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General Information
Oceania Cruises seems to fill a gap between the larger ship premium lines and the smaller ship luxury lines, with 4 elegantly appointed small to mid-size ships, the Navigator, the Nautica and the Insignia, carrying approximately 700 passengers each, and the new Marina with 1250 passengers. Oceania has found a niche in the marketplace, offering a luxury-like experience at a mid-market price, with butler service for suites, superb cuisine, destination oriented cruises and a resort-casual dress code.
The cruise line focuses on mostly 10 – 30 day itineraries, which are port intensive, and offers sailings to most areas of the world including Europe, South America, the Far East, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean and starting in 2011 they will be adding Alaska and Canada New England to their repertoire.
The décor onboard is like an executive country club with polished dark mahoganies, teak decks, muted fabrics and rich coloured carpeting. Intimate and cozy public spaces reflect the importance of socializing onboard and indoor lounges feature many conversation areas.
Oceania promotes its “Country Club Casual” atmosphere and professes an elegant, yet casual and friendly ambience that can only be accomplished onboard a smaller ship. The atmosphere is low key, without a flurry of activities or loud entertainment. The entertainment comprises mostly smaller productions and soloists, with light cabaret, classical musicians, comedians and music for dancing, plus a comprehensive personal enrichment and lecture series. A combo performs jazz or easy listening melodies on ‘at sea’ days.
Food is supreme onboard Oceania Cruises. With Jacques Pepin as its Executive Culinary Director, the cruise line prides itself on its diverse 5 Star dining experience. All seating is open and there are no additional charges for specialty restaurants. A greatly anticipated and celebratory afternoon tea is served at 4.00 PM each day in Horizons. Guests can enjoy delicious pastries and finger sandwiches while listening to a classical string quartet and enjoying panoramic views. The Canyon Ranch Spa Club offers healthy living and spiritual awareness programs to enhance the onboard experience.
Oceania Cruises attracts cruisers who are looking for a destination experience and see their cruise ship as a floating luxury hotel transporting them to the exotic ports they wish to explore. Although families are welcome, there are no dedicated facilities for children onboard the ships and a sophisticated adult atmosphere prevails.
