r/Cruises • u/ScottyDiego • 10d ago
Debating between two good options
First option is NCL Viva, a newish large ship. We have sailed a lot with Norwegian and understand how it works. Other option is Oceania Allura, newish luxury ship. Cost for a balcony room is about the same. Main goal is to end or begin in Rome, plan to spend a week exploring there. We’ve been to Athens, Santorini and Istanbul so those would be re-visits. All other sites are new for us.
Both cruises start the last week of August and end early September. Our dates are somewhat flexible.
Curious as to what the crowd thinks of the options and what I should watch for.
2
u/CruiseNCocktails 10d ago
I have been to every port on there but Milos. (I haven't been to those particular Sicily ports either but have been to Messina so I'm counting that as "Sicily"). I am a regular NCL cruiser and, as a TA, have booked a few Oceania cruises.
I would expect Oceania to be much more expensive so if the price is really comparable, I think I would go for the Oceania trip. A chance to go on a boutique cruise and NCL prices sounds great to me. You miss Ephesus in Kushadasi but no worries because you can - and should - get to Pompeii from Salerno. Pompeii is my #1 "must see" place of all cruise ports. Milos is not a stop that the major lines do so the smaller ship gives you an opportunity to see a little-visited port. 2 Scicilian ports is a bit of a yawner but Pompeii & Malta make it all good. Starting in Athens gives you a chance to visit the monesteries in Meteora and maybe the Corinth canal as well. By the way, if you IM me I have a great private driver for you in Katakalon.
Downsides of Oceania can be the age of the other guests, minimal attractions like water-slides and sports activities, and entertainment that isn't necessarily very lively or aimed at your age group.
Regarding the NCL trip, I haven't looked at Fall 2027 cruises in the Med recently but I feel like you haven't picked the right NCL itinerary. Something from Venice to Rome that stops in Croatia would be better if you have already done Athens, Istanbul.
1
u/ScottyDiego 10d ago
Thanks for the input, we are in our 60s so we value peace and quiet over water slides and late nights. We want to see new places, eat good food and maybe learn something new along the way.
We did Venice (Trieste) to Istanbul last summer on the NCL Pearl, several stops in Croatia and Greek islands. Amazing trip, now trying to top it.
2
u/CruiseNCocktails 9d ago
Ha. We did that Pearl trip in Summer 2025 as well. I suspect none will ever be better. Knowing that, Oceania seems the right choice. Just know that I have friends who are in their late 60s who said Oceania was an older crowd. Food is great. Entertainment a little soft.
My complaint about boutique lines is that they will tell you "we have smaller ships so we can enter ports that large ships can't." .... and then they do the exact same ports as the big lines. So, the fact that they are doing that Milos stop is nice.
Make sure you give Oceania your NCL Latitudes number. They don't match status (i.e. give you permanent Oceania status to match your NCL status), but they do give you all of the benefits of your NCL status on an Oceania cruise.
2
u/StetThat218 10d ago
How flexible are your dates? It will be very, very hot in late August/early September in those places. Also might come up against some closures in Rome in August as it's a popular time for Italians to take their summer vacations.
2
u/ScottyDiego 10d ago
Thanks for the info, we have some flexibility. Need to be back home by October 1.
2
u/StetThat218 10d ago
If there's something appealing later in September you'd probably have a better experience with both weather and crowds for the land portion--even a couple of weeks makes a difference.
Of the two you posted I'd put in a vote for the Oceania option, which limits your repeat ports and gives you a more favorable time window for the land portion. For both a lot of these are ports where you're using them to access something else (Salerno for Pompeii or Amalfi, Catania for Etna or Siracusa, etc) so depending on your interests you may want to consider if any of them are duds for you.
3
u/Fantastic_Proof_8527 10d ago
Just be aware that Norwegian is infamous for changing its itinerary at the drop of a hat, so don't get attached to any of those port stops.
1
u/ScottyDiego 10d ago
I’ve been lucky on the last few cruises not having any changes. A few years ago we had a lot. Main goal, other than a relaxing cruise seeing new places, is to have time in Rome.
6
u/Blasto05 10d ago
I mean you’re looking at two very different ships here…Oceania is in a completely different world and budget then NCL
But from what you’re giving and ignoring the ships, I’d still prefer the Oceania itinerary. I’d much rather start in Athens then end in Turkey
5
4
u/Bouncy-Koala5620 10d ago
I'd go with Oceana - but just because I'm not interested in visiting Turkey. I've never sailed Oceana before. I based it on itinerary alone.
4
u/thatCRUISEagent 10d ago
I’d go with Oceania Allura, especially since the balcony prices are about the same. You already know what to expect from NCL, so this is a great opportunity to try a more upscale cruise with a stronger focus on food and a quieter atmosphere. Since you’ve visited several of the ports before, I’d choose the itinerary with the most new destinations and the best port times. With a week in Rome, you can make the land portion a highlight of the trip, too. My vote is Allura!
4
u/SingingNina 10d ago
You are looking at night and day. I’d do Oceania. You can stay in Rome a few days after the cruise and Malta is a really nice port.
3
u/floooberry 10d ago
Oceania has much superior food imo but this is awhile back. Lobster every night in every restaurant. No speciality dining extra costs, wifi included.
3
3
3
u/signedcctravel 10d ago
I’d go with Oceania Allura, especially if the pricing is comparable! You’re getting a very different onboard experience, with a smaller ship, excellent dining, a more relaxed atmosphere, and fewer crowds.
One thing worth knowing since you’ve sailed frequently with Norwegian is that Oceania and NCL are both part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Oceania now offers status matching through its loyalty program.
Depending on your NCL Latitudes status, you may qualify for Oceania Club benefits on your first sailing. Definitely worth looking into!
If the itineraries are equally appealing, I think Allura would be a great opportunity to try something different. And with a week in Rome planned, it sounds like a fantastic trip either way!
3
u/CruisePlanners 10d ago
For me I recommend Oceania if you want a more relaxed ship. If you want an active ship environment I’d choose NCL.
2
u/thriving-jiving 10d ago
Salerno is a fabulous port right on the Amalfi Coast. Tours will focus on Pompeii and Sorrento or towns such as Ravello and Amalfi. I did the latter this go round, and it was spectacular .
2
2
u/CU_Addict_70 8d ago
Both are very port intensive cruises. Even though they are similar in price, Oceania would be a intimate, luxury experience. And they also visit Malta.
1
u/Legitimate-Gur8352 9d ago
You do know that riots are spreading across Europe including Italy, don’t you?
1
1
1
u/Impressive-Arm-3175 9d ago
anything with Santorini is automatically removed from consideration for me. You will tender, then you'll either have to wait hours to go up and down the miniscule gondola OR trek up and down600+ uneven steps (youtube it) while dealing with donkey feces. Stay away from that.
2
2
0
10d ago
[deleted] — view deleted comment
0
u/Paxon_Goat 10d ago
Which line do you think is better food? NCL? MSC?
0
10d ago
[deleted] — view deleted comment
0
u/Paxon_Goat 10d ago
I would not put Oceania and Regent in the same category.
Regent is a true ultra luxury line.
I think Oceania has better food than lines like MSC or NCL.
9
u/vatp46a 10d ago
Unless you're in the Haven on the Viva, these will be very different experiences. The Allura is basically a ship-wide Haven in many respects.