Nautica Review
Great Itinerary, a few unnecessary ports, small ship needing overhall
Rating by category
Additional details
Chose this cruise for the chef inspired dining and was very disappointed in what was served. Pepin's dishes were probably 3-4 entrees out of hundreds so I could only eat a couple of them compared to the other dining room options. Other past Oceania cruisers had said that the food quality has gone downhill in the last few years and may not travel on the ship again. My cabin mate and I had stomach trouble off and on depending what we were served so we finally stuck to the simplest meats and soups to avoid stomach aches and gas. Ship needs a complete disinfection which will probably happen when it goes to dry dock.
Ports were very exotic from UAE to India to the Indian Ocean Islands and South Africa. Many people didn't like a few ports with nothing to see such as Fujairah UAE, Mangalore, Male Maldives, Mozambique. The rest of the ports were very enjoyable.
The ship is planned for a overhaul in 2020 I believe. The ship desperately needs it. Size of rooms and showers will always be a problem. Paint was peeling all over the ship, Espresso machines in the different areas didn't serve the best espresso except the Barrista area at the dining room. Pool tiles were always breaking off, jacuzzi without jets and jacuzzi in concierge area at front broken off and on.
Cabin Review
Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom
Small, unappealing. Beds very narrow (almost fell off a few times of twin bed). Doors slam including balcony door. TV situated funny in cabinet. Interior very outdated. Shower very unusable and tight. Not enough storage space in cabinet for 2 people. Floor carpets seem dirty to walk on. Noisy location above engine vibration but dining room below not noisy thankfully. Wear silicone ear plugs for vibration otherwise large balcony great for relaxing. No lounge chairs provided so disappointing. Announcements can't be heard while in the room.
Port Reviews
Richards Bay
Only because we did our own safari tour of the Hluhluwe and St. Lucia wetlands
Mangalore
Not worth the stop in India. Went to a bad mall
Mumbai (Bombay)
Was sufficient in a crowded city which was uncomfortable at times.
Mumbai (Bombay)
You can do this yourself rather than having a guide explain the complete history of Hinduism.
Muscat
Good tour guide and city and port were beautiful
Durban
Scary downtown but nice areas outside Durban. Decent beach
Cape Town
Police need to control all the scammers and criminals in the city even near the ship! Had trouble constantly. Sights world class though.
Abu Dhabi
Big Bus taken. Mosque a must!