By Debbie Selinsky
Oceania
cruises is an upscale cruise line that was launched in 2003 to provide experienced travelers with a medium-size ship experience. The line's ships are 682-passenger vessels acquired from the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises. The Oceania ships have become popular with cruisers who prefer smaller ships and enjoy being able to access ports that larger ships cannot.
Features
Oceania has three ships currently: the Regatta, the Insignia and the Nautica. The elegant ships, which have 70 percent veranda staterooms, feature teak decks and verandas, large spas (check out the Thalassotherapy Pools) and fitness clubs, open seating dining rooms, and a guest-to-staff ratio of 1.7:1.
Itineraries
Oceania ships sail the world's oceans, and the line has special emphasis on Europe, South America and Asia.
New Ship
Oceania's first new-build will be launched in late 2010. The vessel, which is called the Marina, is twice the size of the other three ships, carrying 1,258 guests.
Considerations
Oceania Cruises generally are priced above the rates of larger-ship lines. Their prices are comparable to Azamara Cruises and fall under those of ultra-luxury lines such as Silversea and Seabourn. Oceania occasionally offers special deals; check the Website to peruse them.
Contact Information
You can contact the cruise line at Oceania Cruises, 8300 NW 33rd St., Suite 308, Miami, Florida, 33122. By phone, Oceania can be reached at (800) 531-5619.
About the Author:
Debbie Selinsky is an award-winning writer based in North Carolina. Selinsky is the former senior editor of "Success Magazine" and deputy director of the Duke University News Service. She has written about travel for many years and specializes in cruise travel, having sailed on more than 100 cruises. Selinsky attended North Greenville University, Oregon Institute of Technology and the Poynter Institute for Journalistic Excellence.
