After trying a number of different lines, some more than once, we decided to give Oceania a try as we were looking for something more than the Standard level which seems to have been eroded in recent years.
We did once try all inclusive but decided we didn’t consume enough alcohol to get value for money! Oceania includes everything but alcohol and excursions, but we were swept away by the standards of food and service on this smaller (700) ship.
The food was outstanding with a choice of 4 venues for dinner without any supplement.
The Polo Grill and Toscana specialty dining venues were simply fabulous.
The biggest difference of all was the “buffet style” dining in the TerraceCafe- while self service in that you carried your plate to the table (although staff would do it for you if you wished), it was a million miles from the self service venues on P&O ships, and even the awful Kings Court on QM2.
Diners were shown to a fully set table, served with drinks and teas/coffees, and then selected what they wished to eat but it was all plated by staff – no rummaging in the chill cabinets here – what a joy! The ship was beautifully fitted out, the staff excellent, the entertainment low key but very good – we are converts, despite my husband taking ill (NOT with Norovirus) for the last 3 days of the cruise.
It will be Oceania for us from now on.
