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.
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.
Oceania Cruises destinations:
South Pacific and Tahiti.
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.
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.
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.
What’s included on Oceania cruises?
On any Oceania cruise, these benefits are included, no matter which fare package you choose:
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.
Round-trip airfare and airport transfers.
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.
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:
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.
Bronze
To earn: Accrue at least five credits.
Best benefits: $100 shipboard credit, members-only offers and discount on Wi-Fi packages.
Silver
To earn: Accrue at least 10 credits.
Best benefits: $250 shipboard credit, complimentary prepaid gratuities and VIP shore excursion check-in.
Gold
To earn: Accrue at least 15 credits.
Best benefits: $400 shipboard credit, $300 spa treatment credit and two custom air fee waivers (worth $398).
Platinum
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.
Diamond
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does Oceania have free Wi-Fi?
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.
Is Oceania all-inclusive?
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.
How much is the drink package?
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)
Unlimited premium wine, champagne, beer and spirits anywhere and whenever you like.
Does Oceania have free Wi-Fi?
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.
Is Oceania all-inclusive?
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.
How much is the drink package?
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)
How to maximize your rewards
Source link : https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/oceania-cruises-guide
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Publish date : 2023-11-14 03:00:00
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