Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises (oceaniacruises.com) is a Miami-based passenger shipping company operating a fleet of upper-premium, mid-sized vessels. Between April 2007 and September 2014, Oceania was owned by Apollo Management. The company's owner since 2014 is NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) - also the owner of NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania as a cruise line brand offers a luxury product with relatively shorter itineraries but is also well-known for its Around The World voyages lasting up to 180 days.

Since January 2023, Oceania's President and CEO is Frank A. Del Rio (Frank Del Rio Jr/former NCLH's President's son), who succeeded Howard Sherman. The latter succeeded (in January 2022) Bob Binder (Oceania's co-founder, currently NCLH's Vice Chairman). Between 2016-2021, Howard Sherman was NCLH's Executive VP (Onboard Revenue and Destination Services). Oceania's and RSSC-Regent's Presidents both report to NCL's President (currently Harry Sommer).

As a travel brand, Oceania is widely recognized for having the finest cuisine at sea.

Company history and changes

The Oceania cruise line was founded in 2002 by travel industry veterans Frank Del Rio (former VP of Renaissance Cruises/1989-2001-defunct) and Joseph Watters (Independent Director of the brokerage company MarineMax).

Oceania initially chartered the ex-Renaissance vessel "R Two" (from Cruiseinvest), which in October 2002 was renamed Insignia. In April 2003, the boat was 3-month chartered to TRM France (travel agency), and during that period Oceania had no fleet. On June 15, 2003, the company restarted services with 2 vessels - Insignia (renamed Regatta) and a new vessel (R One, sistership of Regatta, also chartered from Cruiseinvest) that debuted as the current Insignia.

At the end of 2005, a third (ex-Renaissance) vessel entered Oceania's fleet when from CruiseInvest was chartered R-Five (renamed Nautica). At the naming ceremony, Frank del Rio announced a plan to add a fourth boat (Marina) in July 2007. However, this didn't come to pass.

The majority of Oceania's stock was sold in February 2007 to the NYC-based Apollo Management. The next month Oceania made a memorandum agreement with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct two 1260-passenger newbuilds. The contract was finalized in June 2007, with delivery dates scheduled for January and July 2011. The contract also included an option for a 3rd unit of the same design/sistership to be delivered in May 2012, but Oceania declined that option.

After being leased out to Hapag-Lloyd (as Columbus 2) for two years, Insignia returned to Oceania in 2014. In May 2014, Oceania and Fincantieri were close to making a deal on two additional ships. On September 2, 2014, NCLH purchased "Prestige Cruise Holdings" (the parent company of Oceania and RSSC-Regent) for USD 3,025 billion, thus becoming the official owner of all vessels in both fleets.

On November 25, 2014, NCLH revealed an agreement with Princess Cruises to purchase Ocean Princess (now Sirena) for Oceania, upon delivery in March 2016. The ship underwent a 35-day drydock refit (US$40 million) in Marseille France and was renamed "MS Sirena".

In September 2018, Oceania partnered with Luggage Forward (USA-based luggage shipping company). The new service allows passengers to ship their luggage doorstep-to-stateroom (and back home again), thus truly traveling light. Luggage Forward provides premier door-to-door shipping services to 200 countries worldwide (including over 150 cruise ports). The company's own team of Customs specialists handles the country-specific paperwork to ensure on-time deliveries. Travelers can track the shipment in real-time. Luggage Forward service can be booked online or via phone. Rates are fixed, without additional charges or fees applied. Luggage's arrival on time and safety is guaranteed. Luggage Forward offers money-back plus US$500 on-time guarantee.

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

In April 2023, Oceania signed a partnership with the 2014-established premium brand "Chapter 7 Whisky" to create an exclusive 20-year aged Chapter 7 special cask whisky (batch of a total of 304 bottles) to celebrate its 20th anniversary as well as the launch of the Vista ship. The exclusive bottles are available for onboard purchase (via Harding+/part of Harding Retail UK) only during Oceania Vista's inaugural season (2023).

In June 2023 Oceania introduced fleetwide a rare collection of premium vintage wines (80 new labels) from winegrowing regions in France, Italy and Chile. The new collection includes varieties like Moet & Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon (from Epernay), Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classe (from Pauillac), Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore (from Tuscany), Vina Errazuriz Kai Carmenere (from Chile's Aconcagua Valley). The rare wines can be tasted at all shipboard restaurants and bars as well as in the staterooms (fleetwide).

In August 2023, Jason Worth was appointed VP of International Sales (newly created position) who reports to Nikki Upshaw (Oceania's Senior VP of Global Sales since 2011, in 2001-2011 employed as Director of Global Sales and Marketing for ResidenSea The World. Jason Worth is with Oceania since 2011, and in the period 2019-22 served as VP of Sales for Australia and New Zealand.

New ships

All Oceania-operated ships are currently Marshall Islands-flagged and registered in Majuro.

On January 8, 2019, Oceania's parent company NCLH announced a shipbuilding order with Fincantieri for two units planned for Oceania. Both vessels are of the new ALLURA-Class - the next stage of the fleet expansion project OceaniaNEXT. The new boats are designed and built by Fincantieri (in Ancona Italy), with scheduled deliveries in 2023 (Vista) and 2025 (Allura).

Each of the 67000 GT-ton ALLURA-Class vessels (Vista, and Allura) has max capacity 1470 passengers plus 800 staff/crew. These are mid-sized ships similar in design and amenities to Oceania's 2011-2012-built Riviera and Marina.

The contract price for each of the newbuilds is ~EUR 575 million (per unit). NCLH obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the total contract price, subject to certain Italian government approvals.

As of 2019, NCLH had 10 ship orders with planned deliveries thru 2027. Of those, 7x units were for NCL-Norwegian, 2x for Oceania, 1x for RSSC-Regent.

Cruising experience

The Oceania cruise line serves the industry's upper-premium market, and as a brand is positioned between its luxury and premium segments. The shipboard experience is country club-like, the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed, never formal or stuffy. The company's customers are well-traveled, looking for top-class cuisine, personalized service, destination-focused travel experience.

Oceania offers exotic itineraries to remote destinations worldwide. Often, port calls are with overnight stays so passengers can enjoy local cuisine, nightlife, culture.

Oceania's current Executive Culinary Directors (since March 2024) are Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale (both French master chefs) who succeeded Jacques Pepin. Master Chef Pepin (now Oceania's Executive Culinary Adviser) created a premier menu of gourmet delights highlighted during each shipboard dinner. In April 2024, Giada Pamela De Laurentiis (1970-born Italian chef, entrepreneur, writer, and TV personality) was appointed the company's Brand and Culinary Ambassador, as well as Co-Chairman of Oceania’s Culinary Advisory Board (together with Jacques Pepin). Giada De Laurentiis is also Oceania Vista ship's godmother.

Oceania ships serve an extensive vegan menu and offer smoothie bars with cold-pressed raw juices at Lido Deck.

Pool Deck's raw juice and smoothie bar serve a variety of healthy drinks - like cold brew lattes, green smoothies, chia cashew yogurt bowl, acai berry bowl. Oceania's new vegan menu has over 250 dishes and is featured in Main Dining Rooms of all ships. It includes appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. Vegetarian, kosher and gluten-free meals are also offered.

The vegan menu has 5 dishes and 4 sides offered at each breakfast, such as Spanish tortilla dish (tofu, potatoes, onions), vanilla waffles (fresh berries), cream of wheat or oatmeal, apricot and pistachio muffins, sides (Lyonnaise potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, vegan sausage). At lunch are offered Italian salad (assorted greens), Tuscan-style bean soup, toasted garlic bread, spinach-stuffed involtini (with pasta and tapenade sauce), tofu, chocolate ricotta pie. The dinner menu is 5-course and include truffle-flavored parsnip soup, quinoa salad, vegetable tartare, Thai red curry with rice, shortbread dessert (strawberries, passion fruit cream).

OceaniaNEXT ship refurbishments (fleet-renovation project)

In August 2018 was announced OceaniaNEXT fleet renovation project budgeted USD 100 million. It includes drydock refurbishments of all four R-Class liners - Regatta (September 2019), Insignia (December 2018), Sirena (May 2019) and Nautica (June 2020).

As supervision company for the project was contracted Studio DADO Inc (Miami-based designer firm). Other contractors include Baker and Donghia (furnishings), and Rubelli and Kravet (fabrics, custom-made carpets). As result, the fleet was expanded with 1368 new staterooms, and all shipboard restaurants, bars, and lounges will be redesigned and redecorated. New public spaces on these ships include open-floor designed Lobby with Reception Hall (lower level) with Upper Hall (2nd level). They are connected with Grand Staircase (decorated with railings and balustrades) and featuring a large crystal chandelier (with hanging pieces of hand-painted glass).

Grand Dining Room (aft restaurant on Deck 5) on each ship received new premium dining furniture (leather chairs with metallic bronze threading) and new crystal chandelier. Martinis (piano bar lounge on Deck 5) was redesigned, new silver-white marble bar top and walnut paneling were added.

All staterooms were completely overhauled (redesigned and re-furnished) and upgraded with custom-made furniture, polished wood, stone finishes, designer accessories, smart HDTVs (infotainment system with movies-on-demand and Internet), USB ports, LED lighting. All cabin bathrooms were overhauled and received new tiling, surfaces, fixtures, designer accessories, vanities, glass shower enclosures. Penthouse-Vista-Owner suite bathrooms were enlarged and upgraded with Carrara marble tops, onyx, polished granite.

Works on the fleetwide refurb project involved over 1000 artisans and craftsmen and resulted in 1368 new cabins, 8000 new light fixtures, 12000 new sofas and chairs.

In September 2018, as part of OceaniaNEXT program, the company's website was redesigned and upgraded. Now customers (travel agents and cruise passengers) can use shipboard credits before departure. OBC can be used for purchasing tours/excursions and shipboard activities and amenities (culinary classes, drink packages, specialty dining at the Privee and La Reserve).

As part of OceaniaNEXT, on January 31, 2019, the company announced its partnership with Vero Water (eco-friendly bottled water supplier) to eliminate plastic water bottles fleetwide. In the period April-June 2019, all Oceania liners were outfitted with Vero Water systems eliminating around 3 million plastic bottles annually. By 2020, all Oceania cruise customers are provided complimentary with re-useable Vero Water bottles (Oceania-branded, 1 per person) to be used ashore and after the voyage to take home as a souvenir. The new water bottles will be available on each ship since April 2, 2019 (Riviera), April 19, 2019 (Marina), May 1, 2019 (Regatta), May 19, 2019 (Sirena), May 30, 2019 (Nautica), and June 19, 2019 (Insignia).

In May 2019, by the OceaniaNEXT program were introduced fleetwide 200+ plant-based dining menus. The new items are available (upon request) in "Grand Dining Room" and "Terrace Cafe" at breakfast-lunch-dinner, and also dinner-only in all specialty restaurants.

• Breakfast items include Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes, Muesli with Pistachios, Avocado Toast on Rustic Bread.
• Lunch items include Chilled Melon Soup, Korean Kimchi Soup, Wakame-Sesame Salad, Poke Bowl, Penne au Pistou.
• Dinner items include Green Papaya Kelp Noodle Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato-Oat Tarte (with Mushrooms and Truffle Cheddar Sauce), Falafel Fritters, Crespelle alla Fiorentina (with Mushrooms), Green Curry Stir Fry.
• Pnat-based desserts include Vanilla Mango Ice, Romanoff Vodka-Marinated Strawberries, Berry Pudding with Chantilly Cream, Shortbread (with Cream Cheese and Raspberries).

In 2019, Oceania's new website has greatly improved navigation via groups of 4 tabs (at page top) - "Plan Your Cruise", "Onboard Experiences", "Explore Ashore" and "Ultimate Value". The website's "Travel Agent Center" was also updated (marketing tools, tips, and training, travel advisor benefits). Oceania also launched new pre-cruise savings program, allowing customers booking within 30-days prior departure to receive in advance savings and "Best Price Guarantee". Repeat travel agency bookings are credited back automatically.

Why choose Oceania ships?

• Cuisine: Oceania's chefs prepare noteworthy cuisine in all onboard restaurants.
• Destinations: Oceania itineraries offer overnights in top ports and are destination-oriented.
• Midsize Ships: The deluxe ships of Oceania are quite manageable in size: even the largest one has fewer than 1,300 guests.
• No Smoking: Oceania vessels are almost entirely smoke-free. There are small, designated areas for smokers.
• Surprisingly Affordable: Oceania cruises approach true luxury in style, but are quite affordable when it comes to fares.

The sophisticated ambiance of Oceania extends to the entertainment provided onboard. Guests can listen to a jazz band or 12-piece orchestra, watch a cabaret show or enjoy regional entertainment from the ports of call. The line regularly hosts guest lecturers, from former ambassadors to famous authors. Oceania cruises combine the best of new and old, preserving classic traditions, such as afternoon tea while offering contemporary services like 24-hour Internet access.

Oceania voyages are adult-oriented. These are not a good pick for families, particularly those sailing with infants and toddlers. There are no dedicated kids' facilities available onboard, and parents are completely responsible for children's behavior and entertainment. Some teenagers who don't mind the absence of video arcades might enjoy the unique ports of call.

Other advantages of Oceania include:

• Many Oceania cruises include airfare in pricing.
• Pre-/postcruise Hotel Collection Packages include private group transfers.
• There is no dining charge on Oceania Cruises ships, but wine and cocktail prices are relatively high.
• Guests may bring up to 3 bottles of wine per stateroom from ports of call, but have in mind the corkage fee - it is $25 per bottle to bring wine to the restaurant.
• Oceania offers shore excursion collections. These have to be reserved prior to sailing and save a lot.
• Oceania Cruises was the first line to upgrade bedding to the highest standard. Passengers can count on a good sleep on these ships.

Early-booking cruise discounts (OLife Advantage)

Since September 2015, Oceania Cruises offers an extended early booking program (OLife Advantage). Discounts and benefits by this incentive program are available to all Oceania customers booking itineraries in Europe, Alaska and Canada-New England.

OLife Advantage rewards all booked passengers, regardless of stateroom category. The list of bonus perks (complimentary amenities) may include unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities, onboard credit, free cabin upgrades. The OLife Advantage program also provides free (complimentary) shore excursions per cruise, depending on itinerary's length: 3 tours (itineraries up to 9 days), 4 tours (itineraries 10-13 days) and 5 tours (itineraries 14+ days).

Wavenet (free, high-speed Internet) fleetwide

In April 2018, Oceania Cruises introduced the Wavenet (high-speed internet) fleetwide / on all ships. The service allows faster uploading/downloading of big files, watching Netflix movies, social media sharing, music, and video live streaming (Spotify Facetime, Skype).

Oceania's new Wavenet Internet service is free of charge and unlimited. As for amenities, it is included in the ticket prices for all staterooms (suite and cabin categories) and on all itineraries.

The "Wavenet Prime" (Internet upgrade) is available for purchase at USD 10 pp per day. It allows passengers to stream music, videos, movies.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent and Oceania) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures March 15, 2020, through May 31, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all Oceania cruise itineraries leaving between March 14, 2020, and September 2021.

Operations resumed in 2021-2022 with the ships MARINA (August 29, 2021/Europe-Baltic from Copenhagen), REGATTA (March 7, 2022/French Polynesia from Papeete Tahiti), NAUTICA (February 24, 2022/Southeast Asia from Singapore), RIVIERA (Oct 18, 2021/Europe-Mediterranean from Istanbul), INSIGNIA (January 6, 2022/World Cruise from Los Angeles), SIRENA (March 29, 2022/Transatlantic from Bridgetown Barbados to Barcelona).

• All affected bookings received a full refund (100%) transferred as FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking made within 1 year (any itinerary, fleetwide) departing between March 17, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
• In early-May 2020, Oceania Cruises launched "The Ultimate Sale" promotion, with significant booking price reductions (~70% lower than the brand's regular rates). Promo's fares per person started at USD 999 (inside cabin) and USD 1399 (balcony cabin).

NAUTICA's program for 2021-2022 (fall-Mediterranean, winter-spring-Asia) was canceled. The ship restarts operations in April 2022 (Mediterranean-Europe) following an extensive drydock refurbishment.

REGATTA's "World Cruise 2021" (Los Angeles to Sydney Australia) was canceled. The ship restarts operations in March 2022 (Tahiti French Polynesia) following an extensive drydock refurbishment.

Oceania Cruises ship itineraries visit 300+ ports in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company's cruise vessels stand apart from other midsized liners with low (1-to-2) crew-to-passenger ratios and unique voyages.

During warm weather months, Oceania Cruises ships ply the waters of Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe and the British Isles, Northern Europe's Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords. During the winter, Oceania spans the globe with sailings to Asia, Australia, South America, Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.

Oceania Cruises appeals to affluent retirees who look for a no-frills and refined experience. That said, the sophisticated atmosphere of the line also attracts solo travelers and young couples who are looking for an experience sans kids. Regardless of which voyage you choose, expect to sail with the American crowd.

Itineraries 2024-2025-2026

Oceania's 2024-2025 "Tropics & Exotics Collection" features 300+ ports (7 continents), 157 voyages of which 123 with 451 port overnights. The itineraries range from 7 to 200 days in length (70x Grand Voyages/world cruises and longer segments) and include 14 new ports for Oceania (like Camarones Argentina, Champagne Bay Vanuatu, Hambantota Sri Lanka, Hualien Taiwan).

2024-2025 fleet schedule includes popular regions and destinations like South America (Amazon River, Uruguay's and Brazil's coasts, Patagonia), Arabian Peninsula, Southeast Asia, Japan, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal transits, circumnavigation of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands, French Polynesia, Melanesian islands.

In August 2023 was announced 2024-2025 program which includes 100 voyages in the Caribbean and the Pacific visiting 60+ different ports, including lesser-known islands.

The sailings were planned for the ships Marina, Nautica, Sirena, and the Vista, with departures from PortMiami Florida, Cartagena Colombia, NYC New York, Los Angeles CA, Bridgetown Barbados, Panama City, and Papeete Tahiti.

The itineraries range between 7 and 16 days, some transit the Panama Canal during daylight.

The featured destinations include the Caribbean's Barbuda, Dominica, and BVI/British Virgin Islands as well as French Polynesia's Moorea, Raiatea, and Rangiroa.

Nautica ship has scheduled 10-day itineraries in French Polynesia, and a 31-day journey to Sydney NSW Australia via New Zealand, departing on February 19th, 2024.

The new Allura ship's inaugural cruise program was announced in September 2023. For the inaugural season (2025) Allura is deployed in Europe/Mediterranean. Allura's schedule (opened for booking on September 13, 2023) listed a total of 26 voyages (7- to 43-day long itineraries) visiting a total of 92 different ports/destinations.

Allura's Maiden Voyage is a 7-day Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean itinerary (departure June 8, 2025) from Piraeus-Athens (Greece) to Istanbul (Turkey). The Mediterranean program features popular port cities like Cádiz-Sevilla, Cagliari (Sardinia), Messina and Palermo (Sicily), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island), the Italian Riviera (Cinque Terre). Overnight ports are Istanbul, Monte Carlo (Monaco), Quebec City and Montreal ((Canada) and NYC (New York USA).

After the 43-day Transatlantic crossing from Europe to North America (August 27th, from Civitavecchia-Rome to NYC) starts the mini-season in Canada and New England, followed by the winter 2025-2026 Caribbean season. In the Caribbean, Allura is homeported in Miami (starting December 21st, 2025) and visits destinations like The Netherlads' ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten.

In September 2023, Oceania announced 7 new summer 2025 voyages to French Polynesia and Hawaii scheduled for the Regatta ship. The summer 2025 program (August, September, October) encompasses destinations like Bora Bora, Tahiti, Raiatea, Nuku Hiva/Marquesas, and the Hawaiian archipelago.

Departing from either Papeete or Honolulu, the 7 new voyages range 10 to 18 days, with the accessibility facilitated by direct flights to Papeete and Honolulu from major cities like NYC, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Sydney NSW. For instance, direct flights from LA to Papeete take ~8 hours, flights from Auckland NZ to Papeete are ~5 hours. Honolulu is reachable via a direct 6-hour flight from LA and an 8,5-hour direct flight from Auckland.

Oceania Regatta in 2024-2025 also offers various itineraries throughout the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

The new summer 2025 itineraries include:

• Polynesian Dreams: A 15-day voyage from Honolulu to Papeete, visiting various enchanting destinations, departing on August 1 and September 15, 2025.
• Tahitian Legends: A 10-day journey from Papeete to Papeete, featuring visits to idyllic locales, with departures on August 16, 26, and September 5, 2025.
• Divine Pacific Oases: A 15-day itinerary from Honolulu to Papeete, offering an array of experiences, departing on September 30, 2025.
• Song of Polynesia: An 18-day expedition from Papeete to Los Angeles, allowing for extensive exploration of the region, departing on October 15, 2025.

Oceania's 2025 summer program consists of 100+ different itineraries and encompasses 70 voyages in Europe (Mediterranean and Baltc) planned for 3 ships (Marina, Vista, and Allura) as well as ~50 Grand Voyages.

The European itineraries include 10 new for Oceania ports of call - Cesme (Turkey), Kemi (Finland), Lulea (Sweden), Maniitsoq (Greenland), Pozzallo (Sicily Italy), Samos (Greece), Scrabster (Scotland), Sibenik (Croatia), Sundsvall (Sweden), and Vaasa (Finland).

In 2025, the Riviera ship makes a debut in Alaska, offering 7 to 12 days itineraries. In July and August, Oceania has 16-19-day sailings to Iceland and Greenland, followed by 11-15 day voyages departing from NYC, Boston, and Montreal, with overnights in Montreal, Quebec, and NYC.

Regatta ship's maiden season in French Polynesia and Hawaii (August-October) has 7 itineraries spanning 10-18 days.

Oceania's Grand Voyages include ports across Europe (Southern and Northern), all with extended evening and overnight port stays.

The lineup of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings ranging from 9 to 56 days are designed to transport guests to some of Europe's most captivating destinations aboard the Marina and Nautica ships. The itineraries feature 16 unique voyages that encompass iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas, along with beloved European resort towns, bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call. Guests have the opportunity to explore cities like Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome, and Lisbon, while meandering from lively jet-set resorts such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, Positano, and Sorrento to hidden gems like Tirana and Sarande in Albania, Trapani in Sicily, Calvi and Propriano in Corsica, and Sibenik in Croatia.

Oceania Cruises' extensive selection of small-group, immersive shore excursions allows guests to rediscover familiar destinations from a fresh perspective or explore new places for the first time. For instance, in Santorini, travelers can opt for an adventurous tour of the island's active volcanoes, while in Montenegro, they can discover a new facet of Kotor by exploring Europe's southernmost fjord, Boka Bay.

Among the notable itineraries announced are:

• Barcelona to Athens, departing 26 May 2025, for 9 days: Visiting Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Mitilini (Lesbos), and Athens.
• Istanbul to Athens, departing 16 October 2025, for 11 days: Featuring an overnight stay in Istanbul, and visits to Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion (Crete), Mykonos, and Athens.
• Athens to Barcelona, departing 27 October 2025, for 11 days: Including stops at Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.
• Athens to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, departing 27 October 2025, for 21 days: Covering Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

In July 2024, Oceania announced its 2025 itineraries for East Asia. The new voyages encompass destinations from Hong Kong to Bali and Kyoto, with an emphasis on smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels, a unique advantage afforded by Oceania Cruises’ smaller 1,250-guest ships.

The itineraries range from 6-day journeys to extended 24-day explorations. Highlights include a 6-day round-trip from Singapore around the Malay Peninsula, a 14-day voyage from Taipei to Kyoto with overnight stays in Shanghai, Beijing, and Kyoto, and a 24-day expedition from Tokyo to Singapore, visiting Boracay Island, Brunei, Borneo, Jakarta, and Bali.

Travelers can engage in small-group shore excursions, offering immersive experiences into the region's cultures, culinary delights, and natural landscapes, such as market tours in Vietnam, jungle treks in China, and visits to landmarks like Angkor Wat and the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Additionally, Oceania Cruises has revealed its 2025 South Pacific itineraries, featuring popular destinations such as Tahiti.

The company also unveiled 40+ voyages for the upcoming holiday seasons, offering unique global experiences for winter travelers. Oceania's intimate ships provide festive celebrations, including Christmas carolers at embarkation, holiday-themed performances, New Year’s Day brunches, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Hanukkah lighting ceremonies, and more. Highlights include:

2024-2025 Winter Holiday Cruises

• 10-day Hidden Caribbean Coves: departing December 17, roundtrip from Miami, Florida aboard the Vista.
• 16-day Beyond the Panama Canal: beginning December 23 from Miami to Los Angeles CA on the Nautica.

Grand Voyages:

• 32-day Colonial Crowns: departing December 11 from Cape Town to Singapore.
• 24-day Antarctic and Patagonian Joy: from Lima to Buenos Aires on December 21.
• 20-day Wonders of Australia: from Sydney to Perth (Fremantle), starting December 22.

2025-2026 Winter Holiday Cruises

• 14-day Holiday Havens: roundtrip from Miami on December 21, 2025.
• 19-day South Pacific Archipelagos: from Sydney to Papeete, starting December 10.

Grand Voyages:

• 30-day Spice Route Rendezvous: from Dubai to Cape Town on December 20.
• 20-day Antarctic Triumph: from Santiago de Chile to Buenos Aires, starting December 21.
• 24-day Indian Ocean Opus: from Cape Town to Singapore, beginning December 2.

Oceania is also set to offer an array of Grand Voyages in 2025, featuring itineraries ranging from 22 to 111 days. These extended journeys are to be conducted aboard the Allura, Vista, Marina, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena, Insignia, and Riviera vessels, taking travelers to iconic destinations across the globe, from Mount Fuji in Japan to Borobudur in Indonesia.

Highlighted 2025 Grand Voyages include:

• 25-day Outback & Island Pearls: from Bali to Tahiti aboard Regatta.
• 22-day Exotic Atlantic Shores: from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town aboard Insignia.
• 22-day Revered Pagodas: from Singapore to Taipei aboard Insignia.
• 61-day Southern Seas Explorer: from Perth to San Diego aboard Insignia.
• 22-day Mediterranean Odyssey: from Athens (Piraeus) to Monte Carlo aboard Allura.
• 35-day Indian Ocean Treasures: from Singapore to Cape Town aboard Nautica.
• 21-day Radiant Brazil & Argentina: from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires aboard Marina.
• 24-day Tropics of the Far East: from Tokyo to Singapore aboard Riviera.

These voyages offer a blend of relaxation and exploration, with a focus on immersive shore excursions and onboard enrichment activities.

Oceania's 2026 Collection featuries 100+ itineraries and 35 Grand Voyages. With itineraries ranging 7 seven to 67 days, Oceania emphasizes extended port stays and deeper land exploration, with its smaller ships spending more time in port. This allows for overnight stays and a wide array of shore excursions.

Riviera ship returns to Alaska with 14 itineraries, showcasing the region's glaciers, wilderness, and cultural experiences. Unique shore excursions, such as Zodiac boat expeditions and wildlife safaris, offer guests unparalleled access to Alaska's natural beauty.

In Southern Europe, three ships (Allura, Insignia, Nautica) sail 50+ Mediterranean itineraries, visiting iconic destinations including Rome, Istanbul, and Monte Carlo.

In Northern Europe, three ships (Vista, Marina, Insignia) have scheduled 25+ voyages in the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, and Iceland.

World Cruises 2025

In September 2022 were announced World and Grand Voyages for 2025. The "Around the World in 180 Days" voyage for 2025 is an east-to-west itinerary. Oceania also introduced 7x Grand Voyages (ranging between 50-111 days), including the 111-day expedition across the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe-Mediterranean.

(December 22, 2024 - March 6, 2025) "The Ultimate Odyssey" (74 days, 2 ships, 5 countries, 3 continents) starts with a 50-day circumnavigation of Indonesia-Australia-New Zealand (roundtrip from Sydney NSW). The itinerary visits South America (Antarctica, Patagonia/Chilean Fjords). Linking the 2 extraordinary voyages are 2 overland tours that passengers will get to choose from - 6 days in the Blue Mountains of Australia/6 days in the Andean Lakes District of Chile and Argentina. The journey stretches to Ushuaia Argentina, Antarctica and Patagonia.

(January 5, 2025 - July 3, 2025) The "Around The World in 180 Days" voyage visits 89 ports in 32 countries (5 continents). Leaving from PortMiami, Oceania Insignia heads south to Brazil's Amazon before crossing the Atlantic for Africa. En route to South Africa, the Atlantic crossing visits Tristan da Cunha. Insignia then continues to Asia visiting Indian Ocean islands (French Comoros, Seychelles, Maldives), Southeast Asia's Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan. Follows cruising along Western Australia's coast, the South Pacific islands (Vanuatu, French Polynesia), then north to the Hawaiian Islands to conclude the global journey.

Grand Voyage segments include:

• 79-day Ultimate Pacific Traveler from Los Angeles to Sydney (October 3 - December 22, 2024)
• 50-day South America Kaleidoscope from Miami to Rio de Janeiro (December 7, 2024 - January 26, 2025)
• 78-day Grand Eastern Reflections from Abu Dhabi to Singapore (December 22, 2024 - March 10, 2025)
• 111-day Epic Continental Explorer from Papeete to Barcelona (February 25 - June 17, 2025)
• 63-day Patagonia to Iberia Mosaic from Santiago de Chile to Barcelona (March 6 - May 8, 2025)
• 72-day Asia & Oceania Odyssey from Tokyo to Honolulu (May 22 - August 1, 2025).

New shore excursions and land tours

In mid-November 2018, Oceania introduced 86x pre-, post-, and mid-cruise land tours in Asia, Australia, Africa, Egypt and Holy Land, South America, Europe, Canada, and Alaska. Ranging from 1 to 5 nights in length, the new excursions options offer overnights in metropolises, overland explorations in Southeast Asia, luxury safaris in premium private reserves in Africa, the Italian and Swiss Alps, the Arabian Desert, even expeditions to the Himalayan Mountains (Mount Everest and Kathmandu). Program's highlights include:

• "The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and Mount Everest" is a 4-night expedition centering on Mumbai and Kathmandu. It includes flightseeing over Mt Everest and visits to Bhadgaon City, Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Patan, visiting a Tibetan monastery, evening prayer ritual, and private audience at the Living Goddess.
• "Taj Mahal: Eternal Masterpiece" is available with 2- and 3-night packages. Tour's highlights include visits to Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Kathak dance performance (at the hotel in Agra).
• "Luxury Safari: White Elephant Safari Lodge" is an overnight at White Elephant Lodge and features guided nature walks, 2 game drives, afternoon tea, sundowners, dusk birdwatching or Lake Jozini boat cruise.
• "Luxury Safari: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge" in Okavango Delta offers game drives and wildlife viewing (hippos, elephants, crocodiles, big cats). The luxury lodge is included with 2 overnights, plus 2 overnights (in Johannesburg and Cape Town).
• "Glaciers, Lagoons, and Waterfalls" is an Iceland tour visiting Langjokull Glacier's ice cave, ice-walk at Solheimajokull, Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver's hot springs, Blue Lagoon bathing. There is also a culinary tour of Reykjavik and overnights in Husafell and Stracta.
• "Royal London and The English Countryside" combines historic London with England's countryside (Cotswolds, Burford, Bibury). The 3-night tour visits Tower of London, viewing of Crown Jewels along with Changing of the Guard and Thames River cruise.
• "Rome and Tivoli Treasures" is a 3-night tour in Rome, plus an insider tour with private access to Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Basilica, plus Tivoli and Villa D'Este.
• "Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer" are exclusive tours of Sulphur Mountain, Banff, and Vancouver. Rocky Mountaineer is the world's largest private train. Along the way, Oceania cruise tourists enjoy Silver Leaf Service with gourmet meals and snacks.

Oceania Cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, the company's owner NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, with two Oceania ships - Marina (starting at the end of 2016) and Regatta (starting in 2017). Cuba currently lacks the infrastructure to support large cruise ships, so the 684-passenger Regatta and 1,258-passenger Marina are small enough to work with what exists there now. Both ships sail a variety of itineraries, including a circumnavigation of Cuba (with stops in Cienfuegos and Havana) and visiting Cuba as part of some Panama Canal transition cruises.

The company offers a number of departures from PortMiami in 2019, including the “Timeless Cuba” itinerary, sailing 7 days with visits to Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos. A twice-offered 10-day cruise adds a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

The list of passenger shipping lines offering cruises to Cuba included:

• Carnival Paradise leaving from Tampa Florida - cheapest prices (from USD 480 pp)
• Royal Caribbean (ship Empress of the Seas, leaving from Miami Florida)
• Holland America (ship Veendam) leaving from Fort Lauderdale since December 2017
• NCL (ship Norwegian Sky, 4-day itineraries with Havana overnights - starting May 2017.
• MSC Cruises (ship MSC Opera, leaving from Havana)
• Azamara Cruises (ship on Azamara Quest from Miami)
• Thomson UK / Marella Cruises (ship Marella Dream) 7-day, leaving roundtrip from Jamaica (Montego Bay) to Havana
• Ponant Cruises (superyacht Le Ponant, leaving from Miami Florida)
• Pearl Seas Cruises (ship Pearl Mist, leaving from Fort Lauderdale Florida)
• Lindblad Expeditions (chartered sailing ship MS Panorama II, leaving from Havana)
• Celestyal Cruises (ship Celestyal Crystal, leaving from Havana and Montego Bay Jamaica)
• Grand Circle Cruise Line (ship MV Clio / ex Tere Moana) one-way from Miami to Havana, or the reverse from Havana to Miami (embarkation/disembarkation in port Cienfuegos).
• International Expeditions (leaving from Havana, charter flights out of Miami)
• Victory Cruise Lines - MS Victory I - fly-cruises from Miami to Havana (homeport Cienfuegos /departures)

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.