Customer Reviews

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the epitome of elegant but casual travel and offers an experience exactly like nothing else. Created for artisans of leisure and exploration, the sassy ships are renowned for their debonaire ambiance that encapsulates fine living, impeccable cuisine and intuitive service.

Written by Gary Buchanan

Imagine The Savoy at sea and you’re getting close. These qualities have been at the forefront of the company’s ethos since its inception 20 years ago. Their six ships are not too ostentatious, nor too hip; they are simply sublime. Distinguished as an ‘upper premium’ cruise line, Oceania offers a luxury-like experience at a mid-market price – one where every touchpoint is of the highest calibre. Not resting on their laurels, the company is looking to the future with two new Vista-Class ships, where once again, the bar will be raised.

The mould-breaking company that is Oceania Cruises rose from the ashes of Renaissance Cruises – a cruise line that expanded rapidly between 1998 and 2001, before falling victim to the demands of their bankers in the aftermath of 9/11. There were eight virtually identical vessels, each sported a classic ‘Titanic Moderne meets Ritz-Carlton’ style, and appealed to devotees of small-ship cruising. In 2002, the newly-formed company acquired three of these ships and named them Regatta, Insignia and Nautica; in 2016 a fourth ship was added to the fleet and named Sirena. In a groundbreaking move, Oceania Cruises commissioned the 1,250-passenger Marina and Riviera, which entered service in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

In 2018 the OceaniaNEXT brand enhancement programme initiative began which has seen a revamp of the appointments and amenities aboard the quartet of Regatta-Class ships. With a crew of 410 taking care of a maximum of 656 guests, the staff-to-guest ratio is extraordinary; ensuring levels of service that typically exist only aboard ultra-luxury ships with a higher price-tag. The former country-house embellished interiors now resemble an on-trend hotel with convivial lounges, chic bars, and intimate public spaces. In December, Riviera will undergo a stem-to-stern reinspiration; this will be followed in November 2023, when Marina undergoes a similar makeover. The 1,238-guest ships will glisten like never before following their all-encompassing rejuvenation.

Blazing a trail in cruise ship identity, design and culture, Marina and Riviera exude an ambiance that takes its inspiration from fine estate homes. To achieve this vision of sophisticated elegance, Oceania Cruises sought out the top companies in impeccable design.

Penthouse Suite

As a dramatic focal point of the reception area, the sweeping Grand Staircase features ornate double stairways with balustrades of crystal medallions. The focal point is a stunning Lalique Cactus table and vase. Crafted in stunning Murano glass, the chandelier that adorns the Grand Dining Room sets the tone of this exemplary room.

Undoubtedly among the most spacious at sea, the lavish custom-crafted suites and staterooms boast artistic grace and timeless allure. In the Owner’s Suites the designer has even incorporated appointments from the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Vista and Oceania suites are a study in opulence and have been conceptualized by celebrated New York designer Dakota Jackson. This proponent of fanciful, yet architectural design, is acclaimed for producing innovative furniture, conceived to please both eye and hand. His involvement in the design of the suites aboard Marina and Riviera complements his goal for every furniture piece to reflect unparalleled artistic and craftsmanship values.

This is the first time bespoke design has been incorporated into the orbit of passenger accommodation on board cruise ships. What has resulted is a continuum of palatial living; the embodiment of sophisticated dolce vita.

Another outstanding feature is the Prestige Tranquillity Beds, which feature in all accommodation grades across the fleet. Each mattress is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by memory foam. A two-inch thick ‘pillow top’ cushion, filled with gel and wrapped in Chamomile-infused fibre, completes this recipe for a perfect night’s sleep.

On board Oceania ships, indulgence isn’t reserved solely for guest accommodations – this is a cruise line very much on the radar of those seeking culinary excellence. When the company was founded, celebrated Master Chef Jacques Pépin was appointed Executive Culinary Director. One of America’s first ‘celebrity chefs’, Monsieur Pépin was instrumental in the company’s decision to enlist twice as many chefs in their galleys as other deluxe vessels carrying similar numbers of passengers, thus ensuring every meal is prepared á la minute. This mindset has prevailed, and the company’s culinary management team continues to be almost exclusively French. Oceania Cruises’ chefs have worked in the world’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants; little wonder it’s the only cruise line to have been inducted into the esteemed L’Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. As much as 25 per cent of the crew on each Oceania ship is employed in the preparation of cuisine; while 20 per cent of the ship’s staff is employed in the restaurants. Another esprit de style of Oceania Cruises’ dining experience is regional cuisine. This is much more than an homage to destinations visited by the ships. To ensure guests savour the authentic cuisine, the line works with distinguished chefs from around the world, including Christophe Muller, Executive Chef at the Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyon. It’s no surprise to anyone who has sampled the cuisine to learn that the company has the highest food cost per passenger in the cruise industry. It’s an integral part of Oceania Cruises’ DNA to only serve the finest ingredients. Iberico de Bellota pata negra ham; Rougie foie gras ‘selection prestige’; black truffles from Perigord; Brittany blue lobsters; Culatello ham; Dublin Bay prawns; Artequeso currado manchego cheese; and Fleur de sel Arbaquinia Spanish olives are just some of the gourmet items served to passengers who appreciate the ultimate in fine-dining at sea.

With its 17-ft high ceiling, colour scheme of cocoa, cream and gold, with splashes of apricot and cranberry, the Grand Dining Room is a study in stateliness, a tribute to elegant continental cuisine, and an icon among Oceania Cruises’ dining concepts. Expect a spectrum of global flavours and an all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. Guests are seated at tables boasting Versace charger plates and Riedel crystal glasses. Each evening in the Grand Dining Room, guests can choose from more than two dozen dishes. Every menu incorporates Oceania’s acclaimed Canyon Ranch Balanced Selections that follow a mantra for indulgent, yet healthy living.

Jacques Restaurant