Oceania Cruises Cuts Included Amenities…Again!

OK, I have never been a fan of Oceania Cruises and the way it promotes and prices cruises. And, of course, after my recent disastrous sailing Oceania Riviera in Japan – Discovering a Premium Experience: Reflections (What Does One Problematic Cruise Tell Me?), my feelings were – very unfortunately – only cemented.  But now Oceania has made a second, rather rapid, change to its product and, trust me, this isn’t “sour grapes” by me. Even The Points Guy agrees:  This cruise line now includes gratuities – but it’s not a deal – The Points Guy

Let me explain… and even if you don’t want me to, I will! Hahaha.  Back in the mid-2000’s Oceania had O’Life, which was a combination of onboard credits that you could use for shore excursions, beverage packages, etc. Oceania valued the wine and beer at a very optimistic “up to $1,400 per person” and the shore excursion credit at “up to $700 per person”.

The reality of my experience with “Simply More”: “I have purchased the Prestige Select Beverage Package, providing me an open bar experience, at a cost of $896 for my twelve-day cruise…Upgrades on the Wi-Fi are expensive! It costs $9.99 a day for WaveNet Prime (higher speeds and bandwidth). So, in the suite, for $896 + $120, I had the best beverage package and the best Wi-Fi, assuming it worked.  Gratuities were $23 a day for a suite, or $276 per person. Total cost $1,292. 

Under the new “Your World Included” plan, you get included gratuities (a long-time benefit of being a repeat guest), Wi-Fi (which has already been included with suites and repeat guests; and presumably is at the slower speeds…and it is sloooow), and basically a soft drink package and specialty dining (which will be limited). Oh, and no-charges self-service laundry (c’mon).  On a 10-day cruise Oceania values this is $1,800.  Really?

In other words, you will be paying more for less. And, of course, you have no options. So, if you are like many who don’t care about Wi-Fi or want to adjust your gratuities based upon the service you receive (and on my cruise, did it ever need a downward adjustment!), you are out of luck.  And, of course, watch out for the actual pricing of your cruise plus how it will affect your benefits if you have status with Oceania.

Now, on the other side of the coin, this seems to be a bit more of a blurring of the line (pun intended) with Oceania’s sister brand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and all beverages…which Regent Seven Seas identifies as being “free” (though we all know nothing is free).

Stay tuned for both the details and, of course, how it is going to affect the Oceania Club benefits.

It is for you to decide if this is “Your World Included” or if it is Oceania’s world, and you are welcome to it.

Personally, I think there are much better options, such as Explora Journeys, Windstar, and even Silversea, not only regarding price but also the quality of your suite, cuisine, service, and even Wi-Fi.

I don’t call this place “Making Waves” for no reason!