In an era when mainstream and premium cruise ships continue to grow larger to take advantage of the economies of scale, Oceania Cruises offers a more intimate approach. Their ships all weigh in at 30,200 tons, but with a maximum capacity of 684 passengers, you cerainly do not lack space. Each passenger feels quite pampered by the 400 crew members that create an approximate 1 to 1.75 crew to passenger ratio.Fine fabrics and an old world, European elegance permeate the decor, from the the Tranquility
Beds of the staterooms to the stately English library. If this sounds like it would be out of your price range, you may be pleasantly surprised. Oceania categorizes itself as "premium plus," in that they are priced about like similar cruises on premium lines but include features you might be more prone to expect on much higher priced luxury cruises.
Booking early is richly rewarded at Oceania, with most sailings starting out with 2 for 1 cruise fares and free air from select gateways (including Los Angeles, San Diego and New York in most instances). Once those special promotional rooms sell out, they usually go to a "reduced" air rate of $499. Cruise and air fares move higher as the embarkation date approaches, and Oceania regularly sells out their voyages early.In the case of two perceptive ladies who booked a fantastic Athens to Rome itinerary with me for $1999 per person shortly after it went on sale, they found that booking early not only zeroed out the air fare but also resulted in a free upgrade to Category C Ocean View by the time they cruised in April of 2005. Yes, there were some taxes and transfers that added about $400 pp to their total bill, but for a sensational ten night Mediterranean cruise including gourmet meals, luxurious accomodations and air, that was still a steal of a deal.
As something of a boutique experience compared to mainstream cruises, Oceania does things a little differently, and as such attracts a more limited audience. Most obviously, it focuses on longer voyages, usually ten to fourteen nights, which is especially unique in the Caribbean. Country Club Casual is the dress code, with no need for tuxedoes or formal gowns. Instead of Broadway or Las Vegas style production shows in the main showroom, the cabaret acts are more likely to be individual performers, while dancing and jazz in small venues are the preferred nighttime entertainment for those not too worn out from the port intensive itineraries. Oceania has no children's programs, so although children are welcome onboard, families generally would probably prefer a different line, making this a more adult audience. Smoking is not prohibited on board, but it is limited to a handful of tables near the pool and one small section at the back of the showroom. No smoking is allowed in staterooms, or even on the private verandas of the most expensive suites, so cigar afficionados would be better off on a different cruise line. 
If Oceania sounds right for you, call me toll free at 866-554-5553 to learn more. In fact, call me to start planning your next fantastic vacation, regardless of your personal preferences. There is a perfect cruise for you.
By the way, Oceania has some competition in this growing market segment. Celebrity has two similar ships, Journey and soon-to-arrive Quest. Journey will be in Bermuda this summer, pampering guests with butler service in all rooms, and then head to South America for the winter. Quest will begin cruising in the Caribbean in the fall, adding the Panama Canal in the winter before heading to the Mediterranean for the summer. Another ship, the much smaller Xpeditions, continues to bring Celebrity service to exotic Galapagos Islands cruises.
Princess has three ships similar to Oceania. Tahitian Princess delivers perhaps the best warm water destination for snorkeling, Tahiti, and the exciting combination of Hawaii and Tahiti.
Pacific Princess will conclude its season in Australia and Asia and head to Alaska for the summer. Royal Princess will soon make her European debut, and right now there are some amazing deals for May cruises. Next winter, she'll be exploring the Amazon River.
