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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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Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Cruises' first new ship in more than a decade can hold up to 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Vista is the inaugural ship in Oceania's Allura Class, featuring top-of-the-line amenities like a culinary center, an artist loft and an extensive library, along with facilities like a pool, a casino, a spa and a fitness center. Additionally, Vista offers enrichment opportunities like destination-focused seminars led by guest speakers and dynamic musical performances.

One of the highlights of Oceania Vista is its wide array of dining venues, from specialty restaurants like Ember (American fare) and Toscana (Italian cuisine) to the poolside Waves Grill and daily afternoon tea service. In the evening, guests can grab a drink at their choice of several bars and lounges; Vista's immersive mixology program utilizes innovative techniques and trends to create an elevated cocktail experience.

Vista's well-appointed staterooms – which range from 240 to 2,400 square feet – boast balconies, queen-size beds, rainforest showers, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, among other amenities. If you splurge for a suite, you'll enjoy added benefits like iPads, cashmere blankets, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, access to the Executive Lounge and butler service.

Oceania Vista explores an array of popular destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The design of the Vista creates more expansive and contemporary public areas than other ships in Oceania's fleet, so even when the ship is at full capacity, it never feels crowded. Also, since it is an all-veranda ship, all guests have the same great ocean view. – Julie L. Kessler, Contributor

As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. The ship now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 670 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

Regatta sails to destinations in Mexico, Asia, Australia and more.

Oceania's Marina accommodates up to 1,250 passengers and employs 800 crew members, maintaining the personalized service that the line is known for.  Marina offers signature amenities like the Aquamar Spa, a casino and a 2,000-book library. Onboard entertainment includes nightly live shows, painting and sketching lessons at the Artist Loft and cooking demos at The Culinary Center. While Marina went through a refurbishment in 2016, the ship will have an updated renovation in late 2023.  

Cruisers can choose from seven dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Jacques (with menus crafted by chef Jacques Pépin) and the Asian-inspired eatery Red Ginger, which recent passengers highly recommend.

Similar to its sister ship,  Riviera , cabins range from 174-square-foot Inside staterooms to 2,000-square-foot Suites. Higher category Veranda cabins and Suites come with perks like balconies, access to a Concierge Lounge, in-room iPads and more. All staterooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, full-size bathtubs, and minibars stocked with soda and bottled water.

Oceania Marina sails to destinations in Europe, South America and more.

Launched in 2012, Oceania Riviera is scheduled to complete a refubishment in December 2022. The upgrade will feature new furnishings, remodeled bathrooms, lighting and additional outlets and USB ports.  Oceania Riviera features larger staterooms than the line's older ships. The 1,250-passenger, 800-crew-member ship is identical to Oceania Marina and includes Inside, Ocean View and Veranda staterooms. The ship also offers suites that range from 420 to 2,000 square feet. While all cabins include minibars, full-size bathtubs and flat-screen TVs, suites add perks like 24-hour butler service.

When it's time to dine, cruisers can choose from eight venues. These include options not available on all Oceania ships, like Jacques (French fare) and Red Ginger (Asian-focused dishes). Bar and lounge venues are also varied, with specialty spots mixing martinis, offering wine tastings and serving poolside cocktails.

Other pursuits available on the ship include treatments at the spa, painting at the Artist Loft and cooking classes at The Culinary Center. With amenities and organized events geared toward older cruisers, Riviera isn't a great choice for those traveling with children.

Riviera will split its time between the Middle East,  the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia and more.

Originally launched as a  Princess  ship, the 648-passenger Sirena was revived in 2016 under the Oceania  name. The ship was most recently revamped in 2019 and features many of the amenities found on its sister ships, including the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and duty-free shopping boutiques.

Sirena's dining venues include the Red Ginger Asian restaurant and Tuscan Steak, both of which require reservations and an additional fee. Passengers can also choose from four more casual dining options included in the cruise fare. Recent guests gave the food on the ship mixed reviews. After dinner, evening entertainment includes musicals and theatrical productions, as well as games at the casino. 

Passengers can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins. While Inside staterooms start at 160 square feet, those who opt for a suite will find more space and added amenities, such as free internet access and butler service. The ship also now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone.

Oceania Sirena offers sailings in the Caribbean, South America, Europe and some transoceanic itineraries.

Nautica welcomes up to 670 passengers and 400 crew members, so cruisers can expect plenty of attention along with a less congested (and typically kid-free) onboard atmosphere. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars, and the majority have private verandas. Oceania Nautica underwent a dramatic, $100 million fleetwide refresh in 2022. With the updated renovation, guests can enjoy freshly revamped Suites, Staterooms and marble bathrooms, plus new fixtures all around the ship.  

When it's time to dine, passengers can choose from five restaurants, including the Terrace Cafe and the elegant Grand Dining Room. There are also plant-based gourmet menu items available. Onboard activities are geared toward an older crowd, ranging from afternoon tea to services at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Nighttime entertainment offerings include musical acts and craft cocktails at the martini bar. 

Oceania Nautica sails to various destinations in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe and more.

The 670-passenger Oceania Insignia, which was dramatically redesigned in December 2018, maintains a nearly a 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio, which means staff members can provide personalized attention to guests. The expansive redesign included new marble bathrooms, redesigned suites and staterooms and a facelift for the ship's public spaces. 

When it comes to dining, guests can choose between five sit-down venues and sip libations at one of several bars and lounges. Activities on the ship are geared toward older cruisers; they include afternoon tea, board games, a casino and nightly live shows.

Insignia offers four cabin types: Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite. Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller, while Veranda cabins and Suites offer more legroom (between 216 and 1,000 square feet). All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and 1,000-thread-count linens. Suites include extra perks, like 24-hour butler service and in-room iPads.

Oceania Insignia sails to destinations in Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and more.

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Oceania Cruises Riviera Cruise Review

Oceania’s riviera is the newest upscale cruise ship in the market. it’s a splurge—does it deliver the goods.

Updated June 2, 2015

Following hot on the heels of Oceania’s Marina that debuted in 2011, sibling Riviera launched in May 2012 and was quickly established as one of cruising’s most elegant options for the upscale audience. With menus overseen by chef Jacques Pépin, a Canyon Ranch spa, sumptuous bedding and tasteful cabin décor, Riviera caters to a discerning crowd that expects deferential service and a refined atmosphere.

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

About Our Cruise

Comparing splurges, our cabin: veranda cabin, cabin amenities, other cabins, grand dining room, terrace café, waves grill, in-room dining, canyon ranch spa club, other activities, shows & entertainment, other venues, kids programs, ship communications, internet facilities, dress codes, laundry facilities, general health & safety, smoking policy, tips and service charges, alcohol policies, loyalty program.

One of the youngest operators in the business, Oceania Cruises was formed in 2003, coming onto the scene with three of the 684-passenger “R-class” ships from Renaissance Cruises, a luxury line that went belly-up in 2001. When it came time to build two new ships, Oceania started with a clean slate, creating vessels that were double the size of the existing ships—the 66,084-ton Riviera carries 1,258 passengers. Features were carried over, but new ones were established, and the larger ships quickly won a devoted following. Oceania is not as inclusive as most high-end lines, instead following an à la carte model for gratuities and drinks.

Riviera winters in the Caribbean, offering 10-day voyages out of Miami that explore some of the region’s more exotic ports, such as Roatan, Samaná and St. Barths; summers are spent in the Mediterranean’s choicer locales, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 nights. We busted out our piggy bank for the splurge, eagerly anticipating smart service and fine dining.

Check-in went smoothly. We arrived shortly after noon and waited about 25 minutes in the lounge while suite and concierge guests were provided preferential embarkation. Upon boarding, we were a little surprised there was no one to show us to our quarters (something we’ve appreciated on most other luxe lines), but the cabin was easy to find, and luggage was delivered well before cast-off. This allowed time to explore the ship at leisure, and Riviera’s public area lived up to all expectations. This is a handsomely designed vessel with generous public spaces and a bevy of fine art. We’d rank the art collection alone as the best we’ve seen at sea—mostly early- and mid-20th century paintings from Cuban and other Latin American artists, with a few provocative, edgy pieces mixed in for good measure.

Oceania’s Riviera offered an adult cruise experience. No children were aboard for our itinerary. Children are allowed but there’s no facility or staff dedicated to them (something we think might be an issue in summer or during school holidays). Instead, Oceania caters to a well-heeled, older crowd—with few exceptions, virtually all guests were over 50. Although there’s no formal night, this crowd doesn’t waltz around after dusk in tracksuits and flip-flops. There’s also no poolside Hairy Chest Contest, no tacky souvenir glasses, and no gold chains sold by the inch. Yet for the most part, an easy-going atmosphere prevails, akin to that of an upscale resort geared to retirees.

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Our veranda cabin was very comfortable—definitely a step up in quality, amenities and size from mainstream cruise lines. It was not, however, the size of entry-level cabins on Seabourn, Silversea, or Regent Seven Seas (by our measurements, the square footage Oceania claims for cabins is overstated).

Cuisine is a major focus for the line and, by industry standards, we found most dining on Riviera to be excellent, with a few exceptions. In addition to the rewarding main dining room and a terrific buffet, there are four specialty restaurants, and there’s no surcharge for these meals (though this is where we found food and service to be most uneven). Even the pool bar had tasty grilled fare, starting with a luscious surf and turf sandwich—sliced filet mignon and lobster medallions on toasted ciabatta. There was also a special wine pairing meal offered several nights of the cruise at La Reserve, which we found superb—the $95 add-on was worth it for foodies and wine aficionados.

Deck areas felt relatively spacious, and although we observed loungers to be in short supply around the pool, it wasn’t hard locating a place to stretch out on the decks above (the one pool, by the way, is larger than average for the luxury sector). Though activities were limited, there was a tennis court, mini-golf course and an art studio staffed by an artist. One sterling feature not found on any other cruise ship (except Marina) is hands-on cooking lessons—for a fee—with instruction overseen by the Culinary Institute of America. Shows on Riviera were rudimentary at best—okay if nothing else was going on, but nothing to go out of our way for. This isn’t uncommon with small-ship luxury lines, but given that Riviera has a larger showroom (and more guests), a better entertainment program was in order. There was, however, a good variety of live music on the ship, including a string quartet playing for afternoon tea and a pianist trolling through the standards at the Martini Bar each evening.

Riviera is noteworthy for a few things it doesn’t have. There was no camera crew on board, plaintively asking for poses. The ship lacks a traditional promenade deck, below the lifeboats. But for the most part, guests will be impressed with the number of features available that aren’t found on smaller luxury ships. The atmosphere is somewhat comparable to that of a Ritz-Carlton resort—slightly sterile and corporate, but appealingly polished.

For this reason it’s difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons about whether Riviera provides good value. But just prior to publication we reviewed per-day rates for cabins on comparable itineraries for the upcoming year, for ships that offer an experience that is a notch above the Oceania product. Riviera’s veranda cabins for Mediterranean cruises averaged about $455 per day, per person—a fare that does not include gratuities or drinks, costs that can top $75 a day, per person (Riviera’s auto-gratuity is $15 to $22 per day and the all-inclusive drink package runs $59.95 per day).

Beyond the initial cruise fare, there are other cost issues to be aware of. Airport transfers arranged through Oceania were outrageous—the per-person rate was about three times the price of a taxi. Oceania’s gratuity rate is the highest in the industry. And shore excursions were extortionate—we dodged the herd and made all our own arrangements for considerably less. By contrast, we noted that Oceania’s airfare add-ons can be reasonable compared to these other lines. And for those who drink no alcohol, Oceania’s à la carte model works well.

Oceania’s Riviera is an undeniably beautiful ship, and it’s the newest vessel at sea designed for the upscale crowd. Not only does Oceania Cruises straddle an underserved market segment between the mass-audience cruise companies and the pure luxury cruise lines, but Riviera (and sister ship Marina) provides a unique bridge between smaller luxe ships with limited amenities and activity-filled large ships that can feel crowded. Only one other upmarket line, Crystal Cruises, has ships (almost) the size of Riviera (though both of Crystal’s ships are now more than a decade old).

We don’t take issue with Oceania marketing its product as “upper premium”—at least not in regard to Riviera. Elegant and classy, with dining that is among the best in the industry, the ship possesses many fine attributes that make a voyage memorable. The size of the ship is just about perfect for our taste—not too big, not too small, easy to get around. We would absolutely look forward to sailing on Riviera again, but for one caveat: It’s overpriced.

While current demand may be allowing Oceania to boost fares, we feel that there are other cruise lines offering similar itineraries that, for comparable fares or just a few dollars more, may provide discernably better value. And for spendthrifts, it’s not hard to find alternatives offering quality suites and good food and service that sell for quite a bit less than Riviera.

Choices fall into four general categories. Inside cabins, the most economical option, are located on decks 8 through 10. Lacking any view, Oceania says they measure a fairly compact 174 square feet, and the bathrooms have a shower stall only, no tub. There are 20 Ocean View cabins, all found at midship on Deck 7 and, with a larger bathroom and floor-to-ceiling window, these represent a significant step up from Inside units.

We stayed in one of the Veranda cabins, located on decks 7 through 11. Though all are the same size, these come at various price points based on location (higher decks being more expensive). A majority of the Veranda cabins (decks 9 and higher) are designated as Concierge Level, and although square footage is the same, extras include early check-in and embarkation, a welcome bottle of Champagne, priority restaurant and shore excursion reservations, unlimited access to the Spa Terrace, in-room laptop computer and discounted internet, iPad for use onboard, Bulgari toiletries, and other extras. There are also four types of Suites , described below.

There was a lounge on Deck 9 for guests in Concierge level cabins. TVs, reading materials and refreshments were available. Guests occupying Owner’s, Vista, Oceania and Penthouse suites could utilize an Executive Lounge on Deck 11.

Tastefully appointed with a generous use of dark walnut wood hues, our Veranda cabin was slightly larger than a typical balcony cabin on a mainstream cruise line (more on that below). With a bathroom featuring a full tub and a balcony decked in teak flooring—a rarity on newer ships—it was a very comfortable space to reside in. Speaking of contented, our bed was sumptuous, engulfed by quality linens that left us snug as a bug in a rug. Oceania says these are a “custom designed mattresses with 700-thread count cotton linens.” Hyper-allergenic pillows were available on request. Our photos below show the bed configuration in both queen-sized and twin layouts.

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Cabin lighting was discrete, with recessed lights in the ceiling plus adjustable reading lights on either side of the bed—combined we had sufficient illumination. Fronting the balcony doors were three curtains—one that was a sheer, the other two completely blocked out light. Next to the sofa was an oval coffee table, and facing these was a small desk with a lamp and chair. Between the bathroom and beds was the closet, fronted by sliding doors. The closet measured 41 inches in width and contained 31 wood clothes hangers (plus two for robes). Next to the closet was a cabinet with three drawers and a shelf for the safe; one of the drawers contained a hair dryer. While we heard a few guests grumble about storage space being constrained, we found closets and drawers more than adequate for a trip of longer than a week (it’s not a suite, after all)—then again, we don’t travel with steamer trunks! Next to the drawers was the minibar and ice bucket, and above these were a couple slender shelves for glasses.

Our cabin had a marble- and granite-lined bathroom that was somewhat larger than what we usually get on mainstream cruise ships, however the additional space was devoted to a full-size bathtub (56 inches long, 17 inches deep). This is a terrific amenity for those who take baths, but for those of us who don’t it would have been nice to utilize the square footage toward a less-cramped bathroom (the floor of the shower stall was a fairly average 31 by 37 inches, though this is larger than showers on Oceania’s R-class ships). The shower and bathtub each had handheld showerheads on adjustable poles, and there was a rain showerhead in the shower stall.

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Oceania says all Veranda cabins measure 282 square feet, including the balcony, but we take issue with this generous assessment. The inside of our cabin and bathroom came to 210 square feet; our balcony measured 110 inches by 66 inches, or 50.5 square feet. We can only assume that the extra 21 square feet Oceania claims represents unusable space behind walls (i.e., counting the space between cabins, plumbing areas, and between our cabin and balcony). While our cabin was larger than that of a typical mainstream cruise liner, it was not comparable in size to those of most upscale lines. Veranda cabins on Riviera (and Marina) are, however, a good bit larger than veranda units on the line’s three older, “R-class” ships.

The balcony was a decent sized space for two to hang out, with woven synthetic “wicker” chairs, each with a cushion. There was a small table, sufficient for coffee or drinks, but not much else.

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Our cabin came with a pair of plush robes and slippers—the bathrobes were available for purchase ($75). Our stocked mini-fridge included complimentary sodas; there was a charge for other items. A corkscrew and bottle opener was provided, along with an ice bucket that was refilled twice daily. Above the fridge were two 100ml bottles of Oceania branded mineral water, replenished as needed.

There was a safe, but it wasn’t large enough for a typical laptop (13.5 inches wide, 8.5 inches deep). A hair dryer and sewing kit were located in a drawer next to the closet. The Oceania branded bathroom amenities included shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and body lotion—above-average products by our estimation. There were, however, no bath salts, and when we called the front desk to request these we were transferred to the spa—a jar of salts was available for $52. Fortunately, when we checked again with our cabin attendant he swiftly delivered a bowl of salts that were ample for a couple soaks.

The TV in our room was a good quality, high-definition 32-inch Insignia model, a smart TV with a built-in Blu-ray player. However not all channels were available with a high-def signal. The problem was probably with the monitor adjustments; some channels appeared in standard definition, some were incorrectly sized for the monitor dimensions. For the ship’s movie channel the grainy image was cropped on the sides, meaning the picture was not displayed as it was meant to be (see photos below).

The channel selection was detailed in a printed guide valid for the whole cruise. There was a typical range of news and sports channels, and channels dedicated to Oceania programming (shopping and shore excursions got the usual plugs). There were five movie channels that played about 100 different movies during the cruise. Some played a few times on one day, others repeated a second or third day, but the range was pretty solid, with some of the biggest commercial hits from the past six months, plus a few unexpected classics, like “Tom Jones” and “Midnight Cowboy.” There was also a DVD library maintained at the reception desk in the lobby. With more than 600 titles encompassing oddities such as the TV show Bewitched (13 discs), as well as both classic and current movies, children’s fare and TV shows, there was something for pretty much everyone.

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We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Oceania Cruises. Note that photos below have been provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Inside Cabin Wonderful sanctuaries unto their own, these 174-square-foot staterooms boast beautiful designs and handsome furnishings that add to the serenity. Highlights include an oversized bathroom resplendent with marble and granite, and thoughtful touches such as a refrigerated mini-bar, vanity desk, breakfast table and a choice of a queen-size or two twin beds.

Deluxe Ocean View These spacious 242-square-foot staterooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows feel even more commodious with the curtains drawn back, the ocean in full view and natural light streaming in. The rich hues, custom-designed furnishings and stylish fabrics are equally enchanting. Queen or twin bed accommodations, a spacious seating area, vanity desk, breakfast table and oversized marble and granite-clad bathroom with separate tub and shower, are among the many conveniences.

Penthouse Suite Our collection of elegant Penthouse Suites rivals any world-class hotel for comfort. The design of each suite is ingenious, which maximizes its generous 420 square feet of space and puts every creature comfort at your fingertips. At its heart is a spectacularly luxurious queen-size Prestige Tranquility Bed that can be converted into two twin beds, if you wish. Commodious enough for private en-suite dining, the living area features a table and comfortable seating, refrigerated mini-bar and lighted vanity desk. The large marble and granite-clad bathroom features an indulgent, full-size bathtub and separate shower and is conveniently located next to the full-size walk-in closet. For the ultimate view, simply open the sliding glass door and relax on the exquisitely furnished private veranda.

Oceania Suite This new category of suite accommodation combines exquisite elegance with a premier location high atop Marina and adds in a wealth of amenities and copious space for good measure. Sprawling more than 1,000 square feet, each offers a living room and dining room, walk-in closet, expansive private veranda and much more. Enjoy a brisk morning workout followed by a therapeutic whirlpool in either your private Jacuzzi overlooking the sea or in the Jacuzzi tub in your Master Bath. Spend an evening screening first-run movies on your 50-inch LCD flat-screen television in your state-of-the-art media room. Indulge in course-by-course en-suite dining in your dining room or with the caress of a soft sea breeze on the expansive veranda. Wake up refreshed and rested on the king-size Prestige Tranquility Bed. Open the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, walk out on the private teak veranda and take in the stunning panoramic views from the comfort of the resort-style lounge furniture. Everything imaginable is provided in your Oceania Suite, even a second bathroom for guests.

Vista Suite Among the most spacious and luxurious of accommodations at sea, the eight Vista Suites surely will be in high demand. That is no surprise given their premier location overlooking the bow and that every inch of their 1,200 to 1,500 square feet (depending on location) has been meticulously designed for your enjoyment. Indulge in a relaxing soak in one of your suite’s two Jacuzzis – on your private veranda or in your lavish Master Bath. Watch first-run Hollywood films on the 42-inch LCD flat-screen television, enhanced by Bose® surround sound, or view them from the comfort of your bed on a second LCD flat-screen television. Access the Internet with the laptop computer that’s provided for up-to-the-minute news, to research upcoming ports, and to email friends. Wake up refreshed and rested on the king-size Prestige Tranquility Bed. Draw back the curtains from the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, walk out on the wraparound teak veranda and take in the panoramic views from the comfort of the resort-style lounge furniture. Everything imaginable is here in your suite, including a walk-in closet, a second bathroom for guests and your own private fitness room.

Owner’s Suite Even the most lavish superlatives fail to adequately describe the three Owner’s Suites onboard. With rich furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home, each spans the entire beam of the ship and measures more than 2,000 square feet. Boasting a large living room and dining room, spacious bedroom with a king-size Prestige Tranquility Bed, sumptuous bathroom, his and hers walk-in closets, and a dramatic entry foyer and music room overlooking the sea, they are truly palatial. A professional entertainment system with flat-screen televisions, 3D movies, and media library is provided as well as a laptop and iPad® with wireless access. Indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas beckon you for a relaxing soak – the latter has a flat-screen television for alfresco viewing. Enjoy en-suite gourmet dining from any of our six restaurants, served course-by-course by your Butler. No expense has been spared to ensure your total satisfaction.

{{photo_gallery "Oceania Riviera p2 g5"}} Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director is noted chef and cookbook author Jacques Pépin, and with seven different meal options for dinner alone, Riviera has upped the ante for fine dining on cruise ships. Of course, Monsieur Pépin is not actually working in the galley but, for the most part, we found the dining aboard Riviera to be among the best we’ve experienced at sea—it’s certainly a deserved calling card for the line. The Grand Dining Room , Riviera’s main restaurant, provided above-average meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. What surprised us was the Terrace Café , the buffet venue, where we had a succession of tasty meals.

There are four specialty restaurants on Riviera, open for dinner only, though we found the dining a little more uneven here. Still, with menus ranging from French to Asian, Italian to steakhouse, the variety was pleasing, and there’s no add-on fee for dining at these venues (as is common on mainstream cruise lines). The ne plus ultra was La Reserve , a small dining room used several nights each cruise for intimate wine-pairing meals with a surcharge.

Oceania claims its guests have the “freedom to dine whenever, wherever and with whomever you wish,” but we found tables for two in short supply for the four specialty restaurants, especially at Jacques. Guests in non-suite cabins were allowed to make one reservation for each of the specialty dining venues using Oceania’s clunky online booking system (four reservations total). Yet despite going online weeks ahead of our cruise we were unable to secure a two-top for any of these meals, except very early or late in the evening. Before the cruise we were told by a reservation agent to request changes soon after boarding; we did, but non-shared tables were still not available for two of these meals.

Guests staying in Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites were allowed to make more than four restaurant reservations ahead of their cruise; these guests were also allowed to order course-by-course in-room dining through their butler from the Grand Dining Room menu or from any of the specialty restaurants, during regular operating hours.

With its bright crystal chandelier floating above, Riviera’s main dining room is, indeed, a grand spot, looking like a luminous space from a regal European hotel. Fine china, Riedel stemware and formal service complete the setting. The room slopes down gently from Deck 6 on terraces leading aft, and there are a number of tables for two lining the windows. For those who decry the dim lighting in many restaurants, request to be seated toward the center of the room and you’ll be basked in the chandelier’s glow. The room seats 566, nearly half the ship’s capacity, and we never waited more than 3 or 4 minutes for a table, even at prime time.

The dinner menu changed nightly, featuring seven different entrées that were notable for their variety (an additional three entrées—steak frites, poached salmon and rotisserie chicken—were available every night). Each evening, one appetizer, a soup and an entrée would be highlighted as part of Canyon Ranch’s Healthy Living menu, focused on healthy fats, whole grains and lean proteins; there were always several vegetarian appetizers and one entrée. And four courses were highlighted each night as the menu dégustation, with recommended wine pairings for each course.

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Among the appetizers, we enjoyed the cheese soufflé sitting amid a chive velouté, the scallops served in shell with lemon, capers and seaweed, and a hearty terrine of tomato and eggplant. Looking like shrimp tails engulfed in a bird’s nest, the crispy Albanian kadaif-wrapped tiger prawns were delightful nuggets—a few more, please. There was a faro salad with grilled zucchini that seemed promising, but the dressing overwhelmed the dish—it was almost like a cold risotto. Salads could have used a little more imagination, but we enjoyed the lettuces with paper-thin beets and celery rémoulade, and the spinach salad with pine nuts, shaved parmesan and a bacon dressing. The basket of diverse, hearty breads on our table was hard to resist.

For entrées we loved the Florida lobster, served with a cognac sauce (different lobster entrées were served on several nights). We tried the vegetarian option one evening—potato and vegetable curry over rice; it was pretty ordinary. But the shrimp and zucchini risotto was a melt-in-the-mouth dish, as was the simple rotisserie chicken, smothered in jus de rôti. Desserts were modest in size, but rewarding, from the Cointreau-marinated strawberries in a brandy-snap basket to the chocolate “volcano” with passion fruit lava. There was a nightly ice cream, a sorbet, and a lighter dessert, along with cookies and petits fours. We adored the cheese plate option, which changed nightly and was served with various chutneys, olives and pressed cakes.

If the breakfast menu was fairly conventional, it was beautifully served and the venue was lightly visited. We found juices (the orange was fresh squeezed), stewed fruits, cold cereals and Bircher muesli, hot oatmeal, eggs and omelets, pancakes and waffles, along with typical sides. Among the more unusual offerings were steamed Finnish haddock or broiled kippers, buckwheat pancakes, and breakfast steaks or lamb chops.

We were delighted to find the Grand Dining Room open for lunch daily, even on port days—what’s more, the menu changed daily. We found the salad Niçoise to be perfectly rendered (with a choice of tuna, salmon or halibut), and the hanger steak stroganoff with a paprika cream sauce was rich and satisfying. Other lunch items steered to burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with a number of lighter and vegetarian options available.

Located on Deck 12 aft, the Terrace Café offers one of the best buffet spreads we’ve experienced on any cruise ship. While the space suffered slightly from limited seating during breakfast and lunch peak hours, we enjoyed all of our meals here, many of them on the outer deck where two dozen tables offered fine views and fresh air. A number of items were prepared à la minute—on the spot—and no, we’re not just talking about the omelet station. Servers were stationed throughout the buffet, and almost all food items were placed on our plate for us (helpful in minimizing the spread of food-borne illness).

The breakfast selection featured everything we expected, and a little more—from cold cuts and cheese to a fruit station with delectable options like papaya, raspberries and blackberries. We loved the array of pastries, and there was a station for fried eggs and omelets, and bacon, sausage, potatoes and other sides were nearby. One complaint: We found the brewed coffee not as good here as other restaurants on the ship (cappuccinos and the like could be had from the automated coffee station).

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For lunch, the hot buffet station included such fare as grilled king clip fillet with vegetable aioli, veal scaloppini saltimbocca, and the grill had various meats cooked to order. In addition to a salad bar there was a variety of prepared salads that changed daily—Tuscan lentil salad, Caesar with grilled chicken, marinated tomato and fennel with prawns, Thai beef salad, etc. There was a carving station, a sushi spread, and a pasta bar with sauces that changed daily. Every couple days a lunch theme emerged—Mexican, Oriental, Seafood and Italian were featured on our cruise. We didn’t try all of these, but the south-of-the-border spread was probably our only disappointing lunch here.

Unexpectedly, it was at dinner where Terrace Grill really showed its strength, and a few of the dishes mirrored the offerings at the main dining room. We didn’t dine here in the evening till late in the cruise—some of the fare we missed included coq au vin, Palermo-style grilled swordfish, risotto with fava beans and morel mushrooms, a tajine of winter vegetables over couscous, a classic paella. There was a carving station nightly, which included beef Wellington one night, veal rack loin another. The night we dined at Terrace Grill we dived into Malaysian fish curry—prepared to order—king crab legs, coconut-miso sea bass wrapped in banana leaf, a sliver of prime rib, and sampled some of the competently prepared sushi. We didn’t have room for dessert, but the array was impressive.

While many guests enjoyed Jacques, we were somewhat disappointed by our meal here, especially considering this is the one venue that Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin chose to put his name on. The restaurant is designed to be an elegant French bistro, and the menu certainly looked appealing, with such traditional offerings as terrine of foie gras, escargots in garlic butter, sautéed frog legs, bouillabaisse, and Iberian rack of pork.

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For our starter we tried the baked French onion soup, which was capped with a crusty ceiling of Gruyère. We also sampled the pumpkin soup, which was impressively presented in a terrine made from a real pumpkin. But the soup that was spooned into our bowl was tepid. We asked our waiter to replace it, and a hot portion arrived seven or eight minutes later. For entrée we ordered the Dover sole, which was deboned at the table—the classic preparation with lemon and caper butter was enhanced with croutons that sopped up the juice. Dessert was an apple tarte, served Tatin-style. A cheese trolley was wheeled over and the selection of AOC French offerings was mouth-watering.

We liked the effort for tableside presentations, and the salmon-colored room is attractive, filled with pickled wood furnishings and a glass and brass show rotisserie. But despite a few windows, the view is obscured by curtains and, with only six two-top tables, we were unable to secure a reservation here for anything but a shared table. Maybe wit hit Jacques on an off night and perhaps we would have enjoyed it more with a table to ourselves, but we felt this meal should have been stronger, more nuanced.

Unique to Riviera and Marina, Red Ginger is one of the ship’s most popular specialty restaurants, an Asian fusion venue with a strong emphasis on a jazzy contemporary décor, and equally jazzy food. While our dinner was good, satisfying in the main, it was not quite the rapturous experience we’d been lead to expect. For instance, every diner receives a small bowl of traditional edamame to start, but this is kind of like receiving a basket of French bread. How more interesting it would have been to be served edamame presented with a dynamic new angle.

But we’re in the minority on this—a number of passengers we spoke to described Red Ginger as their favorite meal. And there’s no denying that the room itself—black, with red and gold accents—was quite handsome, each table graced with a flower-burst of flame ginger. The acoustics weren’t great, it’s a noisier room than the other specialty restaurants—we’d request one of the tables along the walls.

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For appetizer we had caramelized tiger prawns—succulent shrimps in a very sweet chili sauce. Another starter, crispy ginger calamari, was better, smartly seasoned and cooked. We found the tom kha gai too creamy, and not spicy enough—it tasted flat (and despite a red chili pepper on the menu used to indicate hot items). Spicy duck and watermelon salad could have been edgier, and we would have preferred seeded watermelon. The Thai beef salad, however, was lovely, studded with eggplant, shallots and basil.

Our entrées were more satisfying. The miso-glazed sea bass was excellent, the tender fish beautifully presented in what appeared to be a ginger leaf. Lobster pad Thai was a fine twist on a well-traveled road, with generous hunks of lobster flesh bursting from the silky noodles. Various sides were available—brown or jasmine rice, stir-fried udon noodles, broccoli and shitake mushrooms, and a meager portion of asparagus. For desserts, the cake was fine, if a bit filling after our feast; the trio of fruit sherbets was an excellent alternative, especially the coconut, which found just the right balance of cream and coconut flakes.

Our most disappointing meal on Riviera was undoubtedly Polo Grill, and that sentiment was shared by all four of us at our table, as well as other passengers we spoke with. A steakhouse on a cruise ship shouldn’t require reinventing the wheel, but we find it amazing how often cruise lines deliver a subpar steakhouse experience (and usually with an up-charge—not the case on Riviera). The room is fine, located on Deck 14 aft, tricked out with masculine dark wood paneling, contemporary art and padded leather chairs—it certainly looks the part.

Our appetizer was the shrimp cocktail, which won us over with massive shrimp served in a martini glass, hovering around a small puddle of cocktail sauce. When more cocktail sauce was offered we said yes and an avalanche was spooned on. The salad we ordered was described as “honey smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and aged cheddar cheese,” but it was decidedly ordinary: a few leaves of Romaine with tomatoes to the side topped with a grate of undistinguished cheddar and bacon crumbles. Dressing for this deconstructed dish was provided in ramekin—it was quite zesty and overwhelmed whatever flavor was to be found.

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The menu promised USDA prime, but for a main we ordered the Colorado rack of lamb, a quartet of plump, if petite chops. The dish was okay, but the lamb could have been better seasoned. Off-the-shelf mint jelly was spooned on the side; we would have preferred a savory mint sauce. A side dish of potatoes au gratin was good, a smallish portion suited for one. We also sampled the prime rib—available in a 16-ounce queen’s cut or a 32-ounce, bone-in king’s cut—we found it mediocre. The dessert selection aimed higher, and key lime pie emerged as the standout for our table. For sheer gumption, the chocolate mousse “burger” on an almond bun with apricot jelly was a delight to see. The first bite was a surreal taste sensation, but thereafter it seemed ordinary.

Our service here was attentive, but the courses came out in ponderous fashion, making our meal at Polo Grill a near-three hour experience.

Located just opposite Polo Grill on Deck 14, Toscana is Riviera’s Italian restaurant. Although we didn’t experience anything groundbreaking here, we found our meals here satisfying. Many tables are next to or near the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows, so it’s a good place to be parked for a scenic sunset sail-away. The long and diverse menu encourages a second visit. The selection of olive oils and vinegars alone is surprisingly inviting, sampled with bread and a roasted bulb of garlic.

For starters we enjoyed the decadent sformatino, a timbale of parmesan, served with black truffle sauce and spiked with fried artichoke leaves. Breaded, fried calamari came with spicy marinara and aioli sauces. Carpaccio of beef tenderloin with shaved parmesan and arugula was presented in classic style, as was the Caesar salad, prepared tableside. Sautéed jumbo shrimp was wrapped in prosciutto, while spinach salad was graced by Sardinian goat cheese and Kalamata olives. Not a loser in the bunch.

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For mains, we liked the filet mignon topped with sautéed garlic spinach and Gorgonzola cheese, flanked by grilled polenta tiles. And the pasta trio was perfect for those of us who couldn’t decide on a pasta dish: There was risotto with lobster, tortellini with ricotta and spinach, and fettuccini lathered in way too much cream—we lapped it up.

The wine tasting room just outside the Terrace Café on Deck 12 is the setting for a gourmet meal held on several nights of each cruise. It’s not a restaurant per se, more like a wine cellar that borrows the adjacent kitchen of Terrace Café for an occasional feast. Floor-to-ceiling windows line one side of the room, allowing passengers to drool over the event. Affiliated with Wine Spectator magazine, La Reserve has three different menus, each offering seven courses matched with seven wines. Two of the menus are priced $95 per person, plus 18-percent gratuity; the Connoisseur Menu (starring Kobe beef sous vide and Brittany blue lobster) is $165 plus gratuity. With a maximum of 24 guests each evening we’d strongly recommend booking before boarding (at least two of the nights filled weeks ahead of embarkation).

We chose the Discovery Menu for our evening at La Reserve, a night which began with the ship’s Executive Chef coming out to introduce his team, including sommelier, two waiters and a crew of three assistants. We were provided a glass of Bouvet brut for toasting, a French bubbly from the Loire, then seated at the long, walnut table for the amuse bouche of sea urchin panna cotta topped with caviar—a surprising spoonful of sea and dairy. The evening’s first course was a lobster and mascarpone pancake with carrot emulsion and rock chive cress, a dish that provided the crustacean the elegant stage it deserved. This was paired with Champagne Pommery brut rosé. A cream of porcini soup was sparked by three nuggets of duck foie gras interspersed with three wonderfully oily croutons—a Cervaro Castello della Sala chardonnay from Umbria was the rich and balanced accompaniment.

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Our third course was pumpkin ravioli with a sprinkle of crushed amaretto biscotti. The dish was sweet, and we expected a viognier would be too much for the pairing, but the Novelty Hill viognier from Washington was surprisingly complex, a fine marriage of equals with the ravioli. Bay scallops topped with Jamón Ibérico pata negra was petite but scrumptious—the scallops, we were assured, were fresh, loaded onto the ship during embarkation. Our fifth course was the 72-hour braised short rib, cooked sous vide and enticingly pink. It was ravishing in taste and texture, and nicely paired with Silver Trident’s Twenty Seven Fathoms, a cabernet sauvignon from Napa that quickly emerged as the table’s favorite (interestingly, the winery is owned by one of Oceania co-founders).

There was a cheese course, a slab of AOC Brie de Meaux, fragrant and perfectly ripe atop a toast with raisin-onion compote and quince jelly. Another cabernet sauvignon—Hess Collection Allomi Vineyard—was a voluptuous fruit bomb to contrast with the cheese, seducing us down the aisle to dessert. This was a mille-feuille comprised of a hundred sheets of paper-thin dough, interspersed with raspberry and vanilla cream—it was sweetly fragile and flavorful. Alas, the late harvest chenin blanc from Château la Varière accompanying this final course was the only one we found to be a letdown, a 2001 vintage that was metallic and discordant.

The overall meal consumed 3 hours, and wines were poured a healthy half-glass at a time (requests for refills were not refused). While we would not consider Riviera’s cuisine to be Michelin-star quality, La Reserve came close. It was a memorable meal and the wine selection was smartly chosen.

Located on the pool deck, just outside the Terrace Café, the Waves Grill was open for al fresco breakfasts and lunch till 4 p.m. daily. The morning selection was a streamlined version of what was offered at Terrace Café, and also served buffet style. This included an array of fresh fruits, cold cuts, yogurt and muesli. There was an egg station where omelets and fried eggs were cooked to order; next to it was a counter with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes.

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The lunch menu stuck primarily to hot sandwiches and Black Angus burgers. Star offering was the surf and turf sandwich—a couple grilled Florida lobster medallions and slices of filet mignon served on toasted ciabatta. It was quite tasty. The burgers were available in various formats—the Texan (grilled onions, bacon and BBQ sauce), the Romano (provolone, roasted peppers, pesto on ciabatta), the Maguro (soy and ginger marinated ahi tuna seared rare), etc. Hot dogs, Cajun chicken paillard, grilled mahi mahi and veggie burgers were also on offer.

Waves also served as the ship’s ice cream stand, and cups or cones were available with various toppings, along with milkshakes, malts and fruit smoothies.

This is Riviera’s private, eight-seat dining room, located between Polo Grill and Toscana. The decadent room, cast in bold red and white tones, can be reserved for the evening for $250. Guests may order off the menu of either Polo Grill or Toscana while relaxing on throne chairs upholstered in supple, white baby crocodile leather.

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With so many good dining options available on Riviera it seemed anathema to order in, but room service was available 24 hours. Duty called. The breakfast menu was limited to continental—a little surprising on an upmarket ship. We could order with a tag hung outside the room by 11 p.m. the night before; ordering by phone was also possible. The breakfast selection covered just about anything cold we would want—juices, fruit, yogurt, packaged cereal, along with toast, pastries, muffins and hot coffee.

We filled out our room tag and asked for breakfast to be delivered at 7:45 a.m. Nine minutes prior we received a call to the room to alert us that delivery was on the way, and 2 minutes later came the knock on the door. The table in our cabin was barely adequate to contain a meal for two (even a continental breakfast); the table on the veranda was even smaller.

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Our English muffin arrived warm warm, and pitchers of milk brought were hot for coffee and cold for our cereal. But the pot of coffee was not on par with what we were served in the Grand Dining Room. And the fruit plate was unimpressive—simply diced fruit, more like fruit cup. All in all it was fairly mediocre. We also noted that room service breakfast was not available on disembarkation morning (the one time when we’d otherwise consider it).

The 24-hour menu was a little more diverse. There was a selection of salads, including a chef’s pantry salad (with ham, roast beef, turkey, shrimp and cheese), an antipasto selection with cold cuts, and shrimp cocktail on bruschetta. Chicken consommé and French onion soup were offered. Sandwiches included grilled ham and cheese, turkey, roast beef and a club sandwich. Entrées included grilled strip steak, broiled chicken breast, salmon supreme—all served with steamed vegetables—spaghetti all Bolognese or hamburger. During the evening, guests residing in suites could order off the standard restaurant menus through their butler. Riviera had five bars covering most areas of the ship. There was another bar for the Riviera Lounge (open when shows were held), plus an excellent little coffee bar that was one of our favorite hangouts on the ship. Unlike most of the mainstream lines, bottled water, soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, coffee, iced tea, dispensed juices and milk were all included in the cruise fare. However, unlike most of the luxury cruise lines, alcoholic drinks involved a surcharge.

Wines by the glass started at $8 for a chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon from La Terre; other options for a dollar or two more included Nobilo sauvignon blanc, Danzante pinot grigio, Estancia pinot noir reserve and Spellbound petite sirah; the Champagne available by the glass was Perrier-Jouet grand brut, for $18. The list was stronger for wines by the bottle and included such offerings as La Crema chardonnay ($52), Domaine Huet la Haut-Lieu vouvrey sec ($78), Greg Norman shiraz ($39), and Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($132). The very limited selection of beers included the usual American name brands for $5 to $6—Samuel Adams was the most exotic label we spotted.

Each day, a trio of drinks were listed in the Currents newsletter; the cocktails of the day could be had for $5. Happy hour (two-for-one) was offered each evening from 5 to 6 p.m. at most of the bars.

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This was a great spot on Riviera, a coffee bar on Deck 14 with seats overlooking the pool and out to the sea. With real Italian baristas preparing proper espresso-based drinks (using Trieste’s best, illy coffee), we almost felt transported to a seaside café in Italy. We came here often. The coffees may be spiked with various liquors for an add-on. There are small bites available from a deli case—pastries, croissants, cookies and biscotti—and juices in the morning. Don’t miss the delicious caramelized French pound cake, known as canelé (and you are forewarned: they are highly addictive).

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Riviera’s piano bar percolated with conversation and soothing music each evening—it was the busiest bar leading up to mealtime. During the day this spot was largely empty except when various activities transpired on sea days, announced in the ship’s newsletter. This included martini and vodka tastings (with a $15 add-on), presentations from the spa (culminating in a product pitch), social gatherings and, most entertainingly, lively Spanish lessons.

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This wasn’t a bar, per se, but an art-filled corridor that served as another preprandial gathering spot, with potted palms interspersed between chic couches and chairs. The ship’s string quartet played here for much of the evening. The full bar menu was available (drinks were prepared at the adjacent Casino Bar), and waiters were staffed in the evening. On one of the two evenings we stopped by for a drink, between sitting down and receiving our drink we waited almost 25 minutes. The server seemed unable to multi-task.

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Located next to the casino, this was Riviera’s most garish venue, awash in bright light that flooded the room from behind plexi wall coverings. The color of the lighting was adjustable, but usually the volume was set to full-on lavender. We wouldn’t call it ugly, but it was pretty brash compared to the rest of the ship. A half-dozen framed Picasso drawings were showcased here—wonder what he would have thought?

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This was Riviera’s one al fresco bar option, serving the pool area and those dining at the Waves Grill. Servers effectively canvassed the area for orders.

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Located on Deck 15, this was the bar with a view, a 270-degree panorama from Riviera’s highest indoor venue. The full bar menu was available here, and the bar was also used for various presentations on sea days, including Bingo, a needlepoint gathering, etc. In the evening there was live music and dancing, though this is not a ship that parties late.

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Each day at 4 p.m., Horizons was the setting for afternoon tea. This was a pretty great spread, with assorted finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a station for caramelized fruit. We only tried it once during our cruise—wish we’d stopped by earlier.

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The Tucson, Arizona-based wellness resort company Canyon Ranch has been operating on cruise ships since 2004, when the brand was brought onboard Queen Mary 2. Since then they have become a competitor to Steiner Leisure, the dominant name in cruise ship spas, currently found on most of the major cruise lines. Occupying the forward portion of Deck 14, Riviera’s Canyon Ranch Spa Club is a sleek and impressive facility, with a steam room, a Finnish sauna, men’s and women’s changing rooms, full salon and boutique selling Canyon Ranch (and other) products.

Costs for massage and skin care treatments ranged between 20 and 50 percent higher than typical Steiner Leisure prices on other cruise lines. But the list of treatments was expanded from the typical cruise selection, incorporating more Asian modalities than we usually see. Massage prices ranged from $165 for the 50-minute Canyon Ranch treatment to $278 for 80-minute deep tissue or sports massages; couples massages started at $330; facials started at $159 for the 50-minute deep cleaning or gentlemen’s facials. An 18-percent gratuity was added to all treatments, services and training in the spa, salon and gym. Other treatments included reflexology, Shiatsu, Reiki, Ayurveda, acupuncture, wraps and scrubs, waxing, hair styling and coloring, manicures and pedicures. A few shorter treatments were offered daily at a discounted rate.

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Forward of the spa itself was the quiet Spa Terrace , a private area of the ship that contained shaded loungers, heated ceramic tile loungers, and a thalassotherapy pool, with a butler stationed for drink service. Capacity was limited, and access to the Spa Terrace involved an add-on fee: $25 per person for 1 day, $60 for 3 days, $175 for 10 days.

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The Fitness Center had more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment featuring the latest from Technogym, including a pair of Kenesis stations. We found plenty of treadmills and bikes, and the gym was never over-crowded when we visited. Complimentary morning stretch, abs training, and legs, bums and tums sessions were available. Spinning, Yoga, and Pilates were offered for $11 per session; one-on-one training was available, starting at $77 for 25 minutes.

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Located mid-ship on Deck 12, Riviera has just one pool, but it is one of the more attractive swimming facilities we’ve enjoyed at sea, and generously sized for a midsized ship. Although the pool was usually adequate for the number of passengers, the two small whirlpool tubs were insufficient, and the loungers surrounding the pool were often at a premium (we usually grabbed one easily one deck above).

Bar (and food) service is available from the Waves Bar and Waves Grill, on opposite ends of the pool. For the most part there was no music at the pool, though on sea days a live band played (with great moderation) during the lunch hour.

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Although there’s no real promenade deck on Riviera, there was a decent amount of outdoor sunning space, with loungers available beyond the pool deck. Deck 14 had a good number of loungers overlooking the pool area, along with a pair of covered relaxation areas leading to the spa; the port side area was known as the Sanctuary , and we had a lovely nap here on a couple occasions when the sun was too bright.

The outdoor section of Deck 15 extended for only about one-third of the aft section of the ship. Accessed by stairs from Deck 14, this is where the jogging track was located, but it was fairly short—we’d estimate a lap was less than 600 feet in length. The ship’s Shuffleboard and Croquet/Bocce courts were also found here. Deck 16 , accessed by stairs from Deck 15, was a small forward section only, but with plenty of empty loungers for sunning. This is also where the mini-golf green was found, along with a practice golf cage and tennis court.

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One of the unique features of Riviera (and its sibling Marina) is the Bon Appétit-sponsored Culinary Center on Deck 12, with cooking stations for lessons conducted by guest chefs. Two classes on each sea day and (usually) one on port days were offered in the studio for hands-on cooking lessons covering subjects and recipes for topics such as pasta, fish, desserts and regional cuisines. There were 12 cooking stations shared by two students, and the charge for the two-hour classes was $69. We signed up for one based on food from the ship’s restaurant Red Ginger, preparing three of the venue’s most popular dishes (and receiving recipes for several others). The class was enjoyable and fast-paced, and we look forward to crafting the lobster pad Thai at home someday. We were impressed by the careful attention to health and sanitation requirements.

More hands-on creativity was invited at the Artist Loft , located opposite the Culinary Center. The ship brings aboard artists-in-residence to provide tutoring in their particular areas of expertise, in a class setting equipped with the tools and supplies for guests to create their own artworks. The artist on our particular cruise was undeniably talented and pleasant to interact with, but his classes leaned toward collage, with varying results. There was no charge for the classes, and they were packed on the days we peeked in.

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On Deck 15 there was an artificial green set up for Croquet and Bocci, along with a Shuffleboard court. Several competitions were organized (especially on sea days). On Deck 16 we found a tennis court, nine-hole mini-golf, and a practice golf cage. Next to the pool was an area for table tennis. Other activities included Team Trivia (held in the Riviera Lounge or Martinis once or twice daily), Duplicate Bridge, art auctions, and Bingo.

Located on Deck 5 forward, the Riviera Lounge was the ship’s showroom. While just one deck high the sightlines were generally acceptable in the center of the room, but we found on the sides, latecomers often blocked the aisles and view. But we didn’t feel like we were missing much. No matter whether the music showcased Andrew Lloyd Webber or the Rolling Stones, after a few days, a sense of sameness started to emerge.

Jean Ann Ryan Productions takes credit for the stage shows. The first, “Up in Flames,” was a tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John, with three lead singers and six dancers; the backing band—at least it was live—featured eight musicians. The sound mix was thin, with the highs and lows clipped to avoid offending tender ears. The singers were good, but the dancers had very little room to work with, forcing the most basic staging an choreography. It was a very conservative, play-it-safe entertainment. Another night, “Now and Forever” was organized around the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and while the sound mix was still free of bass or treble, the costumes and staging were a little more assertive. We were not enticed to see the two remaining shows, “Rock On” and “Flower Power.”

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Other shows that took place in the lounge included a ventriloquist/singer with Muppet-like props and a musty routine, a comedian, and one of the ship’s singers performing a solo concert. Movies were also played here.

Other entertainment included the ship’s band playing by poolside at lunch on sea days, a pianist during the evening at Martini’s, and a string quartet that played in the Grand Bar, all of which we were enjoyed. There was also a band playing light dance music in Horizons most evenings (before 9 p.m.).

Riviera’s casino was at midship on Deck 6 and, though modestly sized, it was usually adequate for the number of passengers using it. There were a few dozen slot machines plus tables for Poker, Blackjack, Craps and a Roulette wheel. We noticed a surge of business on a couple nights as shows let out from the nearby Riviera Lounge—the Roulette table would go from empty to standing room only. As the chips dwindled, the players left, and within 20 minutes the table was virtually empty again.

Smoking was not allowed in or near the casino.

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Riviera’s graceful lobby was located on Deck 5. This is where the Reception Desk was found, along with Destination Services (shore excursions) and the Concierge . There were fine paintings, a couple carved pieces and an elegant curved staircase designed by Lalique, topped by a sparkling chandelier. There was rarely a line at the Reception Desk.

The Library was located on Deck 14, conveniently next to Baristas coffee bar. There was a fairly good range of books offered here, and we could “check out” two at a time (no one was on hand to monitor what went in and out). The leather chairs and ersatz fireplace were excellent spots to while away the day when the weather wasn’t cooperating.

In addition to the books, Oceania offered a worldwide newspaper service that provided full-format printed newspapers delivered direct to cabins on the morning of publication. The price was $6.50 per day, per newspaper (Sundays excepted). The periodicals included New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, the Times UK and a number of others, including major European papers.

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Also located on Deck 14 next to Oceania@Sea was the Board Room was where we found most of the ship’s games, along with a few card tables for informal play. There was a sign-up sheet for Chess, Mahjong and other games.

On our cruise there was a duo teaching Bridge and overseeing Duplicate Bridge games on sea days; the lessons and games were held inside the Polo Grill. We sat in on a couple of lessons and found the teaching style a bit confused—beginners were quickly in over their heads. We also sat in on a round of Duplicate Bridge one day, joined by about 35 other very competitive guests.

There is no facility or program for children on Riviera. “We don’t really cater to families,” explained an Oceania sales representative.

Shopping on Riviera was concentrated into a trio of side-by-side boutiques located on Deck 5, next to the lobby. The selection wasn’t broad, but the stores were spacious and uncrowded. We saw little that we haven’t seen on most other cruise ships.

One shop carried men’s and women’s clothing from brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Joseph Ribkoff, and Las Olas. There was Oceania logo merchandize—T-shirts, golf shirts, visors, mugs, backpacks, and teddy bears—a few books, snacks and a small selection of sundries such as razors, deodorant, etc. One space was reserved for handbags, including Furla, Chopard, and Alviero Martini, while next door was fragrances and beauty products. The jewelry store featured David Yurman and H. Stern, along with watches from Rado, Yarmond Weill, Dior, DKNY and Fossil.

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With a crew of 800 aboard Riviera, there were 1.6 guests for each crewmember, an above-average amount of staff for the cruise industry. For comparison, on the newest Cunard and Celebrity ships there are 2.1 to 2.4 passengers (respectively) for each crewmember; on Seabourn and Silversea ships it’s 1.3 to 1.5 passengers per crewmember.

We found overall service to be quietly discrete—that is, not showy. The senior officers of the ship did not (that we observed) mingle with most passengers. Things got taken care of, but we found that in the specialty restaurants service could was a little uneven, sometimes rushed.

Overall, we didn’t find the crew much more polished than those on less expensive mainstream cruise lines, so Oceania’s $15-per-day day (per person) automatic gratuity seemed out of line. To justify the highest gratuity rate in the industry, we’d expect service on par with what we experience at a typical Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton resort. It wasn’t.

A daily newsletter, Currents, was distributed to our cabin each evening, covering the activities schedule and hours of operation for the following day. All announcements by the cruise director were handled in English, and they were kept to a minimum, which was refreshing.

Letters and postcards with appropriate postage can be dropped off at the Reception Desk for mailing. Postage may be purchased for a “nominal fee;” mail is collected one hour prior to sailing from each port of call. We had one brief phone call home from our room, which was charged at a rate of $4.95 per minute.

The guest directory says passports will be collected by ship staff upon embarkation, “in order to facilitate the ship’s clearance in each port.” For our cruise, passports were checked but not collected during embarkation.

Right behind the ship’s espresso bar on Deck 14, and opposite the Library, Oceania@Sea was Riviera’s internet station. There were 33 PCs available for use, but we could also log onto the ship’s WiFi signal with our own devices.

The per-minutes rate was a steep 99 cents a minute (the highest we’ve seen at sea), plus $3.95 activation fee, but a more-reasonable 200-minute package was available for $160 (.80/min). The best deal was an unlimited internet access package, priced $27.99 per person, per day.

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Oceania maintains a fairly relaxed dress code, and no formal nights were designated on our cruise. The recommended attire throughout the cruise was “resort or country club-casual.” For evening dining, “elegant casual resort wear is suggested.” Jeans, shorts, T-shirts, athletic footwear and sandals were not permitted in the Grand Dining room or specialty restaurants. At the Terrace Café dressy shorts and casual shirts were allowed in the evening. Tank tops and swimsuits were not permitted in any restaurants at any time of day.

Self-service laundry facilities are located on decks 7 through 11. Self-service laundry tokens were available through the reception desk. Tokens were $2 per wash and $2 per dry. Detergent, irons and ironing boards were available for use here.

For the safety drill held just prior to sailing away, we were required to bring our life jackets from the cabin, and room keys were checked against a list. Those not in the muster station during the drill were called for over the P.A. system.

Riviera was generally very clean through, as we would have expected (being a new ship).

A clinic is located on Deck 4. Hours were 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. (medical/nurse assistance was available 24 hours).

There were only two designated smoking areas on Oceania Riviera, one inside and one out. These were in the port-side corner of Horizons Bar on Deck 15, in a glassed room set apart from the rest of the bar; and on the forward starboard side of Deck 12, the pool deck. Smoking was not allowed in any other outdoor areas, inside the casino, or in cabins and on their balconies. The policies appeared to be well enforced, as we never saw anyone abusing them.

Oceania Cruises has what is probably the highest gratuity surcharge in the industry. For those in standard cabins a “suggested gratuity” of $15 per guest, per day is automatically added to shipboard accounts “for your steward or stewardess and all restaurant staff.” Guests in Owner’s, Vista, Oceania or Penthouse suites are charged an additional $7 per guest, per day for butler service. Gratuities are pooled. An 18-percent gratuity was automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa and salon services, and for dinner in La Reserve.

Cash advances were available, applied to your credit card, up to $500 per day, incurring a 5 percent service fee. Foreign currency exchange was limitedly available—euros while sailing in Europe—also incurring a 5 percent service fee.

A $25 corkage fee is applied for wine bottles brought aboard for consumption in the restaurants or bars. However, Oceania also “reserves the right to confiscate and retain all alcohol bought ashore for consumption onboard the vessel.” This policy seemed to give the cruise line a lot of latitude to make alcohol decisions on a case-by-case basis. Alcoholic beverages are served to guests age 21 and up only.

Oceania Club is the frequent-cruiser program of Oceania Cruises. Credits are issued for each voyage—1 credit for itineraries up to 24 days, 2 credits for cruises of 25 to 34 days, etc.

With 2 to 4 credits—Blue level—members are invited to a cocktail reception, receive members-only offers and receive a 10-percent discount on Oceania logo merchandize. Bronze level is achieved with 5 to 9 credits and members additionally receive a $200 shipboard credit and a 20-percent discount on internet packages. At 10 credits members attain Silver status, which boosts the shipboard credit to $400, adds in pre-paid gratuities and avails a 10-percent discount on shore excursions and beverage packages. Additional levels and benefits are attained at 15 points (Gold), 20 points (Platinum) and 40 points (Diamond). A free cruise, with certain restrictions, is offered when reaching the Platinum and Diamond levels.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Review: Oceania Riviera

Reviewed by Janice Wald Henderson

What is the line?  Oceania Cruises

Name of ship?  Riviera

Passenger occupancy? 1,238

Itinerary? Venice to Athens

Riviera hits the sweet spot for food and wine devotees, delivering exceptional cuisine, wine pairing extravaganzas, and culinary and vintner-driven shore excursions. 

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?  

Oceania Cruises maintains a strong focus on quality food and wine with complimentary specialty dining. Its loyal clientele, often younger than on luxury lines (Oceania Cruises is ranked premium, with luxury-level cuisine), love to eat and drink in style as they sail the globe. And sail the globe they do, as Oceania’s six ships cover more than 450 destinations. (Vista, Oceania’s newest and most glam ship, debuts in May 2023.) Port-intensive itineraries, including many late-nights and overnights. Among the well-maintained vessels, Riviera and twin Marina rank the largest, and arguably, the most stylish. The two were purpose-built for foodies, showcasing more dining choices and a Culinary Center offering hands-on cooking classes. 

Tell us about the ship in general  

The 1,238-passenger Riviera was built in 2012 and underwent a massive refurbishment in late 2022, including all staterooms and suites and many public venues. Its smart design emphasizes contemporary cool with lavish flourishes, like the Lalique-embellished grand staircase and gleaming Italian marble. Designed for foodies, this vessel lures connoisseurs with seven complimentary dining venues, mostly astonishingly good. Fares depend on the category of stateroom or suite booked, and can run from budget-minded to as pricey as a luxury line (with similar amenities.) Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center includes a large, well-equipped fitness center and features complimentary wellness lectures and fitness classes, a comprehensive list of treatments and medi-spa services. Come nighttime, passengers move between the casino, bars, and Riviera Lounge for primarily musical revues. 

Who is onboard?  

Riviera draws an active crowd of repeat guests, mostly American, who indulge well onboard and explore energetically ashore. While 55+ might cover the age range, I saw plenty of couples and groups of friends who looked younger. These cruisers are a friendly bunch and engage with other passengers in bars and lounges. Passengers definitely utilize the fitness center, although I always found a treadmill or free weights when needed. The jogging track draws many cruisers, too, if not to run, then leisurely walk at sunset. Complimentary classes, like yoga, do fill up. I packed casual-to-elegant country-club-ish attire, and fit right in. 

Describe the cabins  

Staterooms and suites were gutted during the recent redo, receiving a more modern design in tasteful neutral-driven brown and grey hues. Bathrooms were enlarged for all but the largest suites (Oceania, Vista and Owner’s), with passengers losing tubs but gaining oversized showers. The makeover also added better storage space, roomier closets and more USB outlets and power sources. 

The variety of staterooms and suites do provide distinctly different experiences. Entry-level inside staterooms are but 174-square-feet yet still possess Riviera signatures, like a custom plush bed and granite and marble bath stocked with Bulgari toiletries. Veranda staterooms kick it up a big notch, with 291 square feet of space including a furnished teak veranda, and a larger bath. Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms are the next notable level, providing a private lounge with a dedicated concierge, complimentary laundry and Grand Dining Room (main restaurant) room service. 

I stayed in a Penthouse Suite, the lowest suite level. I loved it. My 440 square feet included a dining table, spacious veranda and access to the Executive Lounge with its concierge and coffee, soft drinks and snacks. I only used the lounge once, but I really appreciated Penthouse amenities, like welcome Champagne, priority restaurant reservations and laundry service. I didn’t interact with my butler other than for breakfast room service, but I liked the idea of  having one. The biggest, fanciest suites are dubbed Oceania, Vista and Owner’s and grouped behind an etched glass door. Those lucky occupants wallow in more than 1,000 square feet and up, with media rooms, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas and other luxurious appointments.  

Tell us about the crew  

Enthusiastic servers in lounges and restaurants were keen to please. I actually felt sad saying goodbye to a few. They struck the perfect chord midway between formal and casual. Butlers, who service Penthouse Suites and up, leaned more formal, befitting their roles. Concierges, including those available to all passengers, calmly handled questions about, well, everything. A shoutout to the shore excursion desk, who fielded lots of questions and kept their cool. I came away impressed with the sommeliers, too; they knew their wines and sometimes gently steered me to better selections than what I chose.

What food and drink options are available on board?  

The absolutely best aspect (besides the ports) of my sail was the food and wine. There are now seven venues; the newest (which I have yet to experience) is an al fresco trattoria and pizzeria. Reservations are needed for Toscana, Polo Grill, Jacques and La Reserve; passengers are promised at least one reservation in each (other than La Reserve) per cruise. Book as far in advance as possible; once onboard, add your name to waitlists to score additional bookings.

It’s astonishing that all complimentary restaurants use primo ingredients with abandon. You can indulge on lobster or aged prime beef every night. I tried, and liked, many new plant-based plates, such as power bowls with sea vegetables.  Main restaurant Grand Dining Room felt as festive as specialty eateries and delivered sophisticated delicious plates night after night.

I had my favorites. French restaurant Jacques presented exquisite onion soup. Polo Grill steakhouse’s bacon rolls were insane; don’t do as I did, which is eat the entire breadbasket before the big beefy main event. If Asian-fusion Red Ginger ever loses the lobster pad Thai, I think passengers (including me) would revolt. I often revisited Toscana, for its hand-fashioned pastas and rolling olive oil cart. What’s better than dipping fresh-baked focaccia into markedly different olive oils?  I barely went to the beautiful afternoon teas but when I did, the flaky scones made me swoon. La Reserve, the only fee-based eatery, offers multi-course meals with wine pairings. The Dom Pérignon six-course extravaganza was worth the decidedly steep $295 charge per person on my cruise; different vintages were paired with excellent cuisine and glasses were generously refilled. The passionate head sommelier explained each vintage and pairing in depth. Speaking of wine, I adored the bin finishing sheet added to restaurant wine lists; I found really good bottles at substantial discounts.       

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?  

Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center is a rather glam and worthwhile destination for its vast array of services, from facials, detox wraps and massages to medi-spa. It offers complimentary fitness classes, like spinning and Pilates. The sauna and steam are open to any guest; no need for a treatment. Same goes for relaxing on heated ceramic loungers. Aquamar Spa Terrace features a thalassotherapy pool and whirlpools, open post-treatment or to spa-dwellers. The big adjacent fitness center offers the typical TechnoGym equipment like stair climbers, weight machines and treadmills. This spa also offers specific shore excursions dubbed Wellness Discovery Tours, like visiting hammams in port.

Activities and entertainment  

Riviera offers activities galore – even pickleball. My favorite was a hands-on cooking class with recipes from Red Ginger in the Culinary Center. Our chef instructor expertly demonstrated each dish and then we tried – and succeeded – in duplicating them at our well-equipped stations. In the Artist Loft, a resident artist displays his work and offers workshops. The big library tempts with diversified tomes and beckoning comfy chairs with ottomans. I saw lots of the same faces playing table tennis, paddle tennis, putting, croquet, bocce and shuffleboard. Some passengers attended port enrichment lectures. The pool and hot tubs stayed popular. Pre-dinner, I relished a talented female string quartet playing classical music in the Grand Bar, although the adjacent Martinis lounge was the busiest and buzziest. Post-dinner, I attended a musical show or two starring shipboard singers and dancers in the Riviera Lounge, which were okay, much like those on luxury lines. The casino was sometimes busy when I looked; with many early morning excursions, passengers tend to turn in early, although some head to Horizons for nightcaps and dancing to a live band. Props, too, to Riviera’s inclusiveness; my cruise featured an LGBTQI+ social evening.  

How was the experience for families?  

Riviera vibes like an adults-only ship, although children aged one-year-old and up are allowed to board. There are no kids clubs or programming and I didn’t see any little ones on my cruise.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?  

My cruise sailed from Venice to Istanbul, with visits to Athens, Mykonos and Croatia’s Split and Rovinj. It’s a fairly common route with competition from other premium and luxury lines. Plentiful shore excursion choices meant choosing was challenging. My standouts were food and wine-driven. In Kusadasi, Turkey, when most visitors toured Ephesus, I joined a small group for a cooking demonstration and sumptuous Turkish lunch prepared by local cooks at a mountain resort hideaway. In Santorini, our guide whisked us to vineyards and wineries. How fascinating to learn how grapevines here thrive on dew alone, and that many island residents make wine with grapes grown in their backyards. 

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

On all ships, Oceania Cruises offers Go Green Tours, where cruisers engage with residents and businesses on conserving and sustaining surrounding environments. For example, in St. Kitts passengers may learn about hydroponic farming in rainforests, or in Athens, observe injured and ill sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation.

Anything we missed  

My food memories astonish me. Months later, I can still taste the illy crema, a frozen blend primarily of espresso and cream, at Baristas. I currently crave Waves Grill’s fragrant vanilla-forward milkshakes, and Wagyu burgers, their juices dripping down my hands. I see the tall chef in a tall toque expertly carving a crackling-skinned whole suckling pig at lunchtime in the Terrace Café. Long story short, the cuisine pretty much blew my mind.   

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

If you’re passionate about food and wine and exploring the world in style, you’ll love life onboard Riviera. 

Oceania’s First New Cruise Ship in a Decade Sets High Bar for Fine Dining at Sea

The 1,200-passenger “ vista” also offers some of the best new solo cabins as well as impressive onboard and in-port immersive experiences..

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Vista’s godmother chef Giada De Laurentiis is developing signature dishes for the vessel’s haute-Italian restaurant Toscana.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

With an appearance by celebrity chef and ship godmother Giada De Laurentiis and a private concert by Harry Connick Jr., Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista , entered the cruising world with a splash (plus fireworks and beaucoup Veuve Clicquot) at a christening ceremony in Malta earlier this month.

The 1,200-passenger vessel, the first in Oceania’s newest Allura class of ships ( Allura , the next in line, won’t set sail until 2025) is the cruise line’s first to debut in 10 years. And while the layout will feel familiar to cruisers who’ve sailed on the line’s previous class of vessels ( Marina and Riviera ), the Vista is more decadent with plenty of new bells and whistles onboard, all designed to put a focus on the immersive aspect of discovering new tastes and places while delivering an intimate, service-driven experience with a 2:3 crew-to-guest ratio.

About the food and drinks on Oceania’s “Vista”

When a cruise line brands itself as having “the finest cuisine at sea,” the bar is already set pretty high. During the inaugural sailing in early May, my sister and I got right down to putting the 11 dining options onboard Vista to the test. Notably, none of the onboard restaurants requires an additional fee, but you’ll want to make dinner reservations early on in your sailing if you want to attempt trying them all.

Hoping to set a healthy tone for the trip, we had our first meal at Aquamar Kitchen, one of the three new dining concepts debuting on Vista with breakfast options that include over-the-top avocado toasts (among the best I’ve had) and a lunch menu featuring poke, gravlax bowls, and compose-your-own salads. Cold-pressed juices with ingredients like coconut, ginger, beets, and turmeric were a nice touch, as well as zero-proof cocktails, like the Skinny Mimosas, made with nonalcoholic sparkling wine.

For healthier fare and some detoxing (via juices and mocktails), passengers should head to Aquamar Kitchen.

It felt good to have healthy options and smaller portions, but all the restraint was for naught during an at-sea day’s overwhelmingly decadent buffet in the ship’s gorgeous Grand Dining Room (this offering is staged only on longer itineraries), complete with king crab claws, raw oysters, lobster tails, a station serving Jacques Pépin’s crepes Suzette recipe, plus a heaping table of French cheeses and a foie gras bar unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before.

Another culinary offering that is new to the line on Vista is Ember, a modern American restaurant designed to be more casual with easy pleasers on the menu like crab cakes, French dip sandwiches, and steak and seafood.

Fan-favorite Oceania restaurants from the line’s other ships include steakhouse Polo Grill and Toscana (which rival restaurants you would seek out in any top-tier travel destination on land). We also enjoyed our meals at Asian concept Red Ginger, where we ate a delicious lobster pad thai and sipped sake, Waves Grill, with delicious pizzas and buffalo mozzarella salads, and Terrace Cafe, an elegant buffet restaurant with an impressive sushi spread and grilled-to-order lobster tails.

When peckish after a long walk in port, the spot I found myself retreating to most often back onboard was Baristas, high up on Deck 14 with curved panoramic windows overlooking the ship’s centerpiece pool. The horseshoe-shaped espresso bar—stocked with Illy coffee and helmed by a caffeine wizard named Massimo—paired with the adjacent bakery proffering cookies, quiches, and croissants rich with French butter were impossible to resist.

At Barista, guests will find perfectly-executed espresso drinks accompanied by addictive pastries.

Vista’s cocktail game is particularly strong, and it’s worth considering splashing out on an upgraded beverage package (no alcoholic drinks are included on Vista, but from $40 per guest per day, the House Select+ package includes unlimited champagne, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; for $70 the Prestige Select plan includes unlimited premium spirits, champagne, beer, and wine “wherever and whenever”) if you’d like to enjoy the same style of cocktails you enjoy at your favorite bar back home ($14 was the average price). At Martinis on Deck 6, my favorite was the Bogart Casablanca, with Bombay Sapphire Gin, ginger liqueur, lime juice, pineapple puree, and basil, which I would have particularly enjoyed sipping while watching the sea below if the curtains hadn’t been drawn.

Founders Bay, also new on Vista , is behind the ship’s small casino. It always had something smoking, bubbling, or being misted at the bar and drew me in more than once for its creative cocktails.

The only thing I felt was missing onboard was an outdoor bar that stays open for sunset for enjoying sea breezes and sundowners. (Waves Bar, by the pool, made delicious spicy passion fruit caipirinhas but was always shuttered by late afternoon, right around the time I’d be craving an alfresco cocktail before dinner.)

Unique service, solo cabins, and staterooms

Oceania was already known for its high level of service. But Vista brings the highest crew-to-guest ratio of any of the line’s seven ships: 800 crew for 1,200 passengers. Whether I was lounging on the pool deck while sailing along the coast of Sardinia, or sidled up at the top deck espresso bar, there was never a moment when I didn’t feel like whatever beverage, throw blanket, or other creature comfort I was longing for wasn’t being intuited by the ship’s omnipresent yet never obsequious crew.

Every solo cabin—and every cabin onboard for that matter—has its own balcony.

Solo cruisers—a growing market in cruising—will feel particularly seen on Vista , which features new concierge-level veranda staterooms for those who are sailing sans companions, complete with spacious balconies that have previously been absent in solo staterooms on Oceania ships. The six solo cabins on the ship’s Concierge level also have access to a complimentary laundrette (a critical amenity for light packers or those who like to return home with a suitcase full of clean clothes) and a private lounge stocked with snacks and beverages, plus a crew member who can help with any office needs such as printing and light technical support for a laptop or personal device. The Vista also has a new 24-hour internet center on Deck 14 called LYNC Digital Center with large video monitors and internet-ready computers, comfortable chairs for working, snacks and drinks within reach, and a technical support team for assistance (passengers could easily make this their own co-working space at sea).

During our recent sailing, my sister and I couldn’t get over how comfortable our veranda cabin was (every cabin on Vista has a balcony and the standard cabins, at 291 square feet, are the largest of their kind at sea), with billowing duvets, 1,000-thread-count sheets, plush pillows, and ample storage space throughout.

The suites and staterooms resemble the kind of accommodations and high-quality design details you would expect to find at a high-end land-based resort.

Additional touches such as a marble bathroom featuring a spacious shower with a rain shower head and cushioned furniture on our veranda were comparable to the details you would expect in a luxury hotel. Another passenger I heard refer to the cabins as being “Four Seasons–level luxury” was not wrong. Thoughtfully designed and with artwork in soothing colors, the overall aesthetic was residential resort luxe.

What to do—both on and off the ship

While the Oceania crowd is hardly coming onboard to race a go-kart at sea or take in some ice skating before a midnight chocolate fountain buffet (none of which you’ll find aboard the 791-foot-long Vista ), the ship’s thoughtful interior and exterior spaces offer good options for leisure and entertainment when you’re not lounging around the ship’s centerpiece pool on Deck 12, complete with two raised hot tubs and several day beds fringing shallow shelves of water that made the whole deck glow turquoise.

There’s plenty to do beyond relaxing poolside—but you can’t go wrong with the pool either.

For staying fit, there’s an excellent gym with floor-to-ceiling windows that’s stocked with Technogym equipment you might already be familiar with from your home gym and an adjacent cycling studio. See also: the top deck’s walking track, pickleball court, and mini golf course.

My sister spent one morning taking an art class in the Artist’s Loft, where artist-in-residence, Andre Allen, onboard Vista for its launch and a few months to follow, trained her in the therapeutic state of swirling resin with acrylic colors atop canvas; she left with a frame-worthy souvenir.

I enjoyed a cooking class in the ship’s gleaming Culinary Center, which has been expanded on Vista with individual stations for 24 passengers. Views of the passing ocean swept in through soaring windows while I learned how to use typical Mediterranean ingredients like limoncello, figs, and prosciutto in recipes (the limoncello-soaked semolina cake was particularly straightforward and delicious) I can easily re-create at home.

My favorite shore excursion was a small-group outing from Valetta, called A Taste of Malta, during which we visited a sheep farm making cheese that was so small and off-the-radar it didn’t have a website and enjoyed lunch in olive groves featuring all local products, including spring’s sweetest strawberries and Maltese wines and cheeses with production too small for export.

I never did make it to Deck 15’s Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center for a treatment, but if I had I would have waffled between offerings like the Thai Herbal Poultice massage with acupressure and the body wrap with warm sea algae (always a sucker for more ocean immersion). The spa’s outdoor terrace beckoned right off the bow, too, with two hot tubs overlooking the sea and several heated lounge chairs—a peaceful space passengers can take advantage of whether they’ve booked a treatment or not.

Happily, I found my own shipboard zen for no additional fee in Vista’s impressively curated library, spanning several small rooms with cozy nooks for settling in alongside hundreds of loaner tomes that ranged from self-help books and murder mysteries to classics like Don Quixote and an impressive travel section that only served to further stoke my wanderlust.

How “Vista” practices sustainability

Sustainability-minded features aboard Vista and, eventually, Allura , too, include energy efficiency management plans that factor in navigation and speed optimization to reduce overall energy use, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting onboard and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Oceania Cruises also uses a Vero Water system, providing passengers with reusable bottles; 80 percent of the water consumed on the vessels is produced onboard. In 2022, Oceania launched some 200 Go Green tours that look to educate travelers on ways people at ports are working to conserve their environment. In St. Lucia, you can book a tour to learn about beekeeping practices at an apiculture collective; in Myanmar, you can learn about regenerative farming in Yangon.

Oceania Vista ’s 2023 summer season will see the vessel sailing the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas before wintering in the Caribbean, where a 10-night cruise to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Bart’s, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic is priced from $2,799 per person (penthouse suites start from $4,699 per person).

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Oceania Riviera Deck Plans & Reviews

Oceania Riviera

Activities & entertainment

• Afternoon Tea
• Artist Loft
• Canyon Ranch SpaClub *
• Coffee Chats
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Croquet / Bocce
• Culinary Center
• Enrichment Lectures
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Track
• Games and Activities
• Golf Putting Greens
• Hot Tubs (2)
• Late Night Disco
• Oceania@Sea
• Paddle Tennis
• Sanctuary *
• Scotch and Spirits Tastings *
• Shuffleboard
• Spa Seminars
• Spa Terrace *
• Steam Room / Sauna
• Styling Salon
• Team Trivia
• Wine Tastings *
• Red Ginger - Asian
• Terrace Café - Casual
• Waves Grill - Casual
• Grand Bar - Clubby Bar *
• Baristas - Coffee Bar
• La Reserve - Degustation *
• Jacques - French
• Grand Dining Room - International
• Toscana - italian
• Martinis - Martini Bar *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• Privée - Private Dining *
• Horizons - Sophisticated Bar *
• Polo Grill - Steakhouse
• Excellent 37
• Very Good 25
• Terrible 22
• All languages ( 116 )
• English ( 113 )
• German ( 2 )
• Dutch ( 1 )

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Two islands and three continents on the Sirena: Cruising cannot get better than this. his.

Every passenegrs needs seem to be met with the utmost courtesy, respect and kindness. I was especially impressed by the gesture to Jewish passengers to have an opportunity to hold a Friday night Sabbath blessing, prayers and service in the library at 6.30pm. Prayer books were provided, automatic candles, wineglasses, Kosher Kiddush wine, red and white, and best of all three fabulously homemade, fresh challahs baked by the chef. G-d bless him - what a fine gesture. Better than at home! It is these small details that mean such a lot and make the cruise experience one of the finest in the world. Thank you for the best twelve days ever! Delicious food, incredible coffee by your fine baristas (we are from Sydney, Australia and know about good coffee) and the most immaculate room service/cleaning by ever smiling, obliging Anna. Di and Steve Alperstein (Room 4018)

Date of experience : April 22, 2023

very bad cruise

We regret to inform you that we are very disappointed to have booked on your boat for the following reasons: Waiting more than an hour to board Papeette at 1 p.m. on March 30 No music or glass of water and no welcome message on board Planes dropped off 6 suitcases at 9 a.m. and had to wait until 6 p.m. to receive 2 missing suitcases in our cabin Despite numerous requests at reception to be put in touch with a French speaking person, I was told that no one was available at that time. After 6 days, an American cruise line seeing me distraught asked at reception that I be put in touch with someone who spoke French but this person spoke French less well than I spoke English. I had to continue the conversation in English with my poor vocabulary…. The biggest problem we encountered on your cruise is that the level of English of my wife and I is not sufficient to understand, for example, the cruise director's announcements because he speaks too quickly and shortens the words. As a result, we don't understand anything. It's the same for all activities on the boat which are not accessible to us because everything is in English. We tried in vain to go and listen in the auditorium to a magician, a trumpeter, a ventriloquist, a singer, a lecturer, an actor, a humorist but each time we understand nothing and it becomes annoying that the people around us we laugh and that we do not understand the reason. It is unacceptable that there is no French-speaking management. On boarding day I tried to order a beer and was told it was an extra that I had to pay I showed my cruise line card and I thought that having booked a suite that beer was included but that was not the case and that I had to buy a package of 30usd per day per person… Given the inconvenience we are experiencing, I requested a commercial gesture and compensation which was refused. We managed to speak in English with one of your managers on the boat and he ended up telling us that he could do nothing for us. I have to tell you that just before getting on your boat we took a cruise on the Gauguin and it's day and night with the regatta On the Gauguin welcome with music and welcome necklace and photo and glass of champagne. All shows in French, English and Tahitian. Wine and beer included and we did not take a superior cabin. In the past we have done many cruises and all the shipowners group the cruise passengers by language for those who wish. we had one facilitator per language. On the regatta to this day we have never had the chance to meet your entertainment department as we did not exist… When we booked the regatta it was to take a Polynesian cruise but we were wrong. We felt like we were in New York. Given that we feel ignored on the regatta we asked reception to get off and leave the cruise on 04/12/2024 in Honolulu instead of 04/20 in Los Angeles We ask you to kindly grant us compensation so that we keep good memories of Oceania cruises You will note that we will not use the cruise services from April 12 to 20, 2024 and hope that we will be reimbursed at your convenience.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

When booking a cruise for 25K.refund

When booking a cruise for 25K.to secure the cruise we had to pay $2300. Deposit immediately. All well and good But unfortunately we had a medical issue and we had to cancel which was nearly 10 mths before departure They take $350 each person for cancellation fees which we accept and the balance of $1600 Now the bad bit you have to wait 3 mths to get your refund. WHY!!!!

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

WOW some of those reviews are awful (and incorrect)

WOW! I saw so many negative reviews! But looking more into the content, many are not relevant to Oceania; the complaints about "overbooked flights" relate to airlines, not Oceania. The complaints about tiny showers by obese people, well, did you have to book two seats on your flight? Do you really think that you can arrive by air and go straight to your ship? NOOO. we always arrive a day or two before embarkation to ensure we're OK to go. The list goes on and on. We've cruised on Oceania five times (Holland America and Virgin cruises before this) and have had no bad experience, BUT when we missed ports for any reason, we were given future cruise credits without question. Food? Bloody good and if it wasn't, send it back for a redo. Looking forward to our next cruise! Here's a heads up; we only EVER deal with our Oceania rep (Tia, you're wonderful) and have NEVER had any problems!

Date of experience : December 12, 2023

Horrible horrible customer service with…

Horrible horrible customer service with blatant bait and switch tactics. Agreed to one price over the phone for a Greek cruise and charges a higher one after the fact without warning. Then goes radio silent when trying to reach the sales consultant (Sam or Saad Shakir) via email and phone numerous times. Says their director will reach out to rectify things but never does. And then the nerve of the company to try and keep 50% of my deposit even when I canceled within the alloted timeframe. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS POS COMPANY. Would give them 0 stars!!!!

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

The crew was rude & disrespectful

The crew was rude & disrespectful. Also I was charged $75.00 more than I should have. I will never use Oceania Cruise line again. No compensation for the canceled costa mya stop, or the GI & covid that spread thru the ship making everyone sick & miserable. The servers were the best ever, especially Nolwazi

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

Terrible pre trip service

I booked for an Oceania cruise for the Med in Sept. My friend fell and broke her so hip we asked for a 5 day ext. for the total payment to be made, after having paid a deposit, about 6 months out so she could see the specialist. They refused. We tried to transfer our deposit to another cruise next year - they refused - and took $1100. Their reason was we’re weren’t booking like for like. But they didn’t have the same 15 cruise in 2025. We had to cancel . I will never deal with them again. Be wary - their customer service is sh….t.

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Guest abandonment at quay

At time of writing we should have been on SIRENA cruising to Panama. With the cruise lines permission we were boarding at Costa Maya but the ship decided not to dock. This decision was made with full knowledge that they were abandoning us in Mexico 6000 miles from home . They made no attempt to contact us ( or our emergency contacts) either by phone SMS what’s app or e mail .The final insult to this gross misconduct is that they are refusing to give us any refund.To anyone thinking of using this line …. Don’t … as they really don’t care about you or your welfare

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

If you ask for feedback at least respond to the problems

One thing you are taught in customer service is if there are issues deal with them. Oceania failed in this regard spectacularly! We were asked for comments on day 7 of the cruise – my negative comments (with examples went over the given space by 50%. I was never approached on the cruise about them. Comments from other passengers were along the lines – they probably have so many passenger issue comments to deal with that they have not got around to mine! As I say passenger niggles were too common and them not being addressed was common place.

Date of experience : December 16, 2023

Our Favourite cruise line by far

We have travelled with Oceania cruises over ten times. All wonderful experiences. The food is simply the best. Lobster, steaks , excellent Dover soles. Their Asian fusion restaurant Red Ginger is as popular as the French ‘chez Jacques’. The Polo Grill serves t-bones which have to be seen to be believed! We love their format. Great destinations, great shows, no extra charges , no charges for coffee and soft drinks. We’ve cruised with Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent, all very good too, but Oceania is the best - relaxed glamour at very reasonable prices. (BEWARE those companies who charge for all drinks including soft drinks - when you get the bill it’s eye watering). Oceania also have the best choice of onboard activities and the staff are marvellous. Our next cruise with them is in 3 weeks around the Caribbean and we can’t wait! One tip - Sam in the Southampton office is our go to customer service agent who can help with any queries. Go book!

Date of experience : March 25, 2023

Extremely dangerous food hygiene practices

I and many other guests on Oceania marina sailing from Lima to Peru developed food poisoning. The food was served cold, inadequately defrosted. smelt rotten tasted awful and gave us all food poisoning at many points over the dates we spent on board. diarrhoea, vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain, days of abdominal pain. All were denied by the general manager on board but when you pay over £10,000 for a cruise the least you can expect is good quality food. Dr Fiona French

Date of experience : December 25, 2023

Customer Service Stinks

Customer service. Many reviewers mentioned this and we strongly agree--they should spend some money on training and they should follow through on complaints. The cruise itself was very good and the ship was new (Vista) so the accommodations were excellent, our stateroom was spacious and well kept by housekeeping. The library was excellent and the other amenities were very good. The staff were helpful and courteous. We registered with our passports on line and provided a credit card to charge for shipboard purchases as requested during the pre-cruise registration. They totally messed up the credit card info and contacted us on a Saturday night that our card was no good. We were told it was our fault for not providing the card during check in at the ship (we were never asked). The attitude we received caused my wife to get extremely upset. The larger problem was the travel to and from the ship: They did not use the name on my passport to book the flight and we did not receive the booking from Oceania in time to have them correct it, so we had to book our own flights. Because of that, they would no longer provide ground transportation to and from the ship and the airport. We paid $75.00 for a cab to the ship, they charged us an additional $138.00 for a coach from the ship to the airport, which dropped us and our baggage two floors and a half mile from the Delta check in counter. Bottom line: don't take the inclusive deal on travel, book your own and save money and the hassle of dealing with them. No, we did not get any offer to compensate us.

Date of experience : February 28, 2024

Sirena Food no better than ok. Staff great.

Our first (and last) cruise with Oceania. Azamara far better. Went Miami to Mexico etc on Western Caribbean Wonders and then back to Miami. Ship old (‘99) but ok. Staff great but not trained to be observant. Food no better than ok. Basic drinks package (included for us) was very good. Free WiFi worked very well. Cruise Director unbelievably camp which most passengers found very irritating. Evening entertainment awful. Only two group shows, two performances from a not funny comic, two performances from a violinist TWO FILMS and one evening of the life story of the camp director. Didn’t get to stop at Costa Maya so two days at see. Last two days in the incredibly awful Cozumel which is a resort island dedicated to big cruise ships. Sorry Oceania but you need to sharpen your act. All those we met who had previously cruised with Oceania were doubtful about returning.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Oceania create expectations they fail to meet

I have just arrived back from 2 back to back cruises on Marina to South America. On every level it was disappointing. Communication was poor reliant on an inarticulate cruise director. A good example is that the Captain was taken off ill. Rumours spread rather than a simple statement in the news letter. Attention to detail is haphazard. Staff not managed or badly trained. Management were uninterested, complacent or ... Food, best on ocean, is a joke and any comments went to junior staff who, I suspect, never passed comments on. Simple errors were everywhere.

Date of experience : December 02, 2023

Oceania Cruises Need Improvements

Outrageous prices for shore excursions. Tour guides could hardly speak English and the itineraries were mostly uninteresting. Marina ship was old and dated needing new furnishings and carpets. Our toilet was clogged for 3 of the 9 days. Food was excellent though but the specialty restaurants were mediocre at best.

Date of experience : June 20, 2023

Efficient and helpful staff

My request to cancel a cruise was dealt with efficiently and sympathetically. I had really good interaction with a number of staff. Money held by Oceania was returned to the cruise agent, for refund to the client, within the agreed timeframe. Unfortunately the cruise agent Planet Cruise were not as easy to deal with and kept the money for six months. I really hope that I get the opportunity to book another cruise with Oceania in the future, directly of course and not through an agent.

Date of experience : November 14, 2020

Not vegetarian friendly at all

Oceania hold thenselves out as Vegetarian specialists - they are not. They say they have a veg menu, but all they have is a regular menu we could pick items off. They turned back the veg clock 30 years. Over promised, under delivered. P&O did a better job. There was also an oddly disengaged crew. It was like everyone had a really big argument and were not speaking.

Date of experience : October 30, 2023

My cruise round Australia

I had been with this line before but found it has definitely lowered its standards? As per person below's review, I also found the food limiting eating vegetrian and chicken, Food always came up luke warm. One evening my meal was served and the other 5 got their's 40 minutes later which was when my jacket potsto arrived as well, The fruit plates were boring, same old melons, orange and occasionally papaya. Apart from strawberries, no berries and I did not see a banana the whole trip The last day at sea was cold and yet no lectures were programmed and the evening show was cancelled , A very boring day My friends and I each had 950 US dollars to spend but found the shop had very old fashioned but overpriced stock, the dresses looked like they had come out if a charity shop. The perfumes like Dune and white linen were popular in the 70s. Standards have definitely gone down and I doubt I will use Oceania again.

Date of experience : November 27, 2023

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if…

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if having reliable Internet matters. Or an app to plan and keep up to date with goings on onboard and off-shore. And whoever is in charge of marketing at Oceania has not yet claimed its Google knowledge panel…so guests cannot even leave a review. In 2023, what global hospitality brand doesn’t allow guests to engage digitally? Sadly, and surprisingly, it’s Oceania Cruises. My bad for not checking before we booked what will be our last cruise with this brand.

Date of experience : September 03, 2023

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers. They buy lists of names from companies like Travel + Leisure (who sold them without permission) and then Oceania Cruises proceed to send mailing after mailing. Doesn't matter if you try to opt out, call them or send message asking them, to stop - they'll keep dumping junk mail at you. They don't answer calls or messages. Imaging if you actually paid for the service how dreadful it would be,

Date of experience : June 26, 2023

Review: Oceania Nautica cruise ship

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Nautica cruise ship facts

• 2000 launched
• 2022 refurbished

Nautica has exceptional dining as well as refurbished staterooms and suites. It is a small luxury cruise ship with a club-like atmosphere and attentive service.

In this review

• Nautica FAQs
• Our review ratings
• Nautica deck plan
• About Oceania’s Nautica 
• Food on board Nautica
• Nightlife on Nautica
• Nautica Staterooms and suites
• Fitness on Nautica
• Nautica’s activities
• What’s included on Nautica
• The Nautica dress code
• Fellow guests on Nautica
• Oceania Nautica conclusion

Oceania’s Nautica is a very good luxury cruise ship. It has a club-like atmosphere where everybody gets to know your name. Nautica also has great dining and stylish bars, as well as refurbished staterooms and suites. This Oceania Nautica review explains it all.

However, it’s worth noting there are pros and cons to a cruise vacation on Nautica. The cruise ship is smaller than most, so there are fewer restaurants. On the other hand, Nautica’s intimate size tends to enhance the level of service – something that can make a big difference to your cruise experience.

• Attentive service.
• Great food.
• Refurbished accommodations.
• Underwhelming entertainment.
• Alcoholic beverages not included.

Is Nautica a luxury cruise ship?

Yes, Nautica is luxury; with excellent food, refurbished accommodation and great service.

When was Oceania Nautica last refurbished?

Nautica was refurbished in 2022 when all the guest rooms and public spaces were made-over.

How many restaurants are on Nautica?

There are five restaurants on Nautica, two of which are specialty venues requiring reservations.

Is Nautica all-inclusive?

Nautica is not all inclusive. However, promotional fares like Simply More do include a beverage package and shore excursion credits.

How big are the rooms on Nautica?

Most staterooms on Nautica measure 20 sq. m. / 216 sq. ft. including the veranda.

Does Nautica have a swimming pool?

Nautica has a single swimming pool and two hot tubs which are located on Deck 9. There is another hot tub at the front of Nautica, but it is reserved for Concierge and Suite guests only.

The Nautica deck plan is easy to get around. There are a total of 9 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 11.

• Reception : Deck 4
• Accommodation : Decks 3 to 8
• Main dining room : Deck 5
• Theatre : Deck 5
• Observation lounge : Deck 10

About Oceania’s Nautica 

The Nautica is an R-class cruise ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet. Built in France, it first entered service in the year 2000 for Renaissance Cruises. However, within two years Nautica was only sailing charter voyages because Renaissance Cruises ceased operations. Nautica was subsequently acquired by Oceania Cruises in 2005.

Oceania Nautica is 180 m. / 593 ft. long with room for 656 guests (double occupancy). Nautica was entirely refurbished in 2022 as part of the OceaniaNEXT fleet enhancement program. Indeed, Oceania Cruises like to say Nautica is now ‘better than new’ and we agree.  

All the public spaces and guest rooms have been reimagined with a smart new decor inspired by the palette of the ever-changing ocean. It strikes just the right balance between luxury and easy relaxation.

The restaurants on Nautica are among the main reasons for choosing a cruise vacation on board. While few in number, they are big on taste. However, as this Nautica review explains some dining options are better than others.

Nautica has two speciality restaurants, a main dining room and a buffet restaurant, as well as a poolside grill and a cafe.

We rate the Italian-inspired Toscana as the best restaurant on board. The Fritto di Calamari is divine with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and the home made pasta is not to be missed. The Polo Grill steakhouse serves an elegant Roasted Beetroot & Garlic Goats Cheese Napoleon as well as a mouthwatering Bone-in Veal Chop. The Grand Dining Room is the main restaurant on Nautica, serving delightful dishes like Fresh Local Mussels with Coconut & Lemongrass. We especially enjoyed the Thai Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms & Cashews.

There is also surprisingly good buffet dining in the Terrace Cafe where the Chef’s Market Dinner showcases cuisine from select ports of call. 

In addition, Waves Grill serves casual poolside pleasers like hotdogs and burgers cooked-to-order. There is also the popular Baristas cafe on deck 5. 

Nautica offers a good selection of nightlife entertainment. There is a popular string quartet in the Upper Hall most evenings and a pianist plays in Martinis bar. We really enjoyed the ambiance he added to the venue.

There are also cast shows in the Nautica Lounge theatre. Though on my review voyage these productions were somewhat underwhelming, in spite of the obvious talent of some cast members. There is also late-night entertainment in Horizons bar with performances by the Nautica band as well as karaoke and a Jukester Jukebox.

All the staterooms and suites on Nautica were entirely refurbished in 2022. They are bright and airy with a decor that reflects the tone and palette of the sea.

There are inside staterooms without a view – these are the least expensive rooms on board. Nautica also has Ocean View Staterooms that have a porthole or picture window, as well as 18 staterooms for solo cruisers. These rooms also have a picture window, however the view can be obstructed by lifeboats.

Veranda Staterooms are the most popular type of accommodation. They are modest in size, but thanks to clever design they feel bigger. It’s worth noting that the bathrooms in these staterooms have been entirely remodelled and now include a glass shower door.

For those who like more space there are also large suites on Nautica. We stayed in a Penthouse Suite on our Oceania Nautica review voyage and loved the big veranda, not to mention the combined living/dining area. There are also Vista and Owner’s Suites with separate bedrooms and living areas.

Every suite has a butler, which is a real treat. The butler can manage restaurant reservations, shore excursions or even serve dinner in your suite course-by-course. Also, suite guests get other perks like afternoon canapés and a free laundry allowance, as well as a packing and unpacking service.

In spite of its size, Nautica has a great range of fitness and recreation options. In fact, the well equipped gym is bursting with space. There is also a jogging track, a putting green and shuffleboard on the open air decks.

A small pool is surrounded by a glorious teak deck with lots of comfortable sun loungers. In addition, there are wellness treatments in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center as well as a steam room, a spa terrace and a full service salon.

Oceania Cruises’ Nautica has the usual shipboard activities including lectures from guest speakers, bridge, trivia, mar jongg, table tennis and the Mensa Daily Quiz. There are other activities too, like dance classes, a free Captains Cocktail Celebration, Diamond Parties in the boutique and Wine Tasting (for a fee).

There are also get-togethers for friends of Dorothy, friends of Bill W and solo cruisers. They are great ways to strike up new friendships. All these activities are posted in the daily Currents newsletter.

Nautica also has a well stocked library with a magnificently painted vaulted ceiling. It’s a popular place to read and relax, especially on sea days. The library also has board games like chess, backgammon, Scrabble and Monopoly.

There are boutiques on Nautica as well. They sell jewellery, designer clothing and travel essentials.

A basic Nautica cruise fare includes all meals, even in specialty restaurants. Not to mention soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea and juices.

However, alcoholic beverages are not included unless you pruchase a promotional fare. For instance, Oceania Cruises Simply More fares do include a House Select Beverage Package as well as a shore excursion credit of between USD600 – 1,600 per stateroom or suite. You can upgrade to the Prestige Select package by paying an additional suppliment.

Gratuities are not included for most guests. Although they are bundled into the cruise fair for residents of Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, Nautica usually has a free shuttle bus service between the port and downtown.

There is also a self-service laundry, although guests staying in Concierge Level rooms and Suites get a free laundry allowance.

The Oceania Nautica dress code is country club casual . During the day guests wear shorts, jeans and T-shirts. However, it’s important to note that tank tops or swimsuits are not appropriate in any of the restaurants.

After 6:00pm the Nautica dress code is more dressy. Men wear slacks and a shirt (jacket optional). Women wear slacks or a skirt, and a blouse.

It’s worth noting that Nautica does not have formal nights.

Nautica is one of the most popular Oceania Cruises ships. Indeed, on my review voyage many guests had sailed on Nautica before.

Most guests range in age from 35 to 75-years old. Indeed, Nautica is not especially child-friendly.

Most guests come from the USA, but there are usually Britons, Canadians and Australians as well.

Oceania Nautica is gay-friendly.

Nautica is an excellent choice for those who like attentive service and a small-ship atmosphere. The quality of the food on board makes that choice even easier, although some may find the limited number of dining venues off-putting. All-in-all we think Nautica offers a great cruise vacation experience. 

For more information visit the Oceania Cruise website .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Nautica Rooms

Nautica dining, nautica nightlife, nautica wellness.

Hi Jason. We met you poolside on this cruise and enjoy reading your blog. Looking forward to seeing you again on a future cruise. Happy Sailing!

The beverage packages are very confusing and not Uuser friendly. I’d rather cruise with Seabourn or Silversea where ALL drinks are included in the cruise fare

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USA TODAY 10Best

10 best cruise lines for every type of traveler, from adventurers to families

May 6, 2024 // By Danielle Bauter

By Danielle Bauter May 6, 2024

It's time to cast off your worries and set sail toward unforgettable experiences, charting a course for your dream vacation. But not everyone craves the same itinerary or type of cruise — some souls yearn for heart-pounding adventure, while others seek relaxation on idyllic beaches.

The good news? There's a perfect cruise vacation waiting for every type of traveler. From luxurious foodie adventures to social escapades and wellness wonders, we'll help you find the best cruises to indulge your desires. So, grab your swimsuit (or maybe your hiking boots), pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to plan your next cruise vacation.

Best cruise for the adventurer: Adventure Canada

If adrenaline-fueled is how you like to cruise, then Adventure Canada is the perfect conduit. It's been a USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice favorite for Best Adventure Cruise Line for many years, and most recently it landed on the list for Best Cruise Lines for Families .

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Offering small-ship expedition cruises to remote areas like Greenland, Antarctica, the Canadian Arctic, and Iceland, Adventure Canada prioritizes exploration and education over typical cruise activities. Their itineraries get you off the ship and into the heart of the action, with zodiac landings, hikes, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Itineraries that travel to Greenland and Nunavut, Canada, literally take you off the map, visiting uninhabited archipelagos like Devon Island or towns like Ilulissat, Greenland, where you could potentially spot polar bears, narwhals, and beluga whales.

Watch out for calving icebergs, though — the possibility of a tidal wave capsizing your zodiac after ice plummets into the ocean is enough to get your blood pumping.

Best cruise for the wine enthusiast: AmaWaterways

Board a dedicated "Celebration of Wine" on Best River Cruise Line winner AmaWaterways and savor itineraries that sail through famous European wine regions like France's Bourdeaux, Germany's Rhine Valley, or Portugal's Douro Valley.

The cruise becomes part of the wine experience and often features partnerships with North American wineries that bring knowledgeable wine hosts on board to lead informative tastings and discussions.

The Rhine River cruise explores towns like Rüdesheim, a German winemaking town lined with tasting rooms and vineyards. In France, Riquewihr is one of the highlights of the Alsace Wine Route. You'll then venture on to charming Strasbourg, which claims to be home to the oldest wine on Earth. Stroll through historic vineyards and choose from a carefully selected wine list that showcases local wines from the regions you explore.

Best cruise for the hopeless romantic: Windstar Cruises

Imagine sailing around the rivieras of the Mediterranean, the crystal blue water sparkling under golden rays. The gentle sway of the vessel and the vastness of the ocean set a naturally romantic tone, especially when the sails rise over the setting sun. Unlike mega-ships with thousands of passengers, Windstar keeps things intimate.

Windstar Cruises travels to dreamy destinations like Tahiti and the French Riviera with three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts. (Its Wind Spirit vessel took the top spot for Best Adults Only Cruise this year.) The cruise line also partnered with the James Beard Foundation to offer tantalizing meals on board. Windstar caters to romance with packages and add-on options, inviting you to enjoy dreamy spots like Bora Bora with an intimate dinner under the stars or a champagne breakfast in bed.

Best cruise for the wellness warrior: Oceania Cruises

Embrace the zen: Oceania Cruises offers a comprehensive wellness experience that caters to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The state-of-the-art Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center offers a wide range of treatments designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Ranking for Best Boutique Cruise Line , Oceania is also known for its "finest cuisine at sea" philosophy, which translates to delicious and healthy cuisine (including extensive plant-based menus) alongside its more indulgent offerings.

Aquamar's Wellness Discovery Tours are shore excursions designed to complement your onboard wellness journey. For example, you can meditate with a monk in Thailand or learn to harness the power of spiritual drumming in Australia. Oceania travels across the globe on small, luxurious ships — from Africa to the Amazon, the Baltic to the South Pacific.

Best cruise for the culture vulture: Viking

Designed for experienced travelers ages 55 and older who are interested in topics like science, history, and gastronomy, Viking has carved a niche for itself as a leader in cultural enrichment cruises. It steers away from the typical focus on onboard activities and entertainment. Instead, meticulously crafted itineraries immerse you in the history and culture of the places you visit.

Expect longer stays in ports, allowing you to explore destinations in greater depth. A Viking Resident Historian accompanies each ocean voyage, leading roundtable discussions and lectures about a specific topic. Along with classical musicians on board, Viking invites local musicians and ensembles for special performances. With an array of itineraries on their river, ocean, and expedition cruises, Viking travels to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

It's no wonder Viking's extensive fleet of vessels has consistently ranked as reader-voted favorites for Best Boutique Cruise Line , Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers , and Best Ocean Cruise Line .

Best cruise for the social butterfly: Carnival Cruise Line

Party lovers, unite! Carnival Cruise Line has you covered if you're constantly seeking social stimulation. The cruise line thrives on creating a fun and lively atmosphere on all of its ships. Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Celebration took the top three spots for Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment , making them great picks for social butterflies. Known for its energetic onboard entertainment that ranges from stage shows and dance productions to poolside games and deck parties, Carnival Cruise Line offers many opportunities to mingle with other passengers.

Download Carnival's HUB app to reserve select shows, specialty dining, and spa services. With an average of about 3,000 guests on board each ship, you're sure to find other like-minded individuals who want to check out the casino or comedy club, play an intense bingo game, or dance the night away at the nightclub. Destinations include the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Hawaii.

Best cruise for the solo traveler: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line goes above and beyond to cater to solo cruisers, from dedicated living quarters and social spaces to organized activities. The studio staterooms are designed specifically for solo travelers; solo-occupancy options for balcony and ocean view staterooms provide more personal space and a touch of luxury.

Whether you choose to visit destinations like Hawaii, South America, or the Greek Isles, you'll do so in style on this USA TODAY Readers' Choice Award winner for Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers .

You'll also have exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, a social hub where you can relax, meet other solo cruisers, and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day. Norwegian Cruise Line organizes social events specifically for solo travelers, ranging from casual meet-and-greets to group shore excursions, providing opportunities to connect with others and avoid feeling isolated. And if you crave solitude, you can find that too.

Best cruise for the LGBTQ jet-setter: Celebrity Cruises

"Love is love" perfectly describes the mantra of Celebrity Cruises , which goes beyond mere tolerance by actively celebrating diversity and creating an environment for LGBTQ travelers to relax and have fun. The cruise line fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all passengers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Board one of the 16 ships that travel to hundreds of ports worldwide and embark on group excursions or private journeys.

Celebrity pulls out all the stops in June with Pride Month celebrations, including theme parties and dazzling entertainment. (Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Beyond is a repeat winner for Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment .)

Many Celebrity cruises host LGBTQ welcome parties on the first night, allowing you to meet fellow travelers, mingle with crew members, and set the tone for your voyage. They also have become a champion for marriage equality at sea, offering legal same-sex wedding ceremonies on board their ships.

Best cruise for the foodie: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises isn't just a cruise line; it's a culinary odyssey for discerning palates. The brand boasts an impressive array of specialty restaurants onboard, from French bistros to sizzling steakhouses and Asian fusion experiences, all with impeccable service and world-class cuisine. USA TODAY 10Best readers voted Seven Sea Explorer among the top 10 for Best Cruise Ship for Dining (twice!).

The Compass Rose, Regent's main dining room on all ships, transforms into an extension of the specialty restaurants, ideal for those who crave variety and exquisite flavors.

Regent also offers curated shore excursions designed for food enthusiasts, such as truffle hunting in Italy or cheesemaking tours in France, elevating your gastronomic exploration like never before. Gastronomes also can delve deeper with hands-on cooking classes led by culinary experts. Learn the secrets of French pastry or master the art of sushi making. These interactive sessions elevate your appreciation for food and empower you to recreate these dishes at home.

Best cruise for the family-friendly traveler: Royal Caribbean International

Have family, will travel! Royal Caribbean International offers something for everyone, from toddlers to teens (and parents or grandparents!). Voted among the Best Cruise Lines for Families , the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program separates themed activities by age group, whether scavenger hunts or arts and crafts. You might have trouble luring them away.

What's a family vacation without some splashy fun? Royal Caribbean takes cruise decks to a new level with waterslides, kid-friendly splash zones, rock climbing walls, arcades, and laser tag arenas. Understanding that family vacations are about creating lasting memories, you'll also find family-friendly shore excursions like zip-lining through rainforests or exploring ancient ruins.

About Danielle Bauter

Born and raised in Southern California, Danielle Bauter spent a few years living in San Francisco after college before settling into her current home in Orange County.  Her work has been published in Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Lonely Planet, Wine Enthusiast, and the Roadtrippers Magazine. In her spare time Danielle enjoys hiking the trails in her area, exploring new wine regions, and relaxing on the beach with a good book.

Read more about Danielle Bauter here.

Connect with Danielle via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Oceania Cruises Debuts New Mediterranean Sailings for 2025

New sailings highlight European cities, holiday islands and lesser-known ports

MIAMI , April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises , the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has debuted an array of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings, ranging from nine to 56 days, to whisk guests to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Europe . The line's Marina and Nautica will set sail on enticing voyages taking in iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic; well-loved European resort towns and bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call.

Cities including Athens , Barcelona , Istanbul , Rome and Lisbon frame the 16 voyages, allowing the ships to meander from lively jet-set resort towns such as Monte Carlo , Cannes , Positano and Sorrento , to hidden gems including Tirana and Sarande in Albania ; Trapani in Sicily ; Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia .

Thanks to Oceania Cruises' extensive set of small-group, immersive shore excursions, guests can rediscover previously-visited favorites through a new lens, or discover new places for the very first time. For example, whilst in Santorini , guests can choose an adventurous tour of the island's active volcanoes, or whilst in Montenegro , see a new side of Kotor by exploring Europe's southernmost fjord, Boka Bay .

" Oceania Cruises is rightly renowned for its inventive and captivating itineraries, and our array of 2025 Mediterranean sailings is the perfect way to spotlight one of the most popular and exciting cruise regions of the world," stated Frank A. Del Rio , President of Oceania Cruises .  "With shore excursions to inspire everyone, from active adventurous types to history buffs to foodies, our small, luxurious ships are the perfect way to discover this majestic region of the world."

New 2025 Mediterranean Itineraries

Marina The 1,250-guest ship, Marina, will undergo an expansive refurbishment in May 2024 . The refurbishment will include the addition of two new dining options: Aquamar Kitchen , the new wellness-inspired dining venue which debuted on Vista this year; and the al fresco evening Pizzeria, serving spectacular Italian dishes including pizzas and burrata with stunning seascape views; plus an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies. All Penthouse Suites and bathrooms will be completely reinspired, and the ship's public areas will be refreshed.

Barcelona to Athens , May 26, 2025 , 9 days : Barcelona , Valletta , Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), overnight in Istanbul , Mitilini (Lesbos), Athens 

Istanbul to Athens , October 16, 2025 , 11 days:  One overnight stay in Istanbul , Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini , Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion ( Crete ), Mykonos, Athens .

Athens to Barcelona , October 27, 2025 , 11 days : Athens , Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina ( Sicily ), Valletta , Tunis , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona .

Athens to Santa Cruz de Tenerife , October 27, 2025 , 21 days : Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina ( Sicily ), Valletta , Tunis , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona , Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca , Agadir , Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma , Santa Cruz de Tenerife .

Nautica Elegantly charming, Nautica carries just 670 guests, served by 400 crew members. Boasting luxurious, residential furnishings and decks of the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, Nautica features four restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, plus eight lounges and bars, and a casino .

Istanbul to Athens , July 27, 2025 , 12 days : Istanbul , Pergamum (Dikili), Izmir , Samos, Bodrum, Rhodes, Antalya, Alanya, Limassol, Kos, Heraklion, Santorini , Athens

Athens to Rome , August 8, 2025 , 14 days : Athens , Dubrovnik, Kotor, Bari , Valletta , Tunis , Trapani ( Sicily ), Porto Cervo ( Sardinia ), Propriano (Corsica), Monte Carlo , Portofino, Florence / Pisa / Tuscany ( Livorno ), Rome .

Athens to Valletta , September 11, 2025 , 14 days : Athens , Mykonos, Mitilini (Lesbos), Bozcaada (Troy), overnight in Istanbul , Ephesus (Kusadasi), Marmaris, Antalya, Limassol, Rhodes, Santorini , Heraklion ( Crete ), Valletta .

Grand Voyages

Rome round-trip, July 7, 2025 , 46 days  

Venice to Rome , July 17, 2025 , 36 days  

Rome to Athens , October 4, 2025 , 23 days

Athens round-trip, August 8, 2025 , 34 days

Athens to Malaga, September 11, 2025 , 26 days

Athens to Lisbon , September 11, 2025 , 36 days

Rome to Miami , October 4, 2025 , 56 days

Istanbul to Barcelona , October 16, 2025 , 22 days

Istanbul to Tenerife, October 16, 2025 , 32 days

Oceania Cruises' simply MORE value promise means virtually everything is included in the voyage fare: free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers; complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner; and a shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom (credit varies by voyage length). Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE means travelers receive the greatest value in luxury cruising.

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 has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2029. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit  www.nclhltd.com .

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

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Watch CBS News

"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from Florida

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 8:20 AM EDT / CBS News

Like to travel light? One cruise ship soon to set sail from Florida is making sure all you need is the bare necessities – no shoes, no clothes but plenty of service. 

" The Big Nude Boat " will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip offers a "stress-free, clothes-free experience" during which up to 2,300 passengers can roam the ship in the nude while out at sea. 

"It's our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear," Bare Necessities Tour and Travel says. 

@cbsmornings Would you dare to set sail on a nude cruise? 🚢 Cruisebare's upcoming full-ship nude cruise, departing from Miami in February next year, is making waves. Even #TonyDokoupil is down to go. 🌊 #cruises #vacation #experience #miami #sail ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

Passengers won't be allowed to be naked when the ship is docked, but can ditch their usual attire once they are anchored or out on the water. And when clothing is optional, standard nudist etiquette must be abided by, the website says. When sitting, nude passengers must either wear a thong or sit on a towel or some kind of fabric. And while the self-serve buffet on the pool deck is a clothes-free area, passengers must be dressed for all dining room meals – and no, bathrobes don't count. 

Photos and videos will also not be permitted unless all individuals being documented give consent. 

"The Big Nude Boat" is just one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities, which says on its website that the company has been "working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all." 

"Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful," the company says. "We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success."

• Cruise Ship

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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Princess is launching an all-inclusive, 4-month, around-the-world cruise for $20,000— see what it'll be like

• Princess Cruises announced a 114-day  world cruise to 52 destinations in 2026, starting at $20,000 per person. 
• Guests who book early would get a free, all-inclusive package, a first for Princess' global itineraries.
• Extended and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the vacation industry.

Princess Cruise's new around-the-world voyage will hit two vacation trends in one itinerary.

In January 2026, the company says its Coral Princess will embark on a 114-day cruise to 52 ports in 28 countries and six continents — more destinations than any of its previous global sailings .

It's the Carnival Corp brand's latest appeal to the extended cruising trend . But it's not the only fad this four-month vacation is targeting.

The sailing, which starts at $20,000 per person, also marks the first time Princess is offering a complimentary all-inclusive package as a way to entice early bookings.

Ultra-long and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania's 2024 around-the-world cruises all sold out before departing in January. The former was fully booked within three hours, while every cabin on the latter was called for in 30 minutes.

Besides being high-end, these three companies share one commonality: some level of all-inclusiveness , as is common with premium cruise lines.

Mass-market cruise companies rarely go the all-inclusive route.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are generally beloved for their affordability.

But if you want to experience all their ships have to offer, be prepared to face a list of up-charged amenities like pay-to-play rides and specialty restaurants . After all, there's a reason their base fares are much cheaper than their increasingly popular ultra-luxury, all-inclusive counterparts.

But Princess has been increasingly vying for a slice of the luxury cruiser pie.

The cruise line says guests who book its 2026 world cruise early (that is, by the end of October) will receive its most inclusive Princess Premier package for free. The perk — launched two years ago — covers amenities that typically have a fee, like WiFi, premium drinks, some specialty restaurants, and workout classes.

Travelers who reserve one of the ship's high-end cabins by the same deadline would also receive complimentary airport transfers and airfare, services normally exclusively offered by luxury cruise lines .

The itinerary would have two roundtrip embarkation options: Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2026, or Los Angeles 16 days later.

From there, the 2,000-guest Coral Princess would sail more than 35,000 nautical miles to ports in North America, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Central and South America.

It wouldn't be Princess' longest voyage — that title goes to its 116-day world cruise in 2025 — but it would be one of its most destination-heavy.

While two days longer, next year's around-the-world cruise would hit six fewer ports and four fewer countries than its 2026 counterpart.

According to the itinerary, about half of the 2026 voyage consists of sea days.

That's a lot of time on the water with no land in sight. Luckily, travelers can keep themselves entertained by attending lectures and programs related to the destinations, leisuring around the adult-only lounge, or taking a dip in Coral Princess' four pools.

The 21-year-old ship also has 10 places to grab a bite, although the Italian and steakhouse restaurants are considered specialty. Premier is the cruise line's most inclusive package, but it only includes 16 free dinners at these upcharge restaurants, paced once a week.

Princess is still a mass-market cruise line, after all.

The company has been increasingly dangling its inclusive package as a big perk.

The company says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US in October with its first-ever Sanctuary Collection . Travelers who splurge on these expensive and luxurious accommodations would be rewarded with two major benefits: a private lounge and Princess Premier.

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Parent item expand the sub menu, the met gala economy glitters, but is it gold, tod’s group to delist on may 8, marni names stefano rosso ceo, chanel steps out of its comfort zone with rooftop show in marseille.

Guests including Lily-Rose Depp and Charlotte Casiraghi braved stormy weather at the outdoor event.

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“I like the mistral,” Virginie Viard said during a fitting the day before the Chanel cruise show in Marseille.

The designer was referring to the powerful wind that blows all the way from her birth city of Lyon to the Mediterranean coast, and has the reputation of driving people crazy. 

Viard probably got a little more bluster than she bargained for with the mini-storm that blew over the city on Thursday. Models where whipped with icy gusts of air on the damp rooftop of the Cité Radieuse, one of the flagship midcentury housing projects of architect Le Corbusier.

Guests including Charlotte Casiraghi, Phoebe Tonkin, Anamaria Vartolomei and Lily-Rose Depp, dressed in a floral embroidered miniskirt and black crop top, sheltered under clear plastic umbrellas until just before the show began. 

“I don’t know if I was expecting so much wind and quite so much frostiness but, you know, I commit to the look,” Depp said with a smile.

The “Idol” star went viral with the “no pants” outfit she wore on a recent trip to Tokyo, and said this show was rife with off-duty options. 

“I really like the idea of a one-piece bathing suit as an outfit, if you’re vacationing someplace warm enough,” she said. “There was a real life to every piece and a very cinematic element as well that I loved.” 

Viard was clearly targeting a younger demographic with the lineup, which blended urban influences with tongue-in-cheek references to Provençal tropes, like the bag shaped like a bar of soap touted by Amelia Gray Hamlin.

The model wore her black tweed skirt suit with a diamanté medallion necklace spelling out the number 13, for the Marseille postcode. At the fitting, she peeled back her sleeve to show the number tattooed on her wrist, in honor of her June 13 birthdate. 

Viard said she was drawn to the idea of a seaside town with a dose of grit. Marseille, famed for its melting-pot population, football club and shoot-outs between rival drug gangs, delivers that in spades. 

“I love its beauty and its energy,” she said. “I would not have done the show on a beach or in the rocky coves nearby. La Cité Radieuse felt just right.”

Built between 1947 and 1952, the vast edifice is not only a tourist attraction but a functioning residential building with 337 apartments, a school and a contemporary art center founded by designer Ora-Ïto, in addition to a micro-hotel, a restaurant and boutiques.

Its grid facade punctuated with primary colors inspired checked tweed suits that stopped well above the knee, while a grass green mandarin collar jacket came with large patch pockets that mirrored the turquoise tiles of the rooftop pool. 

The Brutalist architecture proved a perfect foil for monochrome tweed looks and crochet jackets, neoprene swimsuits and sheer dresses in dense nautical prints, in a palette ranging from concrete to anthracite and jet black.

Viard worked with local dance collective (La)Horde and director Ladj Ly on the teaser film for the show. 

Chanel staged several exhibitions for the occasion, including one by British photographer Jamie Hawkesworth, who shot a portfolio of images of the city and its residents drenched in golden light. 

While it lacks the glamour of French Riviera resorts like Saint-Tropez or Antibes, on a clear day, Marseille with its fish market and open-air games of pétanque is all southern charm.

“It’s a city that’s all about the clash of cultures,” enthused Casiraghi, who spent part of her childhood in nearby Provence. 

“It’s a very rich hub for all forms of artistic activity, and then there is its relationship with soccer, which is really key to the identity of Marseille. That’s what makes the charm of this city that is absolutely unique in the world,” said the Monaco royal, who’s been a Chanel brand ambassador since 2021. 

“I’ve been to the Vélodrome [stadium] a few times to see OM play,” she added, referring to the Olympique de Marseille football club, which was scheduled to face off against Italian club Atalanta later that day in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals.

Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion and president of Chanel SAS, said the soccer game — taking place less than a mile from the show venue — added an extra wrench to what was already a complex event, but it also ensured the city’s energy levels were high. “It’s the real Marseille,” he said. 

With its recent choices of show destinations, including Dakar , Manchester and now Marseille, the luxury brand is speaking to a new generation of luxury clients. 

“There will always be destinations that have a link to the heritage of the house, but Chanel has entered a phase of development where it’s about more than that. The world today is broader,” Pavlovsky said.

“What we’re doing today is understanding the energy of the world, and that energy also comes from urban environments, from settings that are perhaps less bucolic or less spectacular, but just as filled with meaning, energy and values,” he added. 

“The result is a Chanel that’s the same, but different. It’s the same because the codes of the house are unchanged, and it’s different because it takes a certain audacity, a certain courage to go to places that are a little unexpected,” he said. 

While Chanel is a longtime partner of Maison Mode Méditerranée, an endowment fund that supports local fashion designers, until now Marseille has hosted shows by less-established brands like Jacquemus and Koché, which were both guests of its OpenMyMed festival. 

In order to reach out to young people, Chanel has organized a free exhibition running from Friday until May 26 at the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) featuring the work of 16 artists in collaboration with several of the specialty workshops from Le19M, its hub for craftsmanship in Paris. 

Luxury brands are seeking to broaden their customer base amid a global slowdown in spending among aspirational consumers, who are most heavily hit by inflation. Chanel, which is due to publish its annual results later this month, expects a normalization of growth rates after three years of post-pandemic euphoria, Pavlovsky said.

“We’re entering a weaker, less favorable cycle, but the brands that have good fundamentals should come out of it unscathed,” he said. “I’m certain we will continue to post growth this year. I remain super optimistic.”

The executive acknowledged that domestic spending in China was down, but noted this was due to Chinese nationals traveling again and spending more overseas. He said Chanel’s overall business with Chinese consumers continues to increase.  

He declined to comment on the impact of successive price increases on sales of its handbags, and said it was too early to measure the effect of a splashy new advertising campaign featuring Brad Pitt and Penélope Cruz. 

Pavlovsky also deflected a question about renewed speculation that Hedi Slimane would replace Viard as creative director of Chanel, amid his rumored exit from Celine. “Virginie seems in good shape, no?” he shot back. 

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