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Oceania cruises announces 2026 around the world voyage aboard its newest ship, vista.

Set sail on an epic 180-day world journey across six continents visiting 43 countries, 101 ports and 81 UNESCO World Heritage sites

MIAMI , March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening up the world to a new era of global exploration,  Oceania Cruises , the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, welcomes guests on board its newest ship, Vista, for its highly anticipated inaugural 180-day 2026 Around the World voyage. Having set the standard for extraordinary sailings for over a decade with destination-immersive global journeys, Oceania Cruises sets a new bar with unparalleled comfort and convenience, electing Vista to host this year's circumnavigation visiting 101 ports across 43 countries. Now open for preview, bookings for this unique, all-encompassing journey officially open on March 13, 2024 .

Setting sail from Miami on January 6 , the boutique 1,200-guest vessel will cross three oceans and 18 seas, exploring the jewels of Southeast Asia and Australia , island-hopping in the South Pacific, calling on unique ports in Europe , and exploring favorite South American cities. Fully charting entire continental coastlines, the journey features both off-the-beaten-path secrets and impressive cities embracing cultural immersions, epicurean discoveries and breathtaking natural wonders.

"After the remarkable success of our most recent world cruises, we have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present travelers with an even more extraordinary experience for our 2026 voyage," remarked Frank A. Del Rio , President of Oceania Cruises. "With that, we are excited to announce that Vista , Oceania Cruises' pinnacle of luxury and newest ship, will circumnavigate the globe artfully intertwining diverse continents, enriching cultures, and mouthwatering cuisines, creating an unforgettable tapestry of exploration for our guests. With this new voyage, we are excited to offer a rare chance to experience the world from an entirely new perspective – and further forward the future of global cruising."

Around the World in 180 Days

The 2026 Around the World journey weaves together a lineup of destinations into a brilliant kaleidoscope of world wonders, marvelous attractions, and exceptional encounters. Vista will start its six-month sojourn with a sweeping six-week exploration of South America , fully charting the continent's western coast before continuing to Mexico and California , and then will island-hop in the dazzling South Pacific and call on unique Australian ports such as the Whitsunday Islands. Farther west, off-the-beaten-path secrets will come to life in Southeast Asia and across India . Toward the end of the voyage, Vista will call into enchanting coastal villages and iconic cities throughout the Mediterranean, British Isles and Nordic region before crossing back over to the United States .

Continuing to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea ® , Vista features 11 onboard culinary venues including the lines' newest additions: Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery at Baristas, serving tempting freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant, Ember. At 791 feet (241 meters) long and more than 67,000 tons, Vista offers a market-leading staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests. On board, culinary aficionados will delight in the gourmet experiences curated by Oceania Cruises' two resident Master Chefs of France , Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale . From immersive Culinary Discovery Tours ™ ashore to hands-on cooking classes back on board, guests will have the opportunity to savor the flavors of cultures from around the world alongside Director of Culinary Enrichment Kathryn Kelly , an Oceania Cruises Around the World first. Vista additionally offers an elevated variety of onboard activities including eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues, including the new Founders Bar, the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa Terrace.

This epic voyage features over 80 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 101 destinations, with 11 overnight stays and a series of curated complimentary special onshore events and optional multi-day overland programs. Starting at $59,699 per person for the French Veranda Stateroom category, the 180-day world cruise boasts free first-class roundtrip airfare and transfers, an array of included amenities with the Exclusive Prestige Package such as free laundry services, a free visa package, free Internet, free pre-paid gratuities, free luggage delivery, as well as inclusive simply MORE™ amenities including a generous shore excursion credit of $8,800 per stateroom and a comprehensive beverage package available during lunch and dinner.

World Odyssey and Global Wanderlust Voyages

In addition to Vista 's Around the World in 180 days cruise, Oceania Cruises is offering more flexibility than ever by offering Global Wanderlust, a 120-day voyage from San Diego to Miami , as well as World Odyssey, a 197-day cruise from Los Angeles to Miami . While the global destinations are naturally the star attraction on this journey, the luxurious ambiance of Vista welcomes guests to the ultimate home at sea. With staterooms among the most spacious ever to be offered on a world journey, Oceania Cruises provides the space for a ritual of rejuvenation before exploring each day.

A detailed brochure for Oceania Cruises' 2026 Around the World journeys may be found here . For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com , call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About simply MORE Oceania Cruises offers travelers simply MORE ™ , with virtually everything included in the voyage fare: free roundtrip airfare; free airport transfers; a generous shore excursion credit of up to $1,400 per stateroom to be spent on tours of their choice; and a comprehensive beverage package available during lunch and dinner at onboard restaurants featuring dozens of vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers. Created to elevate the guest experience, simply MORE ™ means travelers receive the greatest value in luxury cruising.

About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea ® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit  OceaniaCruises.com .

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oceania-cruises-announces-2026-around-the-world-voyage-aboard-its-newest-ship-vista-302078810.html

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

Press Releases

Oceania cruises reveals next phase of oceanianext enhancements, culinary expansions include new in-room dining menus, wine tasting programs and more.

MIAMI, Nov. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the second phase of culinary enhancements rolling out across the luxurious small-ship fleet as part of its Oceania NEXT program. Following the May introduction of new thoughtfully crafted dining experiences, menus and elevated service levels, this next phase brings new wine tasting programs, expanded in-room dining offerings and a soufflé of the day in The Grand Dining Room. These updates have already launched on board Marina and Riviera and will debut on Insignia, Nautica, Regatta , and Sirena as each vessel returns to sailing.

"The Oceania NEXT enhancements continue to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea® to be even better than ever," said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. "Never resting on our laurels, we continue to challenge ourselves to raise the bar to continually delight our guests. Across all six of our ships, the creativity and dedication of the Oceania Cruises culinary team continues to create memorable experiences for our guests."

Additions to the 24-Hour In-Room Dining Experience With such comfortable suites and staterooms, dining in can be as enjoyable as dining out. Evolving from traditional room service, the Oceania Cruises culinary team has revitalized the in-room dining menu to include more exquisite options for every meal. New appetizers include Plant-Based California Rolls, an Antipasti Plate, and Shrimp Cocktail, with new soups and salads including Grilled Salmon Salad and Miso Ramen Soup. The new burger menu brings an Alaskan Salmon Burger and an Impossible Burger to the in-room dining experience, while new entrées include a Petite Beef Filet, Thai Coconut Red Curry, a Hawaiian Poke Bowl, and a Mezze Platter. For those with a sweet tooth at any hour, new dessert options include Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, "Pure Energy" Smoothies, and a Chocolate Mousse Cake. In addition, the most important meal of the day has been enhanced with the addition of a full hot breakfast for all staterooms and suites. Guests can choose from an array of options including eggs prepared to one's liking (scrambled, over easy, hard-boiled, etc.), omelets, avocado toast, pancakes or French toast along with sides including bacon, sausage, and hash browns. The in-room dining remains complimentary to all guests.

Soufflé of the Day Oceania Cruises believes the dining experience should be indulgent and an experience worth savoring. With this in mind, the culinary team has added the Soufflé of the Day in The Grand Dining Room. This decadent dessert is a favorite on board, so the culinary team developed a rotating menu of delectable daily indulgences, including some reimagined spins on the classic. These include:

• Coco-Malibu Soufflé with Pineapple and Lime
• Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Soufflé Topped with Cacao Nibs
• Green Apple Martini Soufflé
• Pistachio Soufflé with a Cherry Ragout
• Grand Marnier Soufflé
• Passion Fruit Soufflé with a Mango Ragout
• Lime and Limoncello Soufflé with a Berry Compote
• Chestnut Soufflé with Pear Ragout

New Wine Tasting Programs on Every Sailing Building on Oceania Cruises' already impressive wine menu, the new wine tasting programs will bring guests on a journey to some of the world's best wine regions, all from the comfort of the ship. Offered on every voyage, sommeliers will lead guests in interactive tasting sessions like Top California Cabs, Mediterranean Jewels, Stars of the Southern Hemisphere, Forever French, 360 Degrees of Reds, and The Red Challenge, which pits two different wine regions against each other, like Napa vs. Bordeaux. In addition to learning about tasting notes, terroir, and more, each deep dive features complementing canapés.

Local Flavors, Wines and Spirits in La Reserve and Baristas Guests can now experience a curated array of local wines, spirits, and tapas during the evening wine bar service that is offered in La Reserve or Baristas aboard Marina and Riviera on select evenings. Here, our chefs and cellar masters present a food and wine fueled destination immersion by showcasing local wines and spirits from ports of call along with many market-fresh tapas dishes, small-plates, and cheeses.

More Enhancements to Come The next phase of enhancements will be unveiled in the coming months, highlighting another new facet of the guest experience.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

About Oceania NEXT Oceania NEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. This ambitious brand initiative will elevate every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic Re-inspiration of the brand's six ships, guests will savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, be pampered aboard small and luxurious ships, and be enriched through in-depth destination exploration.

About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's seven small, luxurious ships carry no more than 1,250 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has an additional 1,200-guest Vista Class ship on order for delivery in 2025.

With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising approximately 24,000 berths.

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

Released November 10, 2021

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Oceania Announces 2026 Around the World Voyage Aboard Vista

• March 5, 2024

Oceania Cruises announced its inaugural 180-day 2026 Around the World voyage aboard the Vista.

The 2026 circumnavigation will visit 101 ports across 43 countries. Bookings officially open on March 13, 2024.

Sailing from Miami on January 6, the Vista will cross three oceans, exploring Southeast Asia and Australia, island-hopping in the South Pacific, visiting ports in Europe and exploring South American cities. 

“After the remarkable success of our most recent world cruises, we have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present travelers with an even more extraordinary experience for our 2026 voyage,” remarked Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. “With that, we are excited to announce that Vista, Oceania Cruises’ pinnacle of luxury and newest ship, will circumnavigate the globe artfully intertwining diverse continents, enriching cultures, and mouthwatering cuisines, creating an unforgettable tapestry of exploration for our guests. With this new voyage, we are excited to offer a rare chance to experience the world from an entirely new perspective – and further forward the future of global cruising.”

This world voyage features over 80 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 101 destinations, including 11 overnight stays. Prices start at $59,699 per person for the French Veranda Stateroom category.

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Your World Magazine

Discover the second issue of our popular new Your World magazine, spotlighting all things culture in exciting destinations around the globe. In-depth features dive into café-obsessed cities to add to your travel list, reveal memorable French Polynesian experiences that convey the unique spirit of these islands, take you on an insider’s jaunt to hidden gems in the Aussie capital of Sydney and recommend 10 favorite Caribbean adventures perfect for seasoned travelers. Plus read expert travel recommendations in this issue’s city roundup section covering star culture capitals in Asia and South America – Hong Kong, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Featured sailings range from November 2024-May 2025.

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Luxurious ship, over-the-top food, outstanding staff and incredible itineraries – Oceania Cruises is the perfect way to travel the world.

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Navigate beyond the familiar and into the extraordinary with our newest collection of Tropics and Exotics voyages. Experience the crossroads of ancient traditions and futuristic trends in Asia. Discover Africa's diverse cultures and wild landscapes. Tap into the vibrant heart of the Caribbean. Connect with the isolated beauty of the Oceania region. Find your next journey now.

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Stuck with a $20,000 bill? Oceania guests struggle for refunds amid major cruise changes

Editor's note: Oceania Cruises issued the Sherwoods a full refund after publication of this story.

Janet and Joe Sherwood's bucket list trip became a burden.

The couple booked a Nov. 29 cruise from Istanbul to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with Oceania Cruises, but in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war , the cruise line – like many others – adjusted its plans, altering the itinerary dramatically. The roughly three-week sailing aboard the Riviera ship, set to visit Haifa, Israel; Luxor, Egypt; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, only retains about half of its original ports, including the start and end points.

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After calling Oceania last week, the Hoschton, Georgia, couple said the line told Joe that they also could apply the more than $20,000 they spent to another cruise as long as they rebooked by Nov. 30. But two days later, after Janet heard from another passenger that the offer had been rescinded, Joe called back and was told the same thing.

Oceania Cruises declined USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The couple is among several Oceania guests who have struggled to get refunds or compensation in the wake of drastic changes to planned sailings. Multiple guests said they felt locked into cruises they wouldn’t have chosen to take.

After appealing their case, the line's Vice President of Global Guest Services Carlos Ortega told the Sherwoods Oceania would not issue any compensation or future cruise credits for canceled reservations.

"As all of our itinerary changes were carefully evaluated with the guest experience in mind, the revised voyages feature culturally rich and historically significant ports across Italy, Greece and Turkey, full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique culinary experiences and cultural treasures," he said an email last week, which the couple shared with USA TODAY.

“It’s a terrible situation, and I certainly feel sorry for the people who are living there and having to deal with this. It’s just horrible,” said Janet Sherwood, a 77-year-old real estate agent. “But I feel like that really doesn’t affect the decision (Oceania made on how to handle) this.”

She said the trip cost more than they would normally spend but included destinations like Israel and Egypt, where she had wanted to go for years. She said being on the financial hook for a much different trip she would not have booked feels wasteful.

She also has safety concerns. The U.S. State Department has multiple travel advisories in place for the region and issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans overseas last month.

They contacted American Express, their credit card company, who Janet said tentatively offered to reimburse around $18,000 – though the request is still pending. The couple also bought travel insurance through Oceania but said their policy would not cover those kinds of itinerary changes.

Oceania told Joe Sherwood the line would refund the taxes the couple paid if they decided not to go, though the couple did not know how much that would be, and credited the price of excursions for canceled ports.

“They’re within their legal right to do what they have done,” Janet Sherwood said. “But it isn't right.”

Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, told USA TODAY in June that the contracts guests agree to when they book are “very cruise line friendly.” But while the lines may not owe passengers compensation , they sometimes offer it as a goodwill gesture.

On most Oceania cruises, passengers must pay 100% of their cruise fare for cancellations made 60 days or less before departure, along with any optional facilities and service fees, according to the line’s guest ticket contract .

The Sherwoods received notice of the most extreme itinerary changes to their Nov. 29 sailing on Oct. 20, 40 days before.

'Getting something completely different than what you bought'

Steven Alves and Jeff Hull had to fight for a refund on their cruise. The Florida couple booked a 40-day sailing with Oceania from Barcelona, Spain, to Singapore to celebrate 22 years together.

The stops included many first-time destinations for the pair, including Haifa; Luxor, and Aqaba, Jordan. “We booked it for the itinerary,” said Alves, who is 52 and works in business consulting.

Oceania altered most of the first half of the Nov. 18 sailing aboard its Nautica ship. The line also made changes to the second half.

Alves said the line initially declined to refund any of the more than $35,000 they spent on the cruise. They heard that other guests had received an offer for a future cruise credit, and their travel agent told them Oceania said they could apply their fare to a future voyage if they rebooked by Nov. 30.

But two days later, the couple was told by Oceania the policy had changed – hours before being notified about major itinerary revisions, Alves said. Their travel agent did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

The new portions of Alves and Hull’s itinerary centered more heavily on Italy, where they had been before, and at one point included more than a week straight of sailing. Alves spent hours canceling car and hotel reservations for overnight stops at ports the ship will no longer visit.

Cruise travel insurance: Why you might not want to buy it through the cruise line

After they appealed their case, Ortega told Hull last week that the line was not issuing future cruise credits or penalty waivers at that time for changes related to the war.

“We understand the disappointment these revisions may have caused but hope that our guests and travel partners share in the understanding that these circumstances are outside of anyone's control,” he said in an email, which Hull shared with USA TODAY.

However, the couple's travel agent called on Thursday to tell them the line had reversed course and would issue them a full refund.

"It's a horrible thing that's going on," Alves said of the war.

"But our stance is, the cruise line should understand that you're getting something completely different than what you bought," added Hull. "And this is not something cheap. It takes a lot of time to do, a lot of planning."

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stuck with a $20,000 bill? Oceania guests struggle for refunds amid major cruise changes

Oceania Marina Will Undergo Extensive Refurbishment in May 2024

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on November 21, 2023

Oceania Cruises’ ship Marina will offer three new culinary venues and a refreshed look when she emerges from dry dock next spring.

Premium-plus cruise line Oceania Cruises has announced that its 1,250-passenger ship Marina will receive a comprehensive renovation in May 2024.

Three new dining options will be added to Oceania Marina as part of the refurbishment. The ship will offer Aquamar Kitchen , a new wellness-focused dining venue that debuted on Vista earlier this year. Marina will also offer a new casual alfresco trattoria serving Italian dishes including freshly-made pizzas and an expanded poolside ice cream parlor serving creative flavors along with milkshakes and smoothies.

Marina is the last of Oceania Cruises’ current fleet to be refurbished. The brand’s eighth ship, Allura , is set to debut in spring 2025.

“ Marina is a ship designed by foodies, built by foodies, for foodies,” said Frank A. Del Rio , president of Oceania Cruises. “We are renowned for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, and this is not just a tagline, it is a mantra which we have built the business around. Food is the foundation of what we do onboard each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit.”

“This refresh of Marina will see her updated to offer three exciting new dining venues. We are especially thrilled to expand the Aquamar Kitchen concept to Marina , following its incredible reception from guests since it was unveiled aboard Vista in May,” Del Rio continued in a press release .

Related: Oceania Cruises Launches Simply MORE Program to Offer More Included Amenities

New dining options on Oceania Marina

Oceania Marina and her sister ship Riviera were the first cruise ships ever to feature an onboard cooking school and boast more galley space and more fresh food storage than any other Oceania ship.

According to the cruise line, Oceania Cruises has the highest percentage of culinary personnel devoted to the dining experience than any other cruise company. To ensure the quality of each dish, the line employs one chef for every ten guests, and half of the crew onboard is dedicated to cooking or serving food.

Aquamar Kitchen, a new Oceania Cruises signature restaurant with wellness-inspired meals, is one of the exciting culinary additions coming to Marina . Smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and energy bowls will be among the breakfast options. The lunch menu will offer healthy choices including avocado toast and internationally-influenced salads and wraps. Among the heartier alternatives are tacos made with yellowfin tuna, an Impossible Burger, and a crispy chicken sandwich.

To complement the wellness-inspired cuisine, the beverage menu at Aquamar will showcase a range of award-winning non-alcoholic wines, including Pierre Zero from France, along with an assortment of mocktails made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits . Like all other onboard restaurants on Oceania, guests can dine for free at Aquamar Kitchen, which will be available for breakfast and lunch. Reservations will not be required.

Related: Which Cruise Lines Have All-Inclusive Cruises?

In the evening, Waves Grill will transform into an alfresco trattoria featuring freshly-made pizzas, grilled Italian specialties, spicy dry-rubbed chicken wings, salads, rosemary focaccia with burrata, and a range of indulgent desserts.

For more sweet treats, an all-day ice cream parlor will be added to the pool deck. The venue will offer favorite flavors—including options from artisan ice cream maker Humphry Slocombe —plus milkshakes and smoothies.

After the refurbishment, Oceania Cruises’ signature pairing dinners from La Reserve —including the Odyssey Menu and the Dom Pérignon Experience—will now be featured in Privée , Marina ‘s exclusive private dining area.

Marina will feature refurbished suites and public spaces

Along with the three new dining venues, Marina ‘s public and private spaces will also receive a refresh to provide a bright new atmosphere. Upper Suites will feature a completely new design, with thoughtfully crafted additional features that the cruise line promises will make them appear lighter, brighter, and even more spacious.

Penthouse Suites will be fully renovated with new carpets and upholstery, modern lighting, custom-crafted furnishings, and small touches like more outlets and USB ports. Additionally, new closets and cupboards will increase the amount of storage space available to guests. Bathrooms will feature a streamlined redesign with signature Italian marble throughout, plenty of drawer space, and roomy oversized showers.

Public spaces including Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room, and Library will be updated with plush new carpets and refreshed upholstery. The classic steakhouse Polo Grill will boast new carpet, chic window treatments, and updated dining chair designs.

The refurbished Oceania Marina will debut on May 18, 2024, just in time for the summer cruise season.

Oceania Marina’s summer 2024 featured sailings

• July 6: Oslo to Copenhagen, 20 days: Visiting Scandinavia and the Baltic countries from the beauty of Norway’s fjords to the historic cities of Gothenburg and Gdansk
• July 16: London to London, 44 days: See the best of the North Atlantic and Northern Europe, from lavish palaces to breathtaking glaciers
• July 26: Copenhagen to Tromsø, 10 days: Explore Norway in depth on this journey that spotlights its extraordinary fjord country
• August 5: Tromsø to Reykjavik, 15 days: Explore the rugged Arctic shores of the Svalbard archipelago to the volcanic terrain of Iceland and the stunning hinterlands of Greenland

More news about Oceania Cruises

Have you sailed on Oceania Cruises’ Marina before? Are you looking forward to seeing her new look? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Cheri Stanziano

Monday 19th of February 2024

We are booked on the Transatlantic Nov 7, 2025. We are wondering what people wear to dinner and what weather we should expect on the crossing. Last year we did Celebrity Beyond from Ft Lauderdale

Carrie Ann Karstunen

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

Hi Cheri, I've done several transatlantics in November and the weather can really vary! I looked up your cruise and I see that it's Barcelona to Miami - I just did a similar voyage on another line last year. Obviously day-to-day conditions can change (rain, a cold snap, strong winds etc.), but you'll be taking a southern route across the ocean so temps should be pleasantly warm during your crossing. I tend to pack layers that all coordinate in case of unexpectedly chilly weather. On this last crossing we had a few days where the wind was strong enough that they closed the open decks, so I made use of the jeans and cardigans I had packed!

As for what to wear to dinner, I'd recommend watching some of Gary Bembridge's YouTube videos. His channel is called Tips for Travellers and he has quite a few videos for Oceania first timers. Happy cruising!

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Oceania Cruises fleet

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Oceania Cruises (oceaniacruises.com) is a Miami -based passenger shipping company operating a fleet of upper-premium, mid-sized vessels. Between April 2007 and September 2014, Oceania was owned by Apollo Management. The company's owner since 2014 is NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) - also the owner of NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Oceania as a cruise line brand offers a luxury product with relatively shorter itineraries but is also well-known for its Around The World voyages lasting up to 180 days.

Since January 2023, Oceania's President and CEO is Frank A. Del Rio (Frank Del Rio Jr/former NCLH's President's son), who succeeded Howard Sherman. The latter succeeded (in January 2022) Bob Binder (Oceania's co-founder, currently NCLH's Vice Chairman). Between 2016-2021, Howard Sherman was NCLH's Executive VP (Onboard Revenue and Destination Services). Oceania's and RSSC-Regent's Presidents both report to NCL's President (currently Harry Sommer).

As a travel brand, Oceania is widely recognized for having the finest cuisine at sea.

Company history and changes

The Oceania cruise line was founded in 2002 by travel industry veterans Frank Del Rio (former VP of Renaissance Cruises/1989-2001- defunct ) and Joseph Watters (Independent Director of the brokerage company MarineMax).

Oceania initially chartered the ex-Renaissance vessel "R Two" (from Cruiseinvest), which in October 2002 was renamed Insignia . In April 2003, the boat was 3-month chartered to TRM France (travel agency), and during that period Oceania had no fleet. On June 15, 2003, the company restarted services with 2 vessels - Insignia (renamed Regatta ) and a new vessel (R One, sistership of Regatta, also chartered from Cruiseinvest) that debuted as the current Insignia.

At the end of 2005, a third (ex-Renaissance) vessel entered Oceania's fleet when from CruiseInvest was chartered R-Five (renamed Nautica ). At the naming ceremony, Frank del Rio announced a plan to add a fourth boat ( Marina ) in July 2007. However, this didn't come to pass.

The majority of Oceania's stock was sold in February 2007 to the NYC -based Apollo Management. The next month Oceania made a memorandum agreement with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct two 1260-passenger newbuilds . The contract was finalized in June 2007, with delivery dates scheduled for January and July 2011. The contract also included an option for a 3rd unit of the same design/sistership to be delivered in May 2012, but Oceania declined that option.

After being leased out to Hapag-Lloyd (as Columbus 2) for two years, Insignia returned to Oceania in 2014. In May 2014, Oceania and Fincantieri were close to making a deal on two additional ships. On September 2, 2014, NCLH purchased "Prestige Cruise Holdings" (the parent company of Oceania and RSSC-Regent) for USD 3,025 billion, thus becoming the official owner of all vessels in both fleets.

On November 25, 2014, NCLH revealed an agreement with Princess Cruises to purchase Ocean Princess (now Sirena ) for Oceania, upon delivery in March 2016. The ship underwent a 35-day drydock refit (US$40 million) in Marseille France and was renamed "MS Sirena".

In September 2018, Oceania partnered with Luggage Forward (USA-based luggage shipping company). The new service allows passengers to ship their luggage doorstep-to-stateroom (and back home again), thus truly traveling light. Luggage Forward provides premier door-to-door shipping services to 200 countries worldwide (including over 150 cruise ports). The company's own team of Customs specialists handles the country-specific paperwork to ensure on-time deliveries. Travelers can track the shipment in real-time. Luggage Forward service can be booked online or via phone. Rates are fixed, without additional charges or fees applied. Luggage's arrival on time and safety is guaranteed. Luggage Forward offers money-back plus US$500 on-time guarantee.

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

In April 2023, Oceania signed a partnership with the 2014-established premium brand "Chapter 7 Whisky" to create an exclusive 20-year aged Chapter 7 special cask whisky (batch of a total of 304 bottles) to celebrate its 20th anniversary as well as the launch of the Vista ship. The exclusive bottles are available for onboard purchase (via Harding+/part of Harding Retail UK) only during Oceania Vista's inaugural season (2023).

In June 2023 Oceania introduced fleetwide a rare collection of premium vintage wines (80 new labels) from winegrowing regions in France, Italy and Chile. The new collection includes varieties like Moet & Chandon Cuvee Dom Perignon (from Epernay), Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru Classe (from Pauillac), Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore (from Tuscany), Vina Errazuriz Kai Carmenere (from Chile's Aconcagua Valley). The rare wines can be tasted at all shipboard restaurants and bars as well as in the staterooms (fleetwide).

In August 2023, Jason Worth was appointed VP of International Sales (newly created position) who reports to Nikki Upshaw (Oceania's Senior VP of Global Sales since 2011, in 2001-2011 employed as Director of Global Sales and Marketing for ResidenSea The World . Jason Worth is with Oceania since 2011, and in the period 2019-22 served as VP of Sales for Australia and New Zealand.

All Oceania-operated ships are currently Marshall Islands - flagged and registered in Majuro .

On January 8, 2019, Oceania's parent company NCLH announced a shipbuilding order with Fincantieri for two units planned for Oceania. Both vessels are of the new ALLURA-Class - the next stage of the fleet expansion project OceaniaNEXT. The new boats are designed and built by Fincantieri (in Ancona Italy ), with scheduled deliveries in 2023 ( Vista ) and 2025 ( Allura ).

Each of the 67000 GT-ton ALLURA-Class vessels (Vista, and Allura) has max capacity 1470 passengers plus 800 staff/crew. These are mid-sized ships similar in design and amenities to Oceania's 2011-2012-built Riviera and Marina .

The contract price for each of the newbuilds is ~EUR 575 million (per unit). NCLH obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the total contract price, subject to certain Italian government approvals.

As of 2019, NCLH had 10 ship orders with planned deliveries thru 2027. Of those, 7x units were for NCL-Norwegian, 2x for Oceania, 1x for RSSC-Regent.

Cruising experience

The Oceania cruise line serves the industry's upper-premium market, and as a brand is positioned between its luxury and premium segments. The shipboard experience is country club-like, the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed, never formal or stuffy. The company's customers are well-traveled, looking for top-class cuisine, personalized service, destination-focused travel experience.

Oceania offers exotic itineraries to remote destinations worldwide. Often, port calls are with overnight stays so passengers can enjoy local cuisine, nightlife, culture.

Oceania's current Executive Culinary Directors (since March 2024) are Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale (both French master chefs) who succeeded Jacques Pepin. Master Chef Pepin (now Oceania's Executive Culinary Adviser) created a premier menu of gourmet delights highlighted during each shipboard dinner. In April 2024, Giada Pamela De Laurentiis (1970-born Italian chef, entrepreneur, writer, and TV personality) was appointed the company's Brand and Culinary Ambassador, as well as Co-Chairman of Oceania’s Culinary Advisory Board (together with Jacques Pepin). Giada De Laurentiis is also Oceania Vista ship's godmother.

Oceania ships serve an extensive vegan menu and offer smoothie bars with cold-pressed raw juices at Lido Deck.

Pool Deck's raw juice and smoothie bar serve a variety of healthy drinks - like cold brew lattes, green smoothies, chia cashew yogurt bowl, acai berry bowl. Oceania's new vegan menu has over 250 dishes and is featured in Main Dining Rooms of all ships. It includes appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. Vegetarian, kosher and gluten-free meals are also offered.

The vegan menu has 5 dishes and 4 sides offered at each breakfast, such as Spanish tortilla dish (tofu, potatoes, onions), vanilla waffles (fresh berries), cream of wheat or oatmeal, apricot and pistachio muffins, sides (Lyonnaise potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, vegan sausage). At lunch are offered Italian salad (assorted greens), Tuscan-style bean soup, toasted garlic bread, spinach-stuffed involtini (with pasta and tapenade sauce), tofu, chocolate ricotta pie. The dinner menu is 5-course and include truffle-flavored parsnip soup, quinoa salad, vegetable tartare, Thai red curry with rice, shortbread dessert (strawberries, passion fruit cream).

OceaniaNEXT ship refurbishments (fleet-renovation project)

In August 2018 was announced OceaniaNEXT fleet renovation project budgeted USD 100 million. It includes drydock refurbishments of all four R-Class liners - Regatta (September 2019), Insignia (December 2018), Sirena (May 2019) and Nautica (June 2020).

As supervision company for the project was contracted Studio DADO Inc (Miami-based designer firm). Other contractors include Baker and Donghia (furnishings), and Rubelli and Kravet (fabrics, custom-made carpets). As result, the fleet was expanded with 1368 new staterooms, and all shipboard restaurants, bars, and lounges will be redesigned and redecorated. New public spaces on these ships include open-floor designed Lobby with Reception Hall (lower level) with Upper Hall (2nd level). They are connected with Grand Staircase (decorated with railings and balustrades) and featuring a large crystal chandelier (with hanging pieces of hand-painted glass).

Grand Dining Room (aft restaurant on Deck 5) on each ship received new premium dining furniture (leather chairs with metallic bronze threading) and new crystal chandelier. Martinis (piano bar lounge on Deck 5) was redesigned, new silver-white marble bar top and walnut paneling were added.

All staterooms were completely overhauled (redesigned and re-furnished) and upgraded with custom-made furniture, polished wood, stone finishes, designer accessories, smart HDTVs (infotainment system with movies-on-demand and Internet), USB ports, LED lighting. All cabin bathrooms were overhauled and received new tiling, surfaces, fixtures, designer accessories, vanities, glass shower enclosures. Penthouse-Vista-Owner suite bathrooms were enlarged and upgraded with Carrara marble tops, onyx, polished granite.

Works on the fleetwide refurb project involved over 1000 artisans and craftsmen and resulted in 1368 new cabins, 8000 new light fixtures, 12000 new sofas and chairs.

In September 2018, as part of OceaniaNEXT program, the company's website was redesigned and upgraded. Now customers (travel agents and cruise passengers) can use shipboard credits before departure. OBC can be used for purchasing tours/excursions and shipboard activities and amenities (culinary classes, drink packages, specialty dining at the Privee and La Reserve).

As part of OceaniaNEXT, on January 31, 2019, the company announced its partnership with Vero Water (eco-friendly bottled water supplier) to eliminate plastic water bottles fleetwide. In the period April-June 2019, all Oceania liners were outfitted with Vero Water systems eliminating around 3 million plastic bottles annually. By 2020, all Oceania cruise customers are provided complimentary with re-useable Vero Water bottles (Oceania-branded, 1 per person) to be used ashore and after the voyage to take home as a souvenir. The new water bottles will be available on each ship since April 2, 2019 (Riviera), April 19, 2019 (Marina), May 1, 2019 (Regatta), May 19, 2019 (Sirena), May 30, 2019 (Nautica), and June 19, 2019 (Insignia).

In May 2019, by the OceaniaNEXT program were introduced fleetwide 200+ plant-based dining menus. The new items are available (upon request) in "Grand Dining Room" and "Terrace Cafe" at breakfast-lunch-dinner, and also dinner-only in all specialty restaurants.

• Breakfast items include Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes, Muesli with Pistachios, Avocado Toast on Rustic Bread.
• Lunch items include Chilled Melon Soup, Korean Kimchi Soup, Wakame-Sesame Salad, Poke Bowl, Penne au Pistou.
• Dinner items include Green Papaya Kelp Noodle Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato-Oat Tarte (with Mushrooms and Truffle Cheddar Sauce), Falafel Fritters, Crespelle alla Fiorentina (with Mushrooms), Green Curry Stir Fry.
• Pnat-based desserts include Vanilla Mango Ice, Romanoff Vodka-Marinated Strawberries, Berry Pudding with Chantilly Cream, Shortbread (with Cream Cheese and Raspberries).

In 2019, Oceania's new website has greatly improved navigation via groups of 4 tabs (at page top) - "Plan Your Cruise", "Onboard Experiences", "Explore Ashore" and "Ultimate Value". The website's "Travel Agent Center" was also updated (marketing tools, tips, and training, travel advisor benefits). Oceania also launched new pre-cruise savings program, allowing customers booking within 30-days prior departure to receive in advance savings and "Best Price Guarantee". Repeat travel agency bookings are credited back automatically.

Why choose Oceania ships?

• Cuisine: Oceania's chefs prepare noteworthy cuisine in all onboard restaurants.
• Destinations: Oceania itineraries offer overnights in top ports and are destination-oriented.
• Midsize Ships: The deluxe ships of Oceania are quite manageable in size: even the largest one has fewer than 1,300 guests.
• No Smoking: Oceania vessels are almost entirely smoke-free. There are small, designated areas for smokers.
• Surprisingly Affordable: Oceania cruises approach true luxury in style, but are quite affordable when it comes to fares.

The sophisticated ambiance of Oceania extends to the entertainment provided onboard. Guests can listen to a jazz band or 12-piece orchestra, watch a cabaret show or enjoy regional entertainment from the ports of call. The line regularly hosts guest lecturers, from former ambassadors to famous authors. Oceania cruises combine the best of new and old, preserving classic traditions, such as afternoon tea while offering contemporary services like 24-hour Internet access.

Oceania voyages are adult-oriented. These are not a good pick for families, particularly those sailing with infants and toddlers. There are no dedicated kids' facilities available onboard, and parents are completely responsible for children's behavior and entertainment. Some teenagers who don't mind the absence of video arcades might enjoy the unique ports of call.

Other advantages of Oceania include:

• Many Oceania cruises include airfare in pricing.
• Pre-/postcruise Hotel Collection Packages include private group transfers.
• There is no dining charge on Oceania Cruises ships, but wine and cocktail prices are relatively high.
• Guests may bring up to 3 bottles of wine per stateroom from ports of call, but have in mind the corkage fee - it is $25 per bottle to bring wine to the restaurant.
• Oceania offers shore excursion collections. These have to be reserved prior to sailing and save a lot.
• Oceania Cruises was the first line to upgrade bedding to the highest standard. Passengers can count on a good sleep on these ships.

Early-booking cruise discounts (OLife Advantage)

Since September 2015, Oceania Cruises offers an extended early booking program (OLife Advantage). Discounts and benefits by this incentive program are available to all Oceania customers booking itineraries in Europe, Alaska and Canada-New England.

OLife Advantage rewards all booked passengers, regardless of stateroom category. The list of bonus perks (complimentary amenities) may include unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities, onboard credit, free cabin upgrades. The OLife Advantage program also provides free (complimentary) shore excursions per cruise, depending on itinerary's length: 3 tours (itineraries up to 9 days), 4 tours (itineraries 10-13 days) and 5 tours (itineraries 14+ days).

Wavenet (free, high-speed Internet) fleetwide

In April 2018, Oceania Cruises introduced the Wavenet (high-speed internet) fleetwide / on all ships. The service allows faster uploading/downloading of big files, watching Netflix movies, social media sharing, music, and video live streaming (Spotify Facetime, Skype).

Oceania's new Wavenet Internet service is free of charge and unlimited. As for amenities, it is included in the ticket prices for all staterooms (suite and cabin categories) and on all itineraries.

The "Wavenet Prime" (Internet upgrade) is available for purchase at USD 10 pp per day. It allows passengers to stream music, videos, movies.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent and Oceania) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures March 15, 2020, through May 31, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all Oceania cruise itineraries leaving between March 14, 2020, and September 2021.

Operations resumed in 2021-2022 with the ships MARINA (August 29, 2021/Europe-Baltic from Copenhagen), REGATTA (March 7, 2022/French Polynesia from Papeete Tahiti), NAUTICA (February 24, 2022/Southeast Asia from Singapore), RIVIERA (Oct 18, 2021/Europe-Mediterranean from Istanbul), INSIGNIA (January 6, 2022/World Cruise from Los Angeles), SIRENA (March 29, 2022/Transatlantic from Bridgetown Barbados to Barcelona).

• All affected bookings received a full refund (100%) transferred as FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking made within 1 year (any itinerary, fleetwide) departing between March 17, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
• In early-May 2020, Oceania Cruises launched "The Ultimate Sale" promotion, with significant booking price reductions (~70% lower than the brand's regular rates). Promo's fares per person started at USD 999 (inside cabin) and USD 1399 (balcony cabin).

NAUTICA's program for 2021-2022 (fall-Mediterranean, winter-spring-Asia) was canceled. The ship restarts operations in April 2022 (Mediterranean-Europe) following an extensive drydock refurbishment.

REGATTA's "World Cruise 2021" (Los Angeles to Sydney Australia) was canceled. The ship restarts operations in March 2022 (Tahiti French Polynesia) following an extensive drydock refurbishment.

Itinerary of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises ship itineraries visit 300+ ports in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company's cruise vessels stand apart from other midsized liners with low (1-to-2) crew-to-passenger ratios and unique voyages.

During warm weather months, Oceania Cruises ships ply the waters of Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Western Europe and the British Isles, Northern Europe's Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords. During the winter, Oceania spans the globe with sailings to Asia, Australia, South America, Panama Canal , and the Caribbean.

Oceania Cruises appeals to affluent retirees who look for a no-frills and refined experience. That said, the sophisticated atmosphere of the line also attracts solo travelers and young couples who are looking for an experience sans kids. Regardless of which voyage you choose, expect to sail with the American crowd.

Itineraries 2024-2025

Oceania's 2024-2025 "Tropics & Exotics Collection" features 300+ ports (7 continents), 157 voyages of which 123 with 451 port overnights. The itineraries range from 7- to 200 days in length (70x Grand Voyages/world cruises and longer segments) and include 14 new ports for Oceania (like Camarones Argentina, Champagne Bay Vanuatu, Hambantota Sri Lanka, Hualien Taiwan).

2024-2025 fleet schedule includes popular regions and destinations like South America (Amazon River, Uruguay's and Brazil's coasts, Patagonia), Arabian Peninsula, Southeast Asia, Japan, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal transits , circumnavigation of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands, French Polynesia, Melanesian islands.

In August 2023 was announced 2024-2025 program which includes 100 voyages in the Caribbean and the Pacific visiting 60+ different ports, including lesser-known islands.

The sailings were planned for the ships Marina , Nautica , Sirena , and the Vista , with departures from PortMiami Florida , Cartagena Colombia , NYC New York , Los Angeles CA , Bridgetown Barbados , Panama City , and Papeete Tahiti .

The itineraries range between 7 and 16 days, some transit the Panama Canal during daylight.

The featured destinations include the Caribbean's Barbuda , Dominica, and BVI/British Virgin Islands as well as French Polynesia's Moorea , Raiatea , and Rangiroa .

Nautica ship has scheduled 10-day itineraries in French Polynesia, and a 31-day journey to Sydney NSW Australia via New Zealand, departing on February 19th, 2024.

The new Allura ship 's inaugural cruise program was announced in September 2023. For the inaugural season (2025) Allura is deployed in Europe/Mediterranean. Allura's schedule (opened for booking on September 13, 2023) listed a total of 26 voyages (7- to 43-day long itineraries) visiting a total of 92 different ports/destinations.

Allura's Maiden Voyage is a 7-day Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean itinerary (departure June 8, 2025) from Piraeus-Athens (Greece) to Istanbul (Turkey). The Mediterranean program features popular port cities like Cádiz-Sevilla, Cagliari (Sardinia), Messina and Palermo (Sicily), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island), the Italian Riviera (Cinque Terre). Overnight ports are Istanbul, Monte Carlo (Monaco), Quebec City and Montreal ((Canada) and NYC (New York USA).

After the 43-day Transatlantic crossing from Europe to North America (August 27th, from Civitavecchia-Rome to NYC) starts the mini-season in Canada and New England, followed by the winter 2025-2026 Caribbean season. In the Caribbean, Allura is homeported in Miami (starting December 21st, 2025) and visits destinations like The Netherlads' ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten.

In September 2023, Oceania announced 7 new summer 2025 voyages to French Polynesia and Hawaii scheduled for the Regatta ship . The summer 2025 program (August, September, October) encompasses destinations like Bora Bora, Tahiti, Raiatea , Nuku Hiva/Marquesas , and the Hawaiian archipelago.

Departing from either Papeete or Honolulu, the 7 new voyages range 10 to 18 days, with the accessibility facilitated by direct flights to Papeete and Honolulu from major cities like NYC , Los Angeles , Paris , London , Sydney NSW . For instance, direct flights from LA to Papeete take ~8 hours, flights from Auckland NZ to Papeete are ~5 hours. Honolulu is reachable via a direct 6-hour flight from LA and an 8,5-hour direct flight from Auckland.

Oceania Regatta in 2024-2025 also offers various itineraries throughout the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

The new summer 2025 itineraries include:

• Polynesian Dreams: A 15-day voyage from Honolulu to Papeete, visiting various enchanting destinations, departing on August 1 and September 15, 2025.
• Tahitian Legends: A 10-day journey from Papeete to Papeete, featuring visits to idyllic locales, with departures on August 16, 26, and September 5, 2025.
• Divine Pacific Oases: A 15-day itinerary from Honolulu to Papeete, offering an array of experiences, departing on September 30, 2025.
• Song of Polynesia: An 18-day expedition from Papeete to Los Angeles, allowing for extensive exploration of the region, departing on October 15, 2025.

Oceania's 2025 summer program consists of 100+ different itineraries and encompasses 70 voyages in Europe (Mediterranean and Baltc) planned for 3 ships ( Marina , Vista , and Allura ) as well as ~50 Grand Voyages.

The European itineraries include 10 new for Oceania ports of call - Cesme (Turkey) , Kemi (Finland) , Lulea (Sweden) , Maniitsoq (Greenland) , Pozzallo (Sicily Italy) , Samos (Greece) , Scrabster (Scotland) , Sibenik (Croatia) , Sundsvall (Sweden) , and Vaasa (Finland) .

In 2025, the Riviera ship makes a debut in Alaska, offering 7 to 12 days itineraries. In July and August, Oceania has 16-19-day sailings to Iceland and Greenland, followed by 11-15 day voyages departing from NYC, Boston , and Montreal , with overnights in Montreal, Quebec , and NYC.

Regatta ship 's maiden season in French Polynesia and Hawaii (August-October) has 7 itineraries spanning 10-18 days.

Oceania's Grand Voyages include ports across Europe (Southern and Northern), all with extended evening and overnight port stays.

The lineup of new 2025 Mediterranean sailings ranging from 9 to 56 days are designed to transport guests to some of Europe's most captivating destinations aboard the  Marina  and  Nautica  ships. The itineraries feature 16 unique voyages that encompass iconic islands in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas, along with beloved European resort towns, bustling cities, and lesser-known ports of call. Guests have the opportunity to explore cities like  Athens (Piraeus) ,  Barcelona ,  Istanbul ,  Rome , and  Lisbon , while meandering from lively jet-set resorts such as  Monte Carlo ,  Cannes ,  Positano , and  Sorrento  to hidden gems like  Tirana  and  Sarande  in Albania,  Trapani  in Sicily,  Calvi  and  Propriano  in Corsica, and  Sibenik  in Croatia.

Oceania Cruises' extensive selection of small-group, immersive shore excursions allows guests to rediscover familiar destinations from a fresh perspective or explore new places for the first time. For instance, in  Santorini , travelers can opt for an adventurous tour of the island's active volcanoes, while in Montenegro, they can discover a new facet of  Kotor  by exploring Europe's southernmost fjord, Boka Bay.

Among the notable itineraries announced are:

• Barcelona to Athens, departing 26 May 2025, for 9 days: Visiting Barcelona, Valletta, Rhodes, Ephesus (Kusadasi), with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Mitilini (Lesbos), and Athens.
• Istanbul to Athens, departing 16 October 2025, for 11 days: Featuring an overnight stay in Istanbul, and visits to Pergamum (Dikili), Bodrum, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Santorini, Rhodes, Limassol, Marmaris, Heraklion (Crete), Mykonos, and Athens.
• Athens to Barcelona, departing 27 October 2025, for 11 days: Including stops at Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona.
• Athens to  Santa Cruz de Tenerife , departing 27 October 2025, for 21 days: Covering Athens, Split, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon, Messina (Sicily), Valletta, Tunis, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville (Cadiz), Casablanca, Agadir, Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz de la Palma, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

World Cruises 2025

In September 2022 were announced World and Grand Voyages for 2025. The "Around the World in 180 Days" voyage for 2025 is an east-to-west itinerary. Oceania also introduced 7x Grand Voyages (ranging between 50-111 days), including the 111-day expedition across the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe-Mediterranean.

(December 22, 2024 - March 6, 2025) "The Ultimate Odyssey" (74 days, 2 ships, 5 countries, 3 continents) starts with a 50-day circumnavigation of Indonesia-Australia-New Zealand (roundtrip from Sydney NSW ). The itinerary visits South America (Antarctica, Patagonia/Chilean Fjords ). Linking the 2 extraordinary voyages are 2 overland tours that passengers will get to choose from - 6 days in the Blue Mountains of Australia/6 days in the Andean Lakes District of Chile and Argentina. The journey stretches to Ushuaia Argentina , Antarctica and Patagonia.

(January 5, 2025 - July 3, 2025) The "Around The World in 180 Days" voyage visits 89 ports in 32 countries (5 continents). Leaving from PortMiami, Oceania Insignia heads south to Brazil's Amazon before crossing the Atlantic for Africa. En route to South Africa, the Atlantic crossing visits Tristan da Cunha . Insignia then continues to Asia visiting Indian Ocean islands (French Comoros, Seychelles, Maldives), Southeast Asia's Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan. Follows cruising along Western Australia's coast, the South Pacific islands (Vanuatu, French Polynesia), then north to the Hawaiian Islands to conclude the global journey.

Grand Voyage segments include:

• 79-day Ultimate Pacific Traveler from Los Angeles to Sydney (October 3 - December 22, 2024)
• 50-day South America Kaleidoscope from Miami to Rio de Janeiro (December 7, 2024 - January 26, 2025)
• 78-day Grand Eastern Reflections from Abu Dhabi to Singapore (December 22, 2024 - March 10, 2025)
• 111-day Epic Continental Explorer from Papeete to Barcelona (February 25 - June 17, 2025)
• 63-day Patagonia to Iberia Mosaic from Santiago de Chile to Barcelona (March 6 - May 8, 2025)
• 72-day Asia & Oceania Odyssey from Tokyo to Honolulu (May 22 - August 1, 2025).

New shore excursions and land tours

In mid-November 2018, Oceania introduced 86x pre-, post-, and mid-cruise land tours in Asia, Australia, Africa, Egypt and Holy Land, South America, Europe, Canada, and Alaska. Ranging from 1 to 5 nights in length, the new excursions options offer overnights in metropolises, overland explorations in Southeast Asia, luxury safaris in premium private reserves in Africa, the Italian and Swiss Alps, the Arabian Desert, even expeditions to the Himalayan Mountains (Mount Everest and Kathmandu). Program's highlights include:

• "The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and Mount Everest" is a 4-night expedition centering on Mumbai and Kathmandu. It includes flightseeing over Mt Everest and visits to Bhadgaon City, Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Patan, visiting a Tibetan monastery, evening prayer ritual, and private audience at the Living Goddess.
• "Taj Mahal: Eternal Masterpiece" is available with 2- and 3-night packages. Tour's highlights include visits to Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Kathak dance performance (at the hotel in Agra).
• "Luxury Safari: White Elephant Safari Lodge" is an overnight at White Elephant Lodge and features guided nature walks, 2 game drives, afternoon tea, sundowners, dusk birdwatching or Lake Jozini boat cruise.
• "Luxury Safari: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge" in Okavango Delta offers game drives and wildlife viewing (hippos, elephants, crocodiles, big cats). The luxury lodge is included with 2 overnights, plus 2 overnights (in Johannesburg and Cape Town ).
• "Glaciers, Lagoons, and Waterfalls" is an Iceland tour visiting Langjokull Glacier's ice cave, ice-walk at Solheimajokull, Hraunfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver's hot springs, Blue Lagoon bathing. There is also a culinary tour of Reykjavik and overnights in Husafell and Stracta.
• "Royal London and The English Countryside" combines historic London with England's countryside (Cotswolds, Burford, Bibury). The 3-night tour visits Tower of London, viewing of Crown Jewels along with Changing of the Guard and Thames River cruise.
• "Rome and Tivoli Treasures" is a 3-night tour in Rome, plus an insider tour with private access to Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Basilica, plus Tivoli and Villa D'Este.
• "Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer" are exclusive tours of Sulphur Mountain, Banff, and Vancouver . Rocky Mountaineer is the world's largest private train. Along the way, Oceania cruise tourists enjoy Silver Leaf Service with gourmet meals and snacks.

Oceania Cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, the company's owner NCLH (Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, with two Oceania ships - Marina (starting at the end of 2016) and Regatta (starting in 2017). Cuba currently lacks the infrastructure to support large cruise ships, so the 684-passenger Regatta and 1,258-passenger Marina are small enough to work with what exists there now. Both ships sail a variety of itineraries, including a circumnavigation of Cuba (with stops in Cienfuegos and Havana) and visiting Cuba as part of some Panama Canal transition cruises .

The company offers a number of departures from PortMiami in 2019, including the “Timeless Cuba” itinerary, sailing 7 days with visits to Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos. A twice-offered 10-day cruise adds a visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

The list of passenger shipping lines offering cruises to Cuba included:

• Carnival Paradise leaving from Tampa Florida - cheapest prices (from USD 480 pp)
• Royal Caribbean (ship Empress of the Seas , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Holland America (ship Veendam ) leaving from Fort Lauderdale since December 2017
• NCL (ship Norwegian Sky , 4-day itineraries with Havana overnights - starting May 2017.
• MSC Cruises (ship MSC Opera , leaving from Havana)
• Azamara Cruises (ship on Azamara Quest from Miami)
• Thomson UK / Marella Cruises (ship Marella Dream ) 7-day, leaving roundtrip from Jamaica (Montego Bay) to Havana
• Ponant Cruises (superyacht Le Ponant , leaving from Miami Florida)
• Pearl Seas Cruises (ship Pearl Mist , leaving from Fort Lauderdale Florida)
• Lindblad Expeditions (chartered sailing ship MS Panorama II, leaving from Havana)
• Celestyal Cruises (ship Celestyal Crystal , leaving from Havana and Montego Bay Jamaica)
• Grand Circle Cruise Line (ship MV Clio / ex Tere Moana ) one-way from Miami to Havana, or the reverse from Havana to Miami (embarkation/disembarkation in port Cienfuegos ).
• International Expeditions (leaving from Havana, charter flights out of Miami)
• Victory Cruise Lines - MS Victory I - fly-cruises from Miami to Havana (homeport Cienfuegos /departures)

Note: According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Midsize-ship Ocean Cruise Lines of 2023

These midsize-ship ocean cruise lines topped the list in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

It’s the kind of trip Goldilocks would take: midsize ships offer the perfect blend of plentiful onboard amenities and the kind of caring, personalized service only possible at this scale. The category includes brands that have ships with 300 to 799 cabins, regardless of destination — and these sorts of vessels really do go everywhere in the world. Though many people put a pause on cruise vacations over the past few years, these days travelers are embracing the convenience and comfort of travel by sea: perhaps surprisingly, more travelers are planning to cruise in 2023 than did in 2019, according to trade group Cruise Lines International Association.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on number of cabins. The midsize ocean cruise line category is only for ships with 300 to 799 cabins. Some cruise lines may appear in multiple categories depending on the makeup of their fleet.

Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Cabins/facilities
• Itineraries/destinations
• Excursions/activities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This year’s list is a who’s-who of the top midsize operators, many of which offer truly luxurious service, food, and amenities no matter which itinerary travelers choose. Take the 2023 runner-up, for example. Seabourn (No. 2) has a fleet of fabulous ocean ships that ply the waters of the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and more far-flung destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. “They run a first-class operation,” said one voter, who traveled on the Seabourn Encore . “The food was particularly excellent, the entertainment was engaging, and the cabin was extremely comfortable,” another said. “It’s the friendliest cruise line on the ocean.”

Moving up this year is Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which improved one position to No. 3. “It was the most beautiful, luxurious ship I've ever sailed on,” said one reader about the line’s Seven Seas Splendor . “The service was incredible; the entertainment and shore excursions were top notch. Can't say enough about this wonderful experience.” Rounding out this year’s list are Silversea (No. 4) and Oceania Cruises (No. 5), both known among readers as delivering superlative service and unforgettable adventures.

All that said, it was Viking that ranked as the top choice among readers in this year’s voting for the best midsize-ship ocean cruise lines.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking took the No. 1 spot in this category for the second year in a row, thanks to its consistent excellence. It starts with the brand’s many identical ocean-going ships, of which Viking now has 10, including the newest, Viking Saturn . The 465-cabin vessels travel familiar destinations, such as the Caribbean and the Western Mediterranean, but they also visit Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia. Service is a cornerstone of every trip, noted one reader, saying, “The staff and crew are happy people, and that enthusiasm is contagious.” Viking’s all-inclusive fares, which cover meals, activities, many beverages, and Wi-Fi, are another positive mark for the brand in readers’ estimation. “Everything about them is first class,” another guest said. “The rooms, the service, the food, the facilities — even the included excursions are of very good quality.”

Reader Score: 93.73

2. Seabourn

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.39

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.33

4. Silversea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.65

5. Oceania Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.10

Related Articles

Go by yourself: Norwegian Cruise Line adding nearly 1,000 cabins for solo travelers

Solo travelers will soon have more options when they take a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line will add close to 1,000 dedicated staterooms for guests sailing on their own throughout its fleet.

The cruise line will introduce new Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony cabin categories for sailings departing Jan. 2, 2024 and later. The staterooms opened for sale on select ships starting this week will become more widely available “on a rolling basis,” according to a news release .

“We strive to provide our guests with diverse offerings to create their dream vacation,” the line’s president, David J. Herrera, said in the release Tuesday. “Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travelers. 

Herrera added that Norwegian made the expansion based on growing demand for solo travel. “We are continuously listening to our guests to deliver the experience they want,” he said.

Availability and pricing will vary based on the destination and demand, but a spokesperson for the line said in an email that guests who book the staterooms “can expect to pay less than a traditional double occupancy room.”

On a week-long Alaska cruise departing from Seattle on April 6, 2024, for example, a Solo Balcony cabin currently starts at $1,799 for one guest, while a Balcony cabin starts at $1,997, according to the line’s website .

Sailing solo: Is it worth it to take a cruise by yourself?

Norwegian is not the only line making investments in solo cabins. Oceania Cruises, also part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., launched its new ship Oceania Vista with six dedicated veranda staterooms for guests going it alone in May.

The luxury line debuted solo oceanview staterooms on four of its small ships in 2022.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Protect Your Trip »

10 top christmas cruises for 2024 & 2025.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

Top Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the world?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale in the South Pacific Ocean, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Find your perfect cruise

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Getty Images

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark touts as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of the new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie "Countdown to Christmas."

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers more than a dozen itineraries to visit the Christmas markets in 2024 and 2025 along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube and Rhone rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna , Budapest, Amsterdam and Prague. Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted medieval squares and fairytale markets. Enjoy the chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The river cruise line's seven-night Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary sails from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , along the Danube. It features a visit to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt – one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip hot mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle (a red wine and rum punch) and sample savory specialties like Nuremberg bratwurst, flammkuchen (pizza) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss (also known as schokokuss), a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, cookie decorating, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like children in Europe find on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day at sea in the South Pacific Ocean during Celebrity's 2024 New Zealand Holiday cruise on board Celebrity Edge. This round-trip 13-night itinerary embarks on Dec. 20, 2024, from Sydney . It includes seven ports of call and five sea days. After ringing in the new year sailing between the Bay of Islands, New Zealand and Sydney, guests will disembark the ship on Jan. 2, 2025.

If you'd prefer to travel to the Canary Islands to celebrate Christmas and usher in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea in 2025, then reserve a stateroom or suite for Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco & Spain itinerary. The 12-night voyage sails round-trip from Barcelona , embarking a few days before Christmas 2025 on Celebrity Infinity. The festive voyage features eight ports of call, including island of Gibraltar; the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier; three destinations in the Canary Islands; and Malaga, Spain.

On the ships, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails along with other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2024 voyage departs Dec. 20 on Azamara Quest and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes. For a once-in-lifetime experience, reserve a spot on the Safari 4X4 Hippo Cruise in the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. This protected park is a white rhino sanctuary, home to South Africa's "big five": lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards.

If the Land Down Under is at the top of your list of places to visit, plan ahead for next year to spend the holidays aboard Azamara Pursuit in 2025. The line's 21-night Australia Intensive Voyage will set sail on Dec. 14, 2025, from Singapore . This extended sailing features 10 ports of call in three countries, with two overnight stays, before travelers disembark in Melbourne, Australia , on Jan. 4, 2026.

Guests on board the holiday cruises will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ships and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2024 and 2025. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 and older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the chic boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the regions, including Champagne, Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer. In Cochem, Germany, you'll want to sample white mulled wine and regional delicacies produced from the red vineyard peach.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ships with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

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Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises from November through December in 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a three-night sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas . For a weeklong getaway, consider the line's seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on board Disney Fantasy that sails round-trip from Port Canaveral. Ports of call on the itinerary include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the cruise line's private island , Disney Castaway Cay.

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the 24-foot-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities on Disney Cruise Line include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carol singers, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a bucket list getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . On this voyage, you'll set sail a few days before Christmas 2024 aboard the 312-passenger, all-suite yacht Star Breeze for Windstar's seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise. The round-trip sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, includes stops in the islands of Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahea (Tahaa), Bora Bora and Huahine. In Bora Bora, guests will be treated to a special evening Windstar Destination Discovery Event with dinner under the stars and traditional Polynesian fire dancing.

For an extended European holiday in 2025, the line's Star Collector: Winter in Spain and the Rivieras cruise sails from Malaga, Spain, to Rome on Dec. 13 aboard the intimate Star Legend. The 14-day itinerary includes ports of call in Spain, France, Italy and Gibraltar. During the cruise, you can visit must-see attractions like Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence and explore the historic Roman theater ruins in Cartagena, Spain. Cruisegoers will also have a chance to sample wines from the famed appellations of Tuscany in Italy and Andalusia in Spain, and taste culinary specialties like bouillabaisse in France.

On board the ships, guests can join in the holiday spirit with festive Christmas trees and decorations as well as holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyages includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses – and check the Panama Canal off your must-visit list – for a tropical holiday aboard Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem. The line's 11-day cruisetour begins Dec. 9, 2024, and includes three days to see the canal that some consider the "eighth wonder of the world" and visit vibrant Panama City. After embarking on Dec. 11, you'll transit the canal and then sail to ports in Costa Rica; Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, before disembarking in Miami on Dec. 20.

Plan ahead to Christmas 2025 by reserving accommodations on Norwegian's newest vessel – and the first in the Prima Plus class – Norwegian Aqua. The seven-day Caribbean round-trip voyage from Miami on the new ship (scheduled to launch in April 2025) will set sail on Dec. 21, 2025. The cruise includes tropical ports of call in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's vessels vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Celebrate the Christmas holidays in Hawaii during Holland America Line 's round-trip Circle Hawaii Holiday voyage from San Diego on the ship Zaandam, embarking on Dec. 18, 2024. Guests aboard this voyage will sail to Honolulu, Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Kahului, Maui . You'll also get to enjoy scenic cruising at the Kilauea Volcano; visit Ensenada, Mexico; and join in the holiday festivities on the ship during relaxing days at sea.

If you've been dreaming of visiting far-flung destinations in Asia, such as Halong Bay, Vietnam, or Bangkok, Thailand – or seeing Komodo dragons in the wild in Indonesia – the 28-day Far East & Indonesian Holiday Collector itinerary will be an adventure of a lifetime. The voyage on board Westerdam embarks in Hong Kong on Dec. 7, 2025, with exotic ports of call in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. On Christmas Day, guests will visit the picturesque port town of Probolinggo on the coast of East Java in Indonesia. On New Year's Eve, the ship docks in Semarang, Indonesia; here, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, home to an impressive Buddhist temple site dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries.

Back on board the ships, holiday celebrations include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, a midnight mass, a Christmas concert, special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a New Year's Eve Party and countdown. There are Hanukkah festivities with candle lightings and latkes served in the Lido. Guests will also enjoy viewing the holiday villages around the ship created by Holland America's culinary team.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of the White Continent. The 10-day round-trip expedition from Puerto Williams, Chile, on Silversea 's Silver Cloud sets sail a week before Christmas in 2024 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers on this Antarctica cruise to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands the day after Christmas.

If you're planning ahead to 2025, consider a longer adventure where you'd fly the infamous Drake Passage one way from Puerto Williams (saving two days at sea) and land on King George Island in Antarctica. This 15-day expedition aboard Silver Cloud begins on Dec. 21, 2025, and features four days of excursions in Antarctica and three days in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. You'll also spend three days in the Falkland Islands, where you'll have more chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters with black-browed albatrosses, fur seals, Commerson's dolphins, imperial cormorants, and adorable rockhopper and Magellanic penguins.

Festive touches on the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Best Themed Cruises
• The Best Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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