Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises launched in 2002 and has been part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings since 2014, alongside NCL and Regent Seven Seas. It describes itself as upper premium: more refined than mainstream lines, less all-inclusive than luxury lines. The fleet mixes small R-class ships (Insignia, Nautica and Sirena, carrying under 700 guests) with the larger Marina, Riviera, Vista (2023) and Allura (2025). A new Sonata class is due from 2027.

Cuisine is the main reason people choose Oceania. Specialty restaurants are included in the fare on every ship, among them Toscana (Italian), Polo Grill (steakhouse), Red Ginger (Asian) and, on some ships, Jacques, a French bistro created with chef Jacques Pépin. Larger ships add hands-on Culinary Center cooking classes. The atmosphere is quiet and country-club casual, with a library, an observation lounge and a modest evening entertainment program.

Oceania suits food-focused couples and mature travelers who want longer, destination-heavy voyages, often 10 nights or more, without paying luxury-line prices. It is not well suited to families with kids, travelers looking for nightlife or big-ship attractions, or anyone who wants alcohol included in the base fare.

The vibe: Refined, relaxed and food-obsessed, with a country-club feel and a strong focus on the destinations.

What Oceania does best

Specialty dining included

Every specialty restaurant is included at no extra charge, with reservations bookable before sailing.

Your World Included

Fares include gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, nonalcoholic drinks and room service, among other extras.

Culinary Center

Hands-on cooking classes at sea on the larger ships, plus culinary-focused shore excursions in some ports.

Port-intensive itineraries

Voyages are often 10 nights or longer with many port calls, overnights in select cities and fewer sea days.

Newest ships

Vista (2023) and Allura (2025) are the most modern in the fleet, with more dining choices and larger standard cabins.

Dining

All restaurants are included: the Grand Dining Room, Terrace Café buffet and Waves Grill, plus specialty venues that vary by ship. Toscana (Italian) and Polo Grill (steakhouse) are found across the fleet, Red Ginger (Asian) is on the larger ships, and Jacques, the French bistro created with chef Jacques Pépin, is on Marina and Riviera. Vista and Allura add newer concepts such as Ember (American) and the Aquamar Kitchen wellness venue. Reserve specialty restaurants before sailing.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment is low-key: small-scale shows, live music in lounges, a casino, enrichment lectures and destination talks. Evenings revolve around dinner and conversation. Larger ships host the Culinary Center and art studio classes.

Families and kids

Children are permitted, but Oceania has no kids' clubs or dedicated family facilities, and very few children sail. It is designed for adults.

Dress code

Country club casual every night, with no formal nights. Think sundresses, slacks and collared shirts; jeans are acceptable in most venues, but swimwear, shorts and T-shirts are not appropriate in restaurants at dinner.

Gratuities and drinks

Gratuities for stateroom stewards, butlers and dining staff are included in Oceania fares for sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025, as part of the Your World Included program. (Published rates as of 2026-10-13; source. Lines change these, so we confirm the current amount in every quote.)

Soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas and still and sparkling water are included. Alcohol is not included in the base fare. The Prestige Select Beverage Package adds Champagne and wine by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails throughout the ship and via room service during bar hours; bottled wine and premier spirits are excluded.

Loyalty program: Oceania Club. Tell us your number when you request a quote so past-guest offers and status perks are applied.

Specialist tips for booking Oceania

• Book specialty restaurants as soon as reservations open before sailing. On the R-class ships, with fewer specialty venues, prime times go fast.
• Your World Included dropped the free wine and beer and the shore-excursion credits that used to come with fares. If you drink, budget for the Prestige Select package or pay by the drink.
• R-class ships (Insignia, Nautica, Sirena) reach smaller ports bigger ships cannot, while Vista and Allura have more dining and larger cabins. Choose based on what matters more.
• Culinary Center classes and culinary excursions sell out; reserve them as soon as your booking allows.