Oceania Cruises

Oceania is the phoenix that rose from the ashes of Renaissance Cruises, which went belly-up in September 2001. Headed by former Renaissance and Crystal Cruises executives, the line operates three of Renaissance's ships and mimics some attributes of much pricier lines, with excellent service and cuisine and a quiet, refined onboard feel. Sails to: Caribbean (plus Europe, South America, Asia).

Oceania is positioned as an "upper premium" line intended to fill the gap between big-ship premium lines such as Celebrity and real luxe lines such as Radisson, both in terms of ship size and level of luxury. It's going for a kind of floating country club feel, with a low-key ambience; few organized activities; low-key entertainment; a casual, sporty dress code; an emphasis on cabin comfort; and long itineraries that favor smaller, less-visited ports such as St. Kitts and St. Barts. Despite such luxe-travel touches, the line's prices are competitive with -- and often even lower than -- those of the other premium lines.

The brainchild of cruise industry veterans Frank Del Rio and Joe Watters -- former heads of Renaissance Cruises and Crystal Cruises, respectively -- Miami-based Oceania Cruises emphasizes a destination-intensive, floating-hotel experience with top-notch food and superior service. The cruise line originally chartered vessels from the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises (its 684-passenger R1 and R2, renaming them Regatta and Insignia). Its third ship -- another Renaissance R-class vessel -- joined the fleet in 2005 and is named Nautica. Oceania now owns the ships.

Regatta, launched in summer 2003, and Insignia, its nearly identical sibling introduced in spring 2004, really set the tone for Oceania's unique style. Nautica, which has received even newer, fresher touches, continues in the same tradition. The company spent more than $10 million to refurbish these late-1990's vessels, and it shows. Public rooms, including restaurants, are graceful and elegant. The newly redone pool area is now surfaced in teak and boasts teak furnishings (including a fabulous double sunbed). Cabins have been tweaked and now feature more comfortable bed linens and mattresses.





In 2007, Oceania was acquired by New York-based Apollo Management, L.P., an investment company that specializes in private equity, debt and capital markets. Quickly following the acquisition, the line placed orders for its first-ever new-builds. Two 1,252-passenger vessels, to be built at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard, will debut in 2010 and 2011. The first vessel will be called Marina.

Overall, Oceania has managed to create a luxury experience -- particularly in the areas of cuisine and service -- at a mid-market price point. Ultimately, the company offers one of the industry's best value-for-money options in cruising.

Extraordinary ships where an expertly trained European staff will cater to your every whim. You'll savor the finest cuisine at sea and sail to the most intriguing ports of call. You'll revel in the most stimulating enrichment programs and marvel at the world-class entertainment. This is Oceania Cruises.

Join Oceania Cruise lines' two intimate and luxurious 684 passenger ships on their inaugural season as they take you to the most extraordinary ports in Europe. Oceania Cruises has all the amenities you expect, all the luxuries you dream of - available at fares that are surprisingly affordable.

The romance of Europe becomes more intriguing. More breathtaking. From the ancient cradles of civilization to the unbridled majesty of past empires, to the natural wonders of the great fjords, to its art, culture, history and people, Oceania Cruises captures it all and brings it to you. We've gone to great lengths to create a lifestyle designed to forever transform these special moments into unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.