Exploring the Upscale & Intimate World of Ocean Cruises
Cruise Circle
Recently, our Shell spent the day with Oceania Cruises, so we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to share our love for this award-winning, small-ship fleet with you, our cruise customers.
Designed for culinary & travel connoisseurs
As the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises is renowned for its dining experiences (more on that later), meticulous attention to detail, and a warm and inviting ‘country club casual ambience’. Expertly curated itineraries explore more than 600 ports across 100 countries, covering all seven continents, and visit both iconic cities and lesser-known gems.
3 reasons we love Oceania Cruises
1. The Finest Cuisine at Sea™
“A cruise line built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies’ – Oceania Cruises
From premium artisanal ingredients (like French-flour custom-milled to the line’s specifications) to some of the world’s best chefs, Oceania Cruises’ commitment to culinary excellence is something they take extremely seriously. You can expect extensive, high-quality food choices as part of their fare, including meals in the main restaurant, an exceptional buffet, and – in the case of Marina – four speciality restaurants (steak, Italian, French, and Asian), as well as room service. Additionally, you have the freedom to dine at any time that suits your taste and schedule.
Shell says:“The dining experience on board was truly exceptional. We enjoyed a six-course lunch, with each dish surpassing the one before it. I opted for the steak, cooked to perfection, as you would expect from a line that brands itself as offering the finest cuisine at sea. Dessert was a chocolate brownie so indulgent I’m glad I can’t make it at home — I would eat them constantly! Every course reflected the attention to detail and quality that Oceania is known for”
2. Destination-intensive itineraries
The spotlight on any Oceania sailing belongs to the destination, so expect itineraries to be high on time in port and low on sea days. Overnights are also commonplace, as well as later evening departures, allowing you to experience each destination to its fullest. Sailings range from one week to a 180-day around-the-world cruise, and cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and the South Pacific
3. Upscale and intimate ships
Offering the perfect base for exploring the world, Oceania’s fleet features eight small, luxurious ships, each carrying no more than 1,250 guests, guaranteeing a refined, intimate atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from cosy inside cabins to sprawling Owner’s Suites, with the Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom often proving the most popular.
Shell says: “During the visit, I got to see both a penthouse suite and a concierge veranda. Both were of a very high standard, offering a sense of luxury without feeling excessive. I’d heard about Oceania’s Prestige Tranquility mattresses and couldn’t resist pulling back the duvet to have a feel — and I can honestly say it made me want to book a cruise immediately to try it out for a week!”
A few more pearls of wisdom from Shell
Do you have any final thoughts on your Oceania Marina visit?
“Overall, the ship met my expectations 100%. The best feature, without a doubt, was the relaxed feel — a sense of calm and comfort that runs through every part of the ship. Coupled with the focus on exceptional food, it makes for a holiday that feels luxurious but not over-the-top.”
What surprised you most?
“One thing that genuinely surprised me was just how heavily Oceania invests in its culinary team. Around half of the staff on board are part of the culinary department, and each restaurant has its own dedicated galley, allowing chefs to focus entirely on their own cuisine. There’s even 40-day aged steak on the menu, highlighting the ship’s commitment to high-quality food. These elements clearly set Oceania apart from other cruise lines”.
Who is Oceania Cruises best suited for?
“Oceania Cruises is ideal for travellers who appreciate unique culinary experiences, enjoy choosing their level of luxury, and want to explore the world with itineraries that are a little different from the standard ocean cruise. If you’re looking for a sophisticated, relaxed cruise with world-class dining at its heart, Oceania is hard to beat.”
See all our Oceania Cruises here.
