Now that we have a dedicated Cruise section with our relaunch earlier this year, we’re excited to expand our reviews of cruises in the future. Meet the world of Oceania Cruises which offer tons of intoxicating itineraries throughout the world.
Their ships Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina and Riviera boast a combination of intimate and luxurious, and have a wide array of destinations, which include historic cities and modern meccas as well as seaside villages, faraway islands and beyond.
What we love about Oceania the most is that their ships are smaller than some of the other more well renowned cruise lines, making the experience more intimate. The ships cater to only 684 pampered guests on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena and 1,250 guests on Marina and Riviera.
Because of their size, the Oceania ships can slip into boutique ports off-limits to larger vessels. Want a little pampering? Luxury services are available at their Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a must if you’re cruising with them.
If you’re like me, you care about cabin size and amenities, both of which become even more important when you opt for a longer cruise.
One of the most important things about Oceania that sets it apart from other cruise lines is the people. They are known for their friendly service and welcoming hospitality. This beautifully made video goes into more detail about the service and on board experience when you cruise with Oceania.
If you want to upgrade to a suite, the decadence is worth it as they are known to have the largest veranda staterooms at sea. Their extravagant suites are all things opulent where you can simply ring the Butler for privileged services such as garment pressing and serving your dinner in-suite, course-by-course.
Imagine yourself on a furnished private teak veranda, included in all suites. For example, the Veranda Staterooms on Marina and Riviera, measures a generous 282 square feet and has a Prestige Tranquility Bed, an Oceania Cruises exclusive. And, the bathrooms are every woman’s dream come through, on or off a ship.
Category A Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a host of exclusive privileges that include a dedicated Concierge and, on Marina and Riviera, as well as exclusive card-only access to the private Concierge Lounge.
R&R fans, you’ll want to spend time sipping cocktails while reading a good novel or relaxing by the pool.
Then, there’s Oceania’s fine dining. You know we’re big foodies over here if you read us often enough and we’re also pretty prolific on social media, particularly Instagram. From cocktails, fine dining experiences and cocktails to shakes, wine tasting, tasty desserts and tea, they’ve got you covered.
They tout that their food rivals Michelin-starred restaurants, all of which have been inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Unlike many cruise lines, there are never supplemental charges in any of their on-board restaurants which is a great feature for serious food and wine lovers.
They offer open-seating, which allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose. From authentic Italian dishes at Toscana’s, steak at Polo Grill’s, and continental cuisine in their Grand Dining Room to made-to-order American favorites in the Terrace Café, there are plenty of choices.
You can also experience delicate pastries and freshly made sandwiches with specialty coffees at Baristas and on board Sirena, you can opt for their specialty dining restaurant, Tuscan Steak and Jacques Bistro, which will serve seasonal French fare during lunch in the Grand Dining Room. Or, for the romantics among you, how about afternoon tea and snacks with a view?
Dessert lovers will love their Panna Cotta con Fruitti di Bosco al Balsamico Invecchiato and wine lovers will appreciate that they offer high-end wine by the bottle and tasting events on board.
Marina and Riviera also offer an Asian culinary masterpiece called Red Ginger. For those who want a whole lotta decadence, try Marina and Riviera’s La Reserve by Wine Spectator, where a maximum of 24 bons vivants can taste vintage wine and gourmet fare pairings. For the ultimate in exclusivity on board Marina and Riviera, Privée is a great option for private parties of up to ten guests.
Also available on board Marina and Riviera: The first hands-on cooking school at sea. You get to experience instruction from expert master chefs in a professionally equipped kitchen including individual cooking stations. Don’t forget to check out their Culinary Discovery Tours™ to expand your knowledge of regional cuisine and cooking techniques.
All photo credits: Oceania Cruises.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Oceania Cruises. I have been compensated through the SheSavvy Influence Network. All opinions remain my own.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
