Oceania Cruise Line serves a rather unusual niche in the cruising industry. They are not a mass market line, nor are they a luxury line. Rather, they fill that place in between often referred to as premium.
The line was founded by cruise industry pioneers Frank Del Rio and Joe Watters, of Renaissance Cruises and Crystal Cruises, respectively, so the line had plenty of experience in these two men on how to deliver a premium, if not a luxury, cruise experience.
Oceania opted from its inception to focus on destination-intensive sailings, with the trappings of a luxury hotel being maintained onboard. Its three ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica very quickly became known in the industry as vessels where everything is top notch, from the service to the amenities to the food.
Each of Oceania’s vessels is of a unique style, with lots of teak furnishings and luxurious public rooms with fine finishes. The restaurants too are graceful and elegant. There are three speciality restaurants plus the traditional main dining room. While reservations are required for the speciality dining venues, no extra charges are assessed, unlike speciality dining on the mass market cruise lines.
The décor aboard Oceania is considered to be "traditional luxe" with the lots of polished dark mahoganies, muted fabrics and richly-coloured carpets. Because these ships are mid-sized vessels, carrying only about 700 passengers, it is easy to become familiar with their layout and to find yourself navigating your way around like a pro after only a few hours onboard.
Service is highly personalized, as well as enthusiastic and gracious, thanks to a highly trained and young European staff.
You won’t have to worry about packing the tuxedos and gowns for an Oceania sailing. The dress code is country club casual. When combined with the open seating in the traditional dining room, this creates a flexible, casual onboard ambience throughout the ship.
The food on Oceania vessels is a cut above average and all menus were crafted by master chef Jacques Pepin.
Oceania doesn’t specifically prohibit children on its ships, but there are no formal children’s programmes in place, which certainly discourages them since there will be little for them to do onboard, and thus their parents will be faced with the duty of keeping them entertained all day and all night.
There is a spa onboard each of these ships and they offer premium service at unusually reasonable prices. Unlike the mass market lines, the Thalassotherapy pool is complimentary, and the fitness centre offers Pilates and yoga along with the usual aerobics classes, at no additional charge.
Because these vessels are small, the casino is as well. While there are not too many gaming tables, slot machines abound. There are also eight bars and lounges onboard, so one can always find a place to relax and enjoy a favourite libation.
Passengers on Oceania’s ships tend to be older (age 50 and up). They are also generally well-travelled and most are from the United States, though not all.
The Regatta, Insignia and Nautica sail the waters of Eastern and Western Europe, as well as the British Isles and Northern Europe’s Baltic and Norwegian Fjords during the warm weather months. Oceania is also beginning to venture into South America, as well as the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Central America. They are also adding voyages that sail in the Far Eastern countries.
Oceania is a cruise line that appeals to the more seasoned traveller who is looking for something a step above the mass market cruise lines. They have successfully managed to give them that, by creating a luxury onboard experience while maintaining a mid-market price point. Oceania is undoubtedly one of the cruise industry’s best values at sea today.
Find out about all the ships in the Oceania Cruises fleet
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