Previous experience with this cruise line was extremely enjoyable. We were anxious to have repeat experience. This cruise line is a bit pricier than many other choices, however, this cruise was most disappointing. The food was mediocre at best. Entertainment was painfully absent. I realize it is a small ship and in unusual ports, but aside from scheduled tours (of which many were cancelled) next to nothing for entertainment while on-board.
Let me say, the staff was excellent (with few exceptions) and the land tour operators (Akorn Destination Management Company) were wonderful. Extremely efficient and accommodating.
We had an unusual experience. One of our party was admitted to the hospital in Cape Town, for a 4 day stay, due to unexpected illness. We were unable to sail with the ship. The Hospital, Doctor's, hotel, and Akorn assisted us beyond expectations. When discharged, Oceania team offered to arrange transportation home, allowing less than two hours to pack, travel to airport and board plane to home or travel forward and pick up the ship in a port which the ship had determined unsafe to stop. (weather or political reasons unknown). Oceania advised me we would have to travel to Maupoto, Mozambique a day before the ship was to arrive and make our own arrangements to stay overnight at a hotel. They also advised we had two hours to decide as it was Dec. 23 and they intended to close the office and go home for the holidays. In the meantime, Akorn was in communication with us and had advised us the ship was not going to Mozambique. It would stay an extra night in Richard Bay. After some discussion with Oceania, they advised us to work with Akorn, as they had JUST received word of the ship's altered destinations.
The cabin was quite small but the service of the staff for this cabin was excellent.
We met friends, had dinner at their home and returned to the ship
Again, met friends, had dinner at home with brief tour of harbor and surrounding area. Returned to the ship.