I recently had an opportunity and get a taste of Oceania. Having done my share of cruising and ship inspections it was refreshing to see re-inspiration of a classic. Oceania radiates elegance and class, forget everything you assumed about Oceania Insignia, this more than a refresh, brings a unique new identity. The refurb has extended to the staterooms and suites with new surfaces and the common areas boast a new colour palette across furnishings and fabrics.
The Grand Staircase dazzles under the opulent chandelier as the crystal accents from balustrades catch your eye. All this leads the eye to the focal point, the dramatic wall behind the staircase, showcasing a delicate tree-inspired theme symbolising prosperity and strength. The re-inspiration is continued to the Private Club, the Grand Dining Room. I still cannot understand how effortless the combination of a Parisian apartment, Newport cottage and Amalfi coast villa really was. Ralph Lauren home finishes have been tastefully used alongside Versace crockery and all this is perfectly complemented with the in-room Bvlgari amenities. All aspects of the redesign have been perfectly manipulated to deliver comfort and style. Oceania has managed to achieve the fine balance to ensure elegance is preserved and balance between past and present is maintained. I really cannot do Oceania justice, you have to get onboard to truly appreciate how well this transformation has been done.
Oceania Cruises constantly puts forward that they offer the finest cuisine at sea. With world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin leading the charge, expect culinary discovery tours, a variety of restaurants with no additional charges. Oceania even has exclusive olive oil which has been based on ultimate olives, taken from the field to press in 24 hours delivering Grove45 Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Did you know that bread on board is baked in the best baguette ovens at sea, with careful thought about the destinations Oceania reaches they have invested in a luxury especially in ships kitchen to ensure the perfect rise, crust, crunchy and chewy texture? With such a selection of dishes to choose from, I opted for a vegetarian dish to sample how special dietary meals are catered for. I am happy to report that I wish I could go back and enjoy my mouth-watering tart again. The shortness of the pastry the vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs were a burst of flavour.
We were very lucky to have a private performance from a classical string quartet, sipping on champagne as we enjoyed the finer things in life. With a line-up of expert speakers, musicians and show-stopping performances, Oceania truly stops at nothing to make your cruise experience the way you should live your life. I have to mention that if you are interested in art classes, you can even do that onboard. I thought this was a lovely touch for someone wanting to take a class or capture the landscape as the ship charts its course.
Oceania Cruises is the best launch pad for any destination. The immersive shore excursions and the ease in which they bring the region you sail in on onboard makes cruising the best way to travel.
It was a perfect day and all that was missing was the opportunity to sail onboard.
