Oceania Cruises vs Princess Cruises

Why should we cruise with Oceania?

We asked Oceania why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

You can sail to the far corners of the globe on Oceania's small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because our dedication to service comes from the heart. Our ships radiate warmth and character among their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. With up to six open-seating, gourmet restaurants to choose from, dining is a central highlight of the Oceania read more Cruises experience and guests may dine when, where and with whom they wish.

What destinations are Oceania exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Oceania from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Oceania Cruises is best described as upper-premium cruising with a strong luxury edge - known for small-ship ambience, destination-rich itineraries and a cuisine-first onboard experience. Depending on which ship you select, they carry either arounf 680 to 1,200 guests, creating a calmer, more boutique feel than mainstream and many premium cruise lines. Oceania also bundles meaningful value through "Your World Included', with specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, and laundry included, reducing surprise onboard costs. From 2026, Oceania becomes an adults-only (18+) cruise line, reinforcing its tranquil, sophisticated style.

Who cruises with Oceania?

Semi-retired or retired world travellers who appreciate good food and wine, culture, enrichment and cuisine; Oceania also has a high number of repeat travellers.

What are Oceania known for?

Longer stays in port and more overnights, the Finest Cuisine at Sea, and an elegant-casual dress code with no ties required.

Are Oceania's fares all-inclusive?

Not all-inclusive but almost. Includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, selected laundry services, plus your choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Addtional premium alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and some specialised classes or seminars also cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

No, although you have the option with Ocenaia's Your World Inclusions to a choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit, based on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Oceania Cruises provides complimentary, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide as part of your standard cruise fare. Enhanced WiFi packages are available.

Does Oceania have a loyalty program?

Yes, past guests received additional benefits on future bookings.
They also have a loyalty program at various levels for additional benefits on board.

Is Oceania a family friendly cruise-line?

Oceania is an adult only cruise line.

Are any onboard activities included?

Guest lectures, seminars, destination-focused activities, evening entertainment, complimentary dining and group fitness classes.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars and Culinary Centre classes on select ships incur additional charges. Personal training, some specialised fitness programs, spa and salon services also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Oceania's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary, with a surcharge only for La Reserve and private dining in Privee.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

As part of Your World Inclusions, you can opt to have included the House Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine and champagne anywhere on the ship during lunch and dinner.

Do Oceania sell any beverage packages?

Yes. The Prestige Select Beverage Package offers unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beers, spirits and cocktails, available at any onboard venue as well as through room service during bar operating hours. If you've selected complimentary wine & beer through Your World Inclusions, you are eligible to upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for 50% off. Normally $79.95 per person, per day (subject to change).

Do Oceania offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Oceania's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Oceania's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Oceania offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundries are available.

Do Oceania offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge and if guests are in a Concierge Veranda room category or above, laundry is included.

Why should we cruise with Princess?

We asked Princess why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Princess from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.