Oceania Cruises
Quick Answer: The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Oceania Cruises pairs Jacques Pepin-inspired culinary excellence with intimate mid-size ships carrying just 600-1200 guests. Destination-focused itineraries feature longer port stays, a country club casual atmosphere, and an upper-premium experience that appeals to foodies and experienced cruisers who value quality over quantity.
Is Oceania Right for You?
If you find yourself lingering over a perfectly seared scallop at your favorite restaurant, or if you'd rather spend an afternoon exploring a Tuscan hilltop village than riding a waterslide, Oceania Cruises was designed with you in mind. This upper-premium line, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has built its entire identity around culinary artistry and destination immersion.
With legendary chef Jacques Pepin as executive culinary director, every meal aboard is an event — from open-seating specialty restaurants included in your fare to hands-on cooking classes in the onboard Culinary Center. The mid-size ships (7 vessels carrying 600-1200 guests) create an intimate, uncrowded atmosphere where you'll never wait for a tender or fight for a lounge chair.
Ideal for foodies, destination lovers, and experienced cruisers who want refined elegance without the formality of ultra-luxury lines. The country club casual dress code sets the tone: sophisticated but never stuffy. If you've outgrown mega-ships but aren't ready for butler service, Oceania hits the sweet spot.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Brand Identity: Upper-premium, "The Finest Cuisine at Sea"
- Parent Company: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
- Signature Features: Jacques Pepin culinary program, open-seating dining, Culinary Center cooking classes, destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays
- Best For: Foodies, destination lovers, experienced cruisers wanting intimate ships
- Fleet Size: 7 ships (600-1200 guests)
- Dress Code: Country club casual
- Primary Itineraries: Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean, World Cruises, Asia, South Pacific
Ships by Class
Explore each ship's page for dining venues, itinerary details, and planning guides. Classes ordered newest to oldest.
Allura Class
Oceania's newest flagships — 67,000 GT ships carrying just 1,200 guests. The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, Ember shore-side grill, redesigned Polo Grill, and Grand Dining Room set the standard. Oceania's most spacious ships with the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the fleet.
Marina Class (Oceania Class)
The ships that cemented "Finest Cuisine at Sea." At 66,000 GT with 1,250 guests, Marina and Riviera feature Jacques Pepin's cuisine at Jacques Bistro, Red Ginger Asian, Polo Grill steakhouse, and Toscana Italian — all included in your fare.
Regatta Class (R-Class)
Intimate 30,000 GT vessels with just 684 guests. Country club casual atmosphere, exceptional cuisine-to-guest ratio, and the kind of personalized service that larger ships simply cannot match. Perfect for destination-intensive itineraries where the journey matters as much as the ports.
Gallery
Level Up Your Planning
You've picked your ship class — now make your voyage unforgettable. These resources turn good cruises into great ones.
Restaurants & Menus
Browse every dining venue — from the Grand Dining Room to Polo Grill — with menus, dress codes, and honest reviews. Know what to book before you board.
→Packing Lists
Mediterranean or Alaska? Country club casual or elegant evening? Get ship-tested lists that fit your itinerary — nothing forgotten, nothing wasted.
→Port Guides
What to do when you dock. Honest snapshots, DIY options, and accessibility notes for every port of call.
→Solo Cruising
First time sailing alone? Learn how to own your itinerary, find your people, and love the freedom.
→First Cruise Guide
New to cruising? Our step-by-step guide covers everything from booking to disembarkation — no detail left behind.
→Compare Lines
How does Oceania stack up against Celebrity, Regent, or Viking? See all cruise lines side by side and find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Oceania Cruises unique?
Oceania Cruises occupies the upper-premium segment with intimate mid-size ships carrying just 600-1200 guests. Their hallmark is culinary excellence — branded as The Finest Cuisine at Sea — with Jacques Pepin as executive culinary director. Destination-focused itineraries feature longer port stays, and the country club casual atmosphere appeals to experienced cruisers.
What dining does Oceania Cruises offer?
Oceania's dining program is curated by legendary chef Jacques Pepin and includes multiple open-seating specialty restaurants at no extra charge. From French fine dining at Jacques to Italian at Toscana and steaks at Polo Grill, every venue emphasizes fresh ingredients and culinary artistry that rivals top shoreside restaurants.
How big are Oceania cruise ships?
Oceania operates mid-size ships carrying 600-1200 guests, deliberately smaller than mainstream mega-ships. The R-class ships (Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena) carry around 684 guests, while the larger Marina Class (Marina, Riviera) and newest Allura Class (Allura, Vista) carry approximately 1,200 guests — still intimate by modern standards.
Which Oceania ship is best for first-timers?
Marina or Riviera are the best choices for first-time Oceania cruisers. These Marina Class ships offer the full range of Oceania amenities — Jacques Bistro, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, Toscana, the Culinary Center cooking classes, and the Canyon Ranch SpaClub — in a midsize 1,250-guest package that feels intimate without sacrificing variety. See our First Cruise Guide for more tips.
What are Oceania's ship classes?
Oceania operates three ship classes: the Allura Class (Allura 2025, Vista 2023) — the newest 67K GT ships with 1,200 guests and the Aquamar Spa; the Marina Class (Marina 2011, Riviera 2012) — 66K GT ships with 1,250 guests that cemented "Finest Cuisine at Sea"; and the Regatta Class or R-Class (Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena) — intimate 30K GT vessels with just 684 guests and a country club casual atmosphere.
Additional Information
What information does this page provide?
This page provides planning resources and information about Oceania Cruises. Use it alongside official cruise line resources when planning your trip.
Is this information official?
This page provides community insights and planning resources. Always confirm details with your cruise line or travel advisor before making final decisions.
How can I get more help?
For additional assistance, contact your cruise line directly or work with a travel advisor who specializes in cruises.
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