oceania cruise tips

Oceania Cruises

Top "insider" tips for Oceania cruising

By snohflake , March 16, 2013 in Oceania Cruises

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Do not miss afternoon tea, some never go but go at least once early in the cruise

Book your specialty restaurants online in advance (when your are allowed)

Cannot think of any special tips ...guess I must have missed them as well

Afternoon tea, added to list.

If you are looking for ways to better enjoy your Oceania cruise. . . . .

here are a few ideas

if you are concierge level use the spa sundeck;it is beautiful and quiet
if you have a butler (ph or higher) use the" search this thread" and read the advice of others like ourselves who thought their butler made the trip even better
all nonalcoholic beverages are included and the bartenders at Waves Bar make a fantastic virgin pina colada!
If you want 2 appetizers go for it, if you would like an entree in a smaller size or you would like a dessert sampler with all your favorites just ask!
If you would like to add more reservations for specialty restaurants, go in the morning and be open on time and table size
Book as much online as possible, La Reserve, culinary classes and specialty restaurants do fill early
Go to the meet and greet to garner advice from seasoned Oceania cruisers!

Andromeda93

I would add - use the Roll Call for your sailing to find fellow passengers who may be willing to share private shore excursions, transfers and offer other good information to you regarding your specific cruise.

For an upcoming TA this summer we've gotten a wealth of good tips and info on our Roll Call, and found some new friends with whom to share private shore excursions. We do still use the ship's excursions in cases where we do not want to risk being left behind (for example, touring the last port before 3 sea days in a row), but for your cruise this would be less of a concern since it's port-intensive.

Here is a link to what I think is your roll call, in case you haven't visited there yet: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1704143 In case the link doesn't work, it's under the Marina Roll Calls and titled Marina Barcelona - Rome Oct. 9, 2013

You can also book Oceania excursions ahead of time as with the culinary classes. Some do sell out ahead of time (for example, a Tuscan wine excursion from the Livorno port sold out on our prior cruise). Oceania offers a discount on some sailings for buying excursions ahead of time. A la carte excursions (if you do NOT buy an excursion package) can be refunded up to 36 hours before the excursion begins, so it's not a risky purchase. Enjoy your trip!

Balloon Man

Ask JimandStan. They are the encyclopeadia Oceania.

Is it true that there's no room service for breakfast? Is there room service any other times during the day?

Room service 24/7

Only certain cabin Cat get HOT breakfast choices if that is what you are referring to

San Francisco Fiesta

Be sure to dine at RedGinger. We thought it would be our least favorite specialty restaurant but was our absolute favorite.

The espresso bar is Wonderful and free. At least if you are conessieur class

Do visit the SPA serenity deck. They serve drinks (non alcoholic), finger sandwiches and will spritz your legs! I have never felt so pampered.

Also agree with using your tool call to arrange private group trips. We meet great fellow passengers who became friends in this way. And much less expensive than if you buy from Oceania.

The marina is sheer heaven. Enjoy!

24/7 Room Service is complimentary, regardless of cabin category.

Cabins below Concierge level are limited to a Continental Breakfast through Room Service, but the luncheon and dinner selections are the same as for any other cabin.

All Suites may additionally "order in" from any of the ship's Specialty Restaurants, while the OVO Suites ( O ceania, V ista, O wners), enjoy a separate Room Service Menu unto themselves.

PS- The baby lamb chops are an Oceania Breakfast Institution (at least for us) and they are heaven combined with a side of warmed figs. You'll find both on the menu every day in both the Grand Dining Rom AND the Terrace Cafe.

Random tips:

Sauna, excellent cave shower, and read while reclined on a heated tile chaise in the Spa. My relaxing pre dinner ritual. Obviates the need for a cocktail...

A round on the fun 18-hole putting course (my wife thrashed me the first time we played with an impossible 6 holes in one).

A cooking class.

The baristas will make you an iced cappuccino.

The Malbecs and Malbec blends were the best wine list values...

The espresso bar is Wonderful and free. At least if you are conessieur class Do visit the SPA serenity deck. They serve drinks (non alcoholic), finger sandwiches and will spritz your legs! I have never felt so pampered.

I think the normal coffee selections at Baristas, the espresso bar, are free for all passengers. If you asked to have an Irish coffee or something else with booze in it, there would probably be a charge to add alcohol (and I am not sure that Baristas offers alcohol at all; just that unless you had the unlimited drinks package you would likely pay for it if they did).

Re the spa deck, if you are in a Concierge (A) cabin or higher, access is complimentary. For other cabin categories you can buy a daily access pass, or use it gratis if you are having a spa treatment. However, unlike SanFranciscoFiesta, we never had nibbles or leg-spritzing on the spa deck. I did get a Diet Coke one day from a server who happened by, but otherwise it was just me and a few other pax out there. We were cruising in late October so perhaps the spritzing is reserved for warmer itineraries.

Not meaning to highjack this post at all...but to all you Oceania specialists...is oceania superior to Celebrity? I know it is a different experience. WE have river cruised twice but never done the big boat thing on the Med. Do you recommend one over the other?

There are several thread on comparing Oceania to X

just use the search feature top right & you should come up with a few

Do not think I have seen any river cruises in the Med so cannot comment

The consensus seems to be (and I have heard this from severa l Celebrity die-hards), that Aqua Class on Celebrity is more or less the equivalent of Oceania.

These are great tips. The Spa sounds wonderful. Cruising is one Mom and daughter thing for us (DH gets to stay at home with the bulldogs) and spa-appreciation is the other!

Some of the tips we have already put to use . . .

I spent a good amount of time deciding on which cabin to book. I snagged the PH3 7130 cabin with the large veranda. Very excited. We decided having the large space outside was more important than having more space in the cabin. Particular thanks go out to JimandStan for the great pictures of the balcony area.

I've been on Roll Call and have started planning independent shore excursions and will open up our reservations for additional folks as well as join others on theirs. I'm glad the thread prompted me to start making reservations early because some of the tours with highly rated guides are already almost fully booked for certain times. We've always done the ship excursions and have typically been disappointed.

I found a a TA that offered us some nice extras. I've never even considered the possibility since I didn't realize the value-add when it comes to booking a cruise. Now I do. She has been a terrific help and has saved me a lot of time.

I used my Amex Platinum so that we got the $300 OBC. Didn't know about that before either.

Reservation at Ginger? Now on my list.

Dundeene, thanks for the note about the virgin Pina Coladas! I'm a non-drinker and Mom only drinks a glass of wine here and there. One of the reasons I selected Oceania is that the all-inclusive doesn't work for us. We loved Crystal but now that they are all-inclusive they are sadly off the list.

Baby lamb chops for breakfast? That's right up my alley. I have always preferred eating dinner food at breakfast and breakfast foods at dinner!

To think that back in the pre-internet days I used to make trip decisions by looking at Liberty Travel brochures. Well that beach looks pretty. Sold!

orchestrapal

Sounds like they have NEVER been on Oceania !:rolleyes:

oceanbill457

We sailed in Aqua class last year and it is quite nice, but our cruise on Marina, even in an ocean view cabin, was better. The food alone was the difference.

We are sailing on the 10 day Baltic Odyssey Aug 24... Again not to hijack a thread, but I"m sure Jim & Stan can provide some feedback to a few questions....

When do reservations open for the cooking classes, etc? I am a huge fan of cooking and want to get in EARLY!

I can see the speciality dining opens 45 days ahead for our 7009 verandah cabin - sounds like it will be a mad rush for dining times - WHAT TIME does it open 45 days out? I can stay up and get this done! :)

We are considering an upgrade to a PH3 - in your opinion is it worth the price? I'm not even sure what the price differential would be yet...

Many thank!!!

Dom and Don

We are sailing on the 10 day Baltic Odyssey Aug 24... Again not to hijack a thread, but I"m sure Jim & Stan can provide some feedback to a few questions.... When do reservations open for the cooking classes, etc? I am a huge fan of cooking and want to get in EARLY! I can see the speciality dining opens 45 days ahead for our 7009 verandah cabin - sounds like it will be a mad rush for dining times - WHAT TIME does it open 45 days out? I can stay up and get this done! :) We are considering an upgrade to a PH3 - in your opinion is it worth the price? I'm not even sure what the price differential would be yet... Many thank!!! Dom and Don

The cooking class schedules are posted fairly soon after the staff is contracted to teach them, but there is no firm deadline as to how long before the cruise that may happen , so it it best to check regularly as your trip approaches.

Dining Reservations may open as early as 12:01AM (Eastern Standard Time), on that 45th day, but sometimes the system lags until after Oceania opens at 8AM. Again, checking is the key.

You ask for our opinion, so YES YES YES! If there is any way that you can swing a Suite on the Riviera then PLEASE DO IT. The differences in the spaciousness of the room and the closet space, are huge, and having the Butler really can be worth the price of admission.

Oceania Butler's have done everything for us from fetching eyeglasses which were misplaced on the pooldeck to finding wrapping paper for a forgotten birthday present after we'd sailed from Istanbul.

Lots of us consider booking a suite definitely worth it (viz. Jim & Stan as well as Mura & Howard). But lots of others don't. It's a personal decision (as Lyn would say) that depends on what YOU want and what your budget is.

I certainly wouldn't recommend going into debt to get a suite, but if money isn't particularly an object -- then yes, I certainly think it is worth it.

When we discovered the PH suites on the "R" ships way back when we thought we'd never use a butler. That changed when I blew out my knee just before boarding (and thanks to a lot of luck we were upgraded to an Owner's Suite). I was using a wheelchair or crutches and we had many meals in our suite and really for the first time used our butler a lot. Ordinarily we don't use the butler as much as some others do, but we sure use them a lot more than we used to!

We like the suites for the extra room and the butler can be very helpful. But we don't book suites in order to get the butler service.

Others may differ!

The cooking class schedules are posted fairly soon after the staff is contracted to teach them, but there is no firm deadline as to how long before the cruise that may happen , so it it best to check regularly as your trip approaches. Dining Reservations may open as early as 12:01AM (Eastern Standard Time), on that 45th day, but sometimes the system lags until after Oceania opens at 8AM. Again, checking is the key. You ask for our opinion, so YES YES YES! If there is any way that you can swing a Suite on the Riviera then PLEASE DO IT. The differences in the spaciousness of the room and the closet space, are huge, and having the Butler really can be worth the price of admission. Oceania Butler's have done everything for us from fetching eyeglasses which were misplaced on the pooldeck to finding wrapping paper for a forgotten birthday present after we'd sailed from Istanbul.

Is there any value in the packing and unpacking? That's my least favorite chore, and of course the DH refuses to do it so it's all on me. When I get on a ship I want to GO GO GO, not unpack and on the last day I DREAD re-packing. Not sure if that is worth a few grand though... Can we also get a hot breakfast in the room if we have a butler? Seems like if you are in less than PH it's just continental. DH loves his oatmeal and me my benedicts. :)

Don't miss the library. Those on the R ships are fabulous. On Marina there is a coffee shop near the library, but I didn't care for the layout of the nooks.

. Can we also get a hot breakfast in the room if we have a butler? YES Seems like if you are in less than PH it's just continental. DH loves his oatmeal and me my benedicts. :)

Cabin Cat A & above get the hot breakfast

Wendy The Wanderer

Is there any value in the packing and unpacking? That's my least favorite chore, and of course the DH refuses to do it so it's all on me. When I get on a ship I want to GO GO GO, not unpack and on the last day I DREAD re-packing. Not sure if that is worth a few grand though... :)

I've had a butler a couple of times and I can't imagine having him pack or unpack for me. I wouldn't know where anything was, and I don't want some strange man handling my personal items.

I would also never book a fancy suite just for a butler, but for the large cabin, and perhaps other amenities, such as the PH amenities on Riviera:

Priority 11am check-in and early embarkation with priority luggage delivery

Exclusive access to private Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge

24-hour Butler service

Welcome bottle of Champagne

Priority online specialty restaurant and shore excursion reservations

Unlimited access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub® private Spa Terrace

Laptop computer with wireless Internet access+

New for 2013! - Exclusive discounts on internet usage plans

New for 2013! - Complimentary iPad® available for your enjoyment onboard+

Full-size bathtub

Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag

Cashmere lap blankets, perfect for relaxing on your veranda

Complimentary shoe shine service

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Oceania Cruises is a high-end cruise line with a reputation for excellent dining and the ability to visit a wider variety of ports because its ships aren’t as large as the typical cruise liner.

Oceania Cruises, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, launched in 2002. It focuses on travelers who want more privacy and personalized service when they sail. Oceania sits between its two sibling lines — the higher-end Regent Seven Seas and family-friendly Norwegian — when it comes to ship size and prices.

Here’s what you need to know about Oceania.

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About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises sails to all seven continents and visits more than 600 ports in more than 100 countries. The line recently introduced a new base fare, which includes round-trip airfare and Wi-Fi.

Cabin types: The cruise line offers cabins at various prices, ranging from inside staterooms to oceanview rooms with furnished balconies. Suites are also available in a variety of sizes. Oceania ships have a concierge level, which gives passengers access to a private lounge and concierge assistance.

Main U.S. routes: Oceania covers the globe. Those who want to depart from the U.S. will find itineraries for Alaska, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico and New England, among others.

Loyalty program: Oceania Club awards credits based on the length of the trip. The more credits you earn, the higher the elite status you’ll achieve. Benefits include perks like onboard credit, discounts on spa treatments and complimentary wine and prepaid gratuities.

Oceania Cruises destinations

Oceania Cruises ships' smaller size gives them access to ports that larger ships can’t visit. The line also offers world cruises that circumnavigate the globe in 180 days, as well as a range of longer, regionally focused sailings.

Antarctica.

Canada and New England.

Middle East.

New Zealand.

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Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you’re going, you can find itineraries as short as seven days and longs as a whopping 200 days.

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Oceania cruise prices

Oceania sailings range in price depending on such factors as cabin type, ship, destination and length of trip. Keep in mind that Oceania is an upscale brand that prides itself on gourmet cuisine and onboard service — and its rates tend to reflect that.

For those looking for a weeklong cruise in the Caribbean, a trip departing from Miami and stopping in Mexico, Belize and Honduras starts at $1,399 per person. If you’re interested in Europe, a 10-day trip from Rome to Barcelona starts at $2,470 per person. Both rates are based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom.

Those who want to make like Magellan can book the 180-day around-the-world cruise starting at $48,499. A shorter, but still luxurious, 72-day itinerary in Asia starts at $19,599. Suites will increase the cost of the cruise but add more space for you to relax in your cabin.

The cruise line has announced a new base fare package called “simply MORE,” which comes with a host of inclusions. These include round-trip flights, airport transfers, shore excursions and a beverage package for all guests in the cabin.

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What is the best Oceania ship?

Oceania has eight ships in a range of sizes; the smallest accommodates just under 700 passengers, while the largest can hold up to 1,250. The cruise line has a low staff-to-passenger ratio, between 1.5 and 1.7 staff per passenger, which allows for more personalized service. Many of its ships have capacity for 684 passengers, which means they can feel less crowded than larger ships.

The best Oceania cruise ship is its newest one — Vista. Every room has a veranda, plus space for storage, rain showers in the bathrooms and upscale furnishings.

What is the newest Oceania ship?

The newest Oceania ships are the Vista, which set sail in 2023, and the Allura, which is scheduled to sail in 2025. Both of these are on the larger end of its fleet, with a capacity for 1,210 passengers.

They’re also part of a new class of Allura ships, which feature more onboard amenities and features compared with the other six ships in the fleet. Some examples of this on the Vista include four new dining venues, concierge-level staterooms for solo travelers and larger standard staterooms with over 290 square feet of space.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

What’s included on Oceania cruises?

Accommodations in the category you select.

All meals and snacks at buffet restaurants, dining rooms and specialty restaurants.

Water, juice, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas.

Champagne, wine and beer during lunch and dinner.

Wi-Fi access for two devices.

Fitness center with guided classes.

Shows and entertainment.

Pool access.

Onboard activities.

Round-trip airfare and airport transfers.

Shore excursions.

In-port shuttles.

Cooking school sessions with chef instruction.

Government fees and port taxes.

The mostly all-inclusive nature of Oceania sailings makes the pricing and experience simpler, since you won't need to pull out your credit card for every soda or latte. That said, there are still some things you’ll need to pay extra for, such as spa services, gratuities and certain beverage packages.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Oceania Cruises loyalty program: Oceania Club

Oceania Club members earn credits on each cruise they take, with more points awarded for longer cruises. For example, a cruise that lasts up to 24 days earns one credit, cruises for 25-34 days receive two credits, and trips longer than 158 days get 15 credits.

Earning status can take a while unless your first cruise is lengthy. If you’re looking for elite status on a cruise line, Oceania isn't especially rewarding for people who cruise occasionally.

Oceania Club elite status tiers

The Oceania Club loyalty program has seven levels:

President’s Circle.

With your first cruise, you automatically become a Blue member after signing up. The more nights you spend on Oceania ships, the higher your status tier and benefits. Here’s how to reach each tier along with some of the best benefits at each level.

To earn: Accrue at least five credits.

Best benefits: $100 shipboard credit, members-only offers and discount on Wi-Fi packages.

To earn: Accrue at least 10 credits.

Best benefits: $250 shipboard credit, complimentary prepaid gratuities and VIP shore excursion check-in.

To earn: Accrue at least 15 credits.

Best benefits: $400 shipboard credit, $300 spa treatment credit and two custom air fee waivers (worth $398).

To earn: Accrue at least 20 credits.

Best benefits: $500 shipboard credit, a free cruise, priority terminal check-in and an invitation to dine with the ship's officers.

To earn: Accrue at least 40 credits.

Best benefits: $750 shipboard credit, $400 spa treatment credit and complimentary wine tasting.

President’s Circle

To earn: Accrue at least 60 credits.

Best benefits: $1,000 shipboard credit, complimentary prestige beverage package and free laundry service.

How to earn Oceania Club credits

Travelers earn credits based on the length of a sailing. Even a three-week cruise earns just one credit, which means it can take some time to reach the first elite tier — Bronze, which requires five credits. Even though they’re part of the same holding company, you won’t earn Oceania credits when sailing with Norwegian or Regent Seven Seas.

How to redeem points

There are no points to redeem with Oceania Club. The primary purpose of the program is earning credits to reach different elite status tiers. At each level, there are various benefits you receive when on a cruise.

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What is Oceania Cruises known for?

Oceania is best for travelers who want to go beyond the most commonly visited ports and foodies who prioritize onboard dining. Its smaller ships usually make for a more customized and personal experience. While Oceania has launched a new Allura Class of ships that nearly doubles its average passenger count, the staff-to-passenger ratio is still excellent.

Yes. There’s no need to worry about paying an additional fee to stay connected aboard an Oceania cruise ship, as it’s included in the cruise fare. Each cabin receives two free Wi-Fi logins.

Yes, for the most part. Oceania sailings include accommodations, shore excursions, port shuttles, activities, food and most beverages, specialty dining and entertainment. Not included in the fare are some beverage packages, gratuities, spa treatments, laundry and specialty excursions.

The recently-introduced new base fare, “simply MORE,” also includes round-trip flights, airport transfers and a beverage package for all guests in the cabin.

House Select (included for all passengers)

Premium wine, champagne and beer with lunch and dinner. Specialty coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices.

Prestige Select ($30 per guest, per day)

All House Select drinks.

Unlimited premium wine, champagne, beer and spirits anywhere and whenever you like.

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Tips For Maximizing Your Oceania Cruises Booking

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Intercontinental Ljubljana Review – Booked Using CC Free Night Certificate
Getting From Ljubljana to Trieste, Our Experience Using Daytrip
Our Experience on a (Nearly) Inaugural Sailing
Ship Review – Oceania Cruises New Vista
Oceania Cruises New Vista Dining Review
Oceania Cruises Bars, Lounges, and the New Mixology Program
Oceania Cruises Vista Cabin and Suite Overview Including Penthouse (PH-2 with extended balcony) Review
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In my last post I provided a bit of background on our Oceania Cruises, the new Vista, and a bit about how and why we booked. In this post I want to share some of the tips and tricks for how we book our Oceania Cruises sailings to maximize discounts and perks.

I often book a cruise while on a cruise and I’m not alone in doing so. Why do so many cruisers to this? The reason is simple – to save money. Oh, and it’s also fun to have another cruise on the horizon and it helps with the “cruise blues” you can get at the end of a cruise.

Book On Board

Every cruise line is different in how they incentivize passengers to book their next cruise while on board, but nearly all lines do it in some way. In this article I want to highlight what Oceania Cruises does to make it worth your while to spend part of your precious time on board with an Oceania Club Ambassador (what Oceania calls future cruise booking agents) booking your next cruise.

On every Oceania Cruises sailing one of the Oceania Club Ambassadors will hold a presentation in the ship’s theater to promote future voyages, informing passengers about special promotions on certain cruises, regions, or times of the year. These are generally well attended. Why? Because Oceania cruisers are a loyal bunch with most having sailed multiple cruises with the line and are looking to sail more. Oh, and Oceania Cruises always have a raffle for a cruise credit to be used on your current voyage. The raffle tickets are dispensed at the beginning of the presentation and the drawing is held at the end; you must be present to win.

But this isn’t the real reason smart cruisers book onboard. The real reasons are the following:

Cruises are discounted by what they call “Onboard Booking Savings.” These are typically based on some percentage of the cruise fare, factors include the length of cruise and level of cabin. Based on my past bookings this is typically in the range of 3-5%. On this particular booking our Onboard Booking Savings was $300pp or $600 for both of us.
You receive a $100 shipboard credit for each booking you make onboard that you can take on your current cruise or have it applied to your future cruise booking.
Deposits are much lower, sometimes as low as $250 per person.
Onboard bookings include a “Best Price Guarantee” which is good up until the sailing date.
You can change your booking once you get back home by moving the deposit to another sailing.
Your booking gets transferred to your travel agent so they get credit for your booking and will provide you with the services and perks they would provide if they had made the booking for you.

Book Early (or Really Late)

For those that cruise regularly this one isn’t a surprise, but for those new to sailing it’s a helpful tip – book early. What does early mean? Book as soon as a cruise is announced if you can. Typically cruise lines start with their lowest fares when they launch the next season’s cruises and then prices steadily climb as the sailings fill up. But what if prices go down? Most cruise lines provide a price match guarantee where you can contact them if you see the price has gone down and they will provide compensation. But what about all those deals I see for cruises coming up in the next couple of months? For cruise lines there’s an opportunity cost to sailing with empty cabins, so they will often sell those cabins at a discount.

Close-in booking sales aren’t terribly common with Oceania Cruises or many of the other upmarket lines. What’s more common is that if a cruise isn’t selling well the line will add additional perks like more onboard credit, a beverage package, included gratuities, etc. in order to keep the ticket price in line with what passengers have already booked, but to encourage more bookings. Obviously you need a good bit of flexibility to benefit from last minute booking opportunities. For us, scheduling is important, so we stick with early booking. On this cruise we were able to save $3,000 by booking as soon as the sailing was announced.

Become a Shareholder

Want to save more money on your Oceania Cruises booking? Consider becoming a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. shareholder (Disclosure: I’m just a frequent floater and not an investment advisor and as such am not offering investment advise). All three of the major US-based cruise companies – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian all offer some form of Shareholder Benefit. This is typically in the form of an onboard credit, determined by the length of your cruise, just for owning shares in the company.

Oceania Cruises, as part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd family, along with Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offers onboard credits for those that own 100 or more shares of NCLH as described:

NCLH Shareholder Benefit for Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruiselines, and Regent Seven Seas

Cruise company stocks were pummeled during the pandemic as cruises were shut down for many months and all of the lines had to take on major debt in order to stay afloat. NCLH for example was trading at more than $60 per share pre-pandemic and have traded as low as $10.83 over the past year. At more than $6,000 it could take MANY cruises to recover your purchase of 100 shares purely through onboard Shareholder Benefit credits. At $1,083.00 (100 shares x 52-wk low of $10.83) it’s much easier to see how the math could work in your favor. On this cruise we received the $100 onboard credit.

Take Advantage of Credit Card Deals

Another way to save money on cruises – is to keep an eye out for credit card offers including American Express Offers. In the past year they have offered deals on Norwegian, Holland America, Carnival and Oceania Cruises. Just last week AmEx introduced a Sweet Seabourn deal . On a recent Oceania Cruises booking we were able to earn a bonus 5 American Express Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent up to a maximum of 50,000 points. We conservatively value 50,000 American Express Membership Rewards points at $750 (1.5cpp) or 15% back in points.

Book Your Own Flights

Another thing that we do on all of our Oceania Cruises bookings is to decline the included airfare. You receive a reduction in your cruise fare for an amount of money determined by Oceania Cruises. These vary widely depending on the embarkation and disembarkation ports with the largest credits tending to come with the furthest destinations from the us like Asia and Australia while the smallest credits are for those cruises departing from the U.S. On our Vista sailing we received credits of $1,100pp or $2,200 for both of us. Beyond the “savings” assuming you can purchase flights with miles and points or at a lower cost, the other benefit is being able to pick your airline of choice, schedule, how many days pre- and post-cruise that you wish to stay to explore the destinations.

All of these opportunities can add-up making your Oceania Cruises sailing a bit more affordable. For us, we were able to save more than $6,750 on this cruise through these strategies, offers, and booking choices. – Michael

Advertiser Disclosure: Frequent Floaters is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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Going on our first Oceania cruise-ever and first large ship cruise in over 20 years…. we are doing our wine club winemaker cruise since our daughter is the winemaker..It should be a great 10 days,,

@dee – Congratulations to your daughter, that’s awesome! Hopefully you love Oceania Cruises like we do!

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Fast moon: 2024 eclipse at the indy 500 was amazing but for 2026 i plan to be on a cruise ship, revolting copa airlines business class – delayed, dirty windows and mold, final thoughts: why no one should book / cruise with msc (unless in yacht club), mistake fares happen with cruise lines – be careful, is an msc cruise really the “basic economy” experience at sea (unless in yacht club), status match offer to match your celebrity cruise status to mgm rewards, new seabourn credit card offer – earn 50,000 points, stay in touch.

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What to Pack

Being comfortable is a top priority during your cruise vacation -- casual resort wear is the standard daytime attire for most cruises. It's best to bring a variety of footwear choices including low-heeled shoes for walking on deck, sandals for beach excursions and a pair of dress shoes as well.

You'll also want to think about the kind of shore excursions you want to participate in and pack accessories, where appropriate, such as hiking boots, binoculars and snorkel gear. Depending on when you travel, you may also want to pack a sweater or light jacket for cooler nights.

Remember to pack all of your medications, prescription or otherwise, in a bag you can carry onto your flights. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are all necessities for sunny days on the ship.

The Ultimate Guide to Oceania Cruises Dress Code

2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Introduction

Welcome aboard an Oceania Cruise! Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing the dress code for your upcoming Oceania Cruise is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Oceania Cruises dress code, from formal wear to casual attire.

Understanding the Oceania Cruises Dress Code

Oceania Cruises has a country club casual dress code which reflects a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere on board. This means that elegant casual attire is encouraged, with an emphasis on neat and tasteful clothing choices.

Daytime Attire

During the day, you can wear resort-style clothing suitable for exploring ports of call or enjoying activities on the ship. This includes comfortable and casual clothing such as shorts, sundresses, skirts, slacks, and polo shirts. You will also want to pack swimwear, cover-ups, and a sun hat for leisurely poolside lounging.

Evening Attire

Evenings on an Oceania Cruise offer various dress codes depending on the type of restaurant and occasion.

1. Resort Casual

Most nights, the dress code is resort casual. This means elegant and stylish attire that is still relaxed and comfortable. Dress slacks, dresses, skirts, and blouses for women are appropriate, while men can opt for slacks, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear are not permitted in the evening.

2. Evening Casual

On select nights, a more relaxed dress code known as evening casual is in effect. This is an opportunity to dress down a bit while still maintaining a polished look. For women, this could mean dress pants or skirts with a blouse or a stylish top, while men can wear dress pants or khakis with a button-down shirt or a polo shirt.

3. Formal Wear

Oceania Cruises also hosts formal evenings where you have the chance to dress up for special occasions. On formal nights, women can wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant skirts with a dressy top. Men are expected to wear tuxedos, suits, or dress slacks with a jacket and a tie. It’s a great excuse to bring your favorite fancy outfit and capture some memorable photos.

Packing Tips for your Oceania Cruise

1. check the cruise itinerary.

Before you start packing, take a look at the cruise itinerary to determine the number of formal and resort casual nights during your voyage. This will help you plan your outfits accordingly and avoid overpacking.

2. Layering is Key

As the temperatures may vary both on the ship and at different destinations, it’s wise to pack clothing that can be layered. Lightweight cardigans, wraps, and a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts are versatile options.

3. Shoes for Every Occasion

Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for onshore excursions and sandals or loafers to go with your daytime outfits. For the evenings, bring a pair of dressier shoes for resort casual or formal nights. Don’t forget to pack some socks, especially if you’ll be wearing closed-toe shoes.

4. Accessorize

Accessories can add a touch of elegance to your outfits. Consider packing statement jewelry, scarves, and belts that can help transform your look from day to night.

What Not to Wear

To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, there are a few items that are considered inappropriate and should be left at home. These include:

Flip flops and beachwear (unless you’re at the pool)
Baseball caps and visors in dining rooms
Ripped or torn clothing
Cutoff jeans or shorts
Clothing with offensive graphics

By understanding and adhering to the Oceania Cruises dress code, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your cruise vacation. From daytime casual wear to elegant formal attire, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase your personal style while maintaining a tasteful appearance. Remember to plan your outfits accordingly, pack versatile clothing, and embrace the country club casual atmosphere. Bon voyage and happy cruising!

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Discover Your Dream Oceania Cruise: The Ultimate Planning Guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Oceania Cruises, the perfect choice for the ultimate voyage across the stunning seas of the globe. With exceptional service and luxurious amenities, you can discover breathtaking destinations aboard Oceania’s cruise ships. Indulge in the gourmet cuisine of Master Chef Jacques Pepin or enjoy an afternoon tea while watching a cabaret show. Oceania offers exotic itineraries to remote destinations worldwide, including Tahiti and Australia, making it an ideal option for destination-focused travelers. With its midsize ships and excellent crew-to-passenger ratios, Oceania stands apart as a cruise line that offers a sophisticated atmosphere. Their well-traveled and affluent clientele appreciate the personalized service, overnight stays, and immersive shore excursions. Whether you’re a foodie, jazz enthusiast, or a traveler seeking to discover your next travel story, Oceania’s ships are a perfect choice.

Oceania Cruises Marina docked at Port Miami night

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Planning a cruise with Oceania is an exceptional experience that promises to transport you to a world of luxury and comfort from the moment you board. To help you navigate the ins and outs of planning, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect itinerary, packing the right essentials, and ensuring your journey is smooth and unforgettable. Oceania cruises offer a sophisticated ambiance and the finest dining experience at sea, courtesy of Oceania’s executive culinary director and master chef Jacques Pepin. With mid-sized ships, intimate crew-to-passenger ratios, and destination-focused itineraries, Oceania cruises stand apart from the rest. Additionally, the line’s specialty restaurants, unlimited internet, and enrichment programs immerse you in the culture of your destination. So whether you’re a well-traveled retiree, solo traveler, or simply seeking a sophisticated no-frills atmosphere, Oceania has something to offer.

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Choosing Your Itinerary

When planning a cruise on Oceania, carefully considering your desired itinerary is vital. Research and evaluate the various ports of call to make an informed decision and confidently book your dream voyage. Oceania Cruises offers an extensive range of itineraries to discover breathtaking destinations worldwide, from Alaska’s rugged wilderness to the sun-kissed shores of Tahiti . With a midsize fleet of ships, Oceania Cruises offers a sophisticated ambiance, gourmet dining venues, and a variety of onboard entertainment options. The line also stands apart with its destination-focused approach and shore excursions that immerse travelers in local culture. With personalized service and a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1-to-2, Oceania Cruises provides a sophisticated atmosphere that caters to well-traveled guests.

Here are some steps to help you select a suitable itinerary:

1. Determine your preferred destination: Oceania Cruises offers itineraries to many parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and more. Think about which region you would most like to visit and focus your search on cruises that travel there.

2. Consider the length of the cruise: Oceania Cruises offers shorter and longer itineraries, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Determine your available time for your trip and look for cruises that fit your schedule.

3. Look at the ports of call: Each Oceania Cruises itinerary includes several stops at different ports of call. Consider the ports you want to visit and the activities or excursions available there.

4. Think about your interests: Oceania Cruises offers a range of themed cruises, such as wine and culinary cruises, wellness cruises, and cultural immersion cruises. Consider what interests you most and look for itineraries that cater to those interests.

5. Consider the time of year: Some destinations are best visited at certain times, such as the Caribbean in the winter or Alaska in the summer. Therefore, take the time of year into account when selecting your itinerary.

Considering these factors, you can choose an itinerary on Oceania Cruises that meets your needs and preferences, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience on your cruise.

Booking Your Cruise

Securing your spot on the ship early is essential when planning a cruise on Oceania. Research the best cruise ships and compare prices before making your final decision. Once you’ve found the perfect fit, book your voyage confidently. You can book directly with Oceania Cruises, which offers personalized experiences and direct access to their sophisticated fleet of ships. As you plan your itinerary, consider the exotic itineraries to remote destinations worldwide, including Tahiti , Australia, and New Zealand. Oceania’s staterooms are never formal or stuffy. The sophisticated ambiance makes it an excellent choice for affluent retirees, solo travelers, and well-traveled guests seeking personalized service. Oceania Cruises is a destination-focused cruise line with a country club atmosphere.

Here are some items for consideration:

1. Selecting your stateroom : Oceania offers a variety of stateroom categories to suit different budgets and preferences. When selecting your stateroom, consider factors such as the location on the ship, the size and layout of the room, and the amenities included. You can view detailed information about each stateroom category on the Oceania Cruises website, Oceania’s dedicated cruise planners, or ask a travel agent for recommendations.

2. Booking your cruise: Once you have chosen your itinerary and stateroom, you can book your cruise through the Oceania Cruises website, an Oceania Personal Cruise Consultant, or a travel agent. To book online, go to www.oceaniacruises.com and select your desired cruise and stateroom. Follow the prompts to provide your personal information and payment details. To book through a travel agent or Oceania Personal Cruise Consultant, provide them with your desired cruise and stateroom details. They will handle the booking process for you.

3. Choose your add-ons: Oceania offers a range of add-ons to enhance your cruise experiences, such as shore excursions, beverage packages, and specialty dining. You can add these options to your booking when you make your initial reservation. Alternatively, you can add them later through the website or with a travel agent. Consider your interests and budget when choosing your add-ons, and book them early to ensure availability.

Mom and I used one of Oceania’s Cruise Consultants. Giancarlo is awesome. He provided so much information and advice. He always calls back. This was the beginning of our taste of great service from Oceania. Tell him Ola sent you – 305.514.4817 or [email protected]

Preparing for Your Trip

Congratulations on securing your Oceania cruise reservation! Preparation is the key to a successful trip, and it’s time to prepare for your upcoming adventure on the high seas. This includes planning transportation to and from the departure port, obtaining necessary travel visas, and purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. Taking care of these details beforehand allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in your cruise experience. Discover new travel stories, enjoy local entertainment, and savor fine wines and cuisine while experiencing the country club atmosphere onboard.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Review your itinerary: Take the time to review your itinerary and familiarize yourself with the ports of call and activities available on your cruise. This will help you plan your time and maximize your trip.

2. Pack appropriately: Check the weather forecast for your destinations and pack appropriate clothing and accessories for the climate. Pack any necessary medications, travel documents, and other essentials.

3. Consider dining options: Oceania offers a range of dining options, from casual buffets to fine dining restaurants. Consider which dining options you want to try and make reservations as soon as possible to ensure availability.

4. Plan your activities: Oceania offers a wide range of activities, from onboard classes and entertainment to shore excursions and tours. Consider which activities you want to participate in and make reservations as early as possible to ensure availability.

5. Review onboard policies: Take the time to review the onboard policies, such as dress codes and tipping guidelines, to ensure that you are prepared and informed for your trip.

6. Check travel requirements: Check any travel requirements, such as passport and visa, for your destinations, and ensure you have all necessary documentation.

Packing for Your Cruise

When preparing for your upcoming Oceania Cruise, it is essential to remember the dress code requirements for different areas of the ship. This luxury cruise line has specific attire guidelines for various establishments, including dining rooms. Planning your wardrobe choices carefully will enable you to fully embrace the sophisticated ambiance of the ship and take advantage of all its amenities. For example, during dinner service, some dining rooms have a strict policy prohibiting shorts and tank tops, so reviewing the dress code in advance is recommended. By doing so, you can avoid any potential inconvenience and fully enjoy your dining experience.

Here are some items you may want to include on your packing list:

1. Elegant-casual clothing: Oceania recommends elegant-casual attire for evening meals and entertainment. Men may want to pack collared shirts, slacks, and dress shoes, while women may want to pack skirts, dresses, or dressy pants with blouses or tops. A jacket or blazer is also appropriate for men and women.

2. Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking around the ship and on shore excursions, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes for both walking and formal occasions.

3. Layers: The temperature can vary on the ship and in different ports, so packing layers such as cardigans, wraps, or light jackets can be helpful.

4. Sun protection: Packing sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime activities and excursions is vital.

5. Travel documents: As mentioned, pack all necessary documents, including passports and visas (if required).

6. Toiletries: Oceania provides basic toiletries, but you may still want to bring your favorites.

7. Entertainment: Pack books, e-readers, tablets, or other entertainment options for downtime on the ship.

Embarking on Your Cruise

Arriving at the port early on embarkation day is highly recommended to ensure a stress-free start to your vacation and enjoy the excitement of setting sail on one of Oceania’s sophisticated cruise ships. Give yourself ample time to check in, go through security, and board the vessel to avoid missing your ship. The peace of mind that comes with being early is well worth it.

Before setting sail on your cruise, you should take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout. This will help you quickly navigate and discover the unique features that make Oceania cruise ships stand apart. Grab a map, sip on a refreshing beverage, and embark on a mini adventure to kick off your voyage. Attend the mandatory safety drill, unwind, and enjoy your first day on board. Enjoy the stunning views, indulge in the gourmet cuisine, and immerse yourself in destination-focused activities. You’ll discover your next travel story quickly with Oceania’s sophisticated ambiance and personalized service.

Here are some things you can do on embarkation day to ensure a smooth start to your cruise:

1. Check-in: Check-in usually begins a few hours before the ship sets sail, so arrive at your appointed time to help with terminal congestion. You’ll need to present your travel documents and have your photo taken for security purposes.

2. Explore the ship: Once you’ve checked in and boarded the ship, take some time to explore your new surroundings. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout, find your stateroom, and check out the onboard amenities.

3. Make reservations: Some onboard activities and restaurants require reservations, so check availability and make any necessary bookings as soon as possible.

4. Attend the safety drill: All passengers must attend a mandatory safety drill before the ship departs. Pay attention to the instructions and note your designated assembly station in an emergency.

5. Enjoy lunch: The buffet will be open for lunch on embarkation day, so take the opportunity to sample some of the ship’s cuisine and enjoy a meal with a view.

6. Unpack and settle in: Once you’ve explored the ship and enjoyed lunch, head to your stateroom to unpack and settle in. This is also an excellent time to check that all your luggage has arrived and everything is in order.

7. Attend the sail-away party: As the ship sets sail, a sail-away party may be on the deck. Enjoy the festivities, drinks, and stunning views as the ship leaves port.

Enjoying Your Cruise

Entertainment options abound, with regional entertainment from the ports of call and the opportunity to watch a cabaret show or enjoy the music of a jazz band or 12-piece orchestra. Oceania’s commitment to preserving traditions while providing contemporary services, like 24-hour internet access, ensures a personalized service for each passenger. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere without feeling stuffy with no formal dress code. Oceania Cruises’s inclusive offerings include enrichment opportunities, such as guest lectures from former ambassadors and famous authors.

Here are some ideas:

1. Take part in onboard activities: Oceania offers a variety of onboard activities, such as cooking classes, wine tastings, trivia contests, and fitness classes. Participating in these activities can be fun to meet other passengers and try something new.

2. Enjoy the onboard entertainment: From Broadway-style shows to live music performances, Oceania offers a range of entertainment options. Check the daily schedule to see what shows and performances are available.

3. Relax at the spa: Oceania has luxurious spas onboard their ships. Book a massage, facial, or other spa treatment to unwind and recharge.

4. Explore the ports of call: Oceania visits various destinations, from tropical beaches to historic cities. Take advantage of shore excursions and explore these destinations with knowledgeable guides.

5. Enjoy the onboard dining: Oceania is known for its excellent dining options. With a range of restaurants and cuisines, there is something for everyone. Make sure to sample the local flavors and specialties of each destination.

6. Take part in enrichment activities: Enrichment activities, including lectures, classes, and workshops on various subjects, from arts and crafts to history and culture, are provided. These activities can be fun to learn something new and expand your knowledge.

7. Relax by the pool: The sun decks and pools are stunning, providing opportunities to bask in the sun, read a book, or savor a cocktail while relaxing by the pool.

Shore Excursions

If you’re planning a cruise on Oceania, taking advantage of the exceptional shore excursions is necessary. These excursions offer a chance to fully experience the destinations you’ll be visiting, with options ranging from exploring ancient ruins to sampling local cuisine. Book early to avoid disappointment and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in local culture with shore excursions, which offer opportunities to explore historic neighborhoods, embark on outdoor adventures, and indulge in culinary delights. With something for every kind of traveler, you won’t want to miss out on these incredible experiences.

Here are some tips to make the most of your shore excursions:

1. Book early: Shore excursions can sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment. You can book excursions in advance online or through your travel agent.

2. Consider the activity level: Shore excursions have varying physical activity levels. Make sure to choose an excursion that suits your fitness level and interests.

3. Check the duration: Make sure to check the duration of the excursion before booking, as some may be longer than others. Remember that you must be back onboard the ship before it sets sail.

4. Look for Olife benefits: Oceania Cruises’ Olife program includes a range of benefits, including free shore excursions. Check if your Olife package includes any free excursions and take advantage of them.

5. Follow the dress code: Some shore excursions may have a dress code, such as wearing closed-toe shoes or covering your shoulders. Make sure to check the dress code before booking and pack accordingly.

6. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. It’s also a good idea to bring a small bag or backpack to carry water and any necessary items.

7. Be on time: Shore excursions operate on a strict schedule, so be on time. The ship will not wait for passengers who are late returning from shore excursions booked on their own.

Dining on Oceania Cruises

The dining options on Oceania Cruises are genuinely exceptional. Guests can enjoy everything from a quick bite at a casual café to a luxurious dining experience at one of the specialty restaurants. The culinary offerings on board the Oceania cruise ships will surely delight even the most discerning palate, with delectable seafood dishes, succulent steaks, and much more. To ensure a memorable dining experience, making early reservations for any specialty restaurants that catch your eye is recommended. In addition, Oceania Cruises offers a sophisticated ambiance that extends to the dining venues, where guests can savor the gourmet creations of Master Chef Jacques Pepin.

Here are some tips to make the most of your dining experience:

1. Make restaurant reservations: Dining venues can fill up quickly, so making restaurant reservations as soon as possible is a good idea. Passengers cruising in Penthouse Suites or higher have priority access to restaurant reservations.

2. Try the specialty restaurants: Oceania Cruises has a range of specialty restaurants onboard, including the renowned Jacques and Red Ginger. Make sure to try these restaurants for a unique dining experience.

3. Sample the local cuisine: Your ship will visit various destinations with unique cuisine and flavors. Make sure to sample the local cuisine and specialties of each destination.

4. Attend the culinary events: Oceania offers a range of culinary events, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and food and wine pairing dinners. These events are a great way to learn more about the local cuisine and meet other passengers with similar interests.

5. Take advantage of room service: Room service is available 24 hours a day and is included in the price of your cruise. Passengers cruising in Penthouse Suites or higher can access an exclusive in-suite dining menu with more extensive options than the standard room service menu.

6. Dietary requirements: Oceania is happy to accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher meals. Make sure to inform the restaurant staff of any dietary requirements before dining.

7. Dress code: Oceania Cruises has a country club casual dress code for most dining venues, which means no formal attire is required.

Entertainment on Board

Oceania Cruises is renowned for offering a well-rounded experience on board its ships. In addition to exquisite dining options and plenty of activities, Oceania provides its guests with an impressive array of entertainment options, from live music performances to Broadway-style shows.

Here are some tips and recommendations to make the most of your entertainment experience:

1. Attend the evening shows: Oceania Cruises offers a range of evening shows, including Broadway-style productions, cabaret acts, and live music performances. Make sure to attend the evening shows in the ship’s theater.

2. Participate in onboard activities: There is a range of onboard activities, such as trivia games, art classes, and dance lessons. These activities are a great way to meet other passengers and have fun onboard.

3. Enjoy the live music: You will see live music performances throughout the ship, from the lounge areas to the pool deck. Enjoy the live music while sipping a drink or taking in the views.

4. Try your luck at the casino: There is a small onboard casino offering a range of table games and slot machines. Take some time to try your luck and win big.

5. Visit the Culinary Center: The Culinary Center onboard select Oceania ships offers cooking classes, demonstrations, wine tastings, and other culinary events. It’s a great way to learn new skills and meet other foodies onboard.

6. Attend the lectures and talks: Oceania often invites guest lecturers and experts onboard to give talks on various topics, from history and politics to science and technology. Attend these talks to learn something new and expand your knowledge.

7. Enjoy the outdoors: There are various outdoor areas, such as the pool deck and sports court. Take advantage of these areas to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

Staying Connected on Your Cruise

Staying connected at sea can be challenging. However, with Oceania Cruises, this is no longer the case. Thanks to their state-of-the-art technology and reliable internet service, you can easily stay connected with loved ones back home or keep up with work while enjoying the breathtaking views of the open ocean. So whether you’re a digital nomad or want to stay in touch, Oceania Cruises has covered you. I like to stay connected with my loved ones back home and share my adventures with the world. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that the ship I was on offered Wi-Fi access throughout. With this convenient feature, I could easily update my social media accounts with stunning photos and captivating stories of my travels. Plus, I could stay in touch with my family and friends no matter where in the world I was. It truly made my journey all the more enjoyable and memorable.

Here are some tips for staying connected onboard:

1. Use Oceania’s Wi-Fi: Oceania offers free unlimited WiFi, which is included in your cruise fare, and you may access the Internet throughout the entirety of the ship. One login is provided per suite or stateroom, which may be used on one device at a time. Additional logins and upgrade packages are available on board if you need internet for multiple devices.

2. Use your phone’s data plan: Check with your mobile provider to see if your phone’s data plan includes international roaming. If so, you can use your phone’s data plan to stay connected while onboard. However, you should be aware that international data roaming fees can be expensive.

3. Use offline apps: Some apps, such as Google Maps, allow you to download and use maps offline. This can be useful if you want to explore ports of call without incurring data charges.

4. Check for internet cafes in port: If you need to use the internet extensively, check for internet cafes or other locations with Wi-Fi in ports of call. These locations offer faster and more affordable internet access than the ship’s Wi-Fi.

Regarding Oceania’s Wi-Fi, the quality and speed of the connection can vary depending on the ship and location. Some passengers have reported slow and spotty connections, while others have had no issues. Therefore, managing your expectations and using Wi-Fi for basic tasks such as checking emails and social media is best. If you need to use more data-intensive applications, such as streaming video, consider purchasing a higher-tier package or using an alternative method of staying connected.

Spa and Wellness

Indulge in much-needed rest by pampering yourself with a rejuvenating massage, invigorating facial, or soothing body treatment. Trust me; there’s no better way to unwind and recharge than by taking some time for yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the onboard spa. So, carve out some time in your itinerary to experience relaxation and self-care. From indulgent spa treatments to invigorating fitness classes and enlightening wellness seminars, they offer everything you need to recharge your mind, body, and soul. So, whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day of exploring or simply seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the excitement of your journey, you won’t regret taking advantage of their incredible wellness offerings.

Here are some tips and recommendations for making the most of your spa and wellness experience:

1. Book early: Spa and wellness services can be very popular, so it’s a good idea to book early to ensure you get the desired treatments. You can often book online before your cruise, or you can visit the spa once you’re onboard.

2. Take advantage of port day specials: The spa often offers specials on services on port days when many passengers are off the ship. These can be a great way to save money and experience the spa and wellness facilities without the crowds.

3. Try something new: Oceania offers various spa and wellness services, from traditional massages and facials to more specialized treatments such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. Consider trying something new to enhance your spa experience.

4. Take advantage of the onboard gym: The ships offer well-equipped fitness centers. To stay active during your cruise, consider using the gym facilities.

5. Attend wellness seminars: Oceania often offers wellness seminars and classes, such as yoga and Pilates, that are included in your cruise fare. These can be a great way to learn something new and meet like-minded passengers.

6. Consider a spa package: Oceania offers spa packages that combine multiple treatments at a discounted price. If you plan to indulge in multiple spa services during your cruise, consider purchasing a package to save money.

7. Take care of yourself outside the spa: While the spa can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, remember to take care of yourself outside the spa. Ensure you stay hydrated, get enough rest, and eat nutritious foods to maximize your wellness experience.

Embarking on a luxurious Oceania cruise is an experience like no other. The anticipation of setting sail on a journey filled with adventure and relaxation is exhilarating. From the moment you board, you are greeted with the warmest of welcomes and unparalleled service. The attention to detail and the exquisite amenities Oceania provides make for an unforgettable cruise. Whether exploring exotic destinations or simply enjoying the onboard activities, every moment spent on an Oceania cruise is a true delight. Enjoy your time on board by indulging in all available activities and amenities. However, it’s equally important to take a moment to unwind and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. Oceania has something for everyone.

So sit back, relax, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! May your travels be filled with exciting adventures, new experiences, and unforgettable memories. As a seasoned traveler, I know the thrill of exploring new places and immersing oneself in different cultures. So, embrace every moment of your trip and savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of your destinations. Bon voyage!

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The 3 types of Oceania Cruises ships, explained

Among upscale cruise lines, Oceania Cruises has one of the simplest fleets.

All six of the ships that the Miami-based line currently operates fall into one of just two groups, known as "classes" in cruise industry lingo: the Oceania class and the Regatta class.

Each of these two groups is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time to the same basic design. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

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Oceania also has two more vessels on order that will make up a new, third class of ships at the line. But the first of these vessels, which together will be known as the Allura class, doesn't arrive until next spring.

An introduction to Oceania Cruises ships

Oceania Cruises is an upscale line — that is, it offers a higher level of service and aims for a higher-end customer than mass-market brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line , which is owned by the same parent company. Like all upscale lines, it operates smaller, less crowded (and pricier) vessels than you'll find at the more mass-market brands.

At 66,084 tons, Oceania's two biggest ships currently in operation, Marina and Riviera, are less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian vessels and just a third the size of the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises . They also hold far fewer passengers — just 1,250 apiece, assuming two people per cabin.

Unveiled about a decade ago, the two ships make up what is known as the Oceania class at Oceania, and — for a few months more, at least — they are the leading lights of the Oceania fleet.

The four other ships that Oceania currently has in operation (Nautica, Insignia, Regatta and Sirena) are significantly smaller and older than the Oceania-class ships, and they hold far fewer passengers. They make up what is known as the Regatta class at the line.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

The relatively small sizes of all six ships as compared to mass-market vessels — and resulting intimacy — is part of what you're paying for when you sail with Oceania. The ships may not have all the gee-whiz deck-top attractions of megaships such as Royal Caribbean 's Wonder of the Seas . But they offer serenity at sea in a relatively uncrowded setting, with a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than you'll find on mass-market vessels, more high-end restaurants and more elegant accommodations.

The smaller size of the ships also allows them to call at lesser-visited ports around the world that the big ships can't access — one of the big allures of sailing with a smaller-ship line such as Oceania.

Come May 2023, Oceania will be unveiling the first vessel in the new Allura class of ships mentioned above, which will be just a tiny bit bigger than the Oceania-class ships.

Allura class

Ships in class: Vista (coming in 2023); unnamed (coming in 2025).

Size: 67,000 tons.

The Allura-class ships aren't yet sailing, but when they do begin service, they will be the new stars of the Oceania fleet.

The first of the two ships, to be called Vista, is due to arrive in May 2023. It promises an elegance and refinement unlike anything that has been seen before at the line.

At 67,000 tons, the vessel will be a tad bigger than Oceania's last two ships, Marina and Riviera. But it'll carry fewer passengers (1,200 versus 1,250). That means its "space ratio" of space per passenger will be higher.

Related: The most exciting new ships of 2023

The space ratio of a ship is considered a measure of how upscale it is, with higher space ratios typically corresponding to more luxurious vessels.

As for decor and amenities, Oceania has promised an "evolution" of the intimate, residential-style interior venues for which its ships are known. Vista will retain such Oceania signatures as a Grand Staircase at its center and a Grand Lounge that serves as a central meeting point, as well as a martini bar, Aquamar Spa and a Horizons observation lounge.

The top deck of the ship will revolve around a tranquil pool area, and — as is the case with all Oceania ships — the ship's interior will have a full-blown casino with an accompanying bar.

Vista also will feature a larger variety of cabin sizes than earlier Oceania vessels, ranging from standard balcony cabins measuring 291 square feet (the largest standard balcony cabins in the industry, according to the line) to an array of suites that measure up to 2,400 square feet.

Among new cabin categories will be Oceania's first solo cabins — six in all. They'll measure a spacious 270 square feet and have their own balconies, something that is relatively rare for solo cabins on ocean ships.

In fact, every cabin on Vista will be a balcony cabin — a first for the line. Every cabin will have either a full balcony or a more limited French balcony. The ship will have no windowless "inside" cabins or balconyless "ocean-view" cabins.

The solo cabins, notably, also will be concierge-level cabins, which means they will come with access to a private, keycard-accessed concierge lounge and complimentary use of the ship's Spa Terrace.

Related: Get extra perks with the Oceania Club loyalty program

In another upgrade as compared to Oceania's other ships, Vista will boast 12 different culinary options for passengers — four of which will be new concepts for the brand.

The newcomers include Ember, serving "inventive American" cuisine, and wellness-focused Aquamar Kitchen (think smoothies, organic "power bowls" and yellowfin tacos with white cabbage slaw). Also new will be the Culinary Center Dining Room, an ocean-view space offering food-and-wine pairing experiences that will tie to the ship's cooking classroom. A new Bakery at Barista outlet will serve fresh-baked pastries.

Signature Oceania eateries making a return include the Polo Grill steakhouse, Italian-serving Toscana and upscale Asian venue Red Ginger.

A second, as-yet-unnamed Allure-class vessel is due to debut in 2025.

Oceania class

Ships in class: Riviera (2012); Marina (2011).

Size: 66,084 tons.

The two Oceania-class ships are the current belles of the ball in the Oceania fleet (at least until the arrival of the Allura-class ships). They are newer and bigger than the four other Oceania vessels currently sailing, with bigger and more elegant cabins, and a wider array of high-end eateries.

You'll find the Oceania-class ships feel more spacious than the line's four other vessels, and they have an overall elegance that takes them to a higher level. That said, they also carry a lot more passengers than Oceania's other ships — 1,250 as compared to 684.

If you're the sort of person that prefers traveling in smaller groups, the line's smaller Regatta-class vessels might be a better fit.

Overall, the Oceania-class vessels have a residential feel, which is something they share with all Oceania ships. You can sit back with a book in a wing-back leather chair in the English-style libraries on the ships, or sip a martini while listening to a piano player in their elegant Horizons observation lounges. The main pool areas on the vessels are classy and relaxing, with teak decking and rows of plush chaise lounge chairs facing sparkling pools.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania ship

Each of the vessels has four superb specialty restaurants that are in keeping with Oceania's foodie focus — none of which comes with an extra fee. They are the Polo Grill steakhouse, Italian Toscana, Asian-fusion Red Ginger and French Jacques (the latter the creation of famed chef Jacques Pépin, a culinary adviser to the line).

In addition, each ship has a main Grand Dining Room that also has a Jacques Pépin tie-in; he created the venue's signature dishes. The restaurants serve up Continental cuisine with menus changing daily.

Also for foodies, Riviera and Marina each have a high-end cooking classroom where passengers can learn how to make dishes themed around an ingredient or the regional cuisine of your cruise destination. It's a feature you won't find on the line's smaller ships.

Among other enrichment offerings (a big part of the Oceania formula) on the ships are art classes taught by an Artist in Residence in a dedicated space called the Artist's Loft. In addition, each of the ships has a theater where guest speakers lecture regularly, often on topics related to the destinations the ships visit. The theaters also are the setting for evening performances by an ever-changing array of guest entertainers such as pianists, classical string quartets and vocalists.

A swanky spa, outdoor running track, golf putting green, pickleball court and even croquet and bocce courts round out the activities available on board.

Cabins on the vessels also have a residential feel and are much more spacious than the cabins you'll find on the line's smaller ships. Standard balcony cabins, for instance, measure a generous 291 square feet, which the line boasts makes them some of the largest at sea.

Unlike the soon-to-debut Allura-class ships, these vessels also have ocean-view cabins, which measure 240 square feet, and windowless "inside" cabins, which measure 174 square feet. They typically are priced lower than balcony cabins and can be a good entry-level option for passengers looking to save.

Related: Why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

The ships also are loaded with bigger suites, some as big as 2,000 square feet, with elegant decor crafted by famed designer Dakota Jackson and furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home.

Regatta class

Ships in class: Nautica (2000), Sirena (1999), Regatta (1998), Insignia (1998).

Size: 30,277 tons.

The Regatta-class ships have long been at the core of the Oceania fleet, and they continue to be highly popular with Oceania fans. About half the size of the line's Oceania-class ships, the four vessels in the series offer a much more intimate atmosphere than the Oceania-class ships with fewer bars, restaurants and entertainment areas.

Like the Oceania-class ships, the Regatta-class vessels have a residential feel, with interiors that revolve around small central reception halls with grand staircases that lead to a single deck with bars, lounges, a casino and a main restaurant.

The main restaurant, the Grand Dining Room, is where passengers dine most nights. But each of the ships also has one of Oceania's signature Polo Grill steakhouses and a Toscana restaurant serving Italian cuisine — both located near the tops of the ships. That's just half the number of specialty restaurants that you'll find on the Oceania-class ships.

Each of the ships, at the top, also is home to a relaxing outdoor pool area, as well as an interior observation lounge called Horizons and a casual eatery called the Terrace Cafe. Each of the vessels also has a small spa with steam rooms, salon and fitness center, as well as a small library. Additional top-deck features include a small putting green area.

Related: 5 cruise ship suites that will blow your mind

Cabins on Regatta-class ships are notably smaller than those you'll find on the line's newer ships, with balcony cabins measuring just 216 square feet. Despite regular updates, they also can feel a bit dated as compared to newer Oceania ships.

All four of the Regatta-class vessels are now more than 20 years old, and they are showing their age in some areas.

That said, they remain wonderful vessels on many levels — one being that their small size allows them to access ports around the world that bigger ships can't visit. This allows them to sail more-interesting itineraries, in many cases, than you'll find on bigger ships.

Along those lines, Oceania often deploys the Regatta-class ships on its more far-flung, destination-rich itineraries, including some of the cruise industry's longest around-the-world cruises.

For the coming year, for instance, Insignia is scheduled to sail a 200-day world cruise out of San Francisco (starting on Jan. 15) that will bring stops on five continents including Antarctica.

In general, the Regatta-class ships appeal to cruisers who care more about the destinations they will be visiting than about having a lot of onboard options for dining, entertainment and activities.

Regatta-class trivia: The four Regatta-class ships and the four vessels in the fleet of rival line Azamara are sister vessels. They all once belonged to long-defunct Renaissance Cruises. You'll sometimes hear cruising aficionados refer to them by their Renaissance-related class name, the R class.

Bottom line

The Oceania Cruises fleet is relatively easy to understand. As of now, there are just two types of Oceania ships operating, a number that will grow to three in the coming year. All the ships have the same upscale, residential feel, with the main differences among the ships being their size and the number of eateries and bars you'll find on board, as well as the size of their cabins.

If a spacious cabin and more restaurant and bar choices are what matters to you most when cruising, the line's Oceania-class ships or soon-to-debut Allura-class ships are the most logical choice. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate environment with fewer people and don't mind giving up some amenities to have it, the Regatta-class vessels might be a better fit.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

A party on board The Cruise With La Demence

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Travelers lounge on a gay cruise with VACAYA

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

The pool on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Aerial shot of Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Apex at sunset

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Young Lesbian Couple on Boat Trip on Summer Vacations.

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Aerial shot of Royal Caribbean International cruise ship

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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A far cry from the buffets of old: Cruises are catering to foodies

Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with local market finds.

“I’m changing the menu for tomorrow,” Joseph Kalynuik, executive chef of Windstar Star Legend, said as we walked through the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Livorno, Italy. “I’m looking for local charcuterie, cheeses, truffles, lavender, limoncello. Look at all this!”

We were on the “Market Tour with the Chef,” a popular excursion offered on Windstar cruises. The market is beautiful, located in an historic 19th-century building, designed by the Italian architect Angiolo Badaloni, and modeled after Les Halles, the central market in Paris.

But this was more than a look-see through the historic 1894 market. Chef Kalynuik was on a buying mission, looking for the best local ingredients to include in the ship’s restaurant dishes.

“Va bene!,” a cheese vendor said to our small group, offering us slivers of pecorino sardo al tartufo. It was aged, firm and salty, laced with the earthy taste of truffles. Kalynuik bought a kilo of the cheese, along with links of local sausages.

We trailed Kalynuik through the market, tasting and buying along the way: disks of creamy camembert, bags of fresh Meyer lemons, a variety of salumi, marinated peppers, olives and anchovies, truffle chips, and honey.

Windstar chef Joseph Kalynuik checks out the produce at the Livorno market. Market visits with the chef is one of the excursions offered aboard Windstar cruises.

The next day the fruits of our labor were in full view. Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with the market finds. Also, on the menu were sausages with peppers and onions, truffle risotto, Bolognese fettuccine flavored with local meats and spices, and a shrimp and crab dish in a limoncello-flavored beurre blanc. Later that evening at Windstar’s Amphora restaurant, we enjoyed a warm camembert appetizer, topped with a lemon-flavored fig jam, drizzled with honey.

“Our guests are keen on trying new and adventurous dishes, predominantly local, authentic foods,” Kalynuik said. “It’s about experiencing the local culture through food.”

We’d joined a recent seven-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Legend to check out its updated culinary offerings. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation , and the official cruise line for the National Health Association. On our cruise, we not only went to market with Kalynuik, but also joined his cooking class to learn how to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent (“Remember to coddle the cream!” Kalynuik advised) and Italian seafood chowder. We had lunch at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, cookbook author, TV host, and founder of Barbecue University, where we dined on bourbon-brined turkey breast, tender smoked pork shoulder, and burnt ends.

Lunch and dinner menus in the main restaurants included dishes from James Beard-winning chefs, like Annie Pettry’s glazed wild shrimp and Spanish chorizo dish, Paul Berglund’s roasted rack of lamb with preserved green and red tomatoes, Duskie Estes’s prosciutto and watermelon salad, Amy Brandwein’s grilled filet of branzino, and Irene Li’s coconut dashi clam chowder. A James Beard award-winning chef was not aboard our cruise, but Windstar has already hosted 48 James Beard award-winning chefs on board, and will host chefs Omar Anani, Tanya Holland, and Loryn Nalic on upcoming 2024 culinary cruises. They’ll conduct on-board cooking demonstrations, lead market tours, host a special multicourse dinner, and provide multiple recipes to be featured on Windstar’s menus on all its cruises.

It’s not all about food on a Windstar cruise. Excursions include trips to pretty sights, like Jardin botanique d'Èze, shown here and known for its collection of plants, sculptures, and panoramic views.

“Not only will you get to eat their food — you’ll get to know them,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself, and you’ll definitely have a richer and deeper travel experience because of it.”

If we were on a gluten-free diet or committed to only healthy eating (sadly, we’re not!), there were plenty of options. Windstar, in partnership with the National Health Association, offers whole foods, plant-based, SOS (salt, oil, and sugar free) and gluten-free appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts in all its main dining venues.

Windstar showcases what’s happening throughout the cruise industry: an across-the-board effort to upgrade culinary offerings.

“Cruise clients, particularly more seasoned and discerning sailors, are seeking a more personalized experience and elevated culinary excellence, delivered in a more comfortable ‘country club’ atmosphere,” says Elizabeth Cincotta, founder and luxury travel designer of Rising Tide Travel, which specializes in luxury cruises.

Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, agrees, “Delving into regional food and wine specialties has become an important part of how travelers experience a destination,” she says. “A heightened culinary focus enables our guests to develop a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture, and people.”

Guests can learn to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent during one of chef Joseph Kalynuik's cooking classes aboard the Star Legend.

Major cruise lines have responded in a big way to the demands of a more discerning and food-wise clientele. Today, it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to offer celebrity chef tie-ins, cooking classes, local market excursions, specialty restaurants, and a variety of healthy options. For example, Silversea has a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. (sea and land tours), that includes food excursions, cooking classes, chef’s tables, and an evolving restaurant that adapts to each port. Oceania, with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin as its executive culinary director, has a state-of-the-art Culinary Center, offering classes from international master chefs, immersive culinary tours (e.g., an Argentine dinner at a local’s residence, traditional Irish bread making in Belfast, or a Paella workshop in Alicante), and a host of specialty restaurants, including Toscana’s serving authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Red Ginger’s Asian flavors, French country cuisine at Jacques, and the Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. Regent Seven Seas has introduced its new Epicurean Perfection programming, including specialty restaurants, special tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, on-shore culinary, wine, and spirits tours, hands-on cooking classes in its state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, and specially curated Spotlight Voyages designed around specific culinary interests. AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line member of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, offers at least one wine or culinary-focused excursion on all its itineraries, while others, like Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux, include six tours designed to showcase the culinary experiences in these regions. In 2024, the cruise line will offer more than 70 wine-focused cruises.

Our winter Mediterranean cruise began in Barcelona. But it wasn’t until the final day onboard, docked in Rome, that we were able to snag a seat at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, touted as one of the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. It’s an intimate, 40-person-or-so restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, inviting vibe. We enjoyed glasses of house-made sangria and plates of Jamón Ibérico, Cantabrian anchovies and marinated olives, poached cod, and romesco pork belly. It was a far cry from the grand ballroom dinners and buffets of old.

A kid-friendly trip to Washington, D.C.
At long last, a cruise ship designed for people who hate cruises

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

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COMMENTS

Top "insider" tips for Oceania cruising
April 3, 2005. SW Ontario, Canada. #2. Posted March 16, 2013. Do not miss afternoon tea, some never go but go at least once early in the cruise. Book your specialty restaurants online in advance (when your are allowed) Cannot think of any special tips ...guess I must have missed them as well. Lyn.
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At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., our mission is to provide superior cruise vacations for our guests. This mission applies to all our activities including the products and experiences we offer on board our ships, at our destinations and ports of call, and online through websites and interactive features, including applications, widgets, blogs, social networks, social network "tabs," and ...
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On a recent Oceania Cruises booking we were able to earn a bonus 5 American Express Membership Rewards Points per $1 spent up to a maximum of 50,000 points. We conservatively value 50,000 American Express Membership Rewards points at $750 (1.5cpp) or 15% back in points.
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How much you choose to tip is a personal matter and completely at your discretion. For your convenience, the following gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account. For guests occupying staterooms, gratuities of $18.00 per guest, per day will be added. For guests occupying Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner's Suites where Butler ...
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Oceania Cruises Releases 2025 Mediterranean Sailings
"Oceania Cruises is rightly renowned for its inventive and captivating itineraries, and our array of 2025 Mediterranean sailings is the perfect way to spotlight one of the most popular and exciting cruise regions of the world," stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.
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5. Don't forget your passport. This one seems obvious, but if I don't mention it, someone will point out that I forgot the most important tip of all. Oceania Cruises usually collects all guests' passports when they board and holds them for the duration of the cruise to expedite customs procedures.
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