roomy, and well designed. It was always spotless, and we had a nearly perfect Butler. All-in-all, our favorite Butler of all we have had.

Ship tip

I think now that Crystal is back (we were long-devoted Crystal cruisers), Oceania should really consider going to an all -inclusive model like Crystal. It is very tempting to move to Crystal, who includes lots of extras, including alcohol. It is much more civilized to not have to give my room card when I want a beverage.

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