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Celebrity Cruises vs Oceania Cruises

Compare ships, pricing, destinations, onboard facilities and shore excursions between Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises   vs   Oceania Cruises

The Low Down

Celebrity Cruises Oceania Cruises
Where do they cruise?
What type of ships do they have? Large, Mega and Expedition Ships Small & Mid-Sized Ships
How many passengers are on board? Classic: 2,107 - 3046 / Expedition: 48 - 100 R-Class: 684 / O-Class: 1250
What type of cruise line are they? Premium Premium
What are they known for?
  • The first cruise line to have a ½ acre real lawn at sea
  • Dining curated by Michelin-starred Chefs
  • The largest and rarest wine collection at sea
  • The Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge & Celebrity Apex
  • Longer stays in port & more overnights
  • The Finest Cuisine at Sea
  • Elegant-Casual, no ties required
What is the average cost per day?
  • Interior: $235
  • Oceanview: $268
  • Balcony: $343
  • Suite: $979
  • Interior: $419
  • Oceanview: $474
  • Balcony : $621
  • Suite: $1,034
Are fares all inclusive? No No
Are gratuities included? Yes Yes
Are there any additional gratuities payable on board? Yes. 18% gratuity added for beverage purchases, mini bar items, spa and salon services Yes. 18% gratuity added to spa services, bar bills, & the bill for extra-charge eatery La Reserve
Can I get any reciprocal loyalty club benefits? Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs. No. Guests only accrue Oceania Club benefits
What is the onboard currency? USD USD
What language is spoken on board? English English
Who cruises with them?
  • Primarily couples & solos
  • Food and wine connoisseurs
  • Travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings
  • Semi-retired or retired
  • World travellers, appreciate good food and wine
What is the average passenger age? Primarily 40+ Primarily 50+
Are they good for families? Children are accepted from 6+ months (12+ months on select cruises) and there are dedicated programs and facilities available for children Children are accepted from 12+ months, however, Oceania does not provide for the care, entertainment or supervision of children on most cruises. Select journeys offer the Alaska Explorer Youth Program for 5 – 12 years
Are there children’s programs? Camp at Sea is Celebrity’s children’s program. There are activities for four different age groups supervised by experienced youth staff members. The program changes regularly keeping it fresh. Celebrity Equinox also offers STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) & art classes. Celebrity also offers a program for children on the autism spectrum. Services are not available on Expedition ships No, except on select Alaska sailings where the Alaska Explorer Youth Program is available
Is there childcare and/or babysitting? Yes. Group babysitting is available on the contemporary ships through the Celebrity Youth Program for ages 3-12 years including afternoon parties on port days and late night slumber parties in the evening. Children must be toilet trained. Private baby sitting at cost is available for suite level guests only. Services are not available on expedition ships No
What are the accommodation options? Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Suites. Studios available for solo travellers. Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Suites
Are there accessible staterooms? Yes Yes
Are shore excursions included?
  • Classic Cruises: No
  • Expedition Cruises: Yes
No. However, guests can select ‘Free Shore Excursions’ as their chosen benefit under Oceania’s OLife Choice Program (the number of ‘free excursions’ depends on length of sailing). A complimentary shuttle is also offered in select ports
What types of onboard activities are available for free? Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes. Art classes and technologies classes are available on select ships Guest lectures, seminars, and destination-focused activities
Are there any onboard activities that I need to pay for? Yes. Charges apply for a range of activities such as glass blowing and mixology classes Specialty onboard seminars, classes in the Culinary Centre (available on select ships) incur additional charges
Is there free evening entertainment? Yes Yes
Is there any paid evening entertainment? Yes. Occasionally special entertainment may incur additional charges No. All shows and entertainment are included in the cruise price
Are there complimentary dining options? Yes Yes
Are there specialty restaurants? Yes. Charges apply Yes. Complimentary. A surcharge applies only to La Reserve and private dining in Privee
Are there dining packages for purchase? Yes No
Are non-alcoholic beverages included? Yes. Juice, water, tea, and coffee are available at stations across the ship and select soft drinks at meals. Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas
Are alcoholic beverages included?
  • Classic Cruises: No
  • Expedition Cruises: Yes
No. However, guests can select a ‘Free House Select Beverage Package’ as their chosen benefit under Oceania’s OLife Choice Program
Can I purchase a beverage package? Yes. A range of drinks packages are available to purchase, and a Classic beverage package can be chosen as a perk in the Sail Your Way promotion Yes
Is there room service? Yes. Available 24/7. A late night fee applies Yes. Complimentary 24/7
Is there Wi-Fi on board? Yes. Charges apply unless it is selected as a perk in the Celebrity Sail Your Way promotion Yes. Free internet is included as part of the OLife Choice Program (one login per stateroom)
Can I purchase Wi-Fi packages? Yes Yes
Is there a Spa? Yes. Expedition ships offer smaller spa facilities Yes
Are spa and salon services available? Yes. Charges Apply Yes. Charges Apply
Is there a gym? Yes. Expedition ships will have smaller fitness rooms Yes
Are there group fitness classes? Yes. Included complimentary. Some specialised training programs may incur additional charges Yes. Included complimentary. Some specialised training programs may incur additional charges
Is there personal training available? Yes, on classic cruise ships. Charges apply Yes. Charges Apply
Is there a self-service laundry? No Yes. Complimentary
Is a laundry service available? Yes. Charges Apply Yes. Charges Apply
Is there a casino on board? Yes. Except on expedition ships Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises share the same Casinos At Sea rewards program

Please Note: There may be additional inclusions and privileges for select stateroom and suite guests or select loyalty member tiers. Activities and entertainment vary by ship, itinerary and departure and are a guide only.

Which ships will suit me best?

Oceania and Celebrity Cruises are both premium lines, however, there are some considerable differences in their on board experience. Oceania has an intimate six ship fleet consisting of small and mid-sized ships. Their four R Class vessels accommodate just shy of 700 passengers and their two O Class ships welcome up to 1,250 guests – you can see how the two ship styles compare here.

On board you can expect to find welcoming social spaces and comfortable accommodation that has been designed in the finest residential style. Although there are touches of luxury throughout, Oceania markets themselves as ‘Country Club Casual’ and you’ll find that the elegant setting doesn’t compromise the relaxed atmosphere.

Celebrity’s fleet is made up primarily of large ships, with classic vessels accommodating roughly 2,000 – 3,000 guests. Celebrity also has a couple of expedition ships designed specifically to island hop the Galapagos, however, we’ll stick to their classic cruises for the purposes of this comparison.

Celebrity’s classic ships have a contemporary design and sophisticated décor throughout, and despite their larger passenger count, maintain a generous staff to guest ratio (almost 1:2) that facilitates the personalised intuitive service that the line prides themselves on.

Life on Board

Being smaller vessels, the Oceania experience is more intimate so there is more opportunity to get to know your fellow cruisers and onboard staff. There is yet a higher staff to guest ratio than on Celebrity ships (almost two staff for every three guests), and they are on hand to make passengers feel right at home. There is also a considerable number of onboard facilities, and you can mingle in the bars and lounges, read a book in the library, try your luck at the casino, check out the pool and sports deck, shop the boutiques, or pamper yourself in the spa.

Celebrity’s larger ships afford them the space for a few more unique facilities, particularly on the Edge and Solstice classes. On Solstice Class ships guests can relax on half an acre of real lawn in an outdoor park-like setting, and the Magic Carpet on Edge Class ships transforms as it moves between decks (such as an open-air restaurant, bar, extension of the pool deck, as well as being the gateway for tendering). If you are looking for the ultimate relaxation, SEA Thermal Suite offers everything from a Hammam and a Salt Room to a Steam Room, a Float Room, and a Rainfall Water Therapy Room.

Bigger ships also come with larger scale entertainment, and you can expect a line up that incudes bespoke stage shows and concert style performances on Celebrity ships. The nightlife tends not to go as late with Oceania, and you’ll be offered more enrichment and destination focussed programming. The onboard activities and entertainment of each line is geared to suit the ship size and itinerary, and as both offer some late stays in ports and overnights in their collection, you may also enjoy some evenings shoreside depending on your journey.

If the extra amenities of a larger scale cruise appeal to you, but you are looking for an intimate experience, then keep your eye out for The Retreat on Celebrity ships. With exclusive access for suite guests only, here you’ll find a sundeck, lounge and restaurant for those cruising in suite class only.

Dining Experiences

Oceania and Celebrity guests share some similar interests, and as both lines put a strong focus on their culinary programs, you’ll find food and wine connoisseurs drawn to both brands.

Oceania’s trademark offering is their ‘Finest Cuisine At Sea’ and their culinary program, curated by renowned Chef Jacques Pépin, is highly regarded. All dining is complimentary on board Oceania ships, including specialty restaurants, however there is a surcharge payable for wine pairing dinners in La Reserve and private dining in Privee (offered on O Class ships only). You’ll find four – six complimentary dining options depending on the ship you are sailing on, and there is also full afternoon tea hosted every afternoon at 4pm on every ship, complete with pastry carts and a classical string quartet.

Celebrity also boasts an inspired dining experience on board their ships. Menus are designed by Michelin-starred chefs, overseen by Chef Cornelius Gallagher and Global Culinary Brand Ambassador Daniel Boulud, and accompanied by the largest and rarest wine collection at sea. You’ll generally find more options to choose from on Celebrity ships, but you’ll have to pay a surcharge or order à la carte at a cost when dining in the specialty restaurants. Along with the for-fee dining experiences there are a handful of complimentary venues, including the Main Dining room, a relaxed al fresco grill, or the Oceanview Café which is inspired by an international marketplace. For Aqua or Suite Class guests, there is an additional complimentary venue (Blu and Luminae respectively) with exclusive access.

Fellow Cruise Guests

While both Oceania and Celebrity cater well to foodies, you may notice some differences in the cruise cohort on board. There tends to be an older demographic on Oceania cruises compared to most Celebrity sailings. The demographic will vary depending on the cruise duration and destination, but Oceania guests are primarily 50+ while Celebrity’s average age is a little younger at 40+.

Neither line is family-centric, however, both offer options for guests sailing with children. Celebrity has the more comprehensive offering for families, with accommodation from interconnecting staterooms to multi-room family cabins. Celebrity also offers a range of age appropriate children’s programs and a dedicated space for family friendly activities on every classic ship. Programs change regularly to keep them fresh, and over 500 activities have been designed to engage children in areas of interest from arts to science and technology.

While Oceania accepts children on all cruises, there isn’t always programming for kids available. Oceania only offers the Alaska Explorer Youth Program for 5 – 12 years on select voyages. Therefore, you’re likely to find fewer children on board Oceania ships, particularly outside of these dedicated sailings. If you are cruising with a family, or a larger group, Oceania does have interconnecting stateroom options to suit.

When it comes to stateroom options, solo travellers will appreciate Celebrity’s studios. Available on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, these are designed and priced for single passengers. Solos won’t have to pay a single supplement when travelling on their own, making Celebrity a popular choice (albeit not as popular as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line which have even more studios available across their fleets).

Who provides the best value – Oceania or Celebrity Cruises?

When it comes to comparing Oceania and Celebrity Cruises in terms of the best value, there is no black and white answer. Prices vary by itinerary and destination, as well as by ship. As some offer more facilities than others, and stateroom sizes vary depending on vessel (even within the same line), there is a lot to consider.

There are some benefits that come as standard in the price and both lines also offer fares with bonus perks. On face value, average Celebrity fares tend to be cheaper than Oceania prices for the same stateroom category. However, when weighing up the best option for you it is important to consider the promotions available which may offer discounted prices or additional inclusions.

Oceania’s Standard Inclusions & OLife Choice Perks

All Oceania fares include complimentary dining (except La Reserve and Privee experiences), non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty teas and coffee, 24-hour room service, and access to a self-service laundry free of charge. Generally, alcohol purchases and shore excursions are at an additional cost.

Oceania’s OLife Choice promotion is a staple for the line and entitles guests to free internet as well as a choice of three added bonuses. When booking an OLife Choice promotional fare, guests can opt to add free shore excursions (number varies by cruise duration), a house beverage package, or bonus shipboard credit to their reservation for no extra charge.

Celebrity’s Standard Inclusions & Bonus Perks

Celebrity fares include some dining options (specialty restaurants excluded), non-alcoholic beverages such as juice, water, tea and coffee as well as select soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and complimentary room service except when a late night fee applies (11pm – 6am). Alcoholic beverages and on shore experiences incur additional costs.

Celebrity generally has tiered prices, from the ‘best fare’ option with standard inclusions to the ‘best value’ option which allows guests to upgrade the standard fare to include extra perks. The number of perks available depends on the current promotion, and can include unlimited Wi-Fi, a classic beverage package, and/or shipboard credit.

Who has the right itinerary for me?

Both Oceania and Celebrity have hundreds of itineraries to choose from around the globe. Oceania’s largest collection showcases Europe, from the Mediterranean to the Baltic, while Celebrity has its strongest offering spread between the Caribbean and the Med. There are more options to cruise from Australia to New Zealand with Celebrity, while Oceania offers longer worldwide voyages which Celebrity does not.

If you are limited on time, there are shorter cruises on offer with Celebrity from three days to one week – you’ll find most of these shorter sailings around the Caribbean and Bahamas. Oceania’s itineraries tend to be longer, and you’ll generally not find sailings that you can do in under a week.