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

Cruise Travel, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Laurence Miller

While the ships lack the polished production shows now standard on most cruise ships, the quality of the instrumental groups in the lounges was excellent. For those not otherwise engaged, a good selection of in-cabin movies was always available. The small casino pleased the gamblers onboard.

Public rooms exploit the ship's intimate size, offering extremely comfortable accommodations in the form of an observation lounge high and forward; a martini bar amidships; and a smaller bar adjoining the Grand Dining Room. There are numerous other intimate seating areas, notably around the main central staircase.

The experienced cruise passenger will find that Oceania is a worthy successor to those smaller companies operating ships of intimate dimensions now greatly missed by many. In fact, whether one speaks of style or the creature comforts, Oceania improves on most of the earlier versions of the fine, medium-sized cruise ship.

For more information contact your travel agent or Oceania Cruises (Cruise Travel Magazine), 8120 NW 53rd St., Miami, FL 33166; or log on to www.oceaniacruiscs.com.