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Oceania Cruises
Plan Your Oceania Cruises Vacation
This distinctive cruise line was founded by Frank Del Rio and Joe Watters, cruise-industry veterans with the know-how to satisfy the wants of inquisitive passengers. By offering itineraries to interesting ports of call and upscale touches—all for fares much lower than you would expect—they are succeeding quite nicely. Oceania Cruises set sail in 2003 to carve a unique, almost boutique niche in the cruise industry by obtaining midsize R-class ships that formerly made up the popular Renaissance Cruises fleet. The line is now owned by Prestige Cruise Holdings.
Intimate and cozy public spaces reflect the importance of socializing on Oceania ships. Indoor lounges feature numerous conversation areas, and even the pool deck is a social center. The Patio is a shaded slice of deck adjacent to the pool and hot tubs. Defined by billowing drapes and carpeting underfoot, it is furnished with plush sofas and chairs ideal for relaxation.
Thickly padded single and double loungers are arranged around the pool, but if more privacy appeals to you, private cabanas are available for rent. Each one has a double chaise longue with a view of the sea; overhead drapery can be drawn back for sunbathing, and the side panels can be left open or closed. Waiters are on standby to offer chilled towels or serve occupants with beverages or snacks. In addition, you can request a spa service in your cabana.
Varied, destination-rich itineraries are an important characteristic of Oceania Cruises, and most sailings are in the 10- to 12-night range.
Key Oceania Cruises Tips
Are you a first-time cruiser? View our helpful hints and tips on Your Shipmates, Dress Code, Junior Cruisers, and much more! See Tips
Top Reasons To Cruise
- Cuisine Oceania Cruises’ chefs are serious about food and serve noteworthy cuisine in all restaurants on board.
- Great Destinations Oceania itineraries are destination-oriented and offer overnights in many top ports.
- Midsize Ships Oceania’s deluxe ships are quite manageable in size: three have fewer than 850 passengers, the largest fewer than 1,300 passengers.
- No Smoking Oceania ships are almost entirely smoke-free, with small, designated areas set aside for smokers.
- Surprisingly Affordable Cruises on Oceania approach true luxury in style, but not when it comes to fares—they are quite affordable.
Is This Line Right For You?
Choose This Line If
- Socializing plays a more important role in your lifestyle than boogying the night away.
- You love to read. These ships have extensive libraries that are ideal for curling up with a good book.
- You have a bad back. You're sure to love the Tranquility Beds.
Don't Choose This Line If
- You like the action in a huge casino. Oceania casinos are small, and seats at a poker table can be difficult to get.
- You want to bring your children. Most passengers book with Oceania anticipating a kid-free atmosphere.
- Glitzy production shows are your thing. Oceania's show rooms are decidedly low-key.
What To Expect On Board
Food
Several top cruise-industry chefs were lured away from other cruise lines to ensure that the artistry of world-renowned master chef Jacques Pépin, who crafted five-star menus for Oceania, is properly carried out. The results are sure to please the most discriminating palate.
Oceania simply serves some of the best food at sea, particularly impressive for a cruise line that charges far less than luxury rates. The main restaurant offers trendy, French-Continental cuisine with an always-on-the-menu steak, seafood, or poultry choice and a vegetarian option.
Intimate specialty restaurants require reservations, but there's no additional charge for Toscana, the Italian restaurant, or Polo Grill, the steak house. On Marina and Riviera, passengers have those and more restaurants from which to choose—Jacques, the first restaurant to bear Jacques Pépin’s name, serves French cuisine; Red Ginger features contemporary interpretations of Asian classics; Privée hosts private, seven-course menu degustation dinners for a single party of up to 10; and La Reserve serves exclusive wine and food pairings.
A casual dinner option is alfresco dining at the Terrace Café (the daytime Lido deck buffet). Although service is from the buffet, outdoor seating on the aft deck is transformed into a charming Mediterranean courtyard with candleholders and starched linens.
The Terrace Café also serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style, and has a small pizzeria window that operates during the day. At an outdoor poolside grill you can order up burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches for lunch and then take a seat; waiters are at hand to serve you either at a nearby table or your lounge chair by the pool. Afternoon tea is a decadent spread of finger foods and includes a rolling dessert cart, which has to be seen to be believed.
Entertainment
Culinary demonstrations by guest presenters and Oceania's own executive chefs are extremely popular. Lectures on varied topics, computer courses, hands-on arts and crafts classes, and wine or champagne seminars round out the popular enrichment series on board. Before
arrival in ports of call, lectures are presented on the historical background, culture, and traditions of the destinations.
Evening entertainment leans toward light cabaret, solo artists, music for dancing, and conversation with fellow passengers; however, you'll find lively karaoke sessions on the schedule as well. The sophisticated, adult atmosphere on days at sea is enhanced by a combo performing jazz or easy-listening melodies poolside. Enrichment programs feature guest lecturers who are experts in such topics as wine appreciation, culinary arts, history, and world events.
Fitness and Recreation
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub spas and salons and well-equipped fitness centers are adequate for the number of passengers on board. In addition to individual body-toning machines and complimentary exercise classes, there's a walking-jogging track circling the top of the ship.
A personal trainer is available for individual instruction for an additional charge.
