Oceania Cruises: The Explorer’s Choice
When it comes to open water (ocean) cruising, travelers have a world of choice. Most of us are familiar with the large cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, and others. Susana and I have tried them all and we’ve never been disappointed. That being said, we are river-cruisers at heart. We like smaller ships, fewer crowds, and the port-focused itineraries that allow us to seamlessly explore and discover. (If you want to learn more about river cruising, check out one of my previous posts here.) It was our fellow river-cruisers that introduced us to Oceania. They told us that it was the cruise line for river-cruisers, and years later that sticks with me. Oceania Cruise line is very different from the large cruise lines we are familiar with, and today I want to take a moment to share just a few of the reasons why it’s our first choice for ocean cruising.
Small ships. Big Vision!
The Ships
Oceania’s ships are much smaller than the major cruise line’s. Four of their six vessels hold just 684 guests. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, it provides an intimate atmosphere where you won’t feel overcrowded and you’ll get to know the guests you are sailing with. (It’s one of the reasons we love river cruising.) Secondly, it provides a very high guest-to-staff ratio: about 1.4:1. That’s impressive! Perhaps most importantly, Oceania’s ships can access destinations that other cruise ships can’t get to. That’s why Oceania can offer over 450 global destinations. Again, impressive!
The Onboard Experience
Life on board is a bit different from life on a big ship. It starts with the food. Oceania is serious about food; So serious that they trademarked a tagline” “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”. From their main dining rooms, to the cafes, to the specialty restaurants on board, the cuisine is extraordinary. But honestly it goes beyond that. It’s part of the culture. The newer ships even have purpose-built teaching kitchens where guests can hone their skills through expert instruction. Furthermore, many shore excursions focus on wine and food. Food is sourced locally at every opportunity, with dishes reflecting the nuances of the itinerary. One more fact that I love is that all meals on board are prepared to order, a remarkable and unique (at sea) approach to getting food right, every time!
Oceania culture goes way beyond the food though. It’s the service, the friendly vibe, and the palpable spirit of excellence that permeates the ship. This culture reflects the company’s core values: “If you set out to build a culture, you will fail. It has to be natural. It has to come from within, and it has to be real. We treat our employees, our travel partners and our guests all the same. This is just who we are. We treat them as we want to be treated, with respect.” What else sets Ocenia apart?
A focus on enrichment. From onboard classes to destination-related lectures from world-class scholars, Oceania guests are curious about the world around them.
An elegant but casual culture that allows you to enjoy the experience without the need to bring a tuxedo or evening gown.
A healthy lifestyle, reflected through the food choices, the onboard spa and fitness facilities, and many of the available wellness-focused shore excursions.
Entertainment. Rather than the broadway-style extravaganzas on many cruise lines, guests on Oceania enjoy more intimate performances in smaller onboard venues.
The Destination Experience
Oceania calls it “Destination Immersion”, a commitment to connecting you with destinations in meaningful and authentic ways. As destination specialists, the experts at Oceania bring you the vast treasures of the world in a way that no one else can. You’ll wake up every day with the opportunity to explore and discover at one of their 450 global ports-of-call. Shore excursions are a core feature of the Oceania experience, offering a range of options from interpretive guided tours of a destination’s highlights to specialty tours, allowing guests to learn in depth about specific topics. Guests can choose excursion experiences à la carte, or purchase excursion packages that can save them up to 40%. Another very unique reflection of Oceania’s commitment to connecting you with destinations is the “Overland Program”, providing the opportunity to experience multi-day land-based journeys mid-cruise. The bottom line is that Oceania connects you with your destinations like no other cruise line.
The Value Proposition
When I talk to my clients about “price”, I frequently use the term “investment” synonymously. And what is the return on investment? This is another reason why we love Oceania. You get a boutique cruise experience for a big-ship-competitive investment. Furthermore, things that you are charged for on other cruise lines are complimentary with Oceania: specialty dining, wi-fi, non-alcoholic beverages and more. And of course you have a wide choice when it comes to pricing. The suites with concierge and butler services offer a world-class luxury experience. More affordable interior or Oceanview staterooms are beautifully appointed, offering remarkable comfort and amenities. Furthermore, Oceania is currently offering its incomparable O-Life choice package, including 2 for 1 cruise fares, roundtrip airfare with airport transfers, plus valuable complimentary amenities worth up to $800.
If you’re excited about Oceania, then join the club! Contact me when you are ready to choose the perfect Oceania experience: “Your World, Your Way”.
