Oceania Cruises Offers Casual Luxury & Fine Dining on Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, Marina & Riviera.

Oceania is an adults-only line that appeals to experienced travelers who want affordable luxury on a small ship cruise vacation where they can enjoy fine service and "outrageously good cuisine". Oceania is not kid-friendly. Spa services are operated by Canyon Ranch. Popular Oceania cruises sell out well in advance, so book early.

Formed in 2003 by acquiring a few of the former Renaissance Cruises ships, Oceania took the industry by storm, carving out a niche as a boutique cruise line in a new "upper premium" category with a luxurious "country club casual" ambience, and well-designed itineraries with select overnight calls. (Azamara Cruises owns the other two former Renaissance Cruise vessels.)

Each Oceania cruise ship features desirable "Tranquility Beds" with duvets and down pillows. Lower staterooms categories are adequate but on the smaller size on the Regatta, Nautica and Insignia ships. For those desiring more elbow room, we recommend higher-category staterooms on these ships. These also have the highest demand. Guests booking suites enjoy butler service, in-suite dining if desired, priority dining reserations and concierge services.

While Oceania has created a solid niche offering smaller-sized 684-passenger ships, the line's new 1,260-passenger vessels offer significantly larger staterooms, from 280-square feet to two-story, 2,000-square-foot Owner's Suites. (A current Veranda Stateroom on Insignia is 215 square feet including veranda; on Marina, it is 312. Penthouse Suites on Insignia measure 322 square feet; on Marina, they're 429.

The Marina and Riviera are among the most exciting new ships, sporting high-grade residential furnishings, Ralph Lauren- and Dakota Jackson-designed suites, a Lalique-designed grand staircase, more spacious staterooms, a luxurious Canyon Ranch Spa, more dining options, and a high staff-to-guest ratio. (Read about Marina on our cruise blog.)

Oceania's calling card is its fine cuisine. Oceania's ships include open-seating dining in its restaurants, featuring cuisine by noted chef Jacques Pepin. Each evening, culinary experts demonstrate their talent at "The Perfect Table," artfully set with Versace china, Riedel crystal, and Christofle silver. Diners experience the finest cuisine, complementing vintages, deft service, and sophisticated ambience.

The menu includes Roasted Lamb Rack Provencale, Pheasant Breast Ballotine stuffed with Morel Mushrooms, and Pink-Roasted Duck Magret. Each meal includes alternative vegetarian dishes, Asian-influenced Woks of the Day, and authentic Italian pastas. Lighter, lower-calorie selections are available from the tempting Oceania SpaCuisine menu.

Oceania's Restaurants Onboard Marina
Guests can select to dine in the stunning Grand Dining Room or the club-like Polo Grill Steakhouse. Enjoy gourmet Italian fare in Toscana, where you can enjoy an olive oil tasting menu, or savor Asian fusion cuisine at Red Ginger. Savor gourmet burgers and more poolside at Waves, or enjoy breakfast and lunch, and Canyon Ranch Spa cuisine items, at the Terrace Cafe.

And there's more: at Jacques, you'll dine in a French bistro operated by Master Chef Jacques Pepin. There are also two specialty venues at additional charge. At La Reseve, by Wine Spectator, there's wine tasting and food pairings. Privee is a small private dining venue that seats up to ten for a custom dinner ($1000). 

Finally, most will not want to miss the Bon Appetit food and wine culinary enrichment center, with 24 work stations. Here you'll create and enjoy some delectable dishes under the guidance of a Bon Appetit chef.

Oceania cruise itineraries are port-intensive and designed to immerse passengers in the destination. TravelStore offers special deals on select sailings, and are ready to book your next Oceania cruise. Just call 1-888-779-7447 or contact one of our cruise experts. Or read more about Oceania Cruises.

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