The spa being no-access for cabins below a certain level is INSANE. Genuinely, what an awful idea.

cant belive they made a Hatsune Miku- style Whitney Houston show

A running theme I've noticed with these videos is that you should start ordering whatever Emmy does. It seems like you're always getting the short end of the stick with food selection lol.

I see Jake is experiencing the “ship within a ship” era of cruising where they just cordon off sections for people to pay more. Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity along with others are doing this

that bathroom was absolutely stunning for a cruise ship!

When I was on Ocania I was the youngest passenger at 42

Don't pull your punches, BST. A steak isn't cooked perfectly if it's also chewy and bland. Also, that's an OUTRAGEOUS price for what you received. I was cruise hunting over the weekend and found a 23-day transatlantic cruise from London to Boston for the same amount.

I've never even been near a ship before, yet I still can't stop watching your reviews of them. So nice of you to gift a trip to your mom! edit: having a casino on board at that price is absolutely wild lmao, really gotta get money from those older people I guess

Always a good day when a Bright Sun Travels video drops.

That Whitney Houston event is so embarrassing, I cannot see why they would EVER greenlight something like that. Puppeteering around a dead singer's likeness is just ghoulish. Clearly they have people hired as entertainers, so...why?? Couldn't they just have had their actual singers do covers of her songs if they really wanted a Whitney Houston concert? There's just no ethically sound justification for grafting on a real person's face to a dancer's body imo. This is exactly why hologram based performers like Hatsune Miku are characters. Hatsune Miku is literally just the name for the synthetic voice program -- she's basically like if the concept of guitars had an anime character figurehead. Keeping it character only means that they can't, y'know, die, and so it never crosses into that exploitive/uncanny threshold.

I'm actually baffled to hear there's NO food served at certain times. I just got back from my 5th Royal Caribbean cruise a few weeks ago and there is ALWAYS food somewhere. Especially pizza overnight, lol.

Love these brutally honest cruise videos.❤

Well done Jake... Putting the cruise experience aside, you can't put a price on helping your mom achieve one of her dreams 👏

I understand that if the cruise itinerary has many port days, and with the older folks, they are going to be light on entertainments and shows as the older folks sleep early and are exhausted from the port activities. A library and art space and even a casino is more of their taste. Some old folks love their slot’s machine.

I was fully expecting your segment about the internet transitioning to a VPN ad 😂

Can’t believe they named a bar after one of your abandoned Videos: Horizons

2:07 is it just me or am I the only person who thinks that staircase looks quite nice and at least not ugly

Watched this last night on Nebula with my gf, neither of us are interested in going on cruises but you do a great job presenting then and we hope you keep doing these videos!

I thought you were being a bit harsh with this review, then you revealed the price! 😮 I can see why you weren’t that impressed when they are charging 11k for 2 people!

that Blurred Lines shot was SOOO real- i audibly laughed 🤣

instead of deepfaked whitney houston they should just have straight up vocaloid concerts on board lmao

Now that I'm almost 40, the lectures are the most appealing part of the cruise

There are 3 brands under the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrella. Norwegian Cruise Line - the mainstream cruise line Oceania Cruises - the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas - the ultra luxury cruise line

Fantastic video! I too have just got off an Oceania cruise and drew a lot of the same conclusions. Which cruise line next?

i live near a cruise terminal (literally like two blocks away), but i've never been inside or on one! i love these videos as kind of a peek behind the curtain as to what it can be like to go on a cruise

This was fascinating and a very good insight into NCL's luxury line. Thank you so much for spending the money that I never could on this cruise! I've been on a few NCL cruises and to see that Oceania is almost identical in so many ways is crazy to me. For the amount of money you pay I was expecting it to be very different but the cabins, ship design (including the segmenting of guest areas by room type) and even the food doesn't seem that much different. Really the only differences seem to be the price, activities (aimed at older people) and some minor luxury perks.

Just got off the Vista sailing the mediterranean. my wife and I are in our early40s and we were certainly the youngest on board but we didn’t mind that. I think where you went wrong was getting one of those little rooms. we had an enormous suite which was not that much more money. We also had a 24 hour Butler on-call that would bring us food anytime of day.

As someone who works in the hospitality industry, VERO water machines are insanely expensive. Those glass bottles alone cost extra and usually aren't included with the machine. If each room had two of those glass bottles, that's hundreds of dollars just in bottles. Most companies end up leasing the water filtration machines, so they never own it. I have a feeling they got a discount with those promotional water bottles. The water is amazing, don't get me wrong. It's very interesting to see on a crewship.

I mean, as someone in their 50s, the fact that there were few young people on board would be a major selling point for me.

I have no interest in cruises whatsoever for a number of reasons but I love listening to your reviews of them.

Few months ago I had never been on a cruise in my nearly 30 years on earth, nor had I any interests in going on a cruise. Since finding this channel its been abdicating watching cruise reviews. I got so excited to see this video pop up

I did a double take on that Disney price….”presented without comment” is the correct way to frame that 22:47

I need this guy to go on more cruises i love these videos

I’ve sailed Norwegian twice and in many ways I liked the Carnival food better. Carnival had more many options and had food available for more hours, including a late night pizza place. I also had difficulty getting into or walking in to the Norwegian restaurants. Sounds like Oceania is very similar.

Have to say as a long time cruiser we prefer the smaller ships,it just gets exhausting getting lost all the time

Gifting mom a vacation to use as a tax write off :P

I’ve never seen your videos. I’ve never been on a cruise nor likely ever will. But I’ve spent the past 2 and a half hours of my Saturday night watching cruise ship reviews for some reason. I find your reviews to be very relaxing. You do a great job of explaining your experience and I especially like how you go into detail on the ship designs. Keep it up! 👍🏼

You should review non premium lines too. I’d love to see your take on the big 3: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian (the non premium brand). My family took an NCL 9 night cruise to Europe last year and paid less for 4 people than you paid for 2.

woof! I will NEVER go on this one! I definitely believe you were being "nice" with your scores. Thanks for another honest, informative review.

I love your travel reviews. They are so relaxing to watch

The limited food hours would be a HUGE deal-breaker for me!

Just an FYI- you and your wife/gfs full names are on your itiinerary- not sure if you wanted those online!

I would've just closed the crew door myself. Worst thing is they just open it again.

No midnight buffet would upset me. On various ships we sailed on, it could be a mix of leftovers redone, or as one night on RCCL, it was the biggest dessert buffet I had ever seen. I would have taken anything that would save back to my cabin for later in the night.

I just rewatched a bunch of videos on this channel. What a pleasant surprise.

i really like this video!! i like that you added more shots of yourself! i LOVED. the silly one of the bright ass outdoor screen😂 they just keep getting better snd better please go on more trips and spend more money.🙏🙏🙏

Fair & qualified review - Ty ! I just had this discussion w/ Princess. We would not go with ultra luxury anything , due to my perception. The extra cost not worth the experience in order lay out so much more cash. Premium does the trick just fine for us . 😀

Yikes Jake. That was harsh. A ship, and it's review differ, I know, between the many different "Cruise Ship Reviewers" out there. Of the many different reviews I have seen of Vista, yours was the most harsh. For sure, you are the youngest reviewer of this ship, that I have seen yet so far. Other folks I follow, Cruise reviewers, like you said, early in this video, raved about the ship and the food, but what was lacking, I think was your no nonsense approach, and your ability to cross reference other ships against Vista, in a rapid fire style. Using blanket statements like "The Finest Cuisine, or the Best Ship afloat or the Best Cruise for your pocket book," just open everyone up to some pretty harsh reviews, from cruisers who expect those statements to be proven correct. You know what you like and dislike. You see, on Vista, what is wasteful and odd. Most cruise lines today are using the "Ship within a Ship" concept. I agree that Explora Journeys is a cut above everyone else in this market. Viking for me was pricey, because I wanted a Northern Lights cruise. I should have gone with HX or Hurtigruten, or Havila. Your voice is important because these lines are trying to attract younger clientele and if they aren't hitting the mark, so to speak, those younger demographics need to know, right ?? Well Done.

The ship looks gorgeous but the cons are so strange. I would expect more for the price point! Would love to see you review one of the new princess ships - I was really impressed!

I found similar on Viking, lovely ships and great facilities but food overall was overhyped, the times for when food was open and available just didn’t match the way we eat again with 10am-12pm having basically no food meaning no late breakfasts.

My favorite line: "If it was a food- it would be unseasoned chicken". hahaha! I love it! I'm stealing that one. Great video, as always. :D

Best part of my day when this channel uploads!!!

Loved the "unseasoned chicken" comparison! Ps that Po Boy shrimp roll looked real Po-or!😅

My teenage daughter would love the artist gallery…. But that’s about it. I think you nailed this review 100%

Azamara has 4 of the Renaissance Cruises ships and they have been remodeled quite nicely.

Nicely done. I jump when I see you have uploaded a video. I have never taken a cruise but to visit Europe again would be nice. I don’t think your mind wanted to travel to Europe with you her whole life. LOL.

Our experience and opinion almost identical to yours, spot on!

I went on an Oceania pre pandemic and right before they renovated the ship. It was an old Princess ship and it was pretty awful. The bathrooms were horrendous. I have been looking at the Vista because of the solo cabins so I appreciate this review. I am currently on a Viking and idk now if I can go back. This is leaps and bounds beyond what I have otherwise experienced. I think it’s worth the extra $$.

been pumped for this! been fallowing the IG posts

Excellent video! On a random separate positive note - just finished sailing on Celebrity Reflection - the sister ship to Celebrity Solstice you reviewed. The line really stepped up its main dining room food as well as the entertainment since two years ago. I was throughly impressed.

Great review. Never been on a cruise and wonder what it would be like so this helps a lot.

Wonderful review Jake & I agree with your opinions. For my money, it's Viking Ocean all the way. Ship design & onboard atmosphere far surpass Oceania, IMHO. I can't understand Oceania not building a new ship with a fully encircling promenade deck & the lack of interior public rooms looking out to sea. The atrium lobby is a complete fail with a decidedly uninviting lack of seating. Again, Viking blows it out of the water(bad pun!) with their Living Room that feels like a combination of a real living room & small town square. The fact that although Oceania is an upper premium line, there's annoyingly too many revenue production offerings. Lack of free access to the spa & forward facing outer decks is another deal breaker. Also great for Viking is the growing number of younger cruisers discovering the joys of the line. Eight Viking Ocean cruises sailed, with two more booked.

Video ideas: - Bankrupt: Renaissance Cruises - Bankrupt: 99¢ Stores

My mom and I heard great things about Oceania so decided to give it a try. Was on a small ship, which we usually love on other lines. Great itinerary but the worst cabin we have ever been in. It was “valet” veranda. Ha never saw or heard from a valet. All we got was two free laundries. Cabin was tiny with the smallest bathroom we have ever seen. You could sit on the toilet, brush your teeth, and wash your feet in the shower all at the same time. Food was good but not fantastic. We won’t be sailing with them again.

My parents just went on this ship 2 months ago around the Carribean and the Eastern US for my mom's 60th. They're avid cruisers and wanted to try something new. According to them, this was the worst cruise they've been on in 20 years. This surprised me because they NEVER complain, until now of course. To them, if you aren't 75+ then don't sail this line.

A little hurt by the HAL comment haha (they’ve been my family’s go-to line for years), but I’d love to see your review on them (even if it’s harsh!) I’ve seen Oceania ads everywhereee recently (guess they’re targeting me, although I haven’t gone on a cruise for years at this point), so I was definitely interested in your opinion, thanks Jake!

I was confused by the limited dining hours on the ship, given my own (limited) cruise experience. I was on board a Norwegian cruise and food was available nearly 24x7. But then you mentioned that their seeming demographic skews older, and the dining times make sense. They line up with dining habits of an older crowd.

We have enjoyed three Oceania cruises (on Marina and Riviera). We were amongst the youngest on board and we are in our mid 50s. Would like to do more Oceania cruises but they have burnt us off with the price increases and the more inclusive pricing model. We don't want to be forced to pay for achingly slow coach excursions, and one of us doesn't drink so included alcohol is a waste as well. We are trying Celebrity Aqua class next at about 60% of the price of an Oceania balcony cabin. Loved your review.

I watch every single review of a Cruise ship of your channel, so I can be more conscious on the desicions for my future Cruise trip, but anyways been looking forward for this video from the previews on Instagram. And it was worth the wait.

Would love to see your take on a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship like Icon class or Oasis class. With cruise prices on the rise and value seeming to dwindle I’d love to watch your take on your score board

very detailed feedback and they have a lot to learn

Honestly I’m not a fun-n-sun person and overpriced shows/dining is lost on me, so I’d rather take a trip on a cargo ship. The food is solid. Things are mostly quiet. And you dock and interesting ports. No on board Internet usually but I’d bring a laptop, external drive, and a separate e-reader. If I’m being extra maybe some sketchbooks or a drawing tablet or iPad. The solitude would help my mind quite a bit.

I’ve only ever been on one cruise: Oceania Riviera. I am NOT a cruise person but LOVED it. The food was excellent! You definitely skipped the best of the specialty restaurants (Ginger). True, if you’re 40-50 years old you’ll be the youngest on board. If you do not value the actual ports and excursions, I guess maybe other “ships” are nicer but does anyone actually cruise so they can stay on the ship?

Thanks for another great video, Jake.

Yeah, I have experienced the annoyance of the studio app only working on a cruise ships upper level internet package a couple times.

Not to be nitpicking but, isn’t Celebrity considered to be a “luxury” cruise line? So, I’m not sure (at least personally) if I’d consider this your first luxury cruise on the channel

Imo, pay-walling KZfaq, streaming services and who knows what else is blocked is low-key absurd.

“The Owner’s Suite” isn’t a little on the nose, it’s a mallet calling me poor 😂

That room was beautiful. My in-laws are hard core Royal cruisers and they spend every evening in the casino. I hate cruising but the ship you were on looks way more enjoyable than a royal ship imo.

I’m not sure I see the value over premium lines like Holland Celebrity and Princess.

Sweet, love this channel!!!

Very accurate review!

16:39 Gotta love the rusted, post-apocalyptic metal style seat cushions!

that whitney concert looks awful

I actually see some similarities with the Prima class from Norwegian. Individualized stunning spaces like their observation lounge, but awkward placements or design choices like their main pool area having liitle deck space. Heck there was barely any place you could see rhe ocean comfortablly on the upper decks since half of the ship was taken by the go kart track and The Haven (which also left a ton of outter deck space inacessible to most).

I had a thought about the food. Obviously, and as you also pointed out, this cruise line's main clientele tend to be older, like 55+, and also rich. Older rich folks aren't exactly known to be fans of food with a lot of flavors, aka "too spicy". So I think the overall flavor palette tends to reflect their usual clients. It probably IS the best food at sea....according to those that think ketchup is too spicy.

Loved the inclusion of your Mom's reaction! Despite any faults, a vacation with family is always a treat. Loved the review as always!

Awesome review! If you're looking for a next-trip, check out the Norwegian Prima. It's got almost all the same positives to what you mentioned on this ship, and it's clear Norwegian leveraged a lot of the design work. Still, the food and activities are targeted at a much younger, more adventurous crowd... and we paid less than half the cost for you paid, and they threw in airfare and open bar for that too.

That steak at 6:54 is OTT. A good steak simply needs to be a fillet, done medium rare (at most) served with some salt. That is it. If its got anything else on it, they're either not confident in what they've done or they're conning you.

Oh, my excitement when I see there's a new Bright Sun cruise review video!!!

Always great to see your new stuff, Jake. Do you have a Bankrupt episode coming up soon? Between all of this and BSF you're a busy man! Stay awesome!

I did Oceania and I much prefer the dining on HAL that cost 8x LESS!

YOOO new Bright Sun Travels cruise video!!!

I have to ask, how were the excursion itineraries? I would hope that at the price point, that is where they offer their competitive value. On the cruises I've done, sometimes the ships don't give you a ton of time in port or many excursions from the concierge. It sounds like that may be something.

that AI whitney houston event gives me the ick...

Back in January we went on the Marilla Explorer 2 for $2,000 CDN per person including airfare from Toronto to Jamaica. It is an all-inclusive ship, although you can buy the premium drink package if wanted. We actually really enjoyed pretty much the whole trip, so you might want to check them out and they can be booked through Sunwing but won't update that until about September.

That Whitney Houston deep fake was just bad. A Whitney impersonator or just really any human musicians covering Whitney's songs in a respectful way would have been a much better choice

Feel free to do your first full review on a Royal Caribbean cruise on the Harmony or Icon! Would love your opinion!

Black Mirror did an episode about a holographic singer. Miley Cyrus was in it.

I am not surprised about the extra fee offerings. Norwegian as a whole,e is gaining a reputation for nickel and dime around every corner.