Oceania cruises: fledgling line carving out a niche with mid-size ships offering big value

Cruise Travel, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Laurence Miller

The Alstom Group, builders of the QM2, constructed the "R" ships and also played a major role in financing the Renaissance fleet. CruiseInvest, managers of what was now an inactive flotilla, began to sell and charter the ships to various operators, including Princess, Swan Hellenic, and others.

One of the investors, encountered by this writer aboard the Insignia, indicated that while Oceania ships are currently operated on charter, a lease-purchase agreement is in place giving the line the right to buy the vessels at 40 percent of the original construction price. The Regatta was christened in Barcelona June 26, 2003, and in spite of recession and the SARS scare, sold out her first season, according to the line. Spokesmen indicate that the firm is currently in the black. The Insignia received her new name in Monaco last March 28, in the presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert. Just as Mrs. Frank Del Rio, wife of Oceania's president and CEO named the Regatta, so Mrs. Joseph Watters, wife of the line's chairman, did the honors in Monaco. Frank Del Rio was executive vice president and, finally, co-CEO for Renaissance; Joe Watters was president of Crystal Cruises from 1994 to 2004.

Although Oceania's product is more upscale than Renaissance's was, it was unnecessary to drastically upgrade the ships, which were in like-new condition. Oceania has installed a themed Italian restaurant, the Toscana; added teak floors to balconies; and has provided such amenities as Tranquility Beds, 300 thread-count cotton sheets, and English-milled toiletries for cabins. Of course, some of the $12 million spent so far has been for technical maintenance behind the scenes.

The typical stateroom with balcony offers 216 square feet of space, while the 52 322-sq.-ft. Penthouse Suites compare nicely to deluxe cabins aboard the megaships. The six Owner's Suites and four Vista Suites can more than double this size. All suite accommodations come with butler service for extra help with packing, unpacking, restaurant reservations, shore tours, and such. A number of other balconied staterooms have recently been elevated to a "Concierge Level" that boasts an array of new amenities.

Looking at all aspects of the onboard experience, the cuisine has to be considered a standout. While the aforementioned Polo Grill and Toscana alternative restaurants are reservations-only, you can enter the Grand Dining Room anytime between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. to dine according to your whim of the moment. If you are fooded-out after several days of eating on this scale, you can enjoy tapas and other Mediterranean fare in the Terrace Cafe, with its open veranda overlooking the stem. Another choice is 24-hour room service. To many, buffets in an informal deck-side restaurant will never equal a civilized lunch in the dining room, an option that is always available on an Oceania ship--in addition to deck-side burgers and a fine butter. Full English tea is served at 4 p.m. daily in the Observation Lounge, with a wide choice of teas (though bagged, rather than brewed).