Best for:

Affluent, well-traveled adults who want a sophisticated, destination-rich, casual cruise experience, with superior food and service. Oceania commands a high degree of customer loyalty.

The ships of Oceania Cruises:

- Regatta (684 passengers)

- Nautica (684 passengers)

- Marina (1250 passengers)

- Riveria (1250 passengers)

- Insignia (684 passengers)

Atmosphere and experience onboard:

Oceania guests expect (and have) a destination-rich boutique hotel experience with superior food and service. The ships are luxurious (and traditional) in appearance, with rich dark wood, and fine art work and soft goods; the atmosphere throughout is country-club casual. Many cabins have balconies.

An outstanding Oceania feature is the Bon Appetit Culinary Center, the world's only culinary studio at sea, were master chefs provide instruction (guests must be 18 or older) on great regional cuisines and more; classes are $69 each.

Master chef Jacques Pepin is the Oceania's executive chef, which enhances the line's reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to the better-than-average main dining room experience, there are excellent alternate restaurants: four aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica and six aboard Marina and Riviera. The latter two ships have Jacques restaurants, named after the famous chef; they feature some of Pepin's classic French dishes, including foie gras and duck. The newer ships also have the Red Ginger (Asian) restaurant, the upscale Waves Grill and La Reserve wine-tasting menu.

As the line's motto is "Whatever you want, whenever you want," dining is open seating, though reservations are required at the alternative venues. Also in keeping with this motto, the dress code is country-club casual, with no formal nights.

Entertainment includes some standard cruise-type shows, social events and lectures by distinguished scholars and authors. As the itineraries are destination-intensive is not as varied or as important as it is on big ships.

All ships have small casinos, Canyon Ranch spas and fitness centers, which offer the usual aerobics classes, Pilates and yoga.

Though the base fares aren't exactly cheap, the do represent solid value for money; they do no include shore tours, liquor or pre-cruise hotel stays. The line occasionally offers such promotions as two-for-one fares.

Destinations served:

- Western Mediterranean

- Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean

- Northern Europe and Scandinavia

- South Pacific

- Australia and New Zealand

- Alaska

- Canada and New England

- Asia

- Africa

- South America

- Caribbean and the Panama Canal

- Transoceanic Voyages

- Grand Voyages

Clientele:

Well-traveled adults with an appreciation for solid value, excellent country-club-type service, fine dining and destination-rich cruises aboard small ships. As the line recently added a children's program (similar to Regent's) to its Alaska cruises, you may find families on those cruises.

Policies regarding children onboard:

Infants must be 1 year of age as of the first day of the cruise. Guests traveling with a young infant that does not meet the infant policy will be denied boarding. No refunds or other compensation shall be due from Oceania Cruises to anyone as a result of the denial of boarding to an underage infant or any accompanying guests.

Oceania Cruises does not provide for the care, entertainment or supervision of children – with one exception. The line recently added a children's program (similar to Regent's) on their Alaska itineraries.

AVAILABLE CRUISE CABINS