My Fair Lady

On the 27^th August I was lucky enough to be invited on board the Oceania Nautica whilst she was in Southampton. As many of you may know I was on the Oceania Marina earlier in the month so was very interested to see how the smaller ships compared to the larger one. The Marina and Riveria were purpose built for Oceania and have been built completely around what Oceania what. The Nautica is one of three sisters, the other sisters and again owned by Oceania are called the Regatta and the Insignia. The Insignia at the moment is being chartered by Hapag Lloyd as their discovery ship and in April 2012 was renamed to Columbus 2, however after spending two years with them she is returning to Oceania in 2014 as the Insignia. All three of the ships will undergo a refurbishment in six weeks during the spring in 2014. The ships will have $50 million spent on them and they are trying to bring the décor and style found on the newer ships on to the smaller ships.

 

However these ships where not built by or for Oceania, they are from 8 sisters that used to belong to Renaissance Cruises but after the cruise line went Bankrupt, the ships where brought by Cruiseinvest where most of them laid up for a couple of years until they were chartered or brought by other cruise lines. So maybe you have been on one of the sisters? They were laid up from about 2001 to went they were acquired by the other cruise lines, they are known as the ‘R’ Class

R One was originally charted by Oceania Cruises, bearing in mind this year is there 10^th anniversary, chartering ships would have been a safer and cheaper option for this new cruise line, it was only in 2006 that Oceania brought the ship, from April 2012 to April 2014 you will find her with Hapag Lloyd. She will be most welcome back in 2014 as the demand for Oceania is ever increasing.

R Two was chartered by Oceania the year before they chartered the R One, so the R Two was 2002 and the R One was 2003. When they first got the R Two she was also named the Insignia, however in 2003 renamed the Regatta hence making way for the R One as the new Insignia, and again in 2006 Oceania brought the ship.

R Three was laid up till the end of 2002 when she was purchased by Princess Cruises and became the Pacific Princess.

R Four again was laid up until the end of 2002 and again purchased by Princess Cruises and was named the Tahitian Princess, in November 2009 she was renamed the Ocean Princess to be in keeping with the Nautical theme.

R Five was charted by Pullmantur Cruises in 2002 and renamed the Blue Dream, in 2005 the ship was brought and renamed the Nautica with Oceania Cruises.

 R Six went to Pullmantur as the Blue Star in 2003 and then was renamed in 2005 as the Blue Dream. Then in 2007 she then joined Azamara Club Cruises and is now part of the Luxurious 6* All Inclusive Cruise line as the Azamara Journey.

R Seven was chartered by Delphin Seereisen in 2003 and sailed under the name of Delphin Renaissance. In 2006 she was sold to Pullmantur Cruises and was called the Blue Moon, in 2007 she also joined R Six in Azamara Club Cruises as the Azamara Quest.

R Eight was laid up until 2003 when she was charted by Swan Hellenic Cruises and renamed the Minerva II. In 2006 she was sold to Princess Cruises and in 2007 when she was transferred to Princess became the Royal Princess until May 2011 when she transferred across to P&O Cruises and has been renamed Adonia.

So although the ships are the same, they are all furnished and the décor is slightly different. At the end of the day these ships are refurbished to the cruise lines themes.

Renaissance also owned 8 ‘Renaissance’ class of ships these are much smaller and in recent news you may have heard that Silver Sea have acquired a new ship the Silver Galapagos which is launched next month,  these a more yacht like vessels. Noble Caledonia and Quark Expeditions also have one of these ships.

So going back to the ‘R’ class of ships built in-between 1998 and 2001. The ships all hold about 684 passengers so offer a very intimate style of cruising, now concentrating more on the Oceania Nautica, she has like her bigger sister the Marina and Riviera an air of Elegance although it’s on more of an more traditional style of Cruising, which I think I prefer. The Marina and Riviera are customer built for Oceania and have had an extreme amount spend on them, the staircase alone is made from Lalique Crystal and worth $3 million, whereas on the Nautica it was already there from being R Five, and has been elegantly carpeted and finished, it has a black and gold balcony around the top, looking down and over the staircase.

 

So the big difference are that the larger ships are very bling and glamorous and the smaller ships are much more down to earth and offer small ship charm, but they all do it in ultimate luxury.

The Nautica has nine passenger decks, as we got on we went to Horizons Bar which is on deck eleven, it boasts floor to ceiling glass all the way around, which magnificent views out to sea. This is where you would go for afternoon tea or for a quick snack if you are not in the mood for a full breakfast. You can also get a coffee or tea from here. Oceania are all inclusive with soft drinks and speciality teas and coffees.

 

On this deck you also have the fitness track that wraps around the pool below so whilst you are jogging in the mornings, looking over the pool area and looking out at the sun reflecting off the ocean. You also have the Library on this deck, where you can chill out and relax, this is very much county house at sea, and it also has a raised glass roof, which has been hand painted with a rainforest theme.

 

At the very back of the ship you have the two speciality restaurants, on the ‘R’ class there is only Toscana and the Polo Grill. Privee, Red Ginger and Jacque’s can only be found on the newer ships.

Toscana as per all the ships is the on board Italian restaurant and Toscana is translated as Tuscany. The chefs here are mainly from Italy and this is inspired in the dished that you will be served in Toscana, many are traditional family recipes that have been passed down throughout generations. The plates in this restaurant are also Versace and cost 350 euros each.

 

The Polo Grill again same as all the ships in the fleet this is the signature on board steak house. Oceania are the only cruise line to carry 28 day matured beef and also carry the most expensive cuts of beef available. They are able to do this as they do the full process of rearing the cattle and then hanging the meat before vacuum packing it and flying it all over the world to the 5 ships. They also have some of the most expensive cattle in the Midwest allowing for the best quality of meat. They also source there lobster from Maine, where Oceania are the only customers as the Lamb from New Zealand. Polo Grill is very much American Themed with grand leather chairs and lots of deep reds.

 

Both these restaurants all on the back and mirror each other with one of the starboard and one on the port side so both over amazing views. Tables by the windows need to be booked as soon as you get on board as they are extremely popular.

 

So as we go up a deck, deck eleven is very small, not even half a deck and this sits on top at the front of the ship, at the front sit 8 private cabanas, these must be pre-booked and cost about $100 a day. They are enclosed areas which have additional curtains to provide complete privacy however offer the best views to be had as they are right on the front of the ship they also have a private telephone so you don’t even need to leave to get a drink!! Bliss.

 

There is also a shuffle board and golf nets up here, other than that there is a sunbathing areas but that is it.

So now we go down to deck nine, this is the main pool deck, at the front of the ship is the Spa, this is the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, this is a famous spa product known more in the states but found on many of the top end cruise lines.

 

Right at the front there is a private spa terrace, not at big as the one on the larger ships, but it has plenty of space to relax in the tranquillity of the spa, there is also a large hydro-pool with views out to sea.

 

There are two steam rooms, a couple treatment rooms and a fitness area for those who want to use the gym whilst away. Trust me the food is amazing so you may find yourself in here to burn of a few calories so you can eat more!! There is also a styling salon in this area.

The pool area is a very open area, complete with one large pool and two hot tubs, again the sun beds have been placed in twos and separated which is nice as some cruise lines put these side by side as far as the eye can see and it can leave you sitting next to someone you don’t want to be that close to if you know what I mean.

 

At one end of the pool area you have a Band stand where you will get string quartets playing in the afternoon and early evening or just a chilled out style of entertainment for long sea days and on the other end you have Waves Bar, where you can get a light bite to eat or a nice cocktail to sip under the blazing sun.

As you go towards the Aft of the ship, on one side you have the Patio which is another chilled out sitting area you can relax and enjoy a drink on the other side you have the Waves Grill, this is the dine Al Fresco when you like restaurant, here they have homemade ice-creams which you can enjoy on their own or in a thick milkshake, you could get a gourmet burger or a fresh salad, the choice is yours and the food on board Oceania is an array to tickle the taste buds. You really have to do one of their cruises to appreciate the high standard and quality of food.

 

At the back of deck nine you have the Terrace Café, again found on all five ships, this is the main buffet restaurant. It offers a very informal and carefree dining. You could have a relaxed breakfast here and enjoy it Al Fresco as the back of the ship is open to the sun, so a nice full English overlooking Sorrento or in the evenings the candles and parasol go up and you can enjoy tapas on the terrace overlooking over Barcelona.

 

 

Deck eight is a stateroom deck and also the bridge is on this deck, decks seven and six are also stateroom decks, deck five is a passenger deck.

So at the front of deck five we have the show lounge, on Oceania it is all about the food so there is normally casual entertainment, sourced locally to give you culture from where you are, there may be a band playing in here, there is not Broadway shows as such and they tend to only do one showing of the main entertainment, although there is always something going on in here. There is also a fully stocked bar so you can grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere.

 

As we start to walk to the Aft of the ship you have the Casino, again this is a lively place kitted out with lots of machines, although I won’t go in to, too much details as a Casino is as the name states a Casino.

Martinis is the main bar area on this deck, again very traditional and county house with a fire place at the back, lots of places to sit down and relax with a drink and friends, here there is also lots of artwork to browse and maybe purchase if you see a bit you like, although Oceania sell art work there are no art auctions on board.

 

Next is the Upper Hall, this is the top part of the grand stair case, this overlooks the very grand stair, the balcony is wrapped around with a black decorative railing, there is lots of seating again somewhere you can sit back and wait for friends before going to dinner, at the top of the staircase is also where the string quartet also plays so you can sit down and enjoy the music.

 

If you go down the stairs you have Reception in front of you, along with Destination Services and Concierge other than that it is accommodation.

Back up the stairs and at the back of the ship is the Grand Dining Room again found on all ships, you will also find the plates in here are Versace, and beautiful they are. Just off the dining room is the Grand Bar but this all seems to merge in to one is get a truly spectacular dining room.

 

The Grand Dining Room is a tribute to the spirit of Europes marquee 5* hotel restaurants that inspired its dignified yet convivial ambiance. Here you can really appreciate a bit of everything that Oceania has to offer and this be at could be the healthy alternative from Canyon Ranch or a dish from one of the specialty restaurants, one thing is for sure you will not be disappointed.

 

So that’s the ship, let’s have a look at the accommodation you could stay in.

The accommodation on the Nautica is smaller than the larger ships however it’s going to be, if you want the small ship charm you have to compromise. However in comparison to so of the other cruise lines in general the cabins where fairly spacious.

Another difference between the smaller and larger ships is that on the larger ships outside cabins and upwards all have a bathroom complete with bath-tub and separate shower. On the smaller ships you will only find this in the Penthouse suites and upwards.

There are the same types of cabins, although on a much more limited scale on the smaller ships there is only 24 inside cabins however the larger ships there are only 18 so really limited. You will also find Outside, Balcony, Concierge Balcony, Penthouse suites, Vista suites and Owners suites.

The only Suite that you will not find on the smaller ships is the Oceania Suites, these are exclusively on the Marina and the Riviera however who know maybe the addition of these in the near future.

The Inside cabins are 160 square feet. (174 square feet on the larger ships) so not a huge difference. These have a separate seating area and a vanity desk. You will also find the refrigerated min bar and plenty of built in storage. The space has been carefully used to give the feel of a bright and airy stateroom. The bathroom again is marble with full toiletries and a lovely shower, you also get plush cotton towels and thick cotton robes and slippers in all staterooms and suites.

 

 

The ‘E’ Grade of Ocean View cabins are located mid-ship on deck 6, these are obstructed view although bring in the natural sunlight. However these are 143 square feet so actually smaller than the Inside cabins, these have the vanity desk and chair, although have a small breakfast table  and seating area, so actually feel considerable smaller than the inside cabins, again marble bathroom with shower.

 

Next is the ‘D’ Grade of Ocean View, now these are clear view window staterooms, although important to note these offer only port holes which again allow plenty of light in and a clear view out, these are also bigger at 165 square feet. This allows for a spacious seating area with a sofa, a vanity desk and a breakfast table. You also get all the benefits of the above cabins.

 

One step up from here is the Deluxe Ocean View I suppose this is where the small and large ships show their differences on the larger ships these are 242 square feet, however on the Nautica you are looking at 165 square feet, so the same as the ‘D’ grade with the benefit of having a full picture window.

So as we step up to the more luxurious staterooms we get to the Veranda staterooms, these are 216 square feet and includes your own private teak veranda to relax on and enjoy, you get the benefits of the vanity desk, sitting area and breakfast table, again with a marble bathroom with shower.

Benefits start to change as you hit the Concierge Level, this is the same as the Veranda staterooms, however you will benefit from having benefits and privileges and these are as follows on the ‘R’ class ships and are more extensive on the larger ships.

• Priority noon ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery
• Welcome bottle of Champagne
• Priority online speciality restaurant and shore excursion reservations
• Unlimited access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub private spa terrace
• Exclusive discounts on Internet usage planes
• Bulgari toiletries
• Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag
• Cashmere lap blankets
• Complimentary shoe shine service
• Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation

So as we hit the suites on-board the Nautica, again this have even more benefits and before I run over the suites I will tell you also what these are

• Priority 11am ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery
• 24 hour butler service
• Complimentary in suite bar setup, with a bottle of each spirit, in Owners and Vista suites
• Welcome bottle of Champagne
• Fresh Fruit basket replenished daily
•  Priority online speciality restaurant and shore excursion reservations
• Unlimited access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub private spa terrace
• Laptop computer with wireless access
• Complimentary I pad in Owners and Vista suites
• Exclusive discounts on Internet usage planes
• Bulgari toiletries
• Full size whirlpool tubs in most suites
• Choice of daily printed newspapers
• Customized  entertainment system with integrated sound system and media library in Owners and Vista suites
• Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag
• Cashmere lap blankets
• Complimentary shoe shine service
• Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation
• Personalized stationery

The Penthouse suite is the lead in suite on board the Nautica, at 322 square feet, this is your haven on board. With all suites on board you receive 24 hour butler service and you can choose to have your meals served in the suite. The bathroom is a mix of marble and granite and is large enough for a luxury full size bath-tub. You will also get a larger teak balcony to relax and enjoy on. It has a separate bedroom area complete with vanity desk, you have a separate seating area with a dining area for those delicious meals that you don’t even need to step out of you suite to enjoy.

Next up are the Vista suites there is only four of these on board the Nautica, these sit directly on the front of the ship and two of the four can be made up as two bedrooms as they interconnect with an Ocean View cabin. The Balcony is large and extensive and overs breathe taking views out and over the bow of the ship. As you enter these suites you have a guest bathroom with leads on to the living room, complete with sofa and chairs and a 4 seater dining table, there is also a large TV, as you walk around from the living room you get to the bedroom which is a large master bedroom, complete with en-suite, with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. There is also a large extensive closet area.

One of the most notable difference is the Owners suites, on the Marina and Riviera these wrap around the back of the ship and have two balcony’s, as both the Owners, Vista and Oceania suites have Hot tubs on the Balconies. None of the suites have these on the Balconies, maybe something may be added in the Refurb in 2014 but no guarantee that they will.

The Owners suites on the Nautica are on the back of the ship however are spilt in to two, so over 3 decks there are six of them. These are half the size of the larger ships which are 200 square feet on the Nautica these are 1000 square feet although still large enough for me! These are immensely spacious and the balcony is wrapped around the back of the ship offering 180 degree views out to sea, again these offer a large living and dining area, master bedroom and bathroom with a separate guest bathroom and two flat screen televisions.

Just touching on the bed in all staterooms, these are Prestige Tranquillity beds, they are exclusive to Oceania Cruises. These mattresses are made from 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by two inches of memory foam. A two inch pillow top cushion filled with gel and wrapped in chamomile infused fibre tops the bed. The gel is more luxuriant in feel than the conventional foam and the chamomile is known to aid in inducing relaxation. These beds are then wrapped in 1000 thread-count, Egyptian cotton linens and in some accommodation you will also receive one of four tranquillity pillows. The signature pillows are wrapped in chamomile infused fibre and stuffed with either goose down, memory foam and gel, memory foam or hypo-allergenic fibre fill. “Cuisine, service and comfort are the three pillars of the Oceania Cruises’ brand,” stated Bob Binder, the line’s president. “The new Prestige Tranquillity Beds will offer the most comfortable, luxurious sleep experience at sea.”

 

So are you up for giving Oceania a go? Let me know what you think of these fantastic ships!

www.tomstravels.co.uk – 0800 408 6143 – [email protected]