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Oceania Cruises: The Complete Guide

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

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

Here’s what you need to know about Oceania.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

About Oceania Cruises

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

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

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

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

Oceania Cruises destinations

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

Antarctica.

Canada and New England.

Middle East.

New Zealand.

South Pacific and Tahiti.

Panama Canal.

South America.

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

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

Oceania cruise prices

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

What is the best Oceania ship?

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

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

What is the newest Oceania ship?

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

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

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

What’s included on Oceania cruises?

Accommodations in the category you select.

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

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

Champagne, wine and beer during lunch and dinner.

Wi-Fi access for two devices.

Fitness center with guided classes.

Shows and entertainment.

Pool access.

Onboard activities.

Round-trip airfare and airport transfers.

Shore excursions.

In-port shuttles.

Cooking school sessions with chef instruction.

Government fees and port taxes.

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

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Oceania Cruises loyalty program: Oceania Club

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

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

Oceania Club elite status tiers

The Oceania Club loyalty program has seven levels:

President’s Circle.

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

To earn: Accrue at least five credits.

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

To earn: Accrue at least 10 credits.

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

To earn: Accrue at least 15 credits.

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

To earn: Accrue at least 20 credits.

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

To earn: Accrue at least 40 credits.

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

President’s Circle

To earn: Accrue at least 60 credits.

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

How to earn Oceania Club credits

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

How to redeem points

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

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

What is Oceania Cruises known for?

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

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

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

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

House Select (included for all passengers)

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

Prestige Select ($30 per guest, per day)

All House Select drinks.

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

How to maximize your rewards

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Oceania Cruises 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Best Oceania Cruises

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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.

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

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Matador Original Series

This Cruise Is the Most Deluxe Way to Travel the Mediterranean

T he few times I traveled to the Mediterranean , I went full-on thrifty. I flew low-cost airlines or drove, booked cheap family-run hostels, and took dodgy-looking ferries to save my hard-earned bucks. That was not a bad way to travel. I visited Nice’s markets, pretended to be rich in Monaco , and sunbathed in Corfu — all without spending much. But after sailing the Mediterranean with Oceania Cruises, I don’t think it’ll be easy to go back and travel on a shoestring. One gets used to luxury pretty fast.

This past fall, I spent 12 days sailing from Greece to Türkiye, Italy, France, and Spain on Oceania’s Nautica. And let me tell you: being a passenger on this small, deluxe cruise is one of the most opulent ways to see the Mediterranean.

Oceania Cruises review: deck 9 of Nautica illuminated

Photo: Jesse Adams

Oceania caters to a specific clientele: mostly wealthy couples with no children in tow. Unlike companies like Holland America, Royal Caribbean, or MSC, Oceania operates only small or mid-sized ships where the focus is comfort, luxury, and personalized experience. While large ships tend to offer more amenities, Oceania’s philosophy is that with fewer passengers, the crew is able to provide a more curated and pampered experience. On Nautica, there are no gigantic pools, roller coasters , or huge movie theater, but is an impressive spa, an espresso bar, and an elegant and well-furnished library. You get the picture.

Oceania’s fleet consists of only seven ships, all of which have a small passenger capacity:

Nautica : capacity of 656 passengers
Insignia : capacity of 656 passengers
Marina : capacity of 1,238 passengers
Regatta : capacity of 656 passengers
Riviera : capacity of 1,238 passengers
Sirena : capacity of 648 passengers
Vista (debuting in 2023) : capacity of 1,200 passengers

The rooms on Oceania Cruises

Nautica, refurbished in 2022, holds 656 passengers over 11 decks (only eight of which are accessible to passengers). It’s an intimate space, but large enough to not feel cramped by the other travelers on board. Most of the decks are dedicated to passenger rooms, ranging from 160-square-foot Inside Staterooms (the cheapest) to 1,000-square-foot Owner’s Suites (the most expensive).

My partner and I stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View stateroom (165 square feet) for the duration of the trip, which was very comfortable and plenty big for the two of us. There was a good-size square window that did not open, and a queen-size bed, desk, stool, sofa, coffee table, TV, large closet, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, and a (very tight) bathroom. The bathroom is fitted with Bulgari amenities, which are replenished as needed during the twice daily cleaning service.

Our Deluxe Ocean View stateroom was located on deck four, across from the ship’s medical center and just above the gangway on deck three. It’s not the most ideal spot if you want to sleep in or are very private — setting up the gangway is a loud process that starts early most mornings, and people come in and out of the medical center regularly. Make sure you choose your stateroom wisely by looking closely at the deck plan before booking.

Note that if you’re not claustrophobic and need to keep an eye on budget, Inside Staterooms are perfectly acceptable. They’re not much smaller than other staterooms but are cheaper. Also remember that you won’t spend that much time in your room – you’ll be out and about enjoying the cities where the ship stops, the shore excursions, and the great amenities onboard.

The bars and restaurants on Nautica cover all bases

Oceania likes to say it has the “finest food at sea,” and while I haven’t tried every cruise line out there and can’t vouch for this claim, meal times were certainly something my partner and I looked forward to. One thing I can say with certainty is that Oceania tries to cater to everyone with plenty of delicious and varied vegetarian and vegan options, making it easy for people with different dietary preferences to enjoy a meal together. Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day on all Oceania cruise ships, but if you’d rather eat outside of your room, there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants on Oceania’s Nautica.

There are four bars on Nautica to suit every passenger’s taste throughout the day:

The Waves Bar : Located by the pool and hot tubs on deck nine, the Waves Bar serves cocktails, mocktails, beer, and soft drinks to enjoy on one of the many towel-draped lounge chairs. You can go up to the bar to order or crew members will get you your drinks so you don’t interrupt your sunbathing session.
Martini’s : As the name suggests, this bar serves variations on the famous cocktail favored by 007. Located on deck five, the same as the Grand Dining Room, it’s the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks.
Horizons : Located on deck 10, Horizons is a large space at the very bow of the ship. It has comfortable seats and huge windows for passengers to watch the scenery go by with a drink in hand. There is a self-serve tea and coffee corner if you prefer a hot beverage. Horizons is where afternoon tea takes place every afternoon.
Barista’s : Located on deck five by the entrance to the Great Dining Room, Barista is a specialty coffee bar with your usual cappuccinos, lattes, etc. You can choose to spike your caffeinated beverage with a long list of spirits and liqueurs like Sambuca, Baileys, or Grand Marnier. The huge golden espresso machine is a sight to see, and the complimentary sweet treats are the perfect accompaniment to the drinks served. This is a personal favorite for a post-lunch coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.

There are five restaurants on Nautica, ranging from fancy to casual:

The Grand Dining Room : Located on deck five, the Grand Dining Room is a ritzy affair with food served on Versace plates. For dinner, guests are required to wear elegant casual resort attire (no sneakers, no shorts, etc., but no need to bring a ball gown or a tux with you). The ambience is relaxed but the staff is very attentive, and remembers your name, how you like your food, what wine you prefer, etc. The Grand Dining Room is also open for breakfast and lunch and the dress code is much more casual at those times.
Polo Grill : Located on deck 10, Polo Grill is a fancy steakhouse with white tablecloths and big, comfortable leather chairs. The dress code is the same as the one in the Grand Dining Room. Polo Grill is a specialty restaurant so reservations are required. Polo Grill is only open for dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are extremely limited or non-existent.
Toscana : Another specialty restaurant, Toscana focuses on sumptuous Italian cuisine. The staff offers a large selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars at the start of your meal so you can dip the lovely Italian breads you’ve been served while waiting for your starter. The dress code is the same as the one in the Grand Dining Room. Like for the Polo Grill, it’s only open for dinner and you need to book your table in advance. Toscana has some vegetarian options, but no vegan options.
The Terrace Café : The Terrace Café on deck nine is technically a buffet-style restaurant, but don’t let the idea of a buffet put you off — the food, service, and location is amazing. My partner and I preferred the Terrace Café to the Grand Dining Room for its casual vibe (no dress code) and for its great outdoor patio at the stern of the ship. You can sit in the sun for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and enjoy the amazing weather and scenery of the Mediterranean, or stay inside if that’s what you prefer. The food on offer is varied and incredibly tasty (the breakfast pastries were as good as the ones you’d find in a French bakery), and the buffet style allows you to try a little of everything. While it’s a buffet, the crew is around to refresh your drinks and take away your plate.
The Waves Grill : Located right by the pool on deck nine, the Waves Grill is an outdoor, casual restaurant that’s ideal if you want to chill outside in between soaking sessions in one of the hot tubs or the pool. The food is simple with burgers, hot dogs, smoothies, milkshakes, and the like on offer. Like at the Terrace Café, the crew at the Waves Grill will get you drinks and take care of whatever you need.

The amenities on Nautica: quality over quantity

While the ship is small, it’s fitted with high-end amenities that are as good or better than what you’d find on much larger cruise ships.

By far, the greatest spot on Nautica is the outdoor pool on deck nine. It’s not huge, but it is a big enough size to swim a little. It’s filled with salt water and is deep enough for adults to enjoy (no kiddy pool here, it’s all about the grown-ups having a good time). The pool and the super-comfy double lounge chairs set around it are the two most perfect places to hang out during a day at sea on the Mediterranean or after a day of visiting on land. Even in November, the sun was strong and I spent hours sunbathing with a book and a mocktail in between dips. Two hot tubs that each fit about four people are near the pool. I used the hot tubs at night when most other passengers were getting ready for dinner or having a tipple at Martini’s — the place was mine alone every single time.

The pool, the hot tubs, and the lounge chairs are all immaculate at all times and towels are refreshed constantly thanks to the amazing crew.

The Aquamar Spa, also on deck nine, is the next best thing to the pool. The facility is spacious, very clean, and inspires relaxation. There are two steam rooms (one for men and one for women) and a large outdoor hot tub at the bow of the ship — a soak with a view if there ever was one. The spa offers a variety of traditional treatments, among which I opted for the pedicure. The staff is lovely, knowledgeable, and ever so attentive.

Nautica’s library is certainly one of the best I’ve seen at sea. Unlike on other cruise ships, it’s clear that Nautica’s library was not an afterthought, but is as much a priority as the spa or the pool area. Not only are the beautiful shelves very well stocked with a few thousand books of every genre — including new releases and dozens of travel guides that match the ship’s destinations — but the space itself is incredibly well thought out. It’s meant to resemble an elegant library in a stately home, and it does the job extremely well with a painted ceiling, thick rugs, big comfy sofas and leather chairs with foot stools, window seats, a fireplace, and knick-knacks that make the space feel lived in.

For something a little different, head up to deck 11 and partake in a game of putt-putt golf, cornhole, or shuffleboard. It’s a great way to meet some fellow cruisers and pass the time when at sea. With a few cocktails in you, a game of cornhole takes on a brand new dimension.

Oceania’s shore excursions can be as upscale or simple as you’d like them

Oceania makes sure that your time on land is just as wonderful as your time at sea. The choice of shore excursions is vast with options that cover every interest and price point, including incredibly extravagant outings that cost as much as a small car.

During our 12-day trip, we made nine stops: Levos, Greece; Istanbul, Türkiye (for two days); Izmir, Türkiye; Messina, Naples, Rome, and Genoa, Italy; Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Being much too ambitious, my partner and I booked an excursion for eight of the nine stops, an idea which quickly revealed itself to be a mistake. You’re on vacation and supposed to relax, therefore you should not book yourself solid every time you have a couple of hours to spare. Remember to give yourself some time to do your own thing at your own pace. That may mean going for a quick stroll around Izmir or staying on the ship to lounge by the pool while everyone else is traipsing around Marseille.

After testing out various forms of shore excursions with Oceania, I would highly recommend long guided visits. Both our eight-hour guided visit of “The Best of Istanbul” and six-hour guided tour of “Ephesus & Terrace House” were the best guided visits we ever had thanks to incredibly knowledgeable, flexible, and experienced guides. Granted they are pricey, but if you can afford one excursion, make it one that’s with a local expert. (Except the seven-hour guided Mt. Etna 4X4 Expedition, which is very much not worth your money.)

Oceania, in collaboration with local tour bus companies, offers Hop On Hop Off bus tours, but the price is a little high for what’s offered. Instead, hop in the shuttle bus that will take you from the ship to the city center and purchase your own Hop On Hop Off bus ticket for a fraction of the price. You’ll be in the same Hop On Hop Off bus as your fellow cruisers, but you’ll have saved over $100. Almost every stop on shore has a shuttle bus (or a tender) for people to get into town and visit independently — just make sure you’re back on time for the last ride to the ship and you’ll be fine.

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6 Things to Know About Oceania Cruises

Travel Market Report recently spent seven days onboard Oceania’s Marina during a 10-day Baltic cruise. The port-intensive sailing also featured a press briefing by Oceania executives, a preview of new culinary and beverage offerings coming to Vista next year, and a chance to sit down and chat with two of Oceania’s top-selling travel advisors.

For advisors who have never sailed with Oceania Cruises, here’s what you should know before recommending the line to your clients.

1. Service Is Attentive (with a Capital “A”) Without a doubt, service onboard Oceania Cruises is a highpoint. Beyond friendly, which it is, we’ve rarely experienced service that’s as attentive as the crew onboard Oceania are.

Dirty plates are whisked away in an instant, water glasses are filled before they get empty, curtains are drawn almost before you’re squinting from the glare in a restaurant.

Compared with other premium cruise lines we’ve been on Oceania ranks among the best for service.

We weren’t alone in finding this to be the case.

“I’m a service person,” Richard Sacco, an independent travel consultant with Travel Edge, told TMR during an afternoon chat in the Martinis lounge. “The quality of service that I’ve experienced on this cruise is above and beyond service.”

One example of that service, Sacco said, was a sommelier who sought him out in a different venue, two days after he sampled a Malbec he didn’t like, to have him try one she thought he’d enjoy more.

“Wow, where did that come from?!” he said, adding that this level of service and knowing his clients will be well taken care of is one of the main reasons he recommends Oceania to his clients.

With that said, what keeps the service solidly in the premium cruise category and not at luxury level, is the lack of “make it happen.” For instance, we were told it wasn’t possible when we asked for gluten-free pasta at Toscana without advance notice. And an inquiry to our butler about the possibility of getting a body pillow was ignored. But these instances were few and far between and didn’t take away from the excellence of the service we did receive.

2. Food Is a Highlight There’s a reason Oceania makes a claim of the finest cuisine at sea. It’s not only delicious. It’s high-quality, it’s consistent, there’s lots of variety, and it’s (almost) all included.

Depending on which ship your clients sail, they can have up to four included specialty restaurants, along with the main dining room and buffet/outdoor grill – not to mention an expansive room service menu, and the extra-fee small-group dining experiences La Reserve and Privée. There’s also a delightful and positively genteel afternoon tea that can, if you indulge, leave you with very little room for dinner.

And, where some cruise lines sacrifice main dining quality in favor of the specialty venues, that is more definitely not the case on Oceania.

“The consistency of the product has yet to disappoint me,” Sacco said. “No matter where we have had inner on this ship, the quality of the food is there.”

Sacco pointed out the Maine lobster on several menus as an example of the quality of food Oceania serves. Most cruise lines serve rock lobster (also called spiny or Caribbean lobster), which is less expensive, doesn’t have claws, and, according to some lobster lovers, is not as tasty.

Details like that, Sacco said, are something foodie clients appreciate.

They also love the Culinary Center, where they can take hands-on cooking classes. There are even a number of culinary-inspired shore excursions for those who want a taste of the destinations they’re visiting.

Sacco’s wife and business partner, Helen Capra, was just as enamored of the food onboard, even going so far as to tell TMR she’s planning on going home and selling Oceania’s newest ship, Vista, based solely on a dessert she had a chance to try during a special Vista tasting lunch. (The dessert? A triple chocolate brownie with salted caramel and vanilla sauce.)

“The dessert is enough for me to call my clients and say, ‘you need to sail on the Vista because of this dessert. Forget the itinerary, forget anything else, you need to go for this dessert.”

3. High Value for the Dollar The inclusion of most of the specialty dining venues, the high-level of service, and several included amenities such as unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees, along with fitness classes and a DIY laundry room, give Oceania a higher value-for-money than many other premium cruise lines.

In fact, Capra said she believes these inclusions push Oceania higher than premium.

“Oceania is a premium cruise line, but it’s kind of not. It’s a step above premium because you get so many amenities that you don’t get on other premium cruise lines. The array of specialty restaurants that you don’t have to pay for is amazing.”

On most other premium cruise lines, Viking excluded, the specialty restaurants aren’t free and they’re not inexpensive either.

“I personally feel that for every dollar you spend on this cruise line, you get $1.25 back,” Sacco added.

4. Contemporary but Not Modern or Trendy Bucking the trend that’s seeing many cruise lines embrace a more modern, hotel-style atmosphere, Oceania is sticking to its traditional roots, though it plans to add a touch of contemporary – “not modern” emphasized senior vice president of hotel operations Franco Semeraro – during upcoming refurbishments.

“We wanted to be more contemporary, not modern,” he said during a media briefing onboard Marina. “The colors are sharp, fresh.”

Contemporary trends are also making their way into the menus from the addition of more bourbons in the bars to plant-based and Keto dishes in the dining venues.

It’s important to stay current with these trends, Capra said, with Sacco adding that while he doesn't do the Keto diet, he appreciates its inclusion on behalf of his clients.

But following the trends isn't the same as being trendy, Oceania executives emphasized.

“We are not the type of cruise line that is going to do molecular cuisine and other things like that,” said Alexis Quaretti, director of culinary programs and development.

Oceania cruisers like traditional. When the cruise line tried to tweak some of their signature dishes (lasagna and tiramisu, among them), the backlash was swift and vocal.

5. Families Should Look Elsewhere Families looking for a premium cruise experience should probably look elsewhere. Though kids are welcome onboard Oceania, there is no kid's club and not much for them to do outside of the pool. What few daytime activities there are, are limited to things like bridge, golf putting, shuffleboard, ping pong, trivia, and enrichment lectures.

"Would I recommend this for a child? Because there's no children's program, probably not,” Capra told TMR. But she added, for families that are a “cohesive unit,” that simply want to be together and do not need someone else to entertain their children, she might consider it.

6. Mediocre Entertainment If Oceania has a weakest link, it’s the onboard entertainment. Our sailing comprised two performances by a ventriloquist comedian, two by a jazz pianist and singer, two by a West End soprano and three revue-style performances from the in-house singers and dancers.

While tastes vary, and the often-much older audience seemed to enjoy most of it, it was, overall, mediocre. At least one or two people walked out within the first 10 minutes at every performance we attended, with the exception of the soprano.

When asked about the entertainment, Sacco, a boomer himself, said "I'm not going to go there. I';ve got five more days to go, maybe things will change."

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What is OLife Choice? Why Do People Love it?: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a cruise on Oceania Cruises, chances are you’ve seen their Olife/Olife Choice offer. Is it something that will benefit you? Will it enhance your vacation experience?

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. Please check out my disclosure for more information.

What is OLife?

OLife Choice is a program Oceania Cruises offers that provides guests flexibility in choosing from a variety of complimentary amenities when booking a cruise vacation. Choose from three benefits, including free shore excursions, drinks packages, or onboard credit. OLife Choice is available in all categories and on all sailings.

What’s Included in Olife?

OLife Choice includes FREE Internet (one sign-in per stateroom) – PLUS

FREE Shore Excursions based on length of sailing (excluding Oceania Choice, Executive Collection, and Exclusive excursions)

FREE House Select Beverage Package (wine and beer with lunch and dinner)

FREE Shipboard Credit

Can You Combine OLife Choice with Other Programs?

Yes, OLife Choice can be combined with the following programs:

Free Internet

Free Internet amenity does not include streaming and includes one login per stateroom, except Owner’s, Vista & Oceania Suites, which receive two logins per suite. You can purchase the streaming upgrade for $9.99 per day. An additional login will cost $24.99 per day or you can get a 2nd login and enjoy the same access as the Unlimited Internet (Basic) plan, plus an upgrade to video and audio streaming for $34.98 per day.

Shore Excursion Options

When trying to decide if you should take the shore excursion benefit, take a look at the prices of independent tours and do the comparison. With OLife Choice, there will be at least two choices at every port and you’ll be able to choose from excusrions worth up to $199 excluding those excursions in Oceania Select, Oceania Exclusive, Executive Collection, Food & Wine Trails, Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar, Go Local, and Culinary Discovery Tours.

House Select Beverage Package

The House Select beverage package includes unlimited champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner. So if you’re looking to be able to have a drink whenever you like, you’ll need to upgrade your beverage plan. If the other 2 options are not for you, this may be the best choice as you would only pay $20 per person per day for the upgrade to the Prestige Select plan which is normally $59.95 per person per day.

OLife with Air

Oceania offers OLife with Air as an option to help make your cruise planning less stressful. The roundtrip airfare included with OLife Choice* is guaranteed, no matter how much fares may increase between the day you book your cruise and your travel date.

I recommend doing a cost comparison . Look up the flight pricing individually and then price the difference between OLife with Air and OLife without Air. Depending on your embarkation/debarkation port, you may not find it to be a cost-saving option.

You can also fly in to your embarkation port a few days early or fly out a few days after your cruise using OLife for a deviation fee of $175 per person. I always recommend your get to your embarkation port at least one day before your cruise to avoid any weather or mechanical problems that might cause a delay.

TIP: DO NOT book business/first-class flights with OLife as you will end up paying for both the regular flight AND the business/first-class flight. Always book business class independently.

Included Air Gateways

Other things to note:.

Excursions must be booked at least 14 days prior to sailing. Credits will not be offered for non-use of the shore excursion amenity.
Each guest in the stateroom must select the same option. For example, both must select the Shipboard Credit.
If no decision has been made prior to final payment, the booking will default to the Shipboard Credit amenity.
Free Roundtrip Airport Transfer offer is only available when OLife Choice Airfare is purchased through Oceania Cruises.

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This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

By Jessica Puckett

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Would you be willing to wait at a port city with your bags packed, hoping to board a cruise at the last minute, all in order to secure one of the cheapest cruise deals out there? Holland America—with its industry-first standby fare offerings—is betting yes.

The line’s new Standby List Program allows travelers to put their names on a list of prospective passengers to be confirmed for a voyage if there are unsold rooms on the ship. Standby cruisers only pay $49 a day, but they receive as little as two days’ notice to get ready for the trip.

For flexible travelers, the scheme offers the possibility of huge savings. Here’s everything cruisers should know about sailing on standby.

How do the fares work?

To get on the standby list, travelers can select an itinerary on Holland America's list of standby-eligible voyages and call 877-724-5425 to join. (You can also have your travel advisor add you to the standby list on your behalf.)

Once you're on the list, you'll be charged $49 per person per day (not including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can cost several hundred dollars more). If you’re not selected for the cruise, you’ll receive a full refund.

When the week of the sailing arrives, the cruise line will start notifying standby passengers whether they made the cut. Guests are confirmed for their sailings in the order they were added to the standby list, so signing up early counts. Would-be passengers should expect to hear their status between seven to two days before the voyage’s departure.

Travelers who aren’t confirmed within two days of the sailing’s departure receive an immediate refund. Truly spontaneous travelers can choose to cut things even closer with a more nail-biting option: They can opt to remain on the standby list all the way up until 90 minutes before departure to see if there’s a no-show. If that doesn't work out, they’ll still get a full refund.

The deal could offer major savings to group travelers who have a bit of flexibility this summer, as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom can travel nearly for free—they would just be on the hook for taxes and fees. But young families are not eligible for cruising standby, as the fares are only available for travelers ages 21 and older. Since it would be a major gamble to travel long distances for an unconfirmed trip, the standby option makes the most sense for people who live in or near eligible ports like Vancouver , Seattle , San Diego , Fort Lauderdale , Boston , Montreal , or Quebec .

How can travelers take advantage?

In 2024, the bulk of standby fares that Holland America is offering are for Alaskan voyages departing Seattle, Whittier, and Vancouver, as well as New England and Eastern Canada voyages departing from Boston, Montreal, and Quebec City.

There are also a handful of transatlantic sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including an extended six-week sailing in November that meanders through dozens of Mediterranean ports in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Egypt, to name a few. Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.

It all sounds appealing, but there are a few factors travelers should keep in mind. “With this program, you've got to be extremely flexible in all aspects of your trip,” says Tanner Callais, founder of cruise travel advice site Cruzely . “Some of these cruises sail for extended periods of time, including up to 42 days,” which is the duration of that lengthy Mediterranean sailing. “You also don't know what sort of cabin you'll receive,” he says. “If you're someone that has to have a balcony room, then this might not be for you.

The type of cabin could, in fact, be a deal breaker for certain travelers. Holland America says it charges standby guests for an interior stateroom, a space as small as 143 square feet with no windows. But travelers could be assigned any category of room ranging up to a verandah stateroom, which ranges from 228 to 405 square feet with enough outdoor space to fit two deck chairs. However, it’s all based on availability.

“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel . “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location—above a theater or night club [or] all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, [or] want to be near or away from elevators,” he says.

Holland America Line also notes that these deals are intended for travelers who live within driving distance of the departure ports. “Booking a last-minute airline ticket could end up being more than the cost of the cruise,” Callais says. “That said, the fares are so low that if you have the flexibility, then it might be one of the best deals you'll ever find. This is especially the case if you're a solo traveler, as the double occupancy fare doesn't apply.”

Travelers will want to run the numbers on each voyage to ensure they’re receiving the best possible deal for enduring the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Some of the sailings do offer incredible value. “However, on other sailings, the savings are not nearly as great,” Clabbers says. “If you or your travel advisor do some research, you may very well find some sailings at fares that are similar or even lower than the $49 per day standby fare—and without the restrictions.”

For instance, it’s possible to book a seven-day Alaska sailing that departs June 9 on Holland America’s website, with prices for an inside room starting at $349 per person, plus $310 in taxes, fees, and port expenses. “You even get a $50 credit to spend on board per room, but the biggest advantage is that you can confirm this several weeks before sailing, so you can fine-tune your travel plans rather than have to wait until the very last minute,” says Clabbers.

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One of the better deals would be the 42-day Mediterranean Cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in November. Booking that sailing outright, “you would pay $5,479 plus $435 in taxes, fees, and port expenses per person based on double occupancy for an Inside room,” Clabbers says. But, if you sail the itinerary on standby and get confirmed, “you would pay a total $2,058 per person plus taxes. Obviously that would be a good deal.”

Will other cruise lines start offering standby prices?

You might be wondering why a cruise line would offer fares as low as $49 a day. At the end of the day, more guests on board means ships generate more money. “Obviously, a cruise line wants to sail with every cabin filled to maximize revenue and efficiency of scale,” says Callais. “If a room sails empty, the cruise line is still using the same amount of fuel and paying the crew and captain the same wage.”

The majority of new ships break even at 50% occupancy, while older ships need 80% occupancy to hit that benchmark, according to Tom Baker , president of Cruise Center .

Carnival Corporation, which is Holland America’s parent company, saw an average revenue of $236 per passenger each cruise day in 2023, while its direct expenses per passenger was about $156 each day, according to Callais’ analysis of the company’s earnings report . But whereas most of a line’s expenses are fixed, there’s always more room to increase revenue with more passengers, who are bound to spend more on the ship. “In other words, even if this standby rate is less than the cruise line would make at a normal rate, it's still better to earn a little money from it than zero,” Callais says.

Although Holland America is the only major cruise line currently offering the standby fare, it could catch on at other companies if it brings in enough money. “Like most industries, cruise lines are constantly looking at competitors and seeing what they are offering or doing that might benefit their business,” Callais says. “If it works, it will get picked up by others.”

Regardless, it’s likely that standby offerings will stay limited to certain lines, as well as specific ports and times of year. “If the program trains too many passengers to just wait and cruise standby, then that could actually end up hurting the bottom line,” Callais says.

But for many travelers, planning and looking forward to a trip is half the fun: "Part of the joy of travel is the anticipation of the experience," says Clabbers.

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Everything you can ask your cruise ship butler to do, from the sublime to the ridiculous

My husband and I were on board a luxury river ship in Europe trying to open a fancy bottle of French wine we had purchased on shore — we were struggling with the corkscrew.

I'd had this issue once before in a hotel, and the result was red wine splashed around the room. Fearing a repeat, I called for our butler, who arrived promptly, opened the bottle with ease and then went off to find a cheese he said would pair perfectly with the wine.

Cruise ship butlers are trained to pamper, after all, and that means no request is too ridiculous.

If you book a suite with butler service, this person can be a trusted adviser. He or she will serve up surprises, offer tips to make your cruise even more enjoyable and handle requests with aplomb.

What does it take to be a butler?

First, get the "Downton Abbey" image out of your head. Butlers are not necessarily British or male. They come from around the world, including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Eastern Europe and Italy. That said, some are trained in the English style of butler service.

For instance, on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships, butlers are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Your butler will likely have studied wine presentation (right down to where to place the Champagne bucket) and learned how to interact with guests. The training includes both classroom instruction and role-playing.

A cruise ship butler once told me the necessary skills are humor, being super organized, having enough confidence to offer advice and being able to intuit guest needs. Your butler will study your habits and think ahead on ways to please.

Which cruise ships have butler service?

At ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises , every guest stays in a suite with butler service. Other lines with butlers for top suites include Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Azamara Cruises , Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as well as river line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

For those staying in Star Class suites on select Royal Caribbean ships, the butler role is fulfilled by a Royal Genie, as in, "Your wish is my command."

Whether you have a butler or a genie, the idea is the same.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

What can my butler do for me?

If you're wondering what your butler can do for you, you're not alone. After all, very few guests in cruise ship suites have a butler at home. Here are a few ways to take advantage of butler service on your next cruise.

Unpack luggage

Your butler won't force any services on you. But if you want your clothes neatly tucked away, your shoes shined, wrinkles removed from your ballgown, your laundry whisked away or even a button replaced, these are some of the services your butler is available to perform.

If you forgot to pack your dress shoes, your zipper breaks (or you can't reach the zipper on the back of your dress), your mascara is too gooey or you just need advice on what to wear on a particular night on the ship, call your butler.

Your butler will also be available to help you pack up at the end of your cruise.

Serve breakfast in bed

Want your butler to bring you breakfast in bed? All you need to do is ask. You can also order other meals in your cabin.

If you do dinner in your suite, your butler will likely bring you the dining room menu so you can make your meal choices, and your selections will be delivered course by course, so nothing is tepid (unless it's supposed to be).

Once, after a long day ashore, my husband and I just wanted a hamburger and fries for a quiet in-room movie date night. Our butler arranged everything and suggested we order brownies for dessert. He delivered our burgers on a silver tray.

Your butler can also bring you afternoon canapes to go with your cocktails, which he or she can prepare — in addition to keeping your minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. You can also request afternoon tea or a cappuccino whenever you like.

Want popcorn while you watch a movie, have a caviar craving or need a midnight snack? Call the butler.

You can also ask your butler for service outside your suite. For instance, on a cruise on Silver Origin in the Galapagos, a pal and I watched the sunset in a hot tub while our butler served us chilled sparkling wine.

Related: Cruise ship room service: A line-by-line guide to in-cabin dining

Book reservations and shore excursions

Your butler's focus is great service, and he or she may enlist other crew members to help fulfill your requests. Depending on the ship, your butler might help you arrange dinner times, spa treatments and even shore excursions — or refer you to a concierge who can help make reservations.

It's my experience that butlers really know the best things on the ships and often in the ports as well. For instance, if you have questions about whether the seafood lunch buffet is worth attending, ask your butler. If you want to dine in port and aren't sure where, ask your butler that question, too.

Rearrange your cabin furniture

You might have heard your butler can have your furniture rearranged — and it's true.

For instance, if you're not a fan of decorative pillows, you can ask the butler to have them removed. You could also request a chair or have lamps added to your cabin.

One regular guest in Cunard's Queens Grill suites asks for an extra dresser for storage, has the couch moved and the chairs turned around, and, since she prefers showers, has a wall-to-wall rod hung above the tub so she has extra space for hanging clothes.

Host a party

Want to throw a little party? Butlers can help you entertain guests. For example, on my Silver Origin cruise, one guest wanted to have friends over to her suite before dinner. Her butler removed furniture to make space, added extra chairs and supplied several bottles of sparkling wine and four kinds of empanadas.

When my husband and I decided to throw a cocktail party on our Asia honeymoon cruise, the butler went all-out arranging nibbles, from nuts and cheese to cold shrimp and crab.

If your suite has a large enough dining table, you can also have your butler arrange a dinner party.

On all-inclusive ships, there is typically no extra charge for these extravagances, and that might be the case on other ships as well, as cruise lines often want to pamper their big-spending passengers in the fanciest suites.

Your butler can also help you celebrate a special occasion. Butlers will have experience preparing celebrations ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to marriage proposals. They can help you come up with over-the-top ideas, whether that means filling a room with roses or balloons or arranging a secret spot for you to get down on one knee.

Be ship guides (but not dance partners)

Your butler might offer you a tour to help familiarize you with the ship. Some lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, have the butler meet you at the pier and escort you on board.

The butler will also be available to lend an arm as you head to dinner, an activity, a cocktail hour or a show but will not stay and sit with you. If you want a dance partner, you'll need to rely on your ship's dance hosts .

What won't a butler do?

Your butler won't make your bed or clean your cabin. Your room steward will do that.

Butlers also don't babysit or provide any nursing services. If you need that, you'll have to bring your own assistant.

Can I call my butler at any hour?

Cruise ship butler service is available every hour of every day. That said, when your butler is on a break, his or her colleagues will handle your requests.

Your butler will carry either a telephone or pager. However, it's important to remember when making requests that your butler is not yours alone. Cruise ship butlers typically cover the needs of 12 to 16 suites, meaning 24 or more guests per cruise.

Should I tip my butler?

The decision to tip your butler is very personal. I tend to leave a cash tip at the end of the cruise, along with a thank you note.

It's important to note that not all daily service charges include butler gratuities. Check with your cruise line for information on whether they will receive a portion of the daily tips which will be added automatically to your onboard bill.

On all-inclusive ships with gratuities included in the cruise fare, I still leave a thank-you tip.

Related: 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Bottom line

When you're on a cruise and have access to a butler, the opportunities for moments of surprise and delight are boundless — and butlers will tell you that's what makes their job truly enjoyable. One Uniworld butler, for example, had a particular trick up his sleeve: He'd surprise guests by sabering a Champagne bottle.

My favorite surprise was on a Silversea ship when my husband and I returned from a desert excursion in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Our butler, with assistance from our cabin steward, had prepared a bubble bath complete with floating flowers. There must have been some radioing ahead as the water was perfectly hot and the bubbles perfectly frothy when we entered our cabin.

Also, on a Regent Seven Seas sailing, one butler went all-out for a couple celebrating their golden anniversary by shooting a video with family members on board and having friends send in clips online, too. The couple's favorite songs were added as background music. When they returned to their suite on their anniversary, they found balloons and a banner, a cake, Champagne and the video ready to play on their TV.

According to the butler, the guests responded with happy tears.

Whether you want help with something as simple as getting acquainted with the ship or as elaborate as throwing an unforgettable soiree, butler service on a cruise ship can be a sublime experience. In fact, the most frequent request butlers say they hear from guests is, "Can you come home with me?"

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Love Gary Barlow and cruises? Boy is it your lucky day

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A picture of Gary Barlow with his feet up on a piano.

If you love Formula 1 put your hand up. What about Gary Barlow? If you love cruising also put your hand up. If you love all of them, we suppose you’ve got three hands in the air and we have a treat you need to know about.

Today’s cruising landscape is so much more than playing bridge on the lido deck – but, if you love a spot of bridge on the lido deck, we also love that for you.

From celebrity partnerships to conservation and swimming schools, ships are going above and beyond to bring travellers the most showstopping of experiences on the high seas.

The best of the best have been plucked from said seas by cruising experts for the Sailawaze Excellence Awards (BTW you can win a cruise for two by voting here , we should add…) with some major shortlisted collaborations such as Regent Seven Seas’ partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, and MSC Cruises’ own with Formula 1.

It seems Formula 1 and cruising fans are one and the same!

There’s also a chance you could spot Gary Barlow crooning away behind the piano on a P&O ship, too…

Vote to win a cruise

Do you love cruising? Are you an intrepid traveller? Maybe you just like looking at pictures of luxe ships. No matter which, we want you to vote!

Metro has partnered with the Sailawaze Excellence Awards , highlighting the very best in cruising when it comes to sustainability, wellness, entertainment and beyond.

And we need YOU to simply select what you’ve been most impressed by.

The best bit? By voting you’ll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500.

Say bon voyage to the more traditional categories of ‘best large ship’ or ‘best luxury cruise line’ and instead ahoy to innovation, food and drink and showstopping performances.

Vote for your favourite here .

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas’ partnership with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team marks the team’s first official Global Cruise Line Partner with some pretty impressive onshore activities.

From VIP Aston Martin Formula One Team driving experiences to tours of the team’s state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus in Silverstone, spotlight cruises will also combine cruising with motor racing.

MSC Cruises

Two men stand in front of a Formula 1 car on a cruise ship.

On the other side of pit lane, MSC’s partnership with Formula 1 offers fan hospitality packages comprising unrivalled race weekend experiences at global Grand Prix.

As part of the cruise line’s partnership, fans will get insider access through a premium all-inclusive experience, with exclusive track activities such as a Pit Lane Walk and a Guided Track Tour.

Gary Barlow sits with his feet up on a piano.

But let’s not forget P&O Cruises shortlisted nomination for its partnership with Gary Barlow , who is the Musical Director of The 710 Club on Arvia.

The late-night music venue, exclusively for adults, has delivered various unique musical moments curated for British music lovers, and Barlow will perform exclusive live charity shows onboard Iona in 2024.

Plenty of time to play a million love songs…

A photo of four men holding a cricket shirt in front of an Ambassador cruise ship.

Elsewhere in the hefty category is Ambassador’s ORCA ocean conservation charity partnership (ongoing since 2022), championing the industry’s only anti-whaling campaign.

Not content with just one partnership, the line has also worked with Essex Cricket Club since 2022, granting passengers free game tickets, while its Help for Heroes partnership, in play since March 2024, raises funds and provides exclusive access to veterans, with special onboard activities.

A-Rosa Cruises

A small child doing a peace sign while in the pool.

Some of these partnerships offer quite an important service, too, with A-Rosa Cruises’ partnership with Wasserlust Swimming School offering lessons on board for those who want to learn, or at least brush up, on their freestyle.

Lessons are held onboard the river cruise ships during three key summer departures, with beginner, intermediate and advanced courses for children aged four and above.

An advanced course was added this year for swimmers keen to enhance stamina and technique while learning basic water safety rules. Hey, we can’t say we’ve ever had swimming lessons while at sea, so this truly is quite the experience!

Carnival Cruises

For the kids, Carnival has been shortlisted in this category for its Seuss at Sea program. One ship, two ship, red ship, blue ship, right?

We’re talking whimsical experiences such as reimagined Dr Seuss breakfast themed as a birthday party led by Thing 1 and Thing 2, an aptly-named Seuss-a-palooza Parade with an underwater immersive world with LED screens.

The cruising line also has a partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which results in the Space Cruisers program where sea-dwelling astronauts in-the-making can try their hand at designing mission patches and building a Mars base.

A photo of a 5-sail cruising ship on blue water.

For the bougie, French-owned cruise line Ponant’s partnership with Relais & Châteaux has to be up there. Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests.

The rest of the nominees

Food & beverage.

Virgin Voyages

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

Royal Caribbean

SUSTAINABILITY

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

Celebrity Cruises

VIVA Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Saga Cruises

A- Rosa Cruises

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

Le Ponant was the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the R&C label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses worldwide. With only 16 staterooms and suites and a dedicated chef, the travel experience is as if you are on you own private yacht, with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

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The ultimate booze cruise is a luxury liner that carries more plonk than people

I magine relaxing on your balcony, sipping a glass of vino , as the quaint towns and villages on the banks of the River Danube pass by.

And what happens when your glass is empty?

Well, you can simply order another. And another. And another.

Riverside Mozart, a Riverside Cruises ship , prides itself on it’s culinary offerings. Everything, even the jam, is made from scratch, and the last thing the crew wants is for its guests to go hungry – or thirsty.

The boat sails with approximately 3000 bottles of wine on board. With a maximum capacity of just 162 passengers, that’s more than 18 bottles of wine each.

Even the ship’s longest route – which sails on the Danube for 9 days from Austria to Germany – would mean, at maximum capacity, each guest could technically drink two bottles of wine each, every day of their holiday.

Vote to win a cruise

Do you love cruising? Are you an intrepid traveller? Maybe you just like looking at pictures of luxe ships. No matter which, we want you to vote!

Metro has partnered with the Sailawaze Excellence Awards , highlighting the very best in cruising when it comes to sustainability, wellness, entertainment and beyond.

And we need YOU to simply select what you’ve been most impressed by.

The best bit? By voting you’ll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500.

Say bon voyage to the more traditional categories of ‘best large ship’ or ‘best luxury cruise line’ and instead ahoy to innovation, food and drink and showstopping performances.

Vote for your favourite here .

So if you thought a booze cruise was all about dancing to Europop while downing miscellaneous shots, you need to think again.

The impressive wine collection on board Riverside Mozart is stored in a private dining room, known as the Vintage Room, and there are more than 120 different wines to choose from.

If your party chooses to dine in the Vintage Room, you’re in for a decedent experience. The chefs create a memorable menu, with wine pairings selected by the Head Sommelier.

After dinner, you can then move into the Palm Court, where you’ll be serenaded with the musical stylings of Mozart (of course) played on a grand piano.

If you fancy somewhere with a more bustling atmosphere, the ship also has Waterside, a fine dining restaurant, Marketplace, where you can select a buffet breakfast, Blue Bar Grill for a casual lunch, Vista Grill & Bar which boasts food with a view, and Bistro, a quaint coffee house.

Sailawaze Excellence Awards - the nominations

Food & beverage.

Virgin Voyages

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

SUSTAINABILITY

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

Celebrity Cruises

VIVA Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Saga Cruises

A- Rosa Cruises

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

A-Rosa Cruises

Of course, it’s not just the food that’s five star. How does personal butler service and a floating spa sound?

And the suites will be bring any London renter to tears. The largest on offer, the Owner Suite, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room, complete with a fireplace.

And, you can kick back and relax as the crew washes and irons your laundry – free of charge.

But, luxury service (and all that booze) comes with a luxury price tag.

For a five day trip in August on the ‘Danube Highlights Westbound’ cruise, which takes you from Budapest to Hungary, staying in the Owner’s Suite, with premium board, including excursions, will set you back a whopping £13,094.

The ship is nominated in the Food and Beverage category of the Sailawaze Excellence Awards – how does it shape up among its fellow nominees?

Explora Journeys is nominated for its 11 culinary experiences, the most in ‘ultra-luxury’ cruise, all offering wellbeing, vegetarian, and plant-based dishes, plus refined in-suite dining from each eatery. It also boasts a sushi bar plus sakes and shōchū, alongside celebrated guest chefs.

Windstar Cruises is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, and guests can accompany chefs to local markets. It’s also hosts the first plant-based cruise.

Celestyal’s nomination shouts out its 15 bars across a two-ship fleet, with a specialist Alchemy cocktail menu with 23 innovative cocktails – and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided with all meals.

Cruise line Cunard shared its partnership with chef Michel Roux for Queen Anne’s dining, where he designed Queens Grill restaurant’s Gala Evening menu. The nomination also includes its Golden Lion pub dining revamped with exclusive dishes by Roux.

Then there’s Virgin Voyages’ first-to-sea Korean BBQ, its 24/7 diner and Michelin-starred chefs and 20+ unique eateries, while Aqua Expeditions was nominated for its chef-hosted departures and Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine.

Also with its vegan offering, P&O’s nomination includes its Vegan restaurant Green & Co, with signature dishes and drinks including Kombucha-infused Beetroot, Chakalaka Wellington, Sakura and Lavender cocktail.

In a stacked category, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has 128 culinary-focused shore excursions in the Mediterranean, with a new Epicurean Perfection immersive programme of tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, cooking classes, plus 130 new exclusive dishes on Regent’s latest ship Seven Seas Grandeur.

And then there’s TUI River Cruises’ experiential events, from seasonal top deck BBQs, to ice cream parties, murder mystery afternoon teas and gala dinners with singing waiters, plus full board or all-inclusive packages.

Vote here for your favourite.

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There are 3,000 bottles of wine on board (Picture: Riverside Cruises)

Viking IPO: Key Facts Behind the Luxury Cruise Operator’s Billion-Dollar Debut

Sean O'Neill , Skift

April 30th, 2024 at 6:37 PM EDT

Wednesday's IPO will value Viking, an operator of luxury river and ocean cruises, at roughly $10 billion. Leaders in the luxury travel sector will be eyeing the move closely.

Sean O'Neill

Viking , an operator of river and ocean cruises, and a group of shareholders were set to raise more than $1.54 billion in an initial public offering on Wednesday.

When the stock begins trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol VIK , the Bermuda-based luxury travel company anticipates that the price per share will be $24.

The company and its shareholders will offer 53 million shares . The IPO placed a roughly $10.3 billion valuation on the company on a fully distributed basis as of the opening bell.

10 Facts About Viking’s IPO and Strategy

The IPO will enrich chairman, CEO, and co-founder Torstein “Tor” Hagen, 81, who will control a slim majority of Viking shares. The public debut will make Hagen worth roughly $5 billion , according to Bloomberg estimates.
Hagen began Viking in 1997 with four river ships. Today, the company sails 80 river vessels, averaging 190 passengers each. It also has nine ocean-sailing ships, which typically hold about 900 passengers, making them relatively smaller than traditional ocean vessels. The company has three other vessels, such as those used to cruise the Nile in Egypt.
Viking wasn’t profitable last year. It reported a $1.86 billion loss in its 2023 fiscal year. But it said that was related to one-time losses. The company reported about $1.09 billion in adjusted EBITDA in its SEC filings.
The company targets well-off travelers, typically those above age 55. Its average revenue per passenger last year was $7,251.
The company stands apart from traditional ocean cruise lines. There aren’t water slides or casinos on board. Small children are often banned.
The company claims it served one out of four luxury cruise-goers on ocean cruises last year out of a market of about 1.1 million. Competitor brands include Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent.
The company claims to have served one out of two river cruise travelers last year, out of a market of 700,000 passengers. Rivals include Grand Circle.
About 90% of Viking’s guests are from North America. Most of its cruise ship itineraries are in Europe and Antarctica, but it has routes worldwide.
Viking said it may use some of the capital from the IPO to help expand its offerings to land-based tours and excursions. It will also use some of the capital to pay down its debt, which was $5.4 billion in December.
Viking has 24 new ships on order, with options for 12 more. It plans to enter China and other markets.

For more on the company, see Viking’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . Analyst Jess Peterson has crunched other key numbers.

UPDATE: This story was updated with the final pricing for the stock.

Cruise and Tours Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

What am I looking at? The performance of cruise and tours sector stocks within the ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including both cruise lines and tour operators.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more cruise and tours sector financial performance .

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Tags: cruise lines , cruises , ipo , IPOs , luxury , river cruise , river cruises , river cruising , viking

Photo credit: Sofa chairs in a public atrium on board a Viking river cruise ship. Source: Viking.

Oceania Cruises

Drink Packages-- Worth it?

By SweetPease , December 7, 2013 in Oceania Cruises

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As you note, there are 2 packages - House Select, currently priced at $39.95 Per Guest Per Day and Prestige Select, currently priced at $59.95 Per Guest Per Day.

We were on the Marina last spring. While we didn't purchase a beverage package, I can give you my two cents worth. Mixed drink prices tend to be in the $10.00 each range with wine by the glass usually slightly less. The House Select package is in effect only during meals,so you'd have to have 4 glasses per person of wine or beer every day with your meals to break even. Mixed drinks aren't included.

The Prestige Select package includes mixed drinks, in addition to wine and beer, at any bar any time the bar is open. Break even point is 6 drinks or wines per person per day. The question is: Are you likely to drink that much on a regular basis?

We preferred to take advantage of the daily happy hour BOGO special. We would have a drink in the bar before dinner and then order a glass of wine each to take into the dining room with us.

Several days into our cruise they had a wine sale in Le Reserve. We bought several bottles of wine which were then held for us. We had them served with dinner in any of the restaurants on board. Partial bottles were kept for another night. We could also access our wines from any bar if we desired. The end price was less than buying the same wines by the glass.

I hope this helps.

Tarpeian Rock

We wrestled with this for our upcoming cruise on Riviera in March, our first on Oceania. We don't consider ourselves particularly big drinkers, maybe a beer at lunch, wine with dinner, a cocktail or two before. We ended up getting the Prestige package when it was still @ $54.95. Our reasoning was that posts here indicated that O's martinis were on the small side, and a double was the equivalent of a single ashore. That, and the fact some sparkling wines - but not the top champagne I hasten to add - are included in the Prestige package. We've also started to explore the world of Bourbon. So all of that taken together drove our decision. I'll be happy to report back on how it worked out. I will say, though, that for someone who can easily go a month ashore without a drink, putting the $1,000 through the credit card to pay for the drink package was, well, pretty sobering.

Wendy The Wanderer

We went through the same process, bought the Prestige package when it was still $55 per day. Next time we would probably not. I found I was drinking more to try to justify the package.

A glass of wine, my usual tipple, was $8.50-$12.50 a glass. Choosing the more expensive ones, four a day, plus the implied 18% gratuity that would be added, with an average of $11 for a glass, comes to $52. Pretty darned close, but sometimes I didn't want to drink that much.

I can't remember the cost of mixed drinks, but had some nice martinis and cosmos. They did not seem particularly small to me, although perhaps they were pouring differently for us, once they saw our cards.

The pouring wines were very good, btw.

MimsandMarkie

Yes, both my husband and myself indulged it the Prestige package on our recent 21 day Panama Canal Passage cruise. We felt it was well worth it as we had many sea days and could use it whenever and wherever throughout the ship.

If your cruise is port intensive, though, it may be a different situation!

I can't remember the cost of mixed drinks, but had some nice martinis and cosmos. They did not seem particularly small to me, although perhaps they were pouring differently for us, once they saw our cards. The pouring wines were very good, btw.

You indicated that you enjoyed Martini's lounge and probably had martinis there. Apparently that is the only lounge that pours regular size martinis. The other lounges pour mini ones. We enjoyed the lounge with the glitzy bar stools - we liked the cozy atmosphere. Since the martinis were small, we simply ordered doubles.

In terms of whether the alcohol package is worth it, we did not want to think about cost or sign for anything while on board. The opposite of trying to drink enough to cover the cost you have already paid is having to always think about whether or not you and your DH want a martini each at a cost of approx. $20 plus 18% tip. There are also times when we have a glass of wine and would like just a bit more -- perhaps half of a glass. Without the package, we probably would not order another glass.

Yes, both my husband and myself indulged it the Prestige package on our recent 21 day Panama Canal Passage cruise. We felt it was well worth it as we had many sea days and could use it whenever and wherever throughout the ship. If your cruise is port intensive, though, it may be a different situation!

On port intensive cruises in ports where cheap wine and liquor abound, NO it does not work.

I am going with package for my next trip Tahiti to NY some 33 days of which 22 are sea days. The option of buying liquor locally is a non option in the south pacific.... With liquor prices in the region 3 to 5 times higher than normal... just like all Tahiti. Here it works.

It would also work in Asia and in Islamic countries where liquor is not available much.

ronrick1943

I think it's well worth the price, we take Prestige Select-even if we only break even I feel it's worth the price & convenience. However the wine sale I don't feel you get a bargain at all. Don't forget they add tax & tip to the price. Also I would never carry a drink into the dining rooms, I just don't feel that's right-if you buy a drink during happy hour, that's where it should be consumed. But that's just me.

You indicated that you enjoyed Martini's lounge and probably had martinis there. Apparently that is the only lounge that pours regular size martinis. The other lounges pour mini ones. We enjoyed the lounge with the glitzy bar stools - we liked the cozy atmosphere. Since the martinis were small, we simply ordered doubles. In terms of whether the alcohol package is worth it, we did not want to think about cost or sign for anything while on board. The opposite of trying to drink enough to cover the cost you have already paid is having to always think about whether or not you and your DH want a martini each at a cost of approx. $20 plus 18% tip. There are also times when we have a glass of wine and would like just a bit more -- perhaps half of a glass. Without the package, we probably would not order another glass.

Apparently if you have the prestige package, and order a martini or such, they usually just pour you a double. So we did not notice tiny martinis anywhere (well, Gibsons actually, but same thing.)

Good point about the cost, and about that half glass of wine, of which in my case there were many! But at this point in my life, a deterrent to drinking too much is probably a good thing.

I chose the Prestige Select package on both of my Oceania cruises. I prefer mixed drinks, beer, and after-dinner enhanced coffees or Dow's Port (expensive by the glass). Not being a a wine drinker (other than the occasional glass of port or Champagne/sparkling wine), it worked well for me - convenient and worth the money. I can see why wine drinkers might prefer to bring their own or purchase bottles from the Oceania sales table instead of buying a package.

I agree with you, however when you see someone bring in a class or wine, cocktail into the dining room-that's just plain tacky. I've even seen people get up from dinner only to return with a full glass of wine or cocktail-you know they when to their cabin for refill. Just bad manners.

Apparently if you have the prestige package, and order a martini or such, they usually just pour you a double. So we did not notice tiny martinis anywhere (well, Gibsons actually, but same thing.) Good point about the cost, and about that half glass of wine, of which in my case there were many! But at this point in my life, a deterrent to drinking too much is probably a good thing.

Perhaps they changed the martini glasses since May. We had the prestige package -- did not have a drink at Martini's lounge --almost all of our drinks were in the lounge with the $10,000 bar stools -- near the casino (can't think of the name). My friend who was previously on the Riviera told me about "thimble size martinis" so I was prepared. Anyway, if they are all regular size, now that is definitely a good thing.

If these are the $10k bar stools near the casino (I never stopped long enough to look at them much - the purple light sends me away like a 'bug light' ) it is called the Casino Lounge.

funny about the various comments about a bigger 'martini' served in Martini's vs. Horizons. Last cruise we had a martini in Martinis then late went up to Horizons and ordered the same. Got a much larger pour. I went up to the bar to re-order and commented on the better size than we just had in Martini's (we had the drink package so it made no difference other than the convenience and pleasantness of a reasonable sized drink). However we then started to get the same size as in Martini's. Guess I should have said nothing :)

'regular' size where I live in Canada is smaller than regular size in much of the USA. A 'shot' was a regulated ounce; free pour was illegal (and enforced). Bar lists had to state the amount of alcohol if they had more than 1 oz. (i.e. a cocktail). Happy hour free pours 'across the line' were a big attraction

However the wine sale I don't feel you get a bargain at all. Don't forget they add tax & tip to the price. Also I would never carry a drink into the dining rooms, I just don't feel that's right-if you buy a drink during happy hour, that's where it should be consumed. But that's just me. Rick

18% tip is added. Tax only added if required by law in a few places such a when in Spanish tax jurisdiction.

Especially on long cruises, many pax like to feel 'at home' as jancruz1 wrote about Grand and World cruises especially - the stateroom as the bedroom and the rest of the ship is their home. So in that context walking from one room to another with a drink is a little different. I know that some people plan that 2:1 Happy Hour and take the 2nd to the dining room to save $10 and i won't quibble with that. Not for me but not against any rule. If I had a drink in a restaurant holding bar and a host same to take me to my now ready table, I'd expect them to bring a tray to carry our drinks. I know that is a little different in that I am not trying to cheat the system by purchasing a drink for less in the lounge but I am mentioning this only in that moving from one venue to another I think is acceptable. Better the staff carry it and wandering about the ship drink in hand does appear a little tacky to me too.

. I agree with you, however when you see someone bring in a class or wine, cocktail into the dining room-that's just plain tacky. I've even seen people get up from dinner only to return with a full glass of wine or cocktail-you know they when to their cabin for refill. Just bad manners.

Now that is indeed not only bad manners but just plain wrong. It is against the rules and should be. Abuses like that is why rules become enforced.

Wow, a lot of good information provided. Thanks! After reading everyone's thoughts, we have pretty much decided to get on board and see how the first couple of days go. Don't think it matters much since we missed the lower price. Also, we will be in Auckland a day early and may end up purchasing a couple of bottles of wine to take on board and enjoy in our cabin. (Enjoy having a glass of wine while getting ready for dinner.) As for carrying a drink into the Dining Room, we have done this in the past when we order drinks, get side tracked and realize our reservations are up. We end up hurrying along with drink in hand. Also, seems some people are offended by others purchasing a drink and carrying it to their cabin? Or did I misunderstand? :confused: We do this when we want something before or after dinner and want to relax in the comfort of our own cabin. Is this considered a "no no?"

If these are the $10k bar stools near the casino (I never stopped long enough to look at them much - the purple light sends me away like a 'bug light' ) it is called the Casino Lounge. funny about the various comments about a bigger 'martini' served in Martini's vs. Horizons. Last cruise we had a martini in Martinis then late went up to Horizons and ordered the same. Got a much larger pour. I went up to the bar to re-order and commented on the better size than we just had in Martini's (we had the drink package so it made no difference other than the convenience and pleasantness of a reasonable sized drink). However we then started to get the same size as in Martini's. Guess I should have said nothing :) 'regular' size where I live in Canada is smaller than regular size in much of the USA. A 'shot' was a regulated ounce; free pour was illegal (and enforced). Bar lists had to state the amount of alcohol if they had more than 1 oz. (i.e. a cocktail). Happy hour free pours 'across the line' were a big attraction

Did you know that the bartenders can change the colors at the Casino Bar. At least on the Riviera. We have always called it the purple bar and have frequented the venue on many an occasion. We tend to follow our favorite bartenders to their stations wherever they may be. It is almost impossible to grab a barstool in Martini's at happy hour (we are usually at Trivia when it begins) and seating fills up quickly, so we opt for the less frequented Casino Bar where the bar staff treats us like royalty. Yes, we do not look our best in that lighting but at least no one turns on the lights and yells "LAST CALL".:D

In my experience, the martinis are thimble size...maybe my friend TC had better luck. We just buy the package as she did...and we order doubles...but on top of that...bar service is VERY, VERY SLOW, so when they deliver one, we order the second right away. At times we do not drink it. Sometimes a service person is hard to find. We don't sit on bar stools--I am too short! LOL

This is a vacation, and I agree with TC, why have the difficulty of waiting for a check and signing...there again, a check is sometimes hard to come by as the servers always seem very busy.

This is not being critical of O, I love that line, but I would think they would step up the service level.

I don't think it is ill mannered to take a drink from the bar into the dining room. We have often done that in restaurants on land where we ordered a drink in the bar while waiting for a table, then our table became available before we had finished the drink. No big deal.

Now leaving the restaurant to go out and come back with a drink would be horrible manners.

We have purchased the prestige package for our upcoming cruise just because I don't want to deal with signing for drinks all the time. We will probably come out about even based on buying by the drink, but at least I don't have to think about it. We are on vacation.

As for carrying a drink into the Dining Room, we have done this in the past when we order drinks, get side tracked and realize our reservations are up. We end up hurrying along with drink in hand. Also, seems some people are offended by others purchasing a drink and carrying it to their cabin? Or did I misunderstand? :confused: We do this when we want something before or after dinner and want to relax in the comfort of our own cabin. Is this considered a "no no?"

I have seen the waitstaff from the bar carry the drinks (on a tray) to the GDR if they notice you are going to dinner

I think the reference to people carrying drinks is that some people will have bottles in their cabin & go for refills during dinner ...which is poor manners as well as not really allowed

I have not really noticed this myself but heard of it happening

This usually will spoil it for others that abide by the rules ...when O decides to clamp down on letting you bring bottles for use in your cabin

but I was just on Norwegian (perish the thought) as we did that Hawaiian Island deal and took three other couples for a wedding renewal. They do NOT let you bring anything in the cabin, and they won't sell it on the ship to you. This is over the top really. We seldom drink in our cabin at all, but we wanted to have our kids (in their 50s) over for cocktails and we had to smuggle Vodka in in a water bottle. That was really ridiculous. What do you do with a big suite and fabulous views (in Kauai) and you can't get a drink! LOL. I think leaving the diningroom to go refill a drink is really over the top rude. I don't think O should allow that. I agree.

A word in your ear, if I may-

Your original question asked about the Prestige Package versus the House Select Package, and as far as that goes the major difference is that the Prestige is virtually run of the house, whereas House Select includes beer and wine only during mealtimes.

You should also be aware that while the staff may allow Passengers a few days to get settled in, they are not supposed to sell the Packages for PART of a cruise, so if you think that you will want to buy in, don't wait too long!

By the way, this Post is sure to be followed by all kinds of people who DID buy into the Package after more than a few days, but you (and they) should be aware that an exception was being made when they did so.

As they say on Wall Street, "Anecdotes are often rich, but you cannot take them to the Bank"

Agreed, leaving dining area to refill your drink in cabin is rude. As to purchasing package after cruise starts, we got this idea from the website which states "Beverage packages may also be purchased onboard during your cruise." Also, could have sworn Cruise Critic states the package can be purchased during the cruise and it will be prorated based on number of days left. In any case, think we will take our chances and if we decide to purchase a couple of days into the cruise, we will try. And if they don't allow it, oh well. :)

We originally decided to buy the prestige package and then dropped it at final payment. We were very happy with that decision.

Our bar tab was quite low considering the price of drinks. We purchased a few bottles of wine and also brought wine aboard at embarkation and from the ports we visited. We are mostly wine drinkers and were happy to partake of the excellent local wines rather be tied to a wine list.

We had a few martini's, bloody mary's, etc., on this cruise but suspect we would have drank quite a bit more if we had a package.

When we cruise with O again, we will not purchase a package. For us, it would have been a waste of money.

First the package, either, I am told is or will be available only for the first 2 days aboard. Once started it can not be cancelled and will run the duration or remainder for the cruise your booked.

A note of caution If your taking 2 cruises and booking as a back to back then you can not book for just one segment ( first or second) and must book for the remaining duration of gross days booked. The April 19 cruise is and example as it is 17 days to Lima and then 16 days to NY.. People booked on either but not both segments can buy the package for their respective cruies.

However, passengers booked on the 33 day grand cruise must, once started, do the entire 33 days.

Now, is it a great deal... I have read, as you of many who get off and pick up a local wine or spirit from their ports. Works in Europe and South America to an extent.....but not in the Pacific and South Pacific.

The regional libation available are... Beetle nuts, Kava, Jungle Juice and "Torpedo Juice" ( a US NAVY fave, tapped from the fuel cell of MarkV torpedos) and some crude Rum called OP 100 proof, ( aged overnight to perfection in steel drums) There are no wineries in Marquaeas, Tahiti,Fiji, Caladonia ,Panama, Easter Island , the Toutoumas, No liquor store in Farakava or Bora.

New Zealand has them and charges dearly for them ( more like 20 buck chuck). Its a long dry expensive trip across the water. Papeete will be the only spot and all shipped from France ( surprise) with prices straight from Rue De Fauberg Paris.

So sweetpea...... go with the full boat because you are going to find it slim to none So buy into the seagoing supply if you want to rest easy.....

A word in your ear, if I may- Your original question asked about the Prestige Package versus the House Select Package, and as far as that goes the major difference is that the Prestige is virtually run of the house, whereas House Select includes beer and wine only during mealtimes. You should also be aware that while the staff may allow Passengers a few days to get settled in, they are not supposed to sell the Packages for PART of a cruise, so if you think that you will want to buy in, don't wait too long! By the way, this Post is sure to be followed by all kinds of people who DID buy into the Package after more than a few days, but you (and they) should be aware that an exception was being made when they did so. As they say on Wall Street, "Anecdotes are often rich, but you cannot take them to the Bank"

On our recent 14 night TA it was advertised in the little daily paper through about day 8 or so. Sometime policies change, even from ship to ship. No exceptions going on if they are promoting it.

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8 Reasons Oceania Is the Cruise Line for You
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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 ...
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See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty program's currency, based on redemption values. Award vs. cash calculator. ... 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 ...
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Oceania Cruises' Oceania Club loyalty program: The ultimate guide
Gold (15-19 credits) Platinum (20-39 credits) Diamond (40-59 credits) President's Circle (60-plus credits) As is typical for cruise line loyalty programs, the first tier of the Oceania Club program doesn't come with all that many valuable perks. Blue-level members receive: A membership pin.
6 Things to Know About Oceania Cruises
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Oceania Cruises (Updated 2018)
Food lovers: Oceania cruise vacations may journey to the far reaches, but Oceania wants its restaurants to be among guests' favorite destinations. Each ship has four distinct restaurants, with open seating throughout the cruise, and exquisite cuisine is an Oceania hallmark, with its menus crafted by Jacques Pepin, the world-renowned master ...
What is OLife Choice? Why Do People Love it ...
OLife Choice is a program Oceania Cruises offers that provides guests flexibility in choosing from a variety of complimentary amenities when booking a cruise vacation. Choose from three benefits, including free shore excursions, drinks packages, or onboard credit. OLife Choice is available in all categories and on all sailings.
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All There Is To Know About Oceania Cruises' Beverage Package
Oceania Cruises ' Prestige Select Beverage Package: As an upgrade from the House Select beverage package, guests can now choose an unlimited amount of premium spirits, wine, and beer at any time, anywhere onboard, for the added cost of $30.00 per guest, per day. If you intend to enjoy cocktails regularly onboard this is an excellent value.
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Love Formula 1 or Gary Barlow? You need to know about these cruises
By voting you'll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500. ... Oceania Cruises. Havila Voyages. Pandaw Expeditions. Azamara. Holland America Line.
The ultimate booze cruise is a luxury liner that carries more ...
By voting you'll automatically be in with a chance of winning a cruise for two worth £2,500. ... Oceania Cruises. Havila Voyages. Pandaw Expeditions. Azamara. Holland America Line.
Viking IPO: Key Facts Behind the Luxury Cruise Operator's Debut
The company claims it served one out of four luxury cruise-goers on ocean cruises last year out of a market of about 1.1 million. Competitor brands include Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent.
Drink Packages-- Worth it?
Posted December 7, 2013. As you note, there are 2 packages - House Select, currently priced at $39.95 Per Guest Per Day and Prestige Select, currently priced at $59.95 Per Guest Per Day. We were on the Marina last spring. While we didn't purchase a beverage package, I can give you my two cents worth.

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