African Sojourn

This was a destination specific cruise.

Lecturer Mike Boll was fabulous giving histories of the countries visited.

All nationalities were onboard which was a great mix. Entertainment was average & the so called "pool deck party" was a real disappointment - lacked food, poor music selection & no ambience or time given in setup.

NCL takeover of Oceania is evident...cost cutting....toiletries not replaced in concierge room & had to be requested, room not serviced appropriately upon embarkation & wine prices (+18% gratuity!) expensive, wait service thin. The Horizon room was empty usually by 9:30-10 pm!

Shore excursions were overpriced as usual. Food was above average, particularly in the specialty restaurants.

The whirlpool private area available to concierge & above staterooms lacked lounges & chairs for those wanting to visit, & were taken by the same people regularly, as were the lack, & hogging, of lounges on deck 5. Concierge rooms are not worth the extra money on the smaller Renaissance class ships.

The cruise director was corporate in presentation & too formal, & lacked the necessary social interaction for all levels of clientele.

The most appealing aspect of the cruise was that staff recognised returning passengers & were very friendly & obliging.