oceania cruises daily program

Oceania Cruises: the complete guide

What can you expect from a cruise with Oceania Cruises ? One of the best culinary offerings on the sea, attentive service and a fleet full of elegance, of course. There is so much to discover on board the six units that make up the current Oceania Cruises fleet.

The latest arrival for Oceania Cruises, the Sirena , expanded the company’s fleet that already had five ships. Four of the ships, the R-Class units, were built between 1998 and 2000 (the Regatta , the Sirena , the Insignia and the Nautica ). The other two, the Marina and the Riviera , both in the O-Class, were added in 2010 and 2012 respectively. The brand, which is part of the NCL group, today offers cruises in all corners of the world, distinguishing itself for the variety and special attention given to the cuisine, the uniqueness of the itineraries and the perfect combination of elegance and informality on board.

The ambiance of the ships in the Oceania Cruises fleet is well-planned and elegant, however informality reigns supreme, with no gala evenings or particular guidelines to be followed. Some areas are particularly charming such as the Grand Dining Room and the main atrium of the Oceania class. The onboard currency is the US dollar and English is the official language. The concierge staff speak Italian, German, French and Spanish. For all guests on board the non-alcoholic drinks are included free of charge. There are two types of packages that can be used to create your preferred all-inclusive formula. There are fixed amounts for tipping staff and an 18% surcharge is applied for all drink consumption. The Oceania fleet features a satellite connection that allows you to make phone calls anywhere in the world (0.99$ per minute) and to search the internet with fairly good speed.

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For many departures the OLife package is available which includes unlimited internet connection and your choice of various extras including: some excursions, onboard credit, and an alcoholic beverage package. Surely you will want to seize this opportunity when available because it allows you to freely enjoy the services on board that are usually an extra cost.

The cabins in the Oceania Cruises fleet are divided into various categories. On all the ships there are both interior cabins and exterior cabins with a window, exterior cabins with a “verandah” balcony, and several Suite levels. The basic amenities include a bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, Bulgari detergents, mini-bar with free soft drinks, bathrobe and slippers, and free 24-hour room service. The Concierge level adds bath salts, free ironing of some items, a different in-cabin breakfast menu and access to the private Lounge. The Suites have butler service, access to the Executive Lounge and open booking in all the restaurants on board.

Oceania Riviera – Penthouse Suite – 1385055

Oceania Riviera – Penthouse Suite – 1385053

Oceania Riviera – Owners Suite – Foyer – 1385090

Oceania Riviera – Owners Suite – Bedroom – 1385086

Every day the Oceania Cruises guests will find in their cabin: a daily program, called “Currents”, which lists the onboard activities and the hours of service, their favorite newspaper and tourist information about the ports of call as they are visited.

There are many activities organized on board, not only during sailing but also when stopped in port. The culinary laboratory proposes a wide variety of cooking lessons, while the nearby artistic laboratory offers the opportunity to try your hand with drawing and colors. The theater offers all types of performances featuring professional artists. Of course there are also the traditional quiz games, bingo and outside activities from shuffleboard to ping pong. The miniature golf course offers the possibility to enjoy the sea air and sunshine. The gym, which has all the most modern equipment, opens onto the sea and offers free drinks and supplements.

There are daily lessons offered like spinning, Pilates and yoga. The Spa is also free and offers a Turkish bath and sauna, a meditation/relaxation room, and a large outside area with a Jacuzzi on the bow. The library is one of the most beautiful rooms with a stunning sea view, a large selection of every type of book and a spectacular interior in wood with leather armchairs making it both elegant and welcoming. The casino offers many slot machines and tables where you can play roulette, dice, blackjack and poker. The onboard boutiques are full of a wide selection of clothing, jewelry and souvenirs.

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Oceania Riviera – Barista’s – Seating – 1385157

Oceania Riviera – Barista’s – Bar – 1385163

Oceania Riviera Barista’s Bar

The highlight of this company is without a doubt the culinary aspect. During the entire cruise, from the morning to the late evening, a series of unique opportunities and restaurants allow the guests to taste foods inspired by different cuisines and visit the different areas of the ship. Waking up is easy when you are pampered with a breakfast that is served right in your cabin or on your balcony. If you prefer the buffet, or poolside, you can have breakfast until late with all kinds of sweet and savory delicacies. Total relaxation is served up in the restaurant, where even a simple croissant arrives on porcelain dishes with silver cutlery. For lunch you can choose the informality of the buffet or the beautiful terraces on the stern, or the comfort and curated service of the Grand Dining Room. Don’t miss out on the afternoon tea time, served to the sound of violins and with a huge selection of sweet and savory snacks.

For dinner there are so many possibility. There is always the main restaurant and the buffet to enjoy. In addition there are the four specialty restaurants that offer all types of menus. You need to make a reservation, but there is no additional charge for these restaurants. Every cabin, except a few categories of Suites that have no limit, is entitled to one dinner in each restaurant per cruise. Based on availability, which needs to be checked day by day, nothing is stopping you from returning to your favorite restaurant several times.

Il Toscana, the restaurant dedicated to Italian cuisine (with some Italian staff members) serves the most famous, traditional dishes. The menu includes both meat and fish, and a choice of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from throughout the peninsula. At the Polo Grill restaurant you can try grilled meat and fish, but also many other international dishes. The variety of meat dishes and the number of side dishes proposed is quite impressive. Don’t miss out on the Red Ginger, a restaurant inspired by Asian cuisine. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere and a menu with a large selection of dishes that are all worth trying. The dinner starts with a waiter presenting you with a choice of chopsticks as well as the type of tea you prefer while dining… and ends with a rich array of dessert to choose from. And lastly, there is the updated La Cuisine Bourgeois restaurant by the award-winning French chef Jacques Pépin, a valued partner of the company. Traditional French meat and fish dishes and a dizzying array of cheeses and mouth-watering desserts are offered.

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On the Oceania Cruises fleet you can choose to dine in a completely private dining room (Le Priveè) at a fixed cost for each person, with dishes off several of the other restaurants’ menus. Finally, for lovers of prestigious wines, La Reserve offers two paid menu formulas, with wine pairings curated by Wine Spectator. An interesting experience to be tried at least once during the cruise. The range of wines offered is wide and varied, with truly excellent vintages for pairing with the culinary proposals offered in all the different restaurants.

If we add to the classy style and services other top experiences including a varied and high-quality cuisine, the free shuttle service in all ports, long and frequent overnight stops and free non-alcoholic drinks, Oceania Cruises truly stands out as one of the companies that, although lesser known on the Italian scene, is deserving of far more attention. Trying out this new experience will certainly not leave you dissatisfied. Actually, the biggest “risk” is that you will take advantage of the excellent offers on board for the purchase of another cruise!

Don’t miss reading all the information, opinions, advice and Reviews of Oceania Cruises on Cruising Journal

Gabriele Bassi

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• Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises "Currents"

By WanderlustJourney , March 18, 2019 in Oceania Cruises

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WanderlustJourney

I'm looking into an Oceania Baltic Cruise this August, first time O cruiser. 

Does anyone have any somewhat recent Currents, preferably for the Nautica? 

I'm interested to see what the daily activities onboard are like.

Thanks so much!

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3 hours ago, WanderlustJourney said: I'm looking into an Oceania Baltic Cruise this August, first time O cruiser.    Does anyone have any somewhat recent Currents, preferably for the Nautica?  I'm interested to see what the daily activities onboard are like.   Thanks so much!   Ariane

Here's a recent "sea day" schedule from Sirena. Nautica would be pretty much the same.

Insignia's looks nearly the same.

Thank you! 🙂

On 3/17/2019 at 8:02 PM, WanderlustJourney said: I'm looking into an Oceania Baltic Cruise this August, first time O cruiser.    Does anyone have any somewhat recent Currents, preferably for the Nautica?  I'm interested to see what the daily activities onboard are like.   Thanks so much!   Ariane

We did this on Nautica in Aug/Sept 2016 and my organized wife still has all her copies of "Currents".

Each day is packed with activities from 8am to evening. Is there any particular type of activity you'd like to look for?

SisterHavana

I'd love to see some fairly recent copies of Currents from Marina, preferably from a Baltic cruise. (I'm doing one in July!) I haven't been able to find any online.

Just now, SisterHavana said: I'd love to see some fairly recent copies of Currents from Marina, preferably from a Baltic cruise. (I'm doing one in July!) I haven't been able to find any online.

Is  there anything you are specifically looking for ?

Most of  the daytime activities are the same on every cruise  the timing may vary

The evening shows  are usually 9:30pm

4 hours ago, SisterHavana said: I'd love to see some fairly recent copies of Currents from Marina, preferably from a Baltic cruise. (I'm doing one in July!) I haven't been able to find any online.

Here's a recent Sirena one. Fairly similar across the fleet.

I was mostly interested to see about the fitness/yoga schedules, but they are in an additional insert from what I understand. Saw one posted on the live Oceania ATW thread 🙂

15 hours ago, WanderlustJourney said: I was mostly interested to see about the fitness/yoga schedules, but they are in an additional insert from what I understand. Saw one posted on the live Oceania ATW thread 🙂

Yes, there is a Fitness Schedule in the insert to the daily "Currents". On Nautica in Aug 2016, there was Pathways to Yoga daily from day 2 - day 7 (at $11) but not in days 8-12. Lots of other walking, stretching, aerobics programs (all free) and some Indoor Cycling (also $11). 

8 minutes ago, CanEcosse said:   Yes, there is a Fitness Schedule in the insert to the daily "Currents". On Nautica in Aug 2016, there was Pathways to Yoga daily from day 2 - day 7 (at $11) but not in days 8-12. Lots of other walking, stretching, aerobics programs (all free) and some Indoor Cycling (also $11). 

UPDATE for 2019

all classes are now free

4 hours ago, LHT28 said: UPDATE for 2019 all classes are now free

On 3/27/2019 at 9:12 PM, WanderlustJourney said: I was mostly interested to see about the fitness/yoga schedules, but they are in an additional insert from what I understand. Saw one posted on the live Oceania ATW thread 🙂

All classes free, but very few if any on port days...usually 6 or 7 on sea days.

From our 20-days being on the Nautica in November and December 2018, below is a scanning for of the daily editions of the "Currents".  Does this help?   Need me to blow up and/or focus on something more specific?  Make it clearer and easier to read?  Happy to research or share more. 

THANKS!   Enjoy!   Terry in Ohio

For my latest live/blog, see “ the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc. ”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Here are four pages of the "CURRENTS" daily summary from our first full sailing day on the Oceania Nautica in November 2018.  You will notice on the front, they have the next day's expected weather, plus a highlight for the next evening's entertainment program.  Most days, the front focuses on the next port destination and its key history/highlights, etc.   On the third page is a "plug" for the next evening's entertainment offering.  On the fourth page is a summary on hours/opening for the next day, plus a highlight for the next day's drink special, plus a listing at the bottom of the page for the locations that day for each of the other five Oceania ships.:

• 2 weeks later...

curious  if  someone  can talk about  food at the  buffet--I  realize  that even though O is  owned  by NCL --I  trust the  fopod is better here  than on the  main NCL ships-

Choices  on NCL were  very repetitive, and for  example, if  you wanted  tuna fish or  chicken salad, they were  all pre  made  sandwiches, as opposed  to being able to help your self.

Are  trays available in buffet?

No trays. I don't recall sandwiches either!  Yes, salads, hot courses, many choices are available.  My only "recent" NCL cruise was in 2010 on GEM and I remember liking the buffet offerings on that cruise, but I've found Oceania's far superior.  Especially if you are on Marina/Riviera, just because the space is much larger.  I haven't found buffet offerings to be repetitive.

Once you have your plate you MAY get to your table on your own but the odds are that a server will come along to carry it for you.

You won't "help yourself" on Oceania, as a precaution against contamination.  But you let the server know what you wish and he/she will put it on the plate for you.

there  are  small sandwiches  in the Terrace  but it changes daily  so you may or may not have tuna daily

some things are repeated

salad, cheeses, cold meats, rolls, the grill seems to have the same offerings daily 

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Oceania Cruises: The Complete Guide

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Oceania Cruises is a high-end cruise line with a reputation for excellent dining and the ability to visit a wider variety of ports because its ships aren’t as large as the typical cruise liner.

Oceania Cruises, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, launched in 2002. It focuses on travelers who want more privacy and personalized service when they sail. Oceania sits between its two sibling lines — the higher-end Regent Seven Seas and family-friendly Norwegian — when it comes to ship size and prices.

Here’s what you need to know about Oceania.

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About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises sails to all seven continents and visits more than 600 ports in more than 100 countries. The line recently introduced a new base fare, which includes round-trip airfare and Wi-Fi.

Cabin types: The cruise line offers cabins at various prices, ranging from inside staterooms to oceanview rooms with furnished balconies. Suites are also available in a variety of sizes. Oceania ships have a concierge level, which gives passengers access to a private lounge and concierge assistance.

Main U.S. routes: Oceania covers the globe. Those who want to depart from the U.S. will find itineraries for Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico and New England, among others.  

Loyalty program: Oceania Club awards credits based on the length of the trip. The more credits you earn, the higher the elite status you’ll achieve. Benefits include perks like onboard credit, discounts on spa treatments and complimentary wine and prepaid gratuities. 

Oceania Cruises destinations

Oceania Cruises ships' smaller size gives them access to ports that larger ships can’t visit. The line also offers world cruises that circumnavigate the globe in 180 days, as well as a range of longer, regionally focused sailings.

Antarctica.

Canada and New England.

Middle East.

New Zealand.

South Pacific and Tahiti.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you’re going, you can find itineraries as short as seven days and longs as a whopping 200 days.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

Oceania cruise prices

Oceania sailings range in price depending on such factors as cabin type, ship, destination and length of trip. Keep in mind that Oceania is an upscale brand that prides itself on gourmet cuisine and onboard service — and its rates tend to reflect that.

For those looking for a weeklong cruise in the Caribbean, a trip departing from Miami and stopping in Mexico, Belize and Honduras starts at $1,399 per person. If you’re interested in Europe, a 10-day trip from Rome to Barcelona starts at $2,470 per person. Both rates are based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom.

Those who want to make like Magellan can book the 180-day around-the-world cruise starting at $48,499. A shorter, but still luxurious, 72-day itinerary in Asia starts at $19,599. Suites will increase the cost of the cruise but add more space for you to relax in your cabin.

The cruise line has announced a new base fare package called “simply MORE,” which comes with a host of inclusions. These include round-trip flights, airport transfers, shore excursions and a beverage package for all guests in the cabin.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

What is the best Oceania ship?

Oceania has eight ships in a range of sizes; the smallest accommodates just under 700 passengers, while the largest can hold up to 1,250. The cruise line has a low staff-to-passenger ratio, between 1.5 and 1.7 staff per passenger, which allows for more personalized service. Many of its ships have capacity for 684 passengers, which means they can feel less crowded than larger ships.

The best Oceania cruise ship is its newest one — Vista. Every room has a veranda, plus space for storage, rain showers in the bathrooms and upscale furnishings.

What is the newest Oceania ship?

The newest Oceania ships are the Vista, which set sail in 2023, and the Allura, which is scheduled to sail in 2025. Both of these are on the larger end of its fleet, with a capacity for 1,210 passengers.

They’re also part of a new class of Allura ships, which feature more onboard amenities and features compared with the other six ships in the fleet. Some examples of this on the Vista include four new dining venues, concierge-level staterooms for solo travelers and larger standard staterooms with over 290 square feet of space.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

What’s included on Oceania cruises?

Accommodations in the category you select.

All meals and snacks at buffet restaurants, dining rooms and specialty restaurants. 

Water, juice, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas.

Champagne, wine and beer during lunch and dinner.

Wi-Fi access for two devices.

Fitness center with guided classes.

Shows and entertainment.

Pool access.

Onboard activities.

Round-trip airfare and airport transfers.

Shore excursions.

In-port shuttles.

Cooking school sessions with chef instruction.

Government fees and port taxes.

The mostly all-inclusive nature of Oceania sailings makes the pricing and experience simpler, since you won't need to pull out your credit card for every soda or latte. That said, there are still some things you’ll need to pay extra for, such as spa services, gratuities and certain beverage packages.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Oceania Cruises loyalty program: Oceania Club

Oceania Club members earn credits on each cruise they take, with more points awarded for longer cruises. For example, a cruise that lasts up to 24 days earns one credit, cruises for 25-34 days receive two credits, and trips longer than 158 days get 15 credits.

Earning status can take a while unless your first cruise is lengthy. If you’re looking for elite status on a cruise line, Oceania isn't especially rewarding for people who cruise occasionally.

Oceania Club elite status tiers

The Oceania Club loyalty program has seven levels:

President’s Circle. 

With your first cruise, you automatically become a Blue member after signing up. The more nights you spend on Oceania ships, the higher your status tier and benefits. Here’s how to reach each tier along with some of the best benefits at each level.

To earn: Accrue at least five credits.

Best benefits: $100 shipboard credit, members-only offers and discount on Wi-Fi packages.

To earn: Accrue at least 10 credits.

Best benefits: $250 shipboard credit, complimentary prepaid gratuities and VIP shore excursion check-in.

To earn: Accrue at least 15 credits.

Best benefits: $400 shipboard credit, $300 spa treatment credit and two custom air fee waivers (worth $398).

To earn: Accrue at least 20 credits.

Best benefits: $500 shipboard credit, a free cruise, priority terminal check-in and an invitation to dine with the ship's officers.

To earn: Accrue at least 40 credits.

Best benefits: $750 shipboard credit, $400 spa treatment credit and complimentary wine tasting.

President’s Circle

To earn: Accrue at least 60 credits.

Best benefits: $1,000 shipboard credit, complimentary prestige beverage package and free laundry service.

How to earn Oceania Club credits

Travelers earn credits based on the length of a sailing. Even a three-week cruise earns just one credit, which means it can take some time to reach the first elite tier — Bronze, which requires five credits. Even though they’re part of the same holding company, you won’t earn Oceania credits when sailing with Norwegian or Regent Seven Seas.

How to redeem points

There are no points to redeem with Oceania Club. The primary purpose of the program is earning credits to reach different elite status tiers. At each level, there are various benefits you receive when on a cruise.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

What is Oceania Cruises known for?

Oceania is best for travelers who want to go beyond the most commonly visited ports and foodies who prioritize onboard dining. Its smaller ships usually make for a more customized and personal experience. While Oceania has launched a new Allura Class of ships that nearly doubles its average passenger count, the staff-to-passenger ratio is still excellent.

Yes. There’s no need to worry about paying an additional fee to stay connected aboard an Oceania cruise ship, as it’s included in the cruise fare. Each cabin receives two free Wi-Fi logins.

Yes, for the most part. Oceania sailings include accommodations, shore excursions, port shuttles, activities, food and most beverages, specialty dining and entertainment. Not included in the fare are some beverage packages, gratuities, spa treatments, laundry and specialty excursions.

The recently-introduced new base fare, “simply MORE,” also includes round-trip flights, airport transfers and a beverage package for all guests in the cabin.

House Select (included for all passengers)

Premium wine, champagne and beer with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices.

Prestige Select ($30 per guest, per day)

All House Select drinks.

Unlimited premium wine, champagne, beer and spirits anywhere and whenever you like.

How to maximize your rewards

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Oceania Cruises: FREE Air, Drinks, WiFi, Excurs...

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Oceania Cruises Onboard Activities

You’ll be just as busy on your days at sea as you are in port with Oceania Cruises’ lineup of interesting and engaging onboard activities. Learn more about each below:

• Shopping Try on a diamond necklace or a pair of sunglasses at the ship’s boutiques. You can also get toiletries and necessities.  

• Pools and Jacuzzis Take a dip or just lounge in the comfortable chairs that surround the pool. You’ll be given great service by Oceania Cruises’ staff, always on hand to deliver a drink or cold towel when you need it.  

• Afternoon Tea At 4 p.m. each day, participate in the tea service complete with finger sandwiches, scones and other little snacks.  

• Bon Appetit Culinary Center Learn to make a variety of dishes at this state-of-the-art cooking classroom.  

• Artist Loft Let your creative juices flow at this space on the ship where you can learn to paint, sketch or even work with clay.  

• Library Find a book that inspires you and your travels at your ship’s stately library.  

• Barista’s Near the library you’ll find the perfect little coffee shop that is a great place to sit and finish your latest read.  

• Card Room Make a few new friends as you spend a morning, afternoon or even a night playing classic card games in Oceania Cruises’ Card Room.  

• Oceania@Sea Oceania Cruises’ deluxe ships feature a fully staffed computer lounge which is perfect for keeping in touch with your family and friends back home.  

• Cabanas Enjoy a private cabana where you’ll lounge on a Balinese day bed and be served treats like ice cream in the afternoon and fruit in the morning. You’ll also get a complimentary 10-minute chair massage.  

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Oceania Cruises

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises |

Find a Cruise on Oceania Cruises

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Cruising with Oceania

Oceania Cruises' seven ships – Marina , Riviera , Regatta , Nautica , Insignia , Sirena and the brand new Vista (which debuted in May 2023) – stand apart from other midsize cruise ships thanks to their low 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratios, gourmet cuisines and comprehensive itineraries. An eighth ship, the Allura, will debut in 2025. Oceania sails around the world, with 2024 trips spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, Antarctica and the South Pacific, among other regions. Oceania's shore experiences are just as varied as its sailings: passengers can sign up for activities ranging from swimming in the Dead Sea to snorkeling with sharks and stingrays in French Polynesia to wildlife spotting in the Arctic Circle. Should you wish to extend your time on shore, you can sign up for a pre-or post-cruise land tour with Oceania, which includes most lodging, dining and transportation costs.

On board, you'll find plenty of ways to fill your time at sea. In addition to wine and martini tastings and educational presentations, a library with more than 2,000 books is available to all passengers. Cooking demonstrations and art classes take place aboard larger ships like Marina and Riviera, which can carry up to 1,250 guests. During your voyage – which, for 2024 cruises, can last anywhere from seven to 196 days – you can also take advantage of the casino and the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. And if you're a foodie, be sure to sample the offerings available across the fleet's numerous open-seating dining venues – including the Grand Dining Room, which serves a gourmet global menu that changes daily. If sailing on the new Vista, two new options have been added – specialty restaurant Ember for classic American fare with an elegant twist and Aquamar Kitchen emphasizing dishes with an eye on wellness cuisine without sacrificing taste.

Pros & Cons

Ships make voyages to off-the-beaten-path destinations

Wide selection of both regular and specialty dining venues

Can earn benefits, such as shipboard credits, through the Oceania Club loyalty program

Not all onboard services are included in the cruise fare

No programming, facilities or supervision for children

Fewer daily activities than larger luxury ships from other lines

• Expert Rating » 4.1
• Traveler Rating » 4.2
• Health Rating » 4.8

Oceania Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines
• # 4 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• # 7 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples

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Oceania Cruises Ships

Before You Book

• Note: To see Oceania's updated deposit, cancellation and rebooking policies visit its website .
• The price of your cruise includes lodging, meals at specialty dining venues, soft drinks, bottled water and most onboard entertainment, including internet access.
• Shore excursions, baggage handling, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, gratuities, spa services and other onboard services (such as laundry and medical services) are not covered in the cost of your cruise. However, the new “simply MORE” program includes roundtrip airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, and Champagne, wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
• Those who require medical care during their voyage or have an existing medical condition must notify Oceania in writing at the time of booking to ensure the cruise line can accommodate their needs.
• A 20% deposit per person is required for those booking Owner's, Vista or Oceania Suite category rooms, and a $500 deposit per person is required for all other cabin categories. (Deposits for Grand Voyages are $1,500 per person.) Full payment is due 150 days prior to departure on all cruises unless otherwise noted.
• Cruise cancellation fees depend on how far in advance the cruise is canceled and whether you purchase the cruise line's Travel Protection Program. For more information regarding cancellation and refund policies, consult Oceania's  website .
• Infants must be at least 12 months old to sail with Oceania.

Before You Board

• You must acquire all necessary travel documents (such as any applicable visas) for your selected itinerary. This includes a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after the cruise ends, as well as any essential inoculation records. You may be denied boarding if you do not possess the necessary documentation. 
• Depending on your itinerary, you may need to get vaccinated before setting sail. Prior to departure, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , which features a list of routine and additional vaccines you may need for certain international destinations. 
• You must be on board the ship at least two hours prior to departure. Priority boarding is available for guests staying in Concierge (or higher) cabin categories.
• Suitcases exceeding 70 pounds are prohibited.
• The number of specialty dining reservations you can make depends on your ship, stateroom selection and trip duration. 
• Shore excursions can be booked up to 365 days prior to embarkation.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The Finest Cuisine at Sea®

Gourmet dining experiences.

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Culinary Discovery Tours™

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Better Than Ever

From dozens of new flavorful dishes at The Grand Dining Room and Toscana to the addition of internationally inspired poke bowls at Waves Grill and a vastly expanded Sunday Brunch, this latest collection of Oceania NEXT enhancements elevates and evolves our culinary program, making certain your experience will be better than ever. The new dishes reflect our chefs’ favorite experiences, from dishes they serve at Sunday family dinners to top emerging cuisines from around the globe that have inspired them. The sweeping new stable of recipes and enhancements showcases the creativity of our chefs and the innovative ways they channel their passion into exciting and unique culinary experiences.

Oceania NEXT Dining Experience Highlights

• More than two dozen inventive new appetizers and main courses in The Grand Dining Room in addition to an even more elaborate and diverse Sunday Brunch
• Reimagined Toscana menu with 21 new dishes that couple modern techniques with the traditional heritage of Italian cuisine
• Greater choice and diversity with regional specialties, locally sourced fish, sausages and marinated meats at Terrace Café and made-to-order poke bowls at Waves Grill
• Expanded selection of evening canapés, echoing the gourmet inspiration of the new Grand Dining Room dishes
• Elevated level of service across all restaurants with increased staffing and the integration of an electronic ordering system

Culinary Masterpieces

It’s the finest at sea because we select only the best ingredients and the most talented chefs from around the globe. From Castilla-La Mancha saffron to French flour custom-milled to our specifications, our artisanal ingredients echo the dedication poured into every dish. In galleys evoking those in Michelin-starred restaurants, our gifted chefs create absolute culinary masterpieces. Come aboard and savor cuisine renowned as the finest at sea.

Alexis Quaretti

Executive culinary director.

Born in Fontainebleau, France, Alexis Quaretti began showing a particular interest in cooking from an early age when cooking with his grandmother. At the age of 16, he had developed his passion for food to such a level that he knew he had found his vocation. A graduate of the hotel school in Reunion Island, he started his career at the 1-Michelin-star Château de Marçay in Chinon, France, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association. In 2001, Chef Alex then joined Alain Passard at the famous 3-Michelin-star restaurant L’Arpège. It was there where he not only discovered but also refined his knowledge and appreciation for vegetable-based cuisine. Thereafter, Chef Alex left for Vienna, near Lyon, to join Patrick Henriroux and his team at the 2-Michelin-star restaurant La Pyramide.

The year 2003 kickstarted his global career in London, where he joined forces with an internationally renowned chef at a Mediterranean restaurant. In 2004, he joined the Oceania Cruises team, and in 2008, he was promoted to Executive Chef at the young age of 27. In 2010, Chef Alex joined an Asian mogul to travel and cook between Saint-Tropez and Hong Kong before rejoining Oceania Cruises in 2012 as Executive Chef. Two years later in 2014, Chef Alex was promoted to Senior Executive Chef, overseeing a brigade of 140 chefs on board.

In 2017, Chef Alex pursued an opportunity to spread his culinary wings and expand his career knowledge and creativity, and he returned to Oceania Cruises as the line’s Director of Culinary Programs & Development in 2022. In 2024, he became our Executive Culinary Director alongside Eric Barale. Chef Alex oversees all aspects of culinary operations across the brand’s seven acclaimed ships and 12 restaurants and dining outlets, including the development, introduction, and implementation of new concepts to continually elevate the most awarded dining experiences at sea.

From the earliest days of his interest in cooking, his culinary philosophy and passion have been driven by his love and respect for a true “Cuisine du Marche,” where one respects nature, and with that, the changing seasons, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients are sourced and respectfully prepared. It’s this very same philosophy that has driven Oceania Cruises’ mantra for culinary excellence that is The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and drew Chef Alex back to lead the finest team of culinary professionals in the world.

During his leisure time, Chef Alex enjoys cooking for friends and family and making use of his “show kitchen” at home. He enjoys trail running, which he says, “is a great way to relieve some of the daily pressure and I get to see different landscapes while pushing my very own limits in nature.”

Eric Barale

Eric Barale was born in Toulouse in southwest France. In 1980, at just 16 years old, he began his studies at a culinary school in Toulouse where he earned his first culinary diploma after two years. Immediately after, he left for Paris and began working at the luxury Hotel Concorde La Fayette. Over the next 10 years, Chef Eric continued honing his skills by working in several luxury Relais & Châteaux hotels as well as famous restaurants in France, Monaco, Switzerland and Italy, most of which held coveted Michelin star ratings.

In 1990, Chef Eric began teaching culinary techniques to young French students and at the same time, he resumed his studies, obtaining a master's degree in culinary and various other certifications in new cooking technology like sous vide and food safety.

He left France in 1999 to bring his culinary skills to sea aboard a luxury cruise line where soon he was promoted to Executive Chef. In 2003, Chef Eric joined the Oceania Cruises team as Executive Chef for the launch of the cruise line’s first ship, Regatta, followed by the launch of Insignia a year later and then Nautica. He is incredibly proud and honored to have been part of this fantastic adventure.

In September 2005, he was promoted to Corporate Executive Chef, overseeing the entire culinary operation of Oceania Cruises and, in January 2009, was promoted to Culinary Director with the addition of Oceania Cruises’ sister company, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Chef Eric's passion for elevating and perfecting the finest cuisine is reflected in his commitment to continually source the best ingredients, the best method and the best technique to bring innovation to Oceania Cruises, which has garnered numerous awards for its exquisite cuisine.

He is a proud member of the association Maître Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France), USA delegation, and was inducted into the prestigious program in 2010.

In 2024, Chef Eric became our Executive Culinary Director alongside Alexis Quaretti and oversees all culinary operations.

Jacques Pépin

Executive culinary advisor.

As Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Advisor and founding father of our culinary philosophy, Master Chef Jacques Pépin has long inspired our award-winning culinary program, which is renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Master Chef Pépin is an internationally renowned chef, author of more than 30 cookbooks, and host of 13 PBS television series. He has served as personal chef to three French heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle, and is also the recipient of countless awards, including the American Public Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award and La Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian honor. In 2016, Master Chef Pépin and his closest family founded the Jacques Pépin Foundation to share Jacques’ passion for cooking and mastery of technique with economically disadvantaged individuals in order to encourage them to seek pathways of success through culinary professionalism. An American Masters film chronicling his life, Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft, debuted on PBS in May of 2017.

Executive Chefs

Our distinguished chefs are culled from the world’s best restaurants, such as Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Relais & Châteaux, and have worked under culinary legends like Paul Bocuse and Alain Passard. These culinary maestros bring their high-caliber expertise to our galleys and are the true masters behind the magic of our cuisine. Every recipe has been proudly crafted by our chefs, and each dish is a study in culinary technique and tradition.

Heiko Baller

Senior executive chef.

Born in the Black Forest region of Germany, Chef Heiko Baller was destined to have a culinary career. His family ran a hotel where he helped in the kitchen after school from a young age. Chef Heiko graduated with a diploma in the culinary arts and began working in hotels in Switzerland, Austria, Egypt and Australia. As he worked to perfect his craft, he even cooked for royalty and celebrities. He joined his first cruise ship in 2000, and over the past two decades has had the opportunity to share his passion for food. One of Chef Heiko’s favorite events on board is the Chef’s Market Dinner, where he sources local ingredients to create a truly memorable culinary experience for guests. When not on board, he enjoys the outdoors and long-haul motorcycle adventures.

Executive Chef

Born in Renfew, Scotland, just outside of Glasgow, Executive Chef Colin Barr inherited his passion for cooking from his mother and grandmother. After earning a City & Guilds culinary degree, he began his career with Trusthouse Forte Hotels. Chef Colin continued to develop his skills working at several fine hotels and restaurants, during which time he received numerous awards. He was chef proprietor of OKO restaurants in Glasgow, which he opened with a friend – they were the first to open conveyor-belt sushi restaurants outside of London. He also served as a private caterer for celebrities and members of royalty. Chef Colin is proud to be working with the talented culinary team to serve you The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.

Frederic Camonin

Born in France, Executive Chef Frederic Camonin has been surrounded by cooking for as long as he can remember. Embracing his family’s experience as catering business owners, he attended a culinary school in Verdun. After graduating, Chef Frederic began to work in French restaurants and brasseries as well as for catering businesses. After seven years, he felt the sea calling and began working for cruise lines. Chef Frederic has now been traveling the world as a chef at sea for more than 20 years and is proud to be part of the Oceania Cruises family. He is very passionate about the innovative culinary vision that inspires The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and the many adventures that have yet to come.

Simon Hockley

Executive Chef Simon Hockley developed a love for the kitchen while in the Merchant Navy, which inspired him to enroll in a City & Guilds cookery course at Westminster College. Afterwards, he worked at a restaurant in the Dordogne region of France and several hotels in England including one in his hometown of Colchester, Essex. He continued to refine his skills as a head chef at various venues in between living in Suriname and a place he always dreamed of moving to, Valparaiso, Chile. His desire to return to the sea led him to the cruise industry, ultimately joining Oceania Cruises in 2014. Chef Simon prides himself on elevating the innovation of The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and ensuring our valued guests enjoy a superlative culinary experience.

Michal Antoni Jagielski

Born in Torun, Poland, Executive Chef Michal Antoni Jagielski had an early passion for cooking and attended the culinary academy in his hometown at age 15. He later joined Accor Hotels Group to hone his craft, eventually moving to England where he ran his own restaurant. After five years in England, Chef Michal began his adventure on cruise ships and once was part of a start-up team for one of the biggest ships in the world. He happily joined Oceania Cruises in 2016 and some of his favorite ports of call are in New Zealand. When Chef Michal is not on board creating The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, he loves spending time with his son and traveling in Asia.

Born in South Africa, Executive Chef Justin Nel developed a love and passion for food at a young age. It was while working in restaurants part-time on weekends that he realized he wanted to pursue a culinary career. He attended culinary school in Cape Town and began working at various hotels and restaurants in South Africa. After five years, Chef Justin combined his desire to travel with work and embarked on a culinary career at sea. He joined Oceania Cruises in 2010 as an Assistant Chef de Cuisine and over the past 12 years has worked his way up to Executive Chef. He is immensely passionate about the innovative culinary vision that inspires The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and the many adventures that have yet to come.

Raffaele Saia

Born in Ancona, Italy, Chef Raffaele Saia developed a love for cooking at his grandmother’s restaurant in his hometown. Recognizing his passion, he joined a culinary school and began working at a local hotel kitchen. After graduating, Chef Raffaele joined the culinary team at one of Ancona’s best restaurants, meeting several great Italian chefs during his tenure. In 2002, he moved to London to expand his culinary horizons in one of the great food cities of the world. There, Chef Raffaele professionally matured by working as Head Chef at several restaurants. In 2010, he combined his three loves – travel, cooking and the sea – when he joined Oceania Cruises. Since then, he has cooked on every ship, happily bringing you The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.

Mario Santoro

Born in Genoa, Italy to a Sicilian family, Executive Chef Mario Santoro followed in his father’s footsteps to study at the Culinary Institute in Sicily. After graduating, he refined his culinary talents by specializing in fish and meat, gaining valuable experience from working at several top restaurants. Chef Mario then decided to travel the world to gain skills and knowledge to further advance in his culinary career. He first worked in Germany and then later gained invaluable experience at a two-star Michelin restaurant in London, eventually becoming the owner of an Italian restaurant in England for nine years. With this breadth of expertise, Chef Mario joined the Oceania Cruises culinary team to bring you cuisine renowned as the finest at sea.

Ronald Smith

Born in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, Executive Chef Ronald Smith began his culinary arts apprenticeship upon graduating high school and soon after attended the Culinary Arts Institute of Jamaica. Chef Ronald later worked at several hotels in Jamaica and won multiple culinary arts carving competitions. He began his career at sea in 1999 and joined Oceania Cruises in 2004. Chef Ronald is very proud to a part of the Oceania Cruises family, which is filled with passion and creativity. He considers it a great milestone in his career to be able to work with the best chefs in the industry. During his vacations, Chef Ronald also coordinates culinary seminars and does lectures to motivate high school students interested in culinary careers.

The Culinary Center Team

Our Chef Instructors at The Culinary Center have a genuine passion for experiencing the world’s cultures through the lens of food and cooking – and for sharing it with you in destinations around the globe. Whether you spend a day at sea discovering the secrets of fish cookery or join one of our popular Culinary Discovery Tours™ ashore, our team at The Culinary Center is here to offer expert instruction while bringing the local culture to life.

Chef Kathryn Kelly

Executive chef & director of culinary enrichment.

Since joining Oceania Cruises in 2011, Chef Kathryn Kelly’s passion for adult learning has been the driving force behind The Culinary Center. While overseeing a faculty of dedicated Chef Instructors, she is the chief architect of more than 100 unique culinary classes as well as our popular Culinary Discovery Tours™, which are immersive chef-led excursions offered in more than 40 destinations worldwide.

In close collaboration with Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, Master Chef Jacques Pépin, Chef Kelly ensures that the first hands-on cooking schools at sea balance enrichment and culinary technique with the joy of learning about the world through food and wine. There is not a corner of the globe that she has not explored – which is evident in the uncompromising authenticity of Chef Kelly’s culinary classes and Culinary Discovery Tours™.

Chef Kelly completed her doctoral studies in epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and holds two master’s degrees in community medicine and biostatistics. After a fulfilling career in health care, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a chef, graduating with honors from The Culinary Institute of America in the fifth decade of her life. Chef Kelly resides on Amelia Island, Florida, and in Austin, Texas. She is an avid golfer and the proud grandmother of Kate, Luke and Jack – who spend cherished hours with their ”YaYa” grilling, cooking and baking for their grateful family.

Noelle Barille

Senior chef instructor.

An intrepid traveler, Chef Noelle Barille brings her extensive knowledge of world cuisines to The Culinary Center. As one of the founding chef faculty members of Oceania Cruises’ hands-on culinary program, she has left a discernible imprint on our popular cooking classes and Culinary Discovery Tours™. Her culinary perspective is informed by her extensive travels; whether trekking in Patagonia, on safari in Botswana, practicing yoga at an Umbrian spa, cooking for the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic or foraging for morels in the Hudson Valley, she is constantly honing her exquisite teaching skills. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Barille believes a healthy kitchen and clean ingredients promote a healthy life, and she imparts this vision in her classes. When she is not on board or traveling, Chef Barille calls Madison, Wisconsin, home.

Leah Caplan

Chef instructor.

A world traveler since age five, Chef Leah Caplan is passionate about connecting guests to their destinations through the international language of food and wine. With a deep understanding of the science of food, she was the culinary mastermind behind products ranging from DiGiorno pizza to Death’s Door Spirits and an early leader in the Slow Food and farm to-table movements. Chef Caplan has spent the past decade guiding world-class food programs at tech giants including Google and Amazon. She’s been featured in the media as an expert on local and sustainable food and wine. Her cuisine has garnered praise from The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler and Southern Living. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, her excitement for learning has never waned. When not sailing the high seas, Chef Caplan can be found kayaking near her home on Puget Sound.

Karlis Celms

Currently residing between Seattle and Riga, Chef Karlis Celms is revered for his adventurous spirit, a genuine reverence for authenticity in any cuisine he teaches and his tireless commitment to his craft. Chef Celms came to Oceania Cruises as a Chef Instructor after dazzling guests on a Culinary Discovery Tour. He hosted a walk through the stunning farmers market in Riga followed by a hands-on cooking class in a neighboring restaurant. His approachable style charmed so many of our guests that Chef Kelly pursued him relentlessly to come teach on board. He joined the teaching faculty in 2015 and continues to enrich our program with his pursuit of the latest culinary trends amongst his generation of no-nonsense chefs. A charismatic and enthusiastic teacher, Chef Celms credits his family’s Swedish and Latvian roots as the genesis of his passion for quality ingredients and authentic, uncomplicated food.

Kellie Evans

Not many chefs can claim they hung up their dancing shoes to pursue a career in the culinary arts – but Chef Kellie Evans can. As an aspiring performer, she was living in New York City when she came upon the idea of marrying her love of entertainment and cooking. After graduating from the former French Culinary Institute, she launched a career in catering and eventually became the executive chef for television productions including “Sesame Street” and “30 Rock.” Her career took another interesting turn when she joined Saveur magazine as food editor. Crafting unique recipes and editing award-winning culinary articles instilled in Chef Evans a desire to experience global cuisine firsthand, which brought her to The Culinary Center as an engaging and inspiring Chef Instructor.

Stephanie Hersh

Currently residing between Florida and New Zealand, Chef Stephanie Hersh is a legend in the culinary world having served as Julia Child’s Executive Personal Assistant for 15 years. She boasts stellar culinary credentials of her own – she holds a master’s degree from Boston University’s prestigious Gastronomy program and is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. An engaging public speaker, Chef Hersh has traveled the world as a highly sought-after lecturer on gastronomy and food history. She is revered for her animated and heart-warming “fireside chats” on the decades she spent working alongside both Jacques Pépin and Julia Child. A passionate teacher and culinary instructor, we are thrilled that she has been a member of The Culinary Center faculty for the past five years.

Shannon Kinsella

We are delighted to welcome Chef Shannon Kinsella as a recent addition to The Culinary Center’s faculty. She credits her grandmother – a master baker – as her earliest inspiration. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Kinsella’s culinary perspective is informed by her extensive travels, most notably her love of Italian, French and Mexican cuisines. An accomplished food stylist and culinary writer, Chef Kinsella’s influence within the culinary industry is legendary. Her television work includes over 100 shows as Kitchen Director for Rick Bayless, and her 2016 cookbook on gluten-free baking remains a bestseller. When not on board, Chef Kinsella resides in the Chicago area where she volunteers for myriad organizations including the Girl Scouts. A talented singer, she can also be found on the risers singing in her church choir.

Linda Miller

Chef Linda Miller is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and hails from Washington, D.C. Her enthusiasm for teaching home cooks is evident in her background, from recipe testing for Cooks Illustrated to teaching adult culinary classes. While practicing law and before attending culinary school, Chef Miller was an avid home cook, often entertaining friends and family and experimenting with new recipes. Her calling has always been cooking and like others of our culinary faculty, she decided to trade her briefcase for a knife kit and chef toque mid-career. Chef Miller also spent several months in Asia, where she had the opportunity to study various Asian cuisines and work at the Singapore campus of the Culinary Institute of America. When not teaching on board, she can often be found in her local farmers’ markets planning delicious meals around what’s in season.

David Shalleck

Chef David Shalleck is known in the culinary world as “Mr. Mediterranean.” The multi-lingual Chef Shalleck is author of Mediterranean Summer, an enchanting memoir recounting his time as a young chef on board a private Italian sailing yacht. A summer season of glorious backdrops, colorful open-air markets, and cooking authentic meals for the VIP owners and their guests, Chef Shalleck’s book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a glimpse of life below deck. He’s an inspired storyteller and gregarious instructor; guests love joining his classes and culinary tours. Chef Shalleck and his charming wife reside in an architectural gem overlooking the San Francisco Bay. His passion project for several years, the Shallecks’ home is a lovingly restored masterpiece with a stunning chef’s heritage garden where he entertains family and friends with healthy Mediterranean-inspired meals – and always perfectly paired wines.

John Stephano

A native of Philadelphia, Chef John Stephano recalls watching his mother and grandmother cook when he was young, which he credits as his earliest inspiration to spend his life in the kitchen. He built a lucrative career in finance before leaving that field to follow his passion for cooking. After graduating with honors from The Culinary Institute of America, he expanded his encyclopedic culinary knowledge as a specialty food importer bringing high-end ingredients to esteemed chefs and boutique retailers. Now a dynamic teacher, Chef Stephano believes that cooking unlocks sensory memories of childhood, travel and joyful times around the table, and he leads a kitchen classroom that becomes in itself a memorable culinary destination.

Culinary Experiences

The Grand Dining Room

An elegant setting.

The Grand Dining Room is a study in stateliness, a tribute to the spirit of Europe’s marquee five-star hotel restaurants that inspired its dignified yet convivial ambiance. Handsomely decorated in rich woods, designer tapestry fabrics and oversized armchairs, the expansive dining area exudes classic splendor. This signature dining experience has always offered a bevy of delicious Continental dishes, and now a fresh and new array of options brings you even more exciting choices, as well as an incredible spectrum of global flavors and an all new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu. As variety is essential to your satisfaction, menus change daily with an expansive choice of at least 10 appetizers, soups and salads and 10 dinner entrées, along with healthy options such as Aquamar Vitality Cuisine, gourmet vegetarian selections and the most extensive array of plant-based dishes at sea.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No reservations required.

Specialty Restaurants

Fine dining.

Boldly claiming to serve cuisine renowned as the finest at sea might seem to be an overstatement. But we wouldn't make such an immodest assertion if not for the tremendous contribution of the legendary Master Chef Jacques Pépin. As our Executive Culinary Director, he inspires our chefs to perform feats of gastronomic wizardry. Memorable dining begins with open-seating, as it allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose.

Authentic Italian

Toscana means Tuscan, and just as Tuscan cuisine evolved from rich family traditions, many of our recipes originated with the mothers and grandmothers of our own Italian culinary staff. Presented on elegant, custom-designed Versace china, masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion.

Perhaps the evening begins with the octopus carpaccio with Champagne vinaigrette or the artichoke and Parmesan cheese timbale with black truffle sauce. Classic dishes from other regions of Northern Italy are featured as well, such as the minestrone alla Genovese, lasagna alforno alla Bolognese and osso buco alla Milanese.

Open for dinner on board Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera & Vista. Reservations required.

A Classic Steakhouse

Polo Grill embodies all the elements of a classic steakhouse, expressing them with timeless reverence. Mindful of tradition, the decor features crisp, white linen tablecloths, dark wood furnishings and supple, high-back, burgundy leather chairs.

Each course stands as the very definition of time-honored favorites, most notably the beef dishes, all of which are certified Black Angus USDA Prime and dry aged to enhance tenderness and flavor. Succulent seafood dishes such as grilled swordfish and whole Maine lobster gratinée are also classics in their own right. The classic Caesar salad, too, is prepared according to tradition, tableside and with gusto.

Elegant American Traditions

When the fuel of classic American dishes meets the fire of culinary masters in a sophisticated setting reminiscent of a Napa or Sonoma tasting room, Ember is the glorious result. A celebration of influences from the world’s great chefs such as our own Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pépin, Ember is heartland innovation in relentless pursuit of a Michelin star rating. Begin with the sweet heat of a blackened crab cake with fresh corn salsa and acidic roasted tomato sauce or dive into the salty delights of a roasted beetroot salad with tangy goat cheese, delicate shallots, seared green beans and toasted hazelnuts. Savor a succulent steak prepared to your liking, relishing the umami of a porcini-dusted bone-in ribeye with an unctuous foie gras-truffle demi-glace and the seasoned crunch of breadcrumb-crusted tomato Provençale. For dessert, a roasted apple tart with nutty notes served with Humphry Slocombe sweet summer corn ice cream is a novel nod to the evolving complexity of American farm-to-table cuisine.

Open for dinner on board Vista. Reservations required.

A Passion for French Cuisine

Exquisitely decorated with heirloom antiques, pickled wood furnishings and art from Jacques Pépin’s personal collection, Jacques was modeled after a Parisian bistro. Comfortable and eclectic, the ambiance is pure French, as is the cosmopolitan yet wonderfully embraceable cuisine.

Luscious aromas waft from the gleaming show rotisserie, where chicken, duck, pork, beef and veal roasts slowly turn. Each dish is a classic, ingeniously reinterpreted by Master Chef Pépin. Rotisserie-roasted chicken falls off the bone, bursting with flavor, while his sea bass fillet pairs exquisitely with beurre blanc.

Open for dinner on board Marina & Riviera. Reservations required.

Bold Asian Cuisine

With a nod to feng shui, Red Ginger radiates harmony and tranquility. The interior simply glows with ebony woods, a soothing waterfall wall and striking, modern Asian artworks. To complement the stunning decor, Red Ginger’s chefs have created contemporary interpretations of Asian classics.

Begin with a salad of spicy roast duck and watermelon with cashews, mint and Thai basil. Savor a Malaysian beef penaeng with coconut rice and paratha roti. Or try Thai vegetable curry with sweet potatoes, aubergine, mushrooms and basil in green curry sauce. In Red Ginger, the gustatory pleasures are as striking as the visual ones.

Open for dinner on board Marina, Riviera, Sirena & Vista. Reservations required.

Tuscan Steak

Inspired by polo grill & toscana.

Tuscan Steak, our signature specialty restaurant on board Sirena, exudes the warmth and Italian flair of Toscana while preserving the classic appeal of Polo Grill. Featuring glossy wood paneling with platinum and silver accents, the elegantly appointed interior of Tuscan Steak aptly reflects its modern take on the traditional steakhouse.

The innovative and diverse menu features the best of both worlds, so you can savor filet mignon and our signature Tuscan porterhouse cooked to perfection, along with rustic Italian favorites such as hand-rolled potato gnocchi. Seafood lovers will delight in savory dishes such as steamed whole Maine lobster and linguine cioppino.

Open for dinner on board Sirena. Reservations required.

Terrace Café

Informal dining.

Informal and carefree, the Terrace Café is wonderfully inviting any time of day. During breakfast, the room is infused with natural sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows, stimulating the appetite for the sumptuous selections.

Come lunch, the expansive menu of internationally inspired dishes changes entirely, complemented by flavorful roasted and rotisserie meats and the magic of the pizzeria’s oven. Dine inside or alfresco at one of the shaded teak tables on the terrace.

During the evenings, the cuisine takes on a more sophisticated flair, with lobster tails, chops and fresh fish prepared to order, and freshly made hand-cut sushi and sashimi. In addition, a diverse selection of bold and flavorful plant-based dishes are available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Waves Grill

Alfresco dining.

Sometimes, the ultimate luxury is casual dining on all-American favorites, a laid-back style Waves Grill epitomizes. Located in a spacious, shaded area steps from the swimming pool, Waves Grill offers an extensive and mouthwatering menu.

Watch the chefs grill gourmet burgers, succulent seafood and sandwiches to order in the open galley, accompanying them with sides like fresh salads, coleslaw and crispy, hand-cut fries. Then try a decadent dessert such as a homemade sorbet, a made-to-order hot fudge sundae or a thick, hand-dipped milkshake.

Raw Juice & Smoothie Bar The only cold-pressed Raw Juice & Smoothie Bar at sea serves up tasty raw juices, vegan smoothies and energy bowls at Waves Grill during breakfast on board Marina, Riviera & Vista.

Open for lunch and afternoon dining only. No reservations required. Raw juices and energy bowls available on board Marina, Riviera & Vista only.

Aquamar Kitchen

Wellness-inspired indulgence.

Aquamar Kitchen presents a decidedly fresh perspective on dining and the pursuit of wellness. Whether you are a dedicated flexitarian or a die-hard foodie, Aquamar Kitchen offers an abundance of indulgence with none of the guilt. At breakfast, the smoothies, cold-pressed juices and energy bowls shine, while at lunch the avocado toast selections and globally inspired salads and wraps are incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Heartier options include an Impossible™ burger, yellowfin tuna tacos and a crunchy chicken sandwich among several others. To reflect the wellness-inspired dishes, the beverage menu will feature a selection of premium, award-winning non-alcoholic wines, Pierre Zero from France as well as a refreshing collection of mocktails crafted with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits.

Open for breakfast and lunch on board Vista. No reservations required.

Afternoon Tea

Teatime is a celebratory daily event at four o’clock. As a classical string quartet plays softly, our staff presents bountiful four-tiered pastry carts filled with freshly made finger sandwiches, petits fours, scones and sinful desserts. Of course, a selection of traditional and artisanal teas is the centerpiece of this splendid afternoon pastime.

Daily at 4pm. No reservations required.

Specialty Coffee

This delightful coffee bar is a favorite stop for java lovers. Enjoy complimentary illy ® espressos, cappuccinos and lattes prepared by our master baristas, as well as the delicious pastries, finger sandwiches and homemade biscotti that draw so many to Baristas throughout the day.

Open daily until early evening. No reservations required.

La Reserve by Wine Spectator

Perfect pairings.

• The Odyssey
• La Cuisine Bourgeoise
• Dom Pérignon Experience

The most inspired achievements are born of legendary partnerships, and at Oceania Cruises we are proud of our brilliant union with Wine Spectator , the foremost magazine for wine connoisseurs, and our exceptional relationship with France’s premier Champagne house, Moët & Chandon. Along with these illustrious partners, we are pleased to present a variety of differing but equally extraordinary pairing dinners. Developed with Moët & Chandon’s Executive Chef Marco Fadiga, the six-course Dom Pérignon Experience is a spirited Champagne pairing dinner blending playful Dom Pérignon vintages and refreshing gastronomic surprises such as Sakura Tea “Geisha Flower” Ice Cream and Lemon Caviar. The seven-course La Cuisine Bourgeoise wine pairing dinner celebrates the rituals of the table and links masterfully curated wine selections with dishes such as Filet de Boeuf Rôti Richelieu, one of many recipes Oceania Cruises’ Master Chef and Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin has enjoyed since his childhood. Coupled with wine seminars and vintage tastings, La Reserve by Wine Spectator is an unabashedly glorious celebration of the pleasures of the palate.

The Dom Pérignon Experience

Champagne defines the most jubilant moments of our lives and in a magnificent stroke of brilliance, we have partnered with France’s esteemed Moët & Chandon to create the Dom Pérignon Experience at La Reserve by Wine Spectator , an exuberant six-course gustatory indulgence that pairs each course with a special Dom Pérignon vintage. Champagne is effortlessly matched with dishes which are thoughtfully crafted to bring out the nuances of the grapes and the ratio of the blend, playing off every aspect from subtle, effervescent nose to lively, satisfying finish. From Brittany Blue Lobster in Yellow Curry Broth with Coco Foam to Sashimi-Style Seared Wagyu Beef with Sautéed Arugula, Blood Orange-Soya Jus and Caviar Perlita, each beguiling bite is a celebration of the finer things in life. While the Dom Pérignon Experience is the perfect complement to any joyous occasion, it transcends even this lofty role. In true French spirit, it becomes the culinary manifestation of joie de vivre.

Open for dinner on board  Marina  &  Riviera  only. Reservations required. Wine or Champagne experience surcharge applies.

A Private Party

• Polo Grill Dinner
• Polo Grill Dessert
• Toscana Dinner
• Toscana Dessert
• Toscana Olive Oil

Host a private party for up to 10 privileged guests in our most exclusive onboard dining venue, Privée. Witness culinary magic presented on a custom-built table designed by the famed Dakota Jackson and illuminated by a golden Venini chandelier. The exquisite setting is adorned with Baroque millwork and Ferrari-red carpeting. The cuisine is equally superb. Choose from several different gourmet menus to create a decadent and unforgettable occasion. Within the sanctum of Privée, dining engages all of the senses, leaving you and your guests immensely fulfilled.

Available on board Marina & Riviera only.  Reservations required. A room reservation surcharge applies. 

Wine Pairing Experiences

Food, wine & joie de vivre.

Is there really any substitute for great food, wine and laughter? Across our small and luxurious ships, our wine pairing experiences offer the perfect blend of exactly that. Indulgent, fun and memorable, each has been designed to entice both connoisseurs and novices. The experiences focus on menus featuring delectable dishes paired with premium, and often rare, wines curated by our talented chefs and sommeliers. There are an array of inspired pairing experiences to choose from, such as sommelier-led pairing lunches, a one-of-a-kind six-course Champagne dinner and more. Each wine pairing experience invites good company and great conversation, leaving you with memories worth savoring. More than anything else, these experiences are tableside joie de vivre

Immersive Mixology Experiences

When you join us aboard Vista, enjoying a drink will be an experience unto itself – from the beauty of watching a skilled bartender smoke an Old Fashioned to the tableside preparation of a Manhattan. Our new onboard bar program has been designed to mirror the elevated quality and innovation The Finest Cuisine Sea has come to represent. The latest cocktail-crafting trends and techniques have inspired an array of experiences, drinks and beverage offerings such cocktails topped by flavored smoke bubbles, Negronis aged in wooden barrels, delightfully entertaining rum mixology experiences, the ultimate in wine pairings, unique specialty beverage cart experiences and more.

Mediterranean

Culinary discovery tours.

From discovering nonna’s secret to homemade pasta in Portofino to sampling sun-ripened produce fresh from the fields of Provence, immerse yourself in the enchanting Mediterranean through the lens of local cuisine. Tour local markets, enjoy wine-tasting at world-renowned vineyards and sample the best of the local cuisine accompanied by local chefs and culinary experts. Come aboard and taste the true flavors of the Mediterranean with us.

Argostoli, Greece

Foraging tour & greek cooking class.

Join your Culinary Center chef for a walking and foraging tour through the charming town of Argostoli. Stop by the local produce market and purchase fresh tomatoes to make the traditional Dakos of Greece – a traditional shepherds’ dish in which grated tomatoes are placed on barley rusks and topped with feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil. Visit local bakeries to purchase breads and confections, and enjoy a sampling of Greek mezze at a seaside taverna that you will later replicate back on board at The Culinary Center.

Barcelona, Spain

Chef's gastronomy tour & tapas lunch.

Bilbao, Spain

Chef's gastronomy tour & tapas cooking class.

Cádiz, Spain

Chef's tour of cádiz market and tapas lunch.

Catania, Sicily

Chef market tour & cannoli lunch.

Corfu, Greece

Market-to-tablet chef tour & cooking class.

Venice, Italy

Venetian master cooking class & market.

Take a water taxi for a picturesque cruise along the canals of Venice to the centuries-old Rialto Market. Browse countless stalls filled with fresh produce and seafood such as blood oranges, baby octopus and soft-shelled crab. At a Venetian master chef’s private villa, enjoy a cooking demonstration of iconic dishes prepared with traditional ingredients. Afterward, savor a sumptuous and authentic luncheon in this quintessential Venetian home. For dessert, stop for fresh gelato during your stroll back to the ship.

Malaga, Spain

Ataranza market, tapas & spanish wines.

Marseille, France

Michelin chef reine sammut & aix market.

Immerse yourself in the cuisine of Provence in this chef-centered tour designed for food and wine enthusiasts. Travel to a colorful market in Aix-en-Provence with your chef where you will discover unique and seasonal products as locals do their daily shopping. Then travel to the cookery school of Reine Sammut, one of the few Michelin starred female chefs in France. Enjoy a cooking demonstration with Chef Sammut and lunch at the charming Auberge La Fenière before returning to the ship for a special tasting of local specialties, including the unforgettable Provence rosé.

Northern Europe

Whether you’re uncovering the vibrant Nordic culinary scene in Helsinki or sampling Latvian specialties at Riga Central Market, you’ll be surprised and delighted by the innovative and diverse culinary landscape of the Baltic, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Explore traditional markets, learn about local farm-to-table cooking and savor the bounty of this thriving region. Come aboard and taste the true flavors of the Northern Europe with us.

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Ballymaloe cooking school.

Join your Culinary Center chef and enjoy the day at one of the top culinary destinations of Ireland – Ballymaloe, a country estate converted into a world-renowned cooking school for professionals and amateurs. Situated in the heart of a sprawling 100-acre organic farm, tour the unique and often photographed culinary and herb gardens, wander about the free-range poultry farm and watch an enlightening cooking demonstration at Ballymaloe House. Top off the experience with a food tasting during which you are certain to notice the vibrant flavors of organic ingredients.

Helsinki, Finland

Chef market tour & nordic cooking class.

Gain insight into the cuisine of Helsinki by touring the unique and historic local kauppahallo (covered market) and kauppatori (open market) where you will find cured moose meats, reindeer sausage, cured fish and the savory Lapland cheeses, along with fresh seasonal berries and vegetables. After browsing the markets and gathering the ingredients for your private cooking class, depart on a relaxing panoramic tour of Helsinki. Back on board, learn techniques for preparing gravlax – the cornerstone of Nordic cuisine – along with other delicacies. You will also partake in a festive tasting of Finlandia vodka.

Koper, SLovenia

Chef tour: trending culinary scene.

Designed for the intrepid gourmand, this tour invites you to uncover why Slovenia is emerging as a premier culinary destination. Tour the revered Fonda fish farm in Piran Bay with your Culinary Center chef and meet the family who created the gold standard in aquaculture. Sample Fonda branzino accompanied by local wine before traveling to a picturesque hillside restaurant with beautiful views of the Slovenian countryside and sea. Learn about Slovenia’s artisanal olive oil and salt from experts, and enjoy a delicious tasting lunch of regional dishes paired perfectly with local wines.

Riga, Latvia

Chef's market tour & latvian cooking lesson.

Discover Europe’s largest market and bazaar, Riga Central Market, with a local Latvian chef and your Culinary Center chef. Taste local specialties, shop for ingredients for your Latvian cooking class, and take in the unique atmosphere and architecture of this bustling UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of charming Riga as you travel to and from the market. Back on board at The Culinary Center, experience true farm-to-table cooking as you prepare fresh and seasonal dishes, and later enjoy a delicious lunch paired with artisanal Latvian beers.

Tallinn, Stonia

Fish workshop & tallinn's old town.

Accompanied by your Culinary Center chef, visit a restored Estonian fishing village for a culinary workshop on fish and fish cookery from a local fish expert. Then travel Tallinn’s upper Old Town for a short guided tour that includes a photo stop, offering a panoramic view of this enchanting old city. At a local restaurant, sample traditional Estonian cake and try Vana Tallinn, the famous liqueur of the area, along with honey beer. Afterward, explore Old Town even further on your own, perhaps enjoying the local shops or the nearby fragrant flower market.

Freshly caught stone crabs and conch, exotic tropical fruit, aromatic spices and herbs – there’s something magical about the cuisine of the tropics. Our immersive, chef-led tours take you to colorful market stalls, into the fields of biodynamic island farms, inside beachfront restaurants, behind the scenes at cacao factories, into the kitchen with local chefs and much more. Come aboard and taste the true flavors of the Caribbean with us.

Castries, St. Lucia

Spices cooking studio.

Discover the subtleties of authentic St. Lucian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class using fresh and seasonal ingredients. As you learn how to prepare several traditional St. Lucian dishes, perhaps including the national dish of green fig and salt fish salad, gain insight on the cuisine’s Creole, French and West Indies influences. Savor your lunch alfresco with beautiful views of the sea before visiting the famous open-air Castries Market where many of the local ingredients can be found.

Cozumel, Mexico

Chef market tour & mayan cooking class.

Fascinating for the true culinary explorer, this tour invites you to search for exotic Yucatecan fruits and vegetables such as chayote squash, pitahaya cactus and saramuyo at the local market and taste flavorful regional specialties, all accompanied by a local master chef. Your immersion into Yucatecan cuisine and Mayan chocolate continues back on board with a delicious lunch of traditional dishes and hands-on cooking class during which our local chef will share secrets of revered recipes that have survived thousands of years.

South America

The food and wine of South America  is nothing short of a palate explosion. Rich in heritage, big on flavor and all about the dining experience, it’s certainly cuisine worth traveling for. Take part in a traditional Uruguayan barbecue, learn the art of perfect grilling, tour boutique vineyards, sample savory Argentine specialties, get a chef’s look at the local markets and more. Come aboard and taste the true flavors of South America.

Roatan, Honduras

Honduran farm & ocean-to-table experience.

An authentic and eco-friendly culinary experience, this tour immerses you in Roatan’s unique gastronomic scene, marked by a fusion of rich influences from Africa, Spain and Central America. Visit the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum for insider access to the indigenous gardens and hydroponic greenhouse, plus learn all about seasonal exotic fruit such as nispero and coco plum and the harvesting of local cashews. Back on board at The Culinary Center, partake in a cooking class with a well-known local chef to master a few special recipes featuring the famed Roatan pink shrimp, and enjoy an island-fresh lunch and dessert cocktail.

The Culinary Center

Our Chef Instructors at The Culinary Center have a genuine passion for experiencing the world’s cultures through the lens of food and cooking – and for sharing it with you in destinations around the globe. Whether you spend a day at sea discovering the secrets of fish cookery or join one of our popular Culinary Discovery Tours™ ashore, our team at The Culinary Center is here to offer expert instruction while bringing the local culture to life.

Sample Culinary Center Classes

In order to truly master a new skill, you have to get your hands a little dirty. Oceania Cruises invites you to do just that at The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea on Marina & Riviera. Under the tutelage of master chefs, you can participate in a wide variety of cooking classes in which you actually prepare the recipes yourself in our state-of-the-art culinary center. Spend a delightful day at sea learning how to make fresh pasta, discovering all about the fundamentals of French cooking or immersing yourself in one of the many other popular cooking classes.

ANCIENT CUISINES

Based on the travels of Executive Chef Kelly in Morocco and Turkey, this class explores the trending culinary traditions and recipes of two ancient and revered cuisines. Learn the basics of tagine cookery and gain an appreciation for how the foods of these two great countries have influenced modern world gastronomy. Learn how to make nut milks and preserved lemons – prized in the Arab region and around the world. These cuisines are favorites amongst our chefs, and the recipes are beyond delicious.

IF IT SWIMS…

As we all balance our diets for diversity, fish is one protein that consistently intimidates even the most experienced of home cooks. In this popular technique-driven class, you’ll master the basics of fish cookery: searing, baking, shallow poaching, deep poaching and curing. When you finish this class, you will know how to purchase and store fish and how to prepare it in a diverse number of ways. This class also shares the passion and practices in the worldwide chef community for sustainable fishing and responsible aquaculture.

In The Kitchen with Jacques

Help us celebrate the glorious career of our Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pépin. Regarded in the chef community as the master of technique, Jacques has demonstrated a lifelong passion for culinary technique that inspired this class. Brush up on your knife skills and master the emulsion – the secret to perfect salad dressings. Prepare a collection of delicious dishes while practicing the basic techniques that chefs have learned from Jacques over the past six decades.

Greek Tonight

Greek cuisine is so popular with our faculty that we asked them to nominate their favorite recipes from our top destinations in Greece: Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Athens. Travel with us across Greece and learn the secrets for perfect grilling, warming spices, preparing seasonal vegetables and using the key ingredient – extra virgin olive oil. If you are a fan of healthy food with lots of flavor, this class is a must for your culinary bucket list.

Most Requested Red Ginger

Our famed restaurant Red Ginger is the inspiration for our class devoted to Asian cuisine. In this class you will explore two diverse cuisines: Chinese and Thai. You will master classic Asian ingredients as well as fundamental cooking techniques such as knife skills, mise en place and high-heat cooking. You also will learn how to work with rice paper and pad Thai noodles.

PUCKER UP: LOVE AND LEMONS

As a favorite ingredient of most chefs, lemons bring zest and flavor to whatever dish they adorn. Celebrate the diversity and splendor of the lemon from the Amalfi Coast of Italy and throughout the Mediterranean. Master the art of the famed northern Italian risotto, prepare a Roman-inspired lemon chicken scaloppine and make limoncello from scratch. You also will enjoy one of our most requested desserts – drunken limoncello cakes.

RETHINK THE CRÊPE

While most people may think of the crêpe as French cuisine, this little envelope of love is popular everywhere and enjoyed in many variations the world over. From authentic buckwheat galettes to sweet crêpes Suzette, the recipes in this class will renew your passion for crêpes and their luscious fillings and toppings. Sweet, savory and everything in between – prepare to be amazed by the world of crêpes.

THE NORDIC KITCHEN

Delight in the delectable cuisine of Scandinavia and Northern Europe as you take a culinary voyage around the Baltic, discovering the secrets of delicacies from both land and sea. Savor regional specialties such as Estonian fish soup, Nordic salmon rillettes, gravlax cured in the traditional Scandinavian spirit and hearty meatballs with a Swedish flair.

THE SICILIAN KITCHEN

Enhanced over the centuries by Greek, Italian, Arab, French and Spanish culinary influences, Sicilian cuisine exemplifies the inventive use of local and seasonal ingredients. Join in a celebration of pasta, fish and rice dishes from the home kitchens of our Sicilian faculty. You also will learn what makes Sicilian olive oil and wines so popular.

VIVA ESPAÑA

In recent years Spanish cuisine has transformed the culinary world. While the modernist gastronomy movement was being born in Catalonia, a resurgence of traditional tapas and pintxos swept through Spain beginning in San Sebastián. From paella to patatas bravas, this class celebrates the rich history of Spanish cuisine as well as the modern dishes that have evolved from this flavorful mosaic.

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Oceania Cruises Launches Simply MORE Program to Offer More Included Amenities

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: June 27, 2023  - Last updated: February 6, 2024

With free airfare, shore excursions, and an upgraded drink package, Oceania’s simply MORE aims to give cruisers an all-inclusive experience.

Premium-plus cruise line Oceania Cruises has announced a new program, simply MORE , that will offer cruisers a range of complimentary amenities including free roundtrip airfare, free airport transfers, free shore excursions, and a free beverage package for every guest.

The new program, which will apply to all new reservations beginning July 1, 2023 for sailings departing October 1, 2023 or later has been designed to elevate the guest experience according to a press release from Oceania.

Simply MORE will replace Oceania’s OLife Choice program, which offered a limited range of inclusions.

“Over the past 20 years, we have continued to adapt and evolve to the wants and needs of our valued trade partners and guests. We are always seeking to enhance the Oceania Cruises experience and raise the bar in offering the best value in luxury cruising. So, we asked our key audiences, guests, and travel partners, what they wanted, and that was simplicity, choice and value. Through our new  simply  MORE value promise, they now have all three,” said  Frank A. Del Rio , President of Oceania Cruises.

Simply MORE from Oceania will make the brand more all-inclusive

Oceania’s new  simply  MORE promise will include an easier arrival and departure experience with complimentary roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, a shore excursion credit of up to $1,600 per stateroom, and a comprehensive beverage package (available during lunch and dinner) featuring dozens of vintage Champagnes, premium wines, and international beers.

The new inclusions are in addition to Oceania’s already-included amenities, which feature gourmet dining at specialty restaurants, complimentary soft drinks including fine teas and coffees, sodas, and Vero still and sparkling water, 24-hour room service, unlimited Wi-Fi, and fitness classes.

Related: Which Cruise Lines Have All-Inclusive Cruises?

“Thanks to the launch of  simply  MORE, our guests will enjoy even more value, more choice, and more convenience than ever before,” said Del Rio.

“For me, the cornerstone of this exciting new value promise is the generous credit offered to every guest to be spent on shore excursions of their choice. Oceania Cruises is renowned for our imaginative and immersive itineraries, journeying to every part of the globe, which are enhanced even further by our industry-leading array of enriching adventures ashore,” Del Rio continued.

Using the simply MORE shore excursion credit on an Oceania cruise

Oceania Cruises offers more than 8,000 unique tour choices in its 600-plus ports of call. Cruisers can choose to explore iconic cities, lesser-known gems, and tranquil islands during a single sailing thanks to the line’s destination-intensive itineraries.

With the new simply MORE program, Oceania guests will now be able to take advantage of a generous shore excursion credit to choose tours on each voyage—but the credit amount will vary based on the length of your itinerary.

Shore excursion credit amounts will range from $600 per stateroom for an itinerary of seven to nine days, up to $1,600 per stateroom on sailings of 31 to 35 days.

The included credit can be redeemed for any available excursions, including Food & Wine Trails Tours and Culinary Discovery Tours , sustainability-focused Go Green Tours as well as luxurious private tours with a dedicated car and driver.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get for a free shore excursion credit on different Oceania sailing lengths, per stateroom:

According to Del Rio, “The  simply  MORE shore excursion credit can be applied to any and all of our tours, from witnessing an active volcano from a helicopter in Montserrat and learning how to tend and herd sheep at a shepherd school in Northern Spain on one of our Go Local tours to enjoying an insider’s view of iconic modernistic buildings in the Finnish capital of Helsinki on a Beyond Blueprints excursion, which takes travelers behind the scenes of landmark buildings with an architectural guide.”

Simply MORE’s new included drink package

Oceania’s new  simply  MORE concept, which replaces the brand’s OLife Choice program, will now include a beverage package featuring free premium-label Champagnes and wines along with over 20 American and international beers, during lunch and dinner.

“Our guests appreciate fine food and fine wine, and we have always included all gourmet specialty dining. Now we are thrilled to be able to offer them a generous array of wines—not just house pours—to choose from, plus Champagnes and beers to enjoy too. With over three dozen wine choices on offer, and a broad range of beers as well as premium-label sparkling wines and Champagnes, there is something to suit every palate,” Del Rio commented.

Free airfare and transfers for Oceania cruisers

Oceania’s new press release states that cruisers will enjoy free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers as part of the simply MORE program.

The brand hasn’t yet released details about potential restrictions or exclusions, so check Oceania’s Promotions Terms and Conditions page for the most updated information.

Included Wi-Fi with the simply MORE program on Oceania

With Oceania’s old OLife Choice program, the free internet amenity included one login per stateroom, except for cruisers sailing in Owner’s, Vista, and Oceania Suites, who received two logins per suite.

According to Oceania’s latest release, the new simply MORE concept promises to offer unlimited Wi-Fi for all guests.

More news about Oceania Cruises

Be sure to subscribe to Should Be Cruising so you don’t miss any breaking news about Oceania Cruises and your other favorite luxury cruise lines!

What do you think about Oceania’s new simply MORE offering? If you’ve cruised on Oceania before, do you feel it’s a welcome upgrade from the OLife Choice program? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below!

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Travis Schmitt

Saturday 1st of July 2023

If the credit is only for shore excursions, it is a downgrade. I usually book my own experiences while onshore or many times in the Caribbean, I just enjoy the ship and the spa. Also, I drink very little so paying a higher cruise fare for something I don’t really use is a downgrade. One reason I enjoy Oceania is you pay for what you actually want or use. If I go on Regent, I have paid for their shore excursions which are great for the older crowd, but I prefer to do my own thing and paying for something twice isn’t smart. So I have chosen Oceania over Regent or Silversea because of this

Hi Travis, you bring up some very valid points! Although lots of cruisers would enjoy having the included amenities (if you were planning on buying them à la carte anyway), it doesn't make sense if you're not planning to use them. I'd 100% rather that shore excursion credit be a spa credit instead :D Thanks for stopping by and happy cruising!

Vista cruise ship review: What to expect on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship

"Is this a luxury cruise ship?" That was the question on everyone's lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises' Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.

We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship's craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.

Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.

Then again, when you're curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.

Overview of Vista

Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line's new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can't step outside).

The ship's target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.

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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.

Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it's more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.

What I loved about Vista

Dining choice.

Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.

I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet's outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons' afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.

Not only did Vista's large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn't a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn't order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.

Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.

The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.

The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you've ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you're a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.

Cocktails and mixology program

The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.

Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic "liquors" to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It's a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.

What I didn't love about Vista

I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn't love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.

Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That's pretty much it.

My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn't offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.

To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn't about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.

One should never judge a ship's service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn't considered a luxury ship.

In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It's in the "software," so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that's fine.

In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn't offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren't offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I'm fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.

The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you'd expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.

Vista cabins and suites

Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you're really only choosing between perks and exterior space.

New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania's first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They're Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.

My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can't step out.)

I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania's Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.

Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.

The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.

The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.

I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.

Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn't seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You'll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.

Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don't know why you'd want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.

Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.

For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.

The eight Vista Suites, which I didn't see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner's Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.

Vista restaurants and bars

Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line's tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.

It's hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has "the finest cuisine at sea" (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you've ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.

Restaurants

I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It's a good thing most of Vista's sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.

You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista's four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there's walk-in availability for additional meals.

The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I've ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn't have that hotel ballroom feel.

At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the "Taste of the World" sampler platter themed around a different country each day.

The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin's namesake French restaurant on Vista's sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don't miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.

The Terrace Café is Vista's buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren't always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.

On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.

Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.

In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don't have to choose between the options.

Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves' famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista's new "healthy" dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.

In the morning, don't miss Aquamar's selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven't lived until you've spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.

The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you're drinking the real thing.

All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.

The new entrant to Oceania's food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista's signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don't take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista's fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It's a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.

While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.

Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.

Toscana is Oceania's long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it's newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship's godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada's branzino and wasn't wowed.

Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana's incredible ship-made pasta. You can't go wrong with Giada's lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I'd pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.

The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it's because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.

To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.

Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a "gustatory journey for the senses") and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.

But the food options don't end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.

Vista's bars are hopping before and after dinner because there's not much else to do on board at night.

The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.

On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.

Be careful — it's so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven't upgraded to the premium beverage package.

Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.

Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you'll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).

The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista's gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.

Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.

Vista activities and shows

An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You'll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.

Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.

I tried a "drip technique" painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I'm not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It's also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.

Vista's culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship's destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.

On a warm, sunny day, Oceania's gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship's topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.

The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men's and women's locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.

If it's cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.

In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista's Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.

Each night, there's a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who's worked with "Dancing with the Stars."

Vista itineraries and pricing

Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.

Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania's more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.

The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.

What to know before you go

Required documents

The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It's up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.

When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.

Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.

A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.

Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania's premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.

Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.

Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.

Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don't pick them up in a timely fashion.

Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.

Electrical outlets

Vista's cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You'll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.

Drinking age

You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).

Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests "elegant casual resort wear" for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.

For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.

Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.

During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don't wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You'll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.

Bottom line

Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that's the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.

Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you'll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.

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Oceania Sirena 17 Night South Pacific Splendors - Currents

Oceania Cruises: Record-Breaking Summer Program in 2023

• August 13, 2023

With the new Vista now in service , Oceania Cruises is offering a record-breaking season during the 2023 summer.

Operating seven ships for the first time, the premium brand from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is offering strong programs in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, while also keeping a significant presence in the U.S. East Coast and Alaska.

Cruise Industry News looked into the company’s full program for the season. Here’s the breakdown:

Mediterranean

Vista Capacity: 1,200 guests Built: 2023 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Trieste and Civitavecchia (Italy); Piraeus (Greece); and more Length: Seven to ten nights Itineraries: Eastern and Western Mediterranean including the Greek Islands, Turkey, the French Riviera, Italy, Spain and more Sailing Season: May 13 to August 4

Sirena Capacity: 684 guests Built: 2000 Homeports: Monte Carlo (Monaco); Barcelona (Spain); Piraeus (Greece); Istanbul (Turkey); Venice and Civitavecchia (Italy); Lisbon (Portugal); and more Length: Seven to ten nights Itineraries: Eastern and Western Mediterranean featuring Sicily, Sardinia, the Adriatic, the Greek Islands, Turkey, the French Riviera, Italy, Spain, Malta and more Sailing Season: April 3 to November 3

Nautica Capacity: 684 guests Built: 2000 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); Civitavecchia and Venice (Italy); Istanbul (Turkey); Piraeus (Greece); La Valletta (Malta); Haifa (Israel); and more Length: Seven to 14 nights Itineraries: Adriatic, Aegean, Western Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Holy Land, Iberia and more Sailing Season: June 19 to October 27

Northern and Western Europe

Vista Capacity: 1,200 guests Built: 2023 Homeports: Barcelona (Spain); and Southampton (England) Length: 14 to 18 nights Itineraries: Western Europe and the British Islands followed by a transatlantic crossing via Ireland Sailing Season: August 4 to September 17

Riviera Capacity: 1,260 guests Built: 2012 Homeports: Southampton and Portsmouth (England); Belfast (Northern Ireland); Oslo (Norway); Reykjavik (Iceland); and more Length: Eight to 18 nights Itineraries: Iceland, Greenland, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic, the British Islands and Western Europe Sailing Season: June 1 to September 26

Marina Capacity: 1,260 guests Built: 2011 Homeports: Lisbon (Portugal); Hamburg (Germany); Copenhagen (Denmark); Oslo (Norway); Portsmouth and Southampton (England); and more Length: Seven to 15 nights Itineraries: Scandinavia, the Baltic, the Norwegian Fjords, the North Sea, Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland, the British Islands and more Sailing Season: June 2 to September 27

U.S. East Coast and Bermuda

Insignia Capacity: 684 guests Built: 1999 Homeports: New York and Boston (United States); Montreal (Canada); and Reykjavik (Iceland) Length: 11 to 14 nights Itineraries: Canada & New England and Bermuda, in addition to two special cruises to Greenland and Iceland Sailing Season: August 2 to October 30

Regatta Capacity: 684 guests Built: 1998 Homeports: Seattle (United States) and Vancouver (Canada) Length: Seven to 13 nights Itineraries: Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Victoria, Prince Rupert, Wrangell, Haines and more Sailing Season: June 9 to September 7

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Dining while cruising has never tasted better. Onboard restaurants can match land-based eateries in sophistication and style, with chefs as driven by seasonal ingredients as their peers ashore. The 2024 Global Tastemakers, selected by food and travel journalists this year, favor luxury ocean lines, which invest heavily in food and wine, yet also embrace expedition ships and riverboats. All operate small vessels by today’s standards; kitchen crews can more readily cook with artistry and ingenuity for fewer passengers. 

These Tastemakers share passion and vision; they’re reshaping shipboard norms by introducing dining venues and cuisines rarely spotlighted at sea, such as Virgin Voyages, with a Korean barbecue restaurant among 20 complimentary eateries. Global Tastemakers are also offering more adventurous culinary classes and shore excursions. Silversea, the winner, scores for its multifaceted S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, devoted to the sailing region’s food and beverages. Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) reclaims its stellar reputation from its prior incarnation, including a renewed partnership with iconic chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuted a glam new ship and elevated menus fleetwide, with novel dishes inspired by the culinary team’s extensive research trips. As this year unfolds, expect even more allures: On HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), local chefs on some itineraries may hop onboard to cook regional specialties. Oceania Cruises debuts both a Culinary Masters Cruise hosted by two Master Chefs of France, and the highly anticipated Editor’s Cruise, with Hunter Lewis, Food + Wine ’s editor-in-chief. These are the best cruises for food and drinks.

Winner: Silversea

Silversea’s impactful S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program secures the luxury line’s winning spot. S.A.L.T. Kitchen devotes an entire ever-changing menu to reflect sailing itineraries. S.A.L.T. Lab’s cooking instructors share regional cultural and culinary history with passengers during hands-on classes. In S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers sip locally inspired mixologists’ cocktails. S.A.L.T. shore excursions range from foraging in Puglia to lunching at a hyper-local Lisbon tinned-fish eatery and exploring a Patagonian organic farm. S.A.L.T. outings have proven so successful, Silversea is adding selections.

Crystal Cruises

The brand relaunch of luxurious Crystal Cruises (acquired by A&K Travel Group) now sails as Crystal , with two beautifully remodeled ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Eight distinctive restaurants include Umi Uma, showcasing the inimitable Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine of Crystal partner, legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa . Osteria d’Ovidio, named for Crystal’s Italian owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, presents poetic plates anchored in simplicity and  primo ingredients, such as lobster in tomato essence with basil olive oil.

Oceania Cruises

This line pursues compelling culinary exploits onboard and ashore, like cooking demonstrations at a Venetian master chef’s private villa or a Latvian “farm to table” experience in which guests shop at a market with the Culinary Center chef before cooking and consuming a Latvian lunch on board. Shipboard chefs are so ingredient-obsessed, they even order custom-milled French flour. Among updates, Oceania has reimagined numerous dishes, highlighting local sourcing. On Marina, Riviera, and Vista, a must-try six-course menu with a Dom Pérignon pairing perpetually marvels.

This luxe line debuted modern Mediterranean restaurant Solis on Seabourn Quest as an inspired replacement to Thomas Keller’s Grill, before Seabourn Encore, Ovation, and Sojourn rollouts. Seabourn restaurants may differ stylistically fleetwide, yet never vary in quality. Exemplary venues include Sushi for primo fish; the Restaurant with intricate entrees like carved lamb loin with crisp lamb spring roll; and Earth & Ocean for fine dining al fresco. Consider complimentary caviar and 24-hour in-suite service as bonuses.

Hurtigruten/HX

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal) and HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ships explore the world, including polar regions, the Galápagos, the Caribbean, and of course, Norway. Both HX and Hurtigruten aim to serve cuisine as compelling as adventures ashore and feature menus reflecting their Norwegian heritage. Supporting local communities, Hurtigruten relies on some 50 suppliers along the Coastal Express route for about 80% of ingredients, while more than 75% of HX’s ingredients used on Antarctica and Alaska routes are local.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This luxury line’s six ships deliver exemplary dining, with its three newest ships (Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor, and Explorer) exhibiting boundless flair. Among venues, Prime 7’s juicy steaks, Chartreuse’s French plates, and Pacific Rim’s pan-Asian dishes particularly dazzle. Beyond dining, the hands-on cooking school and Regent’s chef-led Epicurean Explorer Tours are part of the draw. Passengers may market-shop for a paella cooking class and feast on the famed rice-based dish at a seaside eatery in Valencia, Spain.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s six small ships possess yacht-like vibes, with a culinary direction to match. Chefs eagerly source fresh sustainable ingredients in ports to prepare imaginative dishes. On Star Plus class all-suite ships, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso packs a modern Spanish punch while Star Grill by Steven Raichlen dishes up aromatic barbecue deckside. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership ensures guest chefs board for demonstrations and dinners; the line also features their recipes on fleet eateries.

Viking Cruises

Viking commands attention on all waters, with riverboats, ocean liners, and expedition ships plying every continent. So many touches sum up Viking’s willingness for menus to reflect itineraries, and regional dishes and wines are a given. Flourishing herb gardens allow riverboat chefs to pluck the freshest herbs to grace dishes daily. On ocean-going vessels, specialty restaurant Manfredi’s excels in Italian cuisine (bistecca alla Fiorentina is legendary), and Mamsen’s triumphs the line’s Nordic heritage — all bow to the signature waffles.

Virgin Voyages

With 20 complimentary eateries, Virgin Voyages allows a younger, perhaps less-traveled, cruiser to sample so many cuisines. This line eschews food halls and buffets, preferring to showcase intimate boîtes, instead. Each possesses an oversized personality and emboldened plates, such as Razzle Dazzle for dishes like black garlic bowtie pasta with fennel braised pork and chanterelles, and Gunbae, knocking it out of the foodpark with complimentary soju shots and Korean barbecue.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has taken food and wine seriously since its 2002 inception. The line, inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, finds its culinary cues in its riverboats’ itineraries, selecting local ingredients and intriguing wines like Rieslings from Austria’s Wachau Valley. AmaWaterways ’ wine-themed voyages, like Flavors of Burgundy with excursions to Beaune and Mâcon, win consistent praise. Onboard gastronomic pinnacles include the Chef’s Table, a small-group dining adventure where a chef prepares wine-paired multi-course meals before passengers.

Plus one: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Exuding an exclusive boutique hotel aura, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection consists of superyacht Evrima, and in September, Ilma debuts, with Luminara arriving in 2025. This line lavishes passengers with attention, elegant design, and superb dining with an international spin. Each yacht offers five restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, and six lounges. The wine vault features more than 200 wine labels, with many exclusive red wines and vintages on a private reserve list.

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category’s winners. In many categories, we’ve included a Plus One, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don’t want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

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Never before has a new luxury ship sailed on a world cruise as epic as this. Our latest 180-day circumnavigation departs Miami on January 6, 2026, on our newest ship. Dazzling and luxurious Vista will chart the best of South America, the South Pacific, Asia and Europe on a journey that redefines global travel and elevates it to new heights.

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Join us in 2026 aboard Vista to discover a rare global journey that reveals your world from a new perspective on a magnificent scale. The time has come — a new luxurious ship introduces an entirely new era of global exploration.

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Discover More with a Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay

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Oceania Cruises Offers Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on a Range of Sailings in 2024 and 2025

Sailings explore destinations from Tokyo to Cape Town to Bali to Rio de Janeiro

MIAMI , March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --  Oceania Cruises , the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced that it will offer guests a free pre-cruise hotel stay on a range of sailings throughout late 2024 and 2025. The offer means that curious travelers will have the convenience of arriving a day before their cruise embarkation as well as the opportunity to delve even further into the departure port on their itinerary before relaxing in the comfort of Oceania Cruises' small, luxurious ships.

This valuable offer is available on 33 destination-immersive sailings exploring far-flung locations such as Brazil , the Canary Islands , Japan , Singapore , Bali , and New Zealand on incredible, destination-rich itineraries ranging from 11-day explorations to an expansive voyage of 35 days. The offer is available for reservations made between April 1, 2024 , and May 31, 2024 , giving guests ample time to choose their next bucket-list cruise.

With this generous offer, travelers can start their cruise vacation with an extra measure of comfort and ease. During the free pre-cruise hotel stay, they might choose to spend more time meandering through the Ginza District of Tokyo , admiring the breathtaking views of Table Mountain in Cape Town , or immersing themselves in the colorful, sun-soaked culture in Rio de Janeiro before venturing to their next destination.

"This exclusive free pre-cruise hotel stay gives our guests the opportunity to start their journey even more relaxed and experience some of the world's great cities in a deeper and more authentic way," commented Frank A. Del Rio , President of Oceania Cruises . "We know that our guests revel in immersing themselves in the local lifestyle, and our destination-focused approach makes spending more time in enriching cultures, experiencing mouthwatering cuisines, and embracing iconic cities even easier for our valued guests."

Available on more than 30 voyages, the offer extends across itineraries exploring Asia , Africa , Australia , New Zealand , the South Pacific , South America and beyond.

A sampling of featured voyages with free pre-cruise hotel include:

November 14, 2024 - Astounding Australasia , Singapore to Auckland : Spend more time meandering through the Gardens by the Bay and savor a Singapore Sling before setting sail for Jakarta aboard Regatta, and then exploring Bali , Papua New Guinea , and Australia before disembarking in Auckland .

January 27, 2025 - Exotic Atlantic Shores , Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town : Soak up the sun and the culture in Brazil's most vibrant city before departing aboard Insignia to explore this exotic continent, crossing the Atlantic Ocean , and landing in Namibia before disembarking in Cape Town .

February 14, 2025 - Tropics of the Far East, Tokyo to Singapore : Spend an evening marvelling in the bright lights of the Ginza District , watching Tokyo's bustling scene come alive, before embarking on Riviera to venture south exploring Japan , the Philippines , Malaysia , Brunei , and Indonesia , ending in Singapore .

May 22, 2025 - Africa Navigator , Cape Town to Barcelona : Pass the time in Cape Town on Boulders Beach with its resident penguins or between the colorful buildings of the Bo Kaap District before starting Nautica's African exploration, calling at Namibia , Angola, São Tomé and Principe, Togo, Ghana , Ivory Coast , Senegal , Cape Verde , the Canary Islands , Morocco , and a selection of ports in Spain before disembarking in Barcelona .

June 23, 2025 - Outback & Island Pearls , Bali to Papeete: Experience the lush countryside of Bali or settle in with a sundowner on the beach before stepping aboard Regatta and venturing to Australia , Vanuatu , Fiji , and Samoa before ending the cruise in Tahiti.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com , call 855- OCEANIA , or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit  OceaniaCruises.com .

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

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