Now we are six – Oceania adds another ship to its fleet

Name-changer: Ocean Princess, soon to become Oceania Cruises' Sirena

Oceania Cruises is to grow again – with the addition of a ship bought from Princess Cruises for $82 million (£52 million). The vessel, currently sailing as Ocean Princess, is virtually identical to Oceania’s Insignia, Nautica, and Regatta – all were originally built for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises.

The 684-passenger ship joins Oceania in March 2016 when it will be given a $40m (£25.5 million) refurbishment in dry dock at Marseille before being re-named Sirena.

The work includes fitting Oceania’s trademark speciality restaurants, Toscana and the Polo Grill, along with a coffee shop and cook-to-order grill at the Gerrace Café.

Sirena is expected to carry her first Oceania passengers in late April 2016.

The announcement of the deal came from Oceania’s new owners, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, who completed the takeover just days ago. Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian, said it was his company’s belief in the Oceania brand and its commitment to the “growing base of loyal guests” that were the rationale behind the decision.

Kunal S Kamlamni, president of Oceania, said Sirena “opens up an entire array of new itinerary options.”

In addition to the former Renaissance ships, Oceania also operates two larger newbuilds, Riviera and Marina, carrying 1,250 passengers each. The line’s total capacity will grow to 5,236. The newly-enlarged Norwegian group, which also includes Regent Seven Seas, now totals 21 ships with a combined capacity of approximately 40,000.

Princess still operates another ex-Renaissance ship, Pacific Princess, which is also believed to be for sale. P&O’s Adonia is almost identical, and the other two – all built between 1998 and 2001 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard in France – are sailing as Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey.

Azamara is likely to be making its own announcement about expansion very soon, but insiders believe the line – owned by Royal Caribbean International – is going for a newbuild rather than buying a “pre-owned” vessel.

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What's New From Oceania

It's been a while since we featured the boutique and foodie-centric style of Oceania Cruises, so we thought we would provide a quick update and look ahead to what they have in store for 2014.

Well-known for their exceptional culinary offering and emphasis on comfort and service, Oceania has new itineraries, new culinary classes, a $50m refurbishment programme and a re-christening in store this year, as well as a new art book and new facilities on board the line’s five mid-sized luxury ships.

New cruises for summer 2014

Oceania's summer sailings include an almost entirely new line-up of over 90 voyages, including 70 European sailings (of which 93% are new), featuring 10 new ports of call in Tirana, Antibes, Hamburg, Chania, Kos, Syros, Ullapool, Lysekil and Milford Haven. 

 

In total during summer 2014, the line’s five ships – Riviera, Marina, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – will sail to more than 180 destinations. In addition to the European programme, the ships will sail 10 Alaska voyages, 7 new Canada/New England cruises and 3 Panama Canal voyages.

New Grand Voyages for winter 2014

 

Oceania is adding 19 new Grand Voyages for winter 2014, ranging from 24 to 71 days. Included among the sailings is a 71-day South American Odyssey on board the 684-guest Regatta. This is a round trip from Miami, crossing the Panama Canal to Peru, sailing through the Chilean fjords and around the southern tip of Cape Horn, and spending two nights in both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. 

 

Meanwhile, Nautica explores the East on a 46-day Imperial Explorer, a voyage from Cape Town to Hong Kong showcasing the best of Africa and Asia. Depending on the length of the voyage booked, guests will receive a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay, laundry service and round-trip transfers.

 

Re-christening event

The big re-christening ceremony for the return of Insignia to the fleet will take place in April in Istanbul. The ship has been on a two-year 'sabbatical' with Oceania but returns this summer and will be feted in the Turkish port ahead of a 10-day Holy Land voyage to Greece, Israel and Cyprus.

The ship will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before rejoining the fleet, and the ceremony will be performed by Virginia Watters, wife of founding chairman Joe and the original godmother of the ship 10 years ago.

More info: call 0845 505 1920 or visit http://www.oceaniacruises.com.

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Oceania's New Alaska Option

Oceania Cruises has announced changes to its 2013 Alaska sailings on Regatta, including the addition of a 14-day Pacific Exploration voyage round-trip from Seattle on June 4. The new itinerary features calls into Kodiak, Hoonah and Seward as well as cruising Alaska’s Inside and Outside Passages and the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier.

The new voyage combines two originally scheduled seven-day sailings on June 4 and June 11. Oceania has also amended its June 28 and July 5 Coastal Alaska sailings so they now begin and end in Seattle. The changes were made based on feedback from the line’s guests and travel partners.

Included in the fares are free return flights from London and promotions that currently include substantial bonus savings, plus up to $500 ship-board credit per stateroom, two-for-one deposits and an Unlimited Passport Collection shore excursion promotion valued at up to £637 per stateroom on select sailings booked by December 31.

The destination experience can be further enhanced with excursions such as a sea kayaking adventure at Mendenhall Glacier, a day of fishing for salmon, trout and halibut and the Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear search.

Guests will discover Alaska aboard the 684-guest Regatta, an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (with no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm and attentive service.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.   

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Oceania 2011 Alaskan cruise shore excursions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Alaska’s celebrated sights and wild wilderness will provide the backdrop for four brand-new Oceania Cruises’ summer 2011 itineraries, featuring off-the-beaten-path ports of call and an ‘Alaskan Immersion’ collection of interactive shore excursions.

The ‘Alaskan Immersion’ excursions include:

· Wild Alaska Culinary Extravaganza – this one-of-a-kind culinary class is led by a local host and culinary expert who takes guests through the steps of preparation and grilling Alaskan seafood, before indulging in the results. The inventive menu includes wild salmon, Dungeness crab, halibut and plenty of other local delicacies plucked from the sea.

· The Bering Sea: Crab Fisherman’s Tour – led by a seasoned Bering Sea captain and crew aboard Aleutian Ballad, the storied crab boat on the Discovery Channel series “Deadliest Catch” the adventure begins in the calm, protected waters of coastal Ketchikan. Skilled fishermen haul in crab pots and lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life, including king crab, shark, octopus, prawns and rock fish. Common tour sights also include bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions and whales.

· Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery – this enriching activity allows guests to experience a one-mile, round-trip expedition on a wheeled sled pulled by a husky team through South-east Alaska’s temperate rainforest. There will be time to cuddle husky puppies and take a guided walk through the musher’s camp to learn more about this northern pasttime and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

· Kodiak Guided River Fishing – a day of fishing for salmon, trout and halibut followed by an outdoor barbecued salmon bake is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Expert guides will personally scout seven possible fishing sites for a successful day, including rivers, shorelines, ocean bays and inlets. Following the tour, guests can have their fish vacuum-packed to carry on board or have it shipped to a destination of their choice.

Other distinctive excursions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers include Golf, a Sea Kayaking Adventure and ‘ZipRider,’ the World’s Largest Zip-Line. These excursions - and more are offered - to guests on board Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta (above) – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and staterooms and warm, attentive service.

Oceania Cruises’ 10-day Alaska sailing costs from £1,406 per person for bookings received by December 31, based on 2 sharing, including a $1,000 onboard credit, all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

To find out more, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or check with the specialst luxiry cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Oceania's Second Phase of Fleet Enhancements

By guest blogger Steve Newman

As part of the company’s ongoing fleet enhancements, the most significant product investment in the company’s history, Oceania Cruises has announced the second phase of its 'Pillars of Distinction' initiative. The multi-million-dollar upgrades are in addition to the previously announced physical enhancements being made during the regularly scheduled dry-docks for Regatta (above), Insignia and Nautica.

The latest fleet enhancements include:

· An expanded menu of “Jacques Pepin Signature Items” in the Grand Dining Rooms, which include Cotes d’Agneau Grillees – grilled lamb chop served with ratatouille and lamb gravy with thyme, and Gambas Sauté Provençal – sautéed shrimp in olive oil from Nice with garlic, parsley and tomatoes.

· Evening menus in the Terrace Café will focus on regional specialities from the area where the ship is sailing, in addition to each evening’s ever-changing range of traditional favourites.

· Gourmet VIP canapé service for all suite guests now includes a wider array of speciality, gourmet-inspired delicacies which are presented on new, custom-designed china.

· A free shuttle service in more than 90 ports worldwide where the ship is docked away from the city centre.

· Dramatically faster internet speeds as a result of a new partnership with MTN.

· Complimentary in-suite newspaper delivery for Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites.

· Upgraded bath amenities and toiletries in all accommodations, including Bvlgari for Concierge-level and suite guests.

· Laptops, currently featured in all Owner’s and Vista suites on Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, will be added to all Penthouse Suites.

· iPads for all Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites.

The new Pillars of Distinction amenities will also be extensively featured on Oceania's new Marina, scheduled for delivery in January 2011, and her sister ship Riviera, which joins the fleet in April 2012. They will be introduced on board Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in the spring of 2011.

To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or call the UK specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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