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Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Cruises' first new ship in more than a decade can hold up to 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Vista is the inaugural ship in Oceania's Allura Class, featuring top-of-the-line amenities like a culinary center, an artist loft and an extensive library, along with facilities like a pool, a casino, a spa and a fitness center. Additionally, Vista offers enrichment opportunities like destination-focused seminars led by guest speakers and dynamic musical performances.

One of the highlights of Oceania Vista is its wide array of dining venues, from specialty restaurants like Ember (American fare) and Toscana (Italian cuisine) to the poolside Waves Grill and daily afternoon tea service. In the evening, guests can grab a drink at their choice of several bars and lounges; Vista's immersive mixology program utilizes innovative techniques and trends to create an elevated cocktail experience.

Vista's well-appointed staterooms – which range from 240 to 2,400 square feet – boast balconies, queen-size beds, rainforest showers, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, among other amenities. If you splurge for a suite, you'll enjoy added benefits like iPads, cashmere blankets, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, access to the Executive Lounge and butler service.

Oceania Vista explores an array of popular destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The design of the Vista creates more expansive and contemporary public areas than other ships in Oceania's fleet, so even when the ship is at full capacity, it never feels crowded. Also, since it is an all-veranda ship, all guests have the same great ocean view. – Julie L. Kessler, Contributor

As part of Oceania's fleetwide revamp, Regatta was completely redesigned in September 2019. Passengers in Veranda Staterooms and Suites will enjoy verandas and spaces ranging from 216 to 1,000 square feet, while Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller. The ship now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone. No matter which you choose, all staterooms are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, plus all-new furnishings and marble bathrooms.

The 670 passengers will receive Oceania's signature service, with 400 crew members catering to guests' needs. Recent cruisers noted they rarely encountered crowds in the ship's public areas. The atmosphere aboard Regatta is decidedly adult, as the ship caters to older, affluent cruisers.

Entertainment varies from nightly musical performances to table games at the casino. Dining is also diverse: Regatta offers five venues ranging from the formal dining room to a casual grill. All-new plant-based menu items are also available. 

Regatta sails to destinations in Mexico, Asia, Australia and more.

Oceania's Marina accommodates up to 1,250 passengers and employs 800 crew members, maintaining the personalized service that the line is known for.  Marina offers signature amenities like the Aquamar Spa, a casino and a 2,000-book library. Onboard entertainment includes nightly live shows, painting and sketching lessons at the Artist Loft and cooking demos at The Culinary Center. While Marina went through a refurbishment in 2016, the ship will have an updated renovation in late 2023.  

Cruisers can choose from seven dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Jacques (with menus crafted by chef Jacques Pépin) and the Asian-inspired eatery Red Ginger, which recent passengers highly recommend.

Similar to its sister ship,  Riviera , cabins range from 174-square-foot Inside staterooms to 2,000-square-foot Suites. Higher category Veranda cabins and Suites come with perks like balconies, access to a Concierge Lounge, in-room iPads and more. All staterooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, full-size bathtubs, and minibars stocked with soda and bottled water.

Oceania Marina sails to destinations in Europe, South America and more.

Launched in 2012, Oceania Riviera is scheduled to complete a refubishment in December 2022. The upgrade will feature new furnishings, remodeled bathrooms, lighting and additional outlets and USB ports.  Oceania Riviera features larger staterooms than the line's older ships. The 1,250-passenger, 800-crew-member ship is identical to Oceania Marina and includes Inside, Ocean View and Veranda staterooms. The ship also offers suites that range from 420 to 2,000 square feet. While all cabins include minibars, full-size bathtubs and flat-screen TVs, suites add perks like 24-hour butler service.

When it's time to dine, cruisers can choose from eight venues. These include options not available on all Oceania ships, like Jacques (French fare) and Red Ginger (Asian-focused dishes). Bar and lounge venues are also varied, with specialty spots mixing martinis, offering wine tastings and serving poolside cocktails.

Other pursuits available on the ship include treatments at the spa, painting at the Artist Loft and cooking classes at The Culinary Center. With amenities and organized events geared toward older cruisers, Riviera isn't a great choice for those traveling with children.

Riviera will split its time between the Middle East,  the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia and more.

Originally launched as a  Princess  ship, the 648-passenger Sirena was revived in 2016 under the Oceania  name. The ship was most recently revamped in 2019 and features many of the amenities found on its sister ships, including the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and duty-free shopping boutiques.

Sirena's dining venues include the Red Ginger Asian restaurant and Tuscan Steak, both of which require reservations and an additional fee. Passengers can also choose from four more casual dining options included in the cruise fare. Recent guests gave the food on the ship mixed reviews. After dinner, evening entertainment includes musicals and theatrical productions, as well as games at the casino. 

Passengers can choose from Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite category cabins. While Inside staterooms start at 160 square feet, those who opt for a suite will find more space and added amenities, such as free internet access and butler service. The ship also now offers solo staterooms for those who are traveling alone.

Oceania Sirena offers sailings in the Caribbean, South America, Europe and some transoceanic itineraries.

Nautica welcomes up to 670 passengers and 400 crew members, so cruisers can expect plenty of attention along with a less congested (and typically kid-free) onboard atmosphere. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars, and the majority have private verandas. Oceania Nautica underwent a dramatic, $100 million fleetwide refresh in 2022. With the updated renovation, guests can enjoy freshly revamped Suites, Staterooms and marble bathrooms, plus new fixtures all around the ship.  

When it's time to dine, passengers can choose from five restaurants, including the Terrace Cafe and the elegant Grand Dining Room. There are also plant-based gourmet menu items available. Onboard activities are geared toward an older crowd, ranging from afternoon tea to services at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Nighttime entertainment offerings include musical acts and craft cocktails at the martini bar. 

Oceania Nautica sails to various destinations in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe and more.

The 670-passenger Oceania Insignia, which was dramatically redesigned in December 2018, maintains a nearly a 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio, which means staff members can provide personalized attention to guests. The expansive redesign included new marble bathrooms, redesigned suites and staterooms and a facelift for the ship's public spaces. 

When it comes to dining, guests can choose between five sit-down venues and sip libations at one of several bars and lounges. Activities on the ship are geared toward older cruisers; they include afternoon tea, board games, a casino and nightly live shows.

Insignia offers four cabin types: Inside, Ocean View, Veranda and Suite. Inside and Ocean View cabins are smaller, while Veranda cabins and Suites offer more legroom (between 216 and 1,000 square feet). All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and 1,000-thread-count linens. Suites include extra perks, like 24-hour butler service and in-room iPads.

Oceania Insignia sails to destinations in Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and more.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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The Oceania employees were wonderful

The Oceania employees were wonderful. We found that the meat in all dining venues was either overcooked, undercooked, unevenly cooked or dry. Twice my rare steak came out well done, my veal chop was overcooked on one end and raw on the other. Maine lobster tasteless. Cheese Gnocchi in Tuscan were gooey and shapeless. Husband served lasagne from the Terrace for an appetizer instead of 7 layer lasagne as advertised. Overall food in Terrace grill and Waves was very good but not so much in Polo and main dining room entrees.

Date of experience : 20 May 2024

Two islands and three continents on the Sirena: Cruising cannot get better than this. his.

Every passenegrs needs seem to be met with the utmost courtesy, respect and kindness. I was especially impressed by the gesture to Jewish passengers to have an opportunity to hold a Friday night Sabbath blessing, prayers and service in the library at 6.30pm. Prayer books were provided, automatic candles, wineglasses, Kosher Kiddush wine, red and white, and best of all three fabulously homemade, fresh challahs baked by the chef. G-d bless him - what a fine gesture. Better than at home! It is these small details that mean such a lot and make the cruise experience one of the finest in the world. Thank you for the best twelve days ever! Delicious food, incredible coffee by your fine baristas (we are from Sydney, Australia and know about good coffee) and the most immaculate room service/cleaning by ever smiling, obliging Anna. Di and Steve Alperstein (Room 4018)

Date of experience : 22 April 2023

Dirty Ships

Dirty Ships. Bad food. Worst Customer Service. No Vegetarian food.AVOID THIS CRUISE LINE.

Date of experience : 11 March 2024

Oceania Riviera has Lost its luster

I am disappointed by the entire experience and most importantly by the lack of response from the cruise line. I submitted a review while on board the ship on two different occasions and wrote the main office in Miami and never received the courtesy of a response. Among many issues were quality of the service in the dining venues( dishes left on table, no coffee arrived and more), poor coordination of excursions( waiting for over an hour in hot sun for buses or tenders) and overall poor maintenance of the common areas. The new ownership appears to by making many cost cutting moves that are impacted the service, food quality( Told not ot order beef dishes in Red Ginger because of poor quality) and overall ship board experience. Not on par with other luxury cruise lines.

Date of experience : 13 April 2024

WOW some of those reviews are awful (and incorrect)

WOW! I saw so many negative reviews! But looking more into the content, many are not relevant to Oceania; the complaints about "overbooked flights" relate to airlines, not Oceania. The complaints about tiny showers by obese people, well, did you have to book two seats on your flight? Do you really think that you can arrive by air and go straight to your ship? NOOO. we always arrive a day or two before embarkation to ensure we're OK to go. The list goes on and on. We've cruised on Oceania five times (Holland America and Virgin cruises before this) and have had no bad experience, BUT when we missed ports for any reason, we were given future cruise credits without question. Food? Bloody good and if it wasn't, send it back for a redo. Looking forward to our next cruise! Here's a heads up; we only EVER deal with our Oceania rep (Tia, you're wonderful) and have NEVER had any problems!

Date of experience : 12 December 2023

When booking a cruise for 25K.refund

When booking a cruise for 25K.to secure the cruise we had to pay $2300. Deposit immediately. All well and good But unfortunately we had a medical issue and we had to cancel which was nearly 10 mths before departure They take $350 each person for cancellation fees which we accept and the balance of $1600 Now the bad bit you have to wait 3 mths to get your refund. WHY!!!!

Date of experience : 01 March 2024

Horrible horrible customer service with…

Horrible horrible customer service with blatant bait and switch tactics. Agreed to one price over the phone for a Greek cruise and charges a higher one after the fact without warning. Then goes radio silent when trying to reach the sales consultant (Sam or Saad Shakir) via email and phone numerous times. Says their director will reach out to rectify things but never does. And then the nerve of the company to try and keep 50% of my deposit even when I canceled within the alloted timeframe. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS POS COMPANY. Would give them 0 stars!!!!

Date of experience : 05 February 2024

The crew was rude & disrespectful

The crew was rude & disrespectful. Also I was charged $75.00 more than I should have. I will never use Oceania Cruise line again. No compensation for the canceled costa mya stop, or the GI & covid that spread thru the ship making everyone sick & miserable. The servers were the best ever, especially Nolwazi

Date of experience : 07 March 2024

Guest abandonment at quay

At time of writing we should have been on SIRENA cruising to Panama. With the cruise lines permission we were boarding at Costa Maya but the ship decided not to dock. This decision was made with full knowledge that they were abandoning us in Mexico 6000 miles from home . They made no attempt to contact us ( or our emergency contacts) either by phone SMS what’s app or e mail .The final insult to this gross misconduct is that they are refusing to give us any refund.To anyone thinking of using this line …. Don’t … as they really don’t care about you or your welfare

Date of experience : 09 March 2024

Our Favourite cruise line by far

We have travelled with Oceania cruises over ten times. All wonderful experiences. The food is simply the best. Lobster, steaks , excellent Dover soles. Their Asian fusion restaurant Red Ginger is as popular as the French ‘chez Jacques’. The Polo Grill serves t-bones which have to be seen to be believed! We love their format. Great destinations, great shows, no extra charges , no charges for coffee and soft drinks. We’ve cruised with Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent, all very good too, but Oceania is the best - relaxed glamour at very reasonable prices. (BEWARE those companies who charge for all drinks including soft drinks - when you get the bill it’s eye watering). Oceania also have the best choice of onboard activities and the staff are marvellous. Our next cruise with them is in 3 weeks around the Caribbean and we can’t wait! One tip - Sam in the Southampton office is our go to customer service agent who can help with any queries. Go book!

Date of experience : 25 March 2023

If you ask for feedback at least respond to the problems

One thing you are taught in customer service is if there are issues deal with them. Oceania failed in this regard spectacularly! We were asked for comments on day 7 of the cruise – my negative comments (with examples went over the given space by 50%. I was never approached on the cruise about them. Comments from other passengers were along the lines – they probably have so many passenger issue comments to deal with that they have not got around to mine! As I say passenger niggles were too common and them not being addressed was common place.

Date of experience : 16 December 2023

Extremely dangerous food hygiene practices

I and many other guests on Oceania marina sailing from Lima to Peru developed food poisoning. The food was served cold, inadequately defrosted. smelt rotten tasted awful and gave us all food poisoning at many points over the dates we spent on board. diarrhoea, vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain, days of abdominal pain. All were denied by the general manager on board but when you pay over £10,000 for a cruise the least you can expect is good quality food. Dr Fiona French

Date of experience : 25 December 2023

Terrible pre trip service

I booked for an Oceania cruise for the Med in Sept. My friend fell and broke her so hip we asked for a 5 day ext. for the total payment to be made, after having paid a deposit, about 6 months out so she could see the specialist. They refused. We tried to transfer our deposit to another cruise next year - they refused - and took $1100. Their reason was we’re weren’t booking like for like. But they didn’t have the same 15 cruise in 2025. We had to cancel . I will never deal with them again. Be wary - their customer service is sh….t.

Date of experience : 04 April 2024

Oceania create expectations they fail to meet

I have just arrived back from 2 back to back cruises on Marina to South America. On every level it was disappointing. Communication was poor reliant on an inarticulate cruise director. A good example is that the Captain was taken off ill. Rumours spread rather than a simple statement in the news letter. Attention to detail is haphazard. Staff not managed or badly trained. Management were uninterested, complacent or ... Food, best on ocean, is a joke and any comments went to junior staff who, I suspect, never passed comments on. Simple errors were everywhere.

Date of experience : 02 December 2023

Sirena Food no better than ok. Staff great.

Our first (and last) cruise with Oceania. Azamara far better. Went Miami to Mexico etc on Western Caribbean Wonders and then back to Miami. Ship old (‘99) but ok. Staff great but not trained to be observant. Food no better than ok. Basic drinks package (included for us) was very good. Free WiFi worked very well. Cruise Director unbelievably camp which most passengers found very irritating. Evening entertainment awful. Only two group shows, two performances from a not funny comic, two performances from a violinist TWO FILMS and one evening of the life story of the camp director. Didn’t get to stop at Costa Maya so two days at see. Last two days in the incredibly awful Cozumel which is a resort island dedicated to big cruise ships. Sorry Oceania but you need to sharpen your act. All those we met who had previously cruised with Oceania were doubtful about returning.

Date of experience : 25 January 2024

very bad cruise

We regret to inform you that we are very disappointed to have booked on your boat for the following reasons: Waiting more than an hour to board Papeette at 1 p.m. on March 30 No music or glass of water and no welcome message on board Planes dropped off 6 suitcases at 9 a.m. and had to wait until 6 p.m. to receive 2 missing suitcases in our cabin Despite numerous requests at reception to be put in touch with a French speaking person, I was told that no one was available at that time. After 6 days, an American cruise line seeing me distraught asked at reception that I be put in touch with someone who spoke French but this person spoke French less well than I spoke English. I had to continue the conversation in English with my poor vocabulary…. The biggest problem we encountered on your cruise is that the level of English of my wife and I is not sufficient to understand, for example, the cruise director's announcements because he speaks too quickly and shortens the words. As a result, we don't understand anything. It's the same for all activities on the boat which are not accessible to us because everything is in English. We tried in vain to go and listen in the auditorium to a magician, a trumpeter, a ventriloquist, a singer, a lecturer, an actor, a humorist but each time we understand nothing and it becomes annoying that the people around us we laugh and that we do not understand the reason. It is unacceptable that there is no French-speaking management. On boarding day I tried to order a beer and was told it was an extra that I had to pay I showed my cruise line card and I thought that having booked a suite that beer was included but that was not the case and that I had to buy a package of 30usd per day per person… Given the inconvenience we are experiencing, I requested a commercial gesture and compensation which was refused. We managed to speak in English with one of your managers on the boat and he ended up telling us that he could do nothing for us. I have to tell you that just before getting on your boat we took a cruise on the Gauguin and it's day and night with the regatta On the Gauguin welcome with music and welcome necklace and photo and glass of champagne. All shows in French, English and Tahitian. Wine and beer included and we did not take a superior cabin. In the past we have done many cruises and all the shipowners group the cruise passengers by language for those who wish. we had one facilitator per language. On the regatta to this day we have never had the chance to meet your entertainment department as we did not exist… When we booked the regatta it was to take a Polynesian cruise but we were wrong. We felt like we were in New York. Given that we feel ignored on the regatta we asked reception to get off and leave the cruise on 04/12/2024 in Honolulu instead of 04/20 in Los Angeles We ask you to kindly grant us compensation so that we keep good memories of Oceania cruises You will note that we will not use the cruise services from April 12 to 20, 2024 and hope that we will be reimbursed at your convenience.

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if…

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if having reliable Internet matters. Or an app to plan and keep up to date with goings on onboard and off-shore. And whoever is in charge of marketing at Oceania has not yet claimed its Google knowledge panel…so guests cannot even leave a review. In 2023, what global hospitality brand doesn’t allow guests to engage digitally? Sadly, and surprisingly, it’s Oceania Cruises. My bad for not checking before we booked what will be our last cruise with this brand.

Date of experience : 03 September 2023

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers. They buy lists of names from companies like Travel + Leisure (who sold them without permission) and then Oceania Cruises proceed to send mailing after mailing. Doesn't matter if you try to opt out, call them or send message asking them, to stop - they'll keep dumping junk mail at you. They don't answer calls or messages. Imaging if you actually paid for the service how dreadful it would be,

Date of experience : 26 June 2023

Efficient and helpful staff

My request to cancel a cruise was dealt with efficiently and sympathetically. I had really good interaction with a number of staff. Money held by Oceania was returned to the cruise agent, for refund to the client, within the agreed timeframe. Unfortunately the cruise agent Planet Cruise were not as easy to deal with and kept the money for six months. I really hope that I get the opportunity to book another cruise with Oceania in the future, directly of course and not through an agent.

Date of experience : 14 November 2020

Oceania Cruises Need Improvements

Outrageous prices for shore excursions. Tour guides could hardly speak English and the itineraries were mostly uninteresting. Marina ship was old and dated needing new furnishings and carpets. Our toilet was clogged for 3 of the 9 days. Food was excellent though but the specialty restaurants were mediocre at best.

Date of experience : 20 June 2023

Review: Oceania Vista

What is the line? Oceania Cruises

Name of ship? Vista

Passenger occupancy? 1,200

Itinerary? Rome to Rome

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Oceania has long prided itself on being a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, and Vista upholds that reputation. While the newest ship is still geared toward the line’s core demographic—travelers 55 and up—the flexible dining options, health-conscious menus, inventive bars, and well-balanced itineraries are likely to appeal to a slightly younger audience, too.

Tell us about the ship in general.

Oceania’s first new ship in over a decade set sail in spring 2023, and can hold 1,200 passengers. It marks the start of the line’s new Allura Class, and boasts all-veranda cabins (a first for Oceania), a staff-to-guest ratio of 2:3, three new culinary venues, and stronger Wi-Fi, thanks to the adoption of SpaceX’s Starlink technology.

Who is onboard?

During the christening sailing, passengers consisted of journalists from around the world, travel agents, longtime fans of the brand, and friends and family, with nearly every decade accounted for. Typically, Oceania guests tend to be 55-plus, with a mix of couples, solo travelers, and families with adult children looking for a food and beverage-focused experience, and a mix of well-known and off-the-beaten-path ports of call. While children are allowed onboard, there is no kids’ programming.

Describe the cabins.

I stayed in a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, which had more than enough elbow room for two guests, thanks to the seating area—there’s a small couch and a chair in front of the dresser and mirror—and balcony. Decorated with cool gray tones, marble and leather accents, and crisp white bedding, the rooms feel upscale but not ostentatious. We were particularly delighted by the large bathroom, especially the shower, and the seemingly endless storage space throughout the cabin; little things like the USB chargers on either side of the bed were appreciated as well.

New to the ship are Concierge Level Solo Veranda Staterooms, offering solo travelers a spacious room in which to rest their head (though that shower size definitely leaves something to be desired), a generous balcony, and access to an airport-like lounge on their floor with snacks and beverages. Guests in Concierge Level cabins also get perks like priority embarkation, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and free laundry service (up to three bags).

On the other end of the spectrum, the Oceania Suite is like a luxury apartment at sea, with a dining table, wet bar, massive balcony, and two bathrooms, one with a standalone bathtub. The Vista and Owner’s Suite are even more elaborate.

Tell us about the crew.

The crew was kind and welcoming, though not overly attentive. Our cabin steward introduced himself on the first day and was a friendly face throughout the week. As the ship is on the smaller side, you can expect to recognize crew members quickly (some may pop up in more than one dining venue). The hero of our sailing was Pablo at the shore excursions desk, who was incredibly patient and helpful when we showed up on day one without a clue what we wanted to do, and a long line behind us.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Of the ship's 11 culinary spaces, three are new: Aquamar Kitchen, where you can offset richer meals with poké bowls, smoothies, or avocado toast; the Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries, finger sandwiches, and an impressive breakfast assortment (so much smoked salmon!); and a new signature restaurant, Ember, which was designed to mimic New American restaurants in northern California. It has a cozy feel and is meant to be a slightly quicker dining experience, with family-style sides and hearty entrees (lobster mac and cheese, porcini-dusted bone-in ribeyes).

Returning guests will be happy to see Oceania staples like Toscana, an Italian restaurant where a cart filled with a dozen or so oil and vinegar bottles gets rolled over to you with your bread, and Red Ginger, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring dishes with Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Malaysian influence (the watermelon duck salad came highly recommended, and was in fact delicious). It’s worth nothing that none of these specialty restaurants come with an upcharge.

While not new, Vista ’s Waves Grill stays open for dinner as a pizza joint, and is a great place to dine on days when you come back to the ship late or are eager for a casual dining experience—the pizza was fantastic, and there are at least three different burrata appetizers to choose from, along with a great selection of wine.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center is one of the most beautiful spaces on the ship. Don’t skip a visit to the terrace, where you can relax on plush lounge chairs (including heated ones) in between dips into the plunge pool or hot tub. While the main pool is by no means a party scene, this space is markedly more serene, thanks to its tucked-away location at the back of the ship. As for the treatments, standard fare is offered: massages, facials, hair and nail services, salt scrubs.

Tell us about the activities and entertainment.

Pickleball devotees will be happy to know there is an outdoor court; golf putting greens, shuffleboard, and lawn games like cornhole line the top deck, too. The resort-like pool is a popular space to hang, and at night, guests can visit the casino, the adjacent Founder's Bar (where drinks come smoking, scented, and otherwise made to be photographed), the theater, and the piano bar.

There’s tons of experiential programming on offer as well. Head to the Artists’ Loft to take a class with the talented artists-in-residence, or visit the expanded Culinary Center for cooking demos and classes developed by executive chef Kathryn Kelly.

How was the experience for families?

This isn’t the line to choose if you’re looking for a kids’ club, wave pools, or Go-Karts (Oceania’s sister brand, Norwegian Cruise Line, is better suited for that). Guests under 18 (and over six months) are allowed, but must stay in the same stateroom as an adult, and can’t participate on shore excursions or land tours without an accompanying adult.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

The christening cruise sailed from Rome to Rome, with stops in Naples; Valletta, Malta; and Ajaccio, France in between. ( Vista will spend most of 2023 in Western Europe, then move to North America and the Caribbean.) We had an overnight in Valletta, something Oceania is working to do more of, along with offering more late-night stays for single-day ports, so that guests can spend more time on land. Their itineraries do a good job of mixing well-known cities with smaller, lesser-known ports, and the shore excursions include both highlights tours of historical sites and landmarks and programs geared toward returning visitors; we heard great things about the pizza crawl in Naples.

Anything we missed?

Oceania offers a great middle ground in terms of experience and offerings—both grand and cozy, with a wider range of fare options than luxury lines, since it’s not all-inclusive. Go for excellent food and beverage, unique ports, good service, and a comfortable space you’ll be happy to come back to at the end of busy days on land.

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Vista cruise ship review: What to expect on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship

"Is this a luxury cruise ship?" That was the question on everyone's lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises' Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.

We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship's craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.

Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.

Then again, when you're curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.

Overview of Vista

Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line's new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can't step outside).

The ship's target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.

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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.

Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it's more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.

What I loved about Vista

Dining choice.

Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.

I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet's outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons' afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.

Not only did Vista's large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn't a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn't order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.

Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.

The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.

The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you've ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you're a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.

Cocktails and mixology program

The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.

Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic "liquors" to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It's a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.

What I didn't love about Vista

I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn't love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.

Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That's pretty much it.

My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn't offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.

To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn't about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.

One should never judge a ship's service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn't considered a luxury ship.

In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It's in the "software," so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that's fine.

In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn't offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren't offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I'm fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.

The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you'd expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.

Vista cabins and suites

Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you're really only choosing between perks and exterior space.

New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania's first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They're Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.

My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can't step out.)

I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania's Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.

Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.

The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.

The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.

I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.

Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn't seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You'll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.

Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don't know why you'd want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.

Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.

For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.

The eight Vista Suites, which I didn't see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner's Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.

Vista restaurants and bars

Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line's tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.

It's hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has "the finest cuisine at sea" (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you've ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.

Restaurants

I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It's a good thing most of Vista's sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.

You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista's four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there's walk-in availability for additional meals.

The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I've ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn't have that hotel ballroom feel.

At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the "Taste of the World" sampler platter themed around a different country each day.

The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin's namesake French restaurant on Vista's sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don't miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.

The Terrace Café is Vista's buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren't always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.

On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.

Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.

In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don't have to choose between the options.

Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves' famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista's new "healthy" dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.

In the morning, don't miss Aquamar's selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven't lived until you've spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.

The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you're drinking the real thing.

All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.

The new entrant to Oceania's food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista's signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don't take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista's fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It's a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.

While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.

Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.

Toscana is Oceania's long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it's newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship's godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada's branzino and wasn't wowed.

Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana's incredible ship-made pasta. You can't go wrong with Giada's lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I'd pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.

The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it's because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.

To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.

Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a "gustatory journey for the senses") and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.

But the food options don't end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.

Vista's bars are hopping before and after dinner because there's not much else to do on board at night.

The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.

On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.

Be careful — it's so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven't upgraded to the premium beverage package.

Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.

Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you'll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).

The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista's gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.

Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.

Vista activities and shows

An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You'll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.

Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.

I tried a "drip technique" painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I'm not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It's also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.

Vista's culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship's destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.

On a warm, sunny day, Oceania's gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship's topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.

The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men's and women's locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.

If it's cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.

In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista's Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.

Each night, there's a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who's worked with "Dancing with the Stars."

Vista itineraries and pricing

Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.

Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania's more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.

The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.

What to know before you go

Required documents

The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It's up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.

When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.

Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.

A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.

Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania's premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.

Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.

Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.

Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don't pick them up in a timely fashion.

Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.

Electrical outlets

Vista's cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You'll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.

Drinking age

You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).

Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests "elegant casual resort wear" for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.

For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.

Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.

During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don't wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You'll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.

Bottom line

Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that's the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.

Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you'll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Review: Oceania Riviera cruise ship

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Riviera cruise ship facts

• 1,250 guests
• 2012 launched
• 2022 refurbished

Riviera is a great choice for those who like a mid-sized ship. It has lots of restuarants and on board activities, as well as designer-style accommodation.

In this review

• Riviera FAQs
• Our review ratings
• Riviera deck plan
• About Oceania’s Riviera
• Food on Oceania’s Riviera
• Nightlife on Riviera
• Staterooms and suites
• Fitness and recreation
• Riviera’s shore excursions
• Activities on Riviera
• What’s included on Riviera
• Oceania Riviera dress code
• Fellow guests
• Riviera review conclusion

We think Oceania’s Riviera is ideal for people who want the benefits of a big ship without the crowds. For instance, there are eight restaurants on board; foodies will love it. What’s more, Riviera also has a wide range of staterooms and suites; so you can choose the perfect room.

The Riviera deck plan  is easy to get around and it never feels crowded, with lots of relaxing lounges and public spaces. There is also an indulgent spa and a resort-style swimming pool.

However, there are things worth knowing; like what’s included in your cruise fare and how to get the most our of your shore excursions.

• The outstanding Red Ginger restaurant.
• Refurbished staterooms and suites.
• Never feels crowded.
• Service can be patchy.
• Not as intimate as Oceania’s smaller vessels.

Is Oceania’s Riviera luxury?

Riviera is a luxury cruise ship. The food can be very good and it has up-market, resort-style amenities.

Does Riviera have formal nights?

No, Riviera does not have formal nights.

What is the average age on Riviera?

Most guests range in age from 35 to 75-years old.

Are drinks included on Oceania’s Riviera?

Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea and juices are all part of your cruise fare. Special promotions like Simply More cruise fares also include alcoholic drinks at lunch and dinner.

Does Riviera included gratuities?

Gratuities are not included; with the exception of residents from Australia and New Zealand where gratuities are bundled into the cruise fare.

The Riviera deck plan is easy to get around. There are a total of 9 passenger decks, the highest of which is deck 16.

• Reception : Deck 5
• Accommodation : Decks 7 to 12
• Main dining room : Deck 6
• Theatre : Deck 5
• Observation lounge : Deck 15

It is worth noting that there is no deck 13 on Riviera.

Riviera is an Oceania-class cruise ship built in Italy and launched in May 2012. It is larger than most other ships in the Oceania Cruises fleet. Indeed, Riviera is 239 m. / 785 ft. long with 15 passenger decks.

The cruise ship has room for 1,250 guests, that is the same number as Marina and the newer Vista. By contrast the smaller R-class ships like Nautica and Regatta carry just 656-guests.

Riviera was entirely refurbished in 2022. In fact, Oceania Cruises boast every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new.  

We found that many of Riviera’s public spaces also have a fresh new look, including restuarants like The Grand Dining Room. We think it strikes just the right balance; Riviera looks luxurious, but it never feels pretentious.

The food on Riviera is central to the cruise experience. Indeed, the cuisine is given a reverence rarely found on a ship this size. As if to underscore that point there are no fewer than eight dining venues to choose from.

Riviera has a main dining room, a buffet, a poolside grill and a cafe for light bites. What’s more there are also six speciality restaurants, four of which are free-of-charge. Indeed, they are among the main reasons for choosing a Riviera cruise vacation.  

We rate the Asian-inspired Red Ginger as the best restaurant on board . Indeed, it is one of the best Asian restaurants at sea. With signature dishes like Spicy Duck & Watermelon Salad and Miso-glazed Sea Bass it is not to be missed.

Jacques has classic French fare, like indulgent Lobster Thermidor. Also, there is succulent Carré de Porc – Iberian Pork Rack with Oven Roasted Red Delicious Apple. The Polo Grill steakhouse has a delightful Roasted Beetroot & Garlic Goats Cheese Napoleon as well as prime steaks, chops and seafood from the grill. The Italian Toscana restaurant prepares delicious al dente pasta along with northern Italian specialties.

There is also La Reserve with a food and wine pairing experience as well as private dining in Privée, both for an additional fee.

It’s worth noting that you must have a reservation to dine in one of the specialty restaurants – walk-ins are usually not admitted.

Editor’s tip: Visit the Restaurant Reservation desk to book speciality dining (located in the foyer on Deck 5). If we visited the desk after 3:00pm we could usually get into any restaurant that evening, so long as we were happy with a late sitting.

The magnificent Grand Dining Room retains a classic charm, not to mention an impressive menu which changes each night. That said, on our voyage the quality of the cuisine was, on occasion, inconsistent.

If you prefer a more casual dining experience there is a buffet in the Terrace Cafe, as well as poolside pleasers like burgers and hot dogs at Waves Grill.

Light snacks as well as tea and coffee are available at Baristas cafe. In-room dining is also available 24-hours a day.

Riviera has a good selection of nightlife entertainment . The Quadrivium String Quartet play in the Grand Bar most evenings and there is a lively pianist in Martinis bar.

You can see theatrical shows in the Riviera Lounge . Although it’s worth noting these can have a hint of cruise ship cliche about them. On the other hand, the guest entertainers were thoroughly enjoyable. Showtime is usually 9:30pm.

There is also late-night entertainment in Horizons bar with hosted karaoke and performances by the Riviera band.

All of Riviera’s staterooms and suites were refurbished in 2022. Now they are bright and airy; we think they look great.

Riviera has a wide range of staterooms and suites to choose from. There are Inside Staterooms – these are the least expensive rooms on board. Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms have a lovely picture window. We recommend these for cold climate voyages when poor weather can make a veranda unpleasant.

That said, Riviera’s Veranda Staterooms are a delight. So too are the near identical Concierge Level Staterooms which come with extra perks like laundry allowances.

It’s worth noting that the bathrooms in the Veranda and Concierge Staterooms have also been entirely entirely made-over. The bathtub was taken out and replaced with a large walk-in shower.

For those who like more space there are also four large suite categories on Riviera. The Penthouse Suite is the most popular of these. It is like a junior suite in a hotel. However, the one-bedroom Oceania Suite is our preference, especially those with enviable midship positions. The extra spacious Vista Suites are even larger while the palatial Owner’s Suites span the entire beam.

Keeping fit and looking good on Oceania’s Riviera is easy. There is a large gym with free weights and exercise machines, as well as pilates and yoga classes. You can play shuffleboard, practice your golf swing in the driving nets or enjoy the views from the jogging track on the top deck.  

Riviera has a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a glorious teak deck with lots of comfortable sun loungers.  

Also, there are wellness treatments in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center as well as a steam room, a spa terrace and a full service salon.

Riviera’s shore excursions

There are shore excursions for people of all abilities and interests on Oceania’s Riviera. They range from panoramic bus tours to small group cultural explorations.  

There are cooks tours of local markets, hiking trips and journeys to white sand beaches. On our voyage we went whale watching in Iceland and also visited a prize-winning Norwegian garden on a small group tour.  

Oceania’s Riviera has some unique on board activities like cookery classes in the Culinary Center. On our voyage these were very popular. There are also painting lessons in The Artists Loft with the ship’s artist-in-residence.  

In addition, the usual shipboard activities are also available including lectures from guest speakers, bridge, trivia, mar jongg, table tennis and a Mensa Daily Quiz. Other activities include dance classes, Diamond Parties in the boutique, Wine Tasting (for a fee) and a free Captains Cocktail Celebration.  

Riviera also has get-togethers for friends of Dorothy, friends of Bill W and solo cruisers.  

You can read about all the activities in the daily Currents newsletter.

Riviera has a popular and well stocked library with cozy nooks for reading. Next to the library is a games room with chess, backgammon, Scrabble, Monopoly and more.

There are also boutiques on Riviera selling jewellery, designer clothing and travel essentials.

A basic Oceania Cruises fare on Riviera includes all meals, even in the specialty restaurants. Soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea and juices are also complimentary.

At the time of writing Oceania Cruises Simply More fares also included a House Select Beverage Package as well as a shore excursion credit of between USD600 – 1,600 per stateroom or suite.

However, gratuities are no longer included for most passengers. Interestingly, residents from Australia and New Zealand will continue to have gratuities included in their cruise fares.

In addition, Riviera usually has a free shuttle bus service between the port and downtown.

There is also a self-service laundry, although guests staying in Concierge Level staterooms and Suites get a free laundry allowance.

The Riviera dress code is country club casual. In other words, smart casual wear is ideal.

During the day guests wear shorts, jeans and T-shirts. However, it is important to note that tank tops or swimsuits should not be worn in any of the restaurants.

After 6:00pm the Riviera dress code steps up a notch. Men wear slacks and a shirt (jacket optional). Women wear slacks or a skirt, and a blouse.

Riviera does not have formal nights.

Riviera is a popular cruise ship. Indeed, on our voyage many guests had sailed on Riviera before.

Guests generally range in age from 35 to 75-years old. However it’s worth noting that there can be families on board too, especially on warm weather voyages.

Most guests come from the U.S.A, but there are usually Britons, Canadians and Australians as well.

Oceania Riviera is gay-friendly.

Riviera is a great choice for those who like a mid-sized ship with lots of dining options and on board activities. It is also well suited to people who want unique excursions ashore.

However, Riviera’s larger size means some guests might find it a little bit impersonal. Also, on busy voyages the service can occassionaly be patchy.

That said, we think Riviera offers a very good cruise vacation experience. 

Read the accommodation section of this Oceania Riviera review by clicking the images below.

The author sailed as a guest of Oceania Cruises .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

Riviera Rooms

Riviera dining, riviera nightlife, riviera wellness.

Thanks for the details. Are you going to review this ship again after the refurbishment last year? Photos of the updated cabins and suites would be excellent.

Thanks for your note. We certinaly hope to!

Regards Jason Kerr Managing Editor

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The Oceania employees were wonderful

The Oceania employees were wonderful. We found that the meat in all dining venues was either overcooked, undercooked, unevenly cooked or dry. Twice my rare steak came out well done, my veal chop was overcooked on one end and raw on the other. Maine lobster tasteless. Cheese Gnocchi in Tuscan were gooey and shapeless. Husband served lasagne from the Terrace for an appetizer instead of 7 layer lasagne as advertised. Overall food in Terrace grill and Waves was very good but not so much in Polo and main dining room entrees.

Date of experience : May 20, 2024

Two islands and three continents on the Sirena: Cruising cannot get better than this. his.

Every passenegrs needs seem to be met with the utmost courtesy, respect and kindness. I was especially impressed by the gesture to Jewish passengers to have an opportunity to hold a Friday night Sabbath blessing, prayers and service in the library at 6.30pm. Prayer books were provided, automatic candles, wineglasses, Kosher Kiddush wine, red and white, and best of all three fabulously homemade, fresh challahs baked by the chef. G-d bless him - what a fine gesture. Better than at home! It is these small details that mean such a lot and make the cruise experience one of the finest in the world. Thank you for the best twelve days ever! Delicious food, incredible coffee by your fine baristas (we are from Sydney, Australia and know about good coffee) and the most immaculate room service/cleaning by ever smiling, obliging Anna. Di and Steve Alperstein (Room 4018)

Date of experience : April 22, 2023

Dirty Ships

Dirty Ships. Bad food. Worst Customer Service. No Vegetarian food.AVOID THIS CRUISE LINE.

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Oceania Riviera has Lost its luster

I am disappointed by the entire experience and most importantly by the lack of response from the cruise line. I submitted a review while on board the ship on two different occasions and wrote the main office in Miami and never received the courtesy of a response. Among many issues were quality of the service in the dining venues( dishes left on table, no coffee arrived and more), poor coordination of excursions( waiting for over an hour in hot sun for buses or tenders) and overall poor maintenance of the common areas. The new ownership appears to by making many cost cutting moves that are impacted the service, food quality( Told not ot order beef dishes in Red Ginger because of poor quality) and overall ship board experience. Not on par with other luxury cruise lines.

Date of experience : April 13, 2024

WOW some of those reviews are awful (and incorrect)

WOW! I saw so many negative reviews! But looking more into the content, many are not relevant to Oceania; the complaints about "overbooked flights" relate to airlines, not Oceania. The complaints about tiny showers by obese people, well, did you have to book two seats on your flight? Do you really think that you can arrive by air and go straight to your ship? NOOO. we always arrive a day or two before embarkation to ensure we're OK to go. The list goes on and on. We've cruised on Oceania five times (Holland America and Virgin cruises before this) and have had no bad experience, BUT when we missed ports for any reason, we were given future cruise credits without question. Food? Bloody good and if it wasn't, send it back for a redo. Looking forward to our next cruise! Here's a heads up; we only EVER deal with our Oceania rep (Tia, you're wonderful) and have NEVER had any problems!

Date of experience : December 12, 2023

When booking a cruise for 25K.refund

When booking a cruise for 25K.to secure the cruise we had to pay $2300. Deposit immediately. All well and good But unfortunately we had a medical issue and we had to cancel which was nearly 10 mths before departure They take $350 each person for cancellation fees which we accept and the balance of $1600 Now the bad bit you have to wait 3 mths to get your refund. WHY!!!!

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

Horrible horrible customer service with…

Horrible horrible customer service with blatant bait and switch tactics. Agreed to one price over the phone for a Greek cruise and charges a higher one after the fact without warning. Then goes radio silent when trying to reach the sales consultant (Sam or Saad Shakir) via email and phone numerous times. Says their director will reach out to rectify things but never does. And then the nerve of the company to try and keep 50% of my deposit even when I canceled within the alloted timeframe. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS POS COMPANY. Would give them 0 stars!!!!

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

The crew was rude & disrespectful

The crew was rude & disrespectful. Also I was charged $75.00 more than I should have. I will never use Oceania Cruise line again. No compensation for the canceled costa mya stop, or the GI & covid that spread thru the ship making everyone sick & miserable. The servers were the best ever, especially Nolwazi

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

Guest abandonment at quay

At time of writing we should have been on SIRENA cruising to Panama. With the cruise lines permission we were boarding at Costa Maya but the ship decided not to dock. This decision was made with full knowledge that they were abandoning us in Mexico 6000 miles from home . They made no attempt to contact us ( or our emergency contacts) either by phone SMS what’s app or e mail .The final insult to this gross misconduct is that they are refusing to give us any refund.To anyone thinking of using this line …. Don’t … as they really don’t care about you or your welfare

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Our Favourite cruise line by far

We have travelled with Oceania cruises over ten times. All wonderful experiences. The food is simply the best. Lobster, steaks , excellent Dover soles. Their Asian fusion restaurant Red Ginger is as popular as the French ‘chez Jacques’. The Polo Grill serves t-bones which have to be seen to be believed! We love their format. Great destinations, great shows, no extra charges , no charges for coffee and soft drinks. We’ve cruised with Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent, all very good too, but Oceania is the best - relaxed glamour at very reasonable prices. (BEWARE those companies who charge for all drinks including soft drinks - when you get the bill it’s eye watering). Oceania also have the best choice of onboard activities and the staff are marvellous. Our next cruise with them is in 3 weeks around the Caribbean and we can’t wait! One tip - Sam in the Southampton office is our go to customer service agent who can help with any queries. Go book!

Date of experience : March 25, 2023

If you ask for feedback at least respond to the problems

One thing you are taught in customer service is if there are issues deal with them. Oceania failed in this regard spectacularly! We were asked for comments on day 7 of the cruise – my negative comments (with examples went over the given space by 50%. I was never approached on the cruise about them. Comments from other passengers were along the lines – they probably have so many passenger issue comments to deal with that they have not got around to mine! As I say passenger niggles were too common and them not being addressed was common place.

Date of experience : December 16, 2023

Extremely dangerous food hygiene practices

I and many other guests on Oceania marina sailing from Lima to Peru developed food poisoning. The food was served cold, inadequately defrosted. smelt rotten tasted awful and gave us all food poisoning at many points over the dates we spent on board. diarrhoea, vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain, days of abdominal pain. All were denied by the general manager on board but when you pay over £10,000 for a cruise the least you can expect is good quality food. Dr Fiona French

Date of experience : December 25, 2023

Terrible pre trip service

I booked for an Oceania cruise for the Med in Sept. My friend fell and broke her so hip we asked for a 5 day ext. for the total payment to be made, after having paid a deposit, about 6 months out so she could see the specialist. They refused. We tried to transfer our deposit to another cruise next year - they refused - and took $1100. Their reason was we’re weren’t booking like for like. But they didn’t have the same 15 cruise in 2025. We had to cancel . I will never deal with them again. Be wary - their customer service is sh….t.

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Oceania create expectations they fail to meet

I have just arrived back from 2 back to back cruises on Marina to South America. On every level it was disappointing. Communication was poor reliant on an inarticulate cruise director. A good example is that the Captain was taken off ill. Rumours spread rather than a simple statement in the news letter. Attention to detail is haphazard. Staff not managed or badly trained. Management were uninterested, complacent or ... Food, best on ocean, is a joke and any comments went to junior staff who, I suspect, never passed comments on. Simple errors were everywhere.

Date of experience : December 02, 2023

Sirena Food no better than ok. Staff great.

Our first (and last) cruise with Oceania. Azamara far better. Went Miami to Mexico etc on Western Caribbean Wonders and then back to Miami. Ship old (‘99) but ok. Staff great but not trained to be observant. Food no better than ok. Basic drinks package (included for us) was very good. Free WiFi worked very well. Cruise Director unbelievably camp which most passengers found very irritating. Evening entertainment awful. Only two group shows, two performances from a not funny comic, two performances from a violinist TWO FILMS and one evening of the life story of the camp director. Didn’t get to stop at Costa Maya so two days at see. Last two days in the incredibly awful Cozumel which is a resort island dedicated to big cruise ships. Sorry Oceania but you need to sharpen your act. All those we met who had previously cruised with Oceania were doubtful about returning.

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

very bad cruise

We regret to inform you that we are very disappointed to have booked on your boat for the following reasons: Waiting more than an hour to board Papeette at 1 p.m. on March 30 No music or glass of water and no welcome message on board Planes dropped off 6 suitcases at 9 a.m. and had to wait until 6 p.m. to receive 2 missing suitcases in our cabin Despite numerous requests at reception to be put in touch with a French speaking person, I was told that no one was available at that time. After 6 days, an American cruise line seeing me distraught asked at reception that I be put in touch with someone who spoke French but this person spoke French less well than I spoke English. I had to continue the conversation in English with my poor vocabulary…. The biggest problem we encountered on your cruise is that the level of English of my wife and I is not sufficient to understand, for example, the cruise director's announcements because he speaks too quickly and shortens the words. As a result, we don't understand anything. It's the same for all activities on the boat which are not accessible to us because everything is in English. We tried in vain to go and listen in the auditorium to a magician, a trumpeter, a ventriloquist, a singer, a lecturer, an actor, a humorist but each time we understand nothing and it becomes annoying that the people around us we laugh and that we do not understand the reason. It is unacceptable that there is no French-speaking management. On boarding day I tried to order a beer and was told it was an extra that I had to pay I showed my cruise line card and I thought that having booked a suite that beer was included but that was not the case and that I had to buy a package of 30usd per day per person… Given the inconvenience we are experiencing, I requested a commercial gesture and compensation which was refused. We managed to speak in English with one of your managers on the boat and he ended up telling us that he could do nothing for us. I have to tell you that just before getting on your boat we took a cruise on the Gauguin and it's day and night with the regatta On the Gauguin welcome with music and welcome necklace and photo and glass of champagne. All shows in French, English and Tahitian. Wine and beer included and we did not take a superior cabin. In the past we have done many cruises and all the shipowners group the cruise passengers by language for those who wish. we had one facilitator per language. On the regatta to this day we have never had the chance to meet your entertainment department as we did not exist… When we booked the regatta it was to take a Polynesian cruise but we were wrong. We felt like we were in New York. Given that we feel ignored on the regatta we asked reception to get off and leave the cruise on 04/12/2024 in Honolulu instead of 04/20 in Los Angeles We ask you to kindly grant us compensation so that we keep good memories of Oceania cruises You will note that we will not use the cruise services from April 12 to 20, 2024 and hope that we will be reimbursed at your convenience.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if…

NEVER book a cruise on Oceania if having reliable Internet matters. Or an app to plan and keep up to date with goings on onboard and off-shore. And whoever is in charge of marketing at Oceania has not yet claimed its Google knowledge panel…so guests cannot even leave a review. In 2023, what global hospitality brand doesn’t allow guests to engage digitally? Sadly, and surprisingly, it’s Oceania Cruises. My bad for not checking before we booked what will be our last cruise with this brand.

Date of experience : September 03, 2023

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers

Unbelievable spammers/junk mailers. They buy lists of names from companies like Travel + Leisure (who sold them without permission) and then Oceania Cruises proceed to send mailing after mailing. Doesn't matter if you try to opt out, call them or send message asking them, to stop - they'll keep dumping junk mail at you. They don't answer calls or messages. Imaging if you actually paid for the service how dreadful it would be,

Date of experience : June 26, 2023

Efficient and helpful staff

My request to cancel a cruise was dealt with efficiently and sympathetically. I had really good interaction with a number of staff. Money held by Oceania was returned to the cruise agent, for refund to the client, within the agreed timeframe. Unfortunately the cruise agent Planet Cruise were not as easy to deal with and kept the money for six months. I really hope that I get the opportunity to book another cruise with Oceania in the future, directly of course and not through an agent.

Date of experience : November 14, 2020

Oceania Cruises Need Improvements

Outrageous prices for shore excursions. Tour guides could hardly speak English and the itineraries were mostly uninteresting. Marina ship was old and dated needing new furnishings and carpets. Our toilet was clogged for 3 of the 9 days. Food was excellent though but the specialty restaurants were mediocre at best.

Date of experience : June 20, 2023

10 Best Cruise Lines For Every Type Of Traveler

• Choose from the 10 best cruise lines based on your preferences, whether you're a foodie, thrill-seeker, or mature traveler.
• Each cruise line offers tailored experiences, from cultural encounters to luxury amenities, ensuring a memorable trip at sea.
• Whether you're a solo traveler looking for new friends or a family seeking nonstop fun, there's a cruise line that caters to your needs.

A memorable vacation at sea is a dream for almost every type of traveler, whether it's a short trip lasting a few hours or an extended getaway of several days or even weeks. Fortunately, the best cruise lines around the world provide a wide range of cruises, so there is certainly a suitable option for any kind of traveler. Having said that, with so many options available, it might not be as simple to find the best one!

To make the selection a bit easier, this list features the 10 best cruise lines for every type of traveler, ranging from the best cruise for families to the one catering to only adults, like Viking Cruises , the luxury ones to the super cheap cruises worth booking , and more. Each of these cruise lines offers tailored experiences catering to a wide range of preferences.

UPDATE: 2024/05/09 12:14 EST BY COCO DOLLANGANGER

These ten best cruise lines for every type of traveler offer tailored experiences and cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a memorable trip. Each entry has been updated with more vibrant photos and more detailed experiences for smooth sailing across the ocean!

Each cruise line on this list has been hand-picked based on a variety of standards, including price, destinations, and experience. We considered US News Cruise Lines rankings, and reviews on cruisecritic.com , a TripAdvisor company, while choosing the best cruise lines. We included a variety of cruise lines, including adult-only, solo, family, luxury, and many other options. Simply choose the one that most fits your needs and have an amazing seaside vacation.

10 Best US Virgin Islands Cruises For Seafaring Escapades

Oceania cruises, best for foodies.

Looking for the cruise line with the best food? Oceania is the answer! It has won numerous awards for its dining and is also one of the best luxury cruise lines in the US , with a 3.8/5 rating. The cruise line's executive culinary director has also helped the line achieve culinary perfection.

While specialty restaurants serve a variety of international cuisines, hands-on cooking classes and the Culinary Center allow guests to learn the art of fine dining, and Culinary Discovery Tours enable foodies to visit regional markets and enjoy real culinary experiences at different ports. Along with that, great amenities, activities, and entertainment, as well as personalized service with attention to detail, contribute to an unforgettable sea vacation.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for entertainment.

The atmosphere on Norwegian's ships is nonstop excitement and thrills, with features like the longest go-kart track at sea, an outdoor nightclub, and original Broadway musicals. There is the Donna Summer Musical and the world's first free-fall dry slide at sea on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima , a thrill-seeker's dream. Every ship has several dining options; even dinner shows are part of the line's theatrical dining experience.

Add to this, numerous bars, discos, bowling alleys, family entertainment, and whatnot, and a Norwegian journey is loaded with fun and amusement. With all of this and more, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a leader in cruise entertainment, providing a wide range of innovative options to suit the preferences of each guest.

Holland America Line

Best for mature travelers.

Holland America Line is a popular option for elderly passengers (50+) seeking a memorable and relaxing vacation because of its outstanding service, fine dining, and sophisticated onboard experience. The mid-sized ships in its fleet, which can accommodate up to 1,400–2,600 guests, ensure a more individualized and intimate experience.

Another benefit for senior passengers is Holland America's "As You Wish" dining option, which allows them to select the time and location of their meals every evening. While itineraries focus on history, arts, and local traditions, the onboard Rolling Stone Rock Room, Explorer's Lounge, and many other recreation opportunities enhance the whole trip experience.

Furthermore, a 3.9/5 rating highlights its excellence, making it the perfect option for seniors looking for a sophisticated and culturally immersive cruise experience.

Best for cultural experiences

When it comes to providing innovative itineraries and cultural encounters, Azamara is among the best cruise lines in the US . It has an excellent rating of 4.2/5 as well. With overnights and late departures, it provides the longest possible stay in port.

Another benefit is the AzAmazing Evenings Ashore Program , which includes private concerts or cultural performances in unique venues, helping its guests dive into the world's different cultures and traditions. While docked at different ports, Azamara cruises offer immersive shore excursions, such as walking tours, museum visits, and wine tastings.

It is likewise renowned for its intimate ships (with a capacity of around 700 guests), plush staterooms, fine dining, fitness facilities, lounges, and nightly dance and music events.

Antarctica Cruises: Why Go (And How Much It Costs)

Cunard cruises, best for solo travelers.

Single and ready to mingle? Cunard , with a rating of 3.8/5 , is surely one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers looking for a rejuvenating escape or to make lots of new friends. Throughout the trip, the cruise line offers a plethora of free activities, especially for single passengers, including coffee mornings and drink receptions.

Solo travelers can enjoy meals and shore excursions, either alone or with fellow travelers. There are single cabins available without any additional expenses. The line's famed White Star Service assures that solo guests receive personalized attention. Its worldwide itineraries make it an unrivaled option for independent travelers, allowing solo adventurers to explore the world in style.

Celebrity Cruises

Best for budget travelers.

Celebrity Cruises offers the latest luxury amenities, exquisite experiences, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service. It ranks #2 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money because its fares on the Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries are significantly lower than those of rival cruise lines while providing excellent value for the amenities.

Furthermore, its great rating of 4.1/5 attests to its excellence. Also, many onboard packages are available, ranging from dining to all-inclusive, that don't compromise enjoyment or entertainment. An all-inclusive package is the best option for individuals on a limited budget, with savings ranging from $200 to $800.

Also, many 3-day trips are under $300, so options are unlimited for a budget sea vacation, making it one of the cheapest cruise lines in the world .

Seabourn Cruises

Best for luxury.

Seabourn offers the ultimate cruise experience with its intimate ships that welcome only 458 to 600 guests (depending on the ship) and a selection of luxurious amenities. Luxuries like all-oceanfront suites, world-class recreation, top-rated entertainment, upscale dining options, including menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, and personalized service rank it #2 in Best Luxury Cruise Lines and give it a 4.1/5 rating.

The best part is that everything is included in the cruise price, including meals, enrichment activities, fitness classes, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), making a trip hassle-free. Furthermore, Seabourn's itineraries also focus on immersive cultural experiences and provide optional shore excursions.

10 Best St Thomas Cruises Where You Can Sail Into Paradise

Virgin voyages, best for value.

Ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money by US News, Virgin Voyages offers luxury experiences not offered by other cruise liners on the market. Its ships exude magnificence with their lively ambiance, upscale dining, luxuriously designed staterooms, wellness programs, recreation, and entertainment.

The cruise line sails to over 100 destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, and the Transatlantic. Its superb all-inclusive experience makes a seaside holiday hassle-free and goes beyond the typical cruise experience.

The cruise company, with a rating of 4.1/5 , is an excellent option for anyone seeking a romantic getaway or a chance to spend some time away from children, as it is exclusively adult-only, welcoming guests 18 years of age and older, and passengers need to follow some intense rules onboard the Virgin Voyages .

Viking Ocean Cruises

Best for couples.

For those looking for the best adult-only cruise lines with the best passenger reviews , Viking Oceans is certainly the best choice. It offers a wonderful holiday full of amenities, entertainment, and leisure without children (only guests aged 18 and over are permitted on the ship).

This all-inclusive adult-only cruise line offers ocean and expedition cruises all over the world, although it is better known as one of the largest river fleets in the industry. Viking's emphasis on luxury, including well-appointed staterooms, a Nordic spa, gourmet dining, cultural experiences, and amazing Scandinavian decor, adds a romantic touch to the journey.

It has a 4.6/5 rating and is ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples by US News, making it ideal for couples seeking a memorable escape at sea.

Royal Caribbean International

Best for family fun.

With a fantastic selection of family-friendly activities and amenities, Royal Caribbean International is undoubtedly an excellent option for family vacations. It guarantees nonstop enjoyment with exhilarating water parks, ice skating rinks, and FlowRider surf simulators.

Nighttime shows, bars, and lounges cater to older guests, while the Adventure Ocean program entertains kids and teens alike. Spacious staterooms and family-friendly dining enhance the overall experience. The cruise company is ranked #2 on U.S. News's list of the Best Cruise Lines for Families and also has a rating of 3.9/5.

However, Royal Caribbean International is considered the best for families traveling with teens and tweens, while with a rating of 4.2/5 , Disney Cruise Line is the best for families with younger kids under 10 years, despite being relatively expensive.

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T+L's Review of Oceania Cruises' Vista

Oceania Cruises' new ship, Vista, has a resort-style pool, a stunning cocktail bar, and spacious cabins.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

​​I woke up to gray skies as Oceania Vista pulled into the port of Naples, Italy. Determined to reverse my weather luck, I went to deck 12 for a Morning Sunrise smoothie at Aquamar Kitchen. It worked. Some combination of the restaurant’s white-tile backsplash and baby-blue accents and the tropical smoothie brightened my mood. Heartened, my husband and I decided to brave the rain and set out in search of life-changing pizza. 

Last week, I was one of 1,200 passengers on Oceania Cruises’ first new ship in 11 years. With the debut of Vista , the brand, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, rolled out its new Allura class of ship. It’s the first Oceania vessel where every room has a balcony, and it launched with Starlink (yes, the Elon Musk Wi-Fi), which was strong enough for me to take a Zoom call in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea with my camera on. Of Vista ’s 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to Oceania — including a high-end cocktail counter that’s giving Death & Co. at sea, and the health-focused Aquamar with made-to-order salads, protein-dominant lunch bowls, and pressed juices.

There are, however, venues that faithful Oceania cruisers will recognize, like steak house Polo Grill and Italian restaurant Toscana, also on the Oceania-class ships, Riviera and Marina , and the older Regatta-class vessels. I was particularly excited to eat at Toscana, not only because I’d heard about the olive oil cart, but because Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother who sailed with us and christened Vista in a portside ceremony in Valletta, Malta — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I felt strongly about trying her signature Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti. The lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers delivered . It was easily the most talked-about dish on board, with the exception of the duck-and-watermelon salad at pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger.

I hit the jackpot – which, on Vista , isn’t winning big at the deck-six casino, it’s scoring a Red Ginger reservation — about halfway through our cruise, as we sailed from Malta to Naples. From our corner table, my husband and I took in the glass-and-gold light fixtures and the geometric black aluminum dividers that created cozy seating nooks near the windows. We dug into tuna and salmon sashimi, pork-and-vermicelli spring rolls, and — of course — the famed duck-and-watermelon salad (which lived up to the hype), all paired with a Sonoma chardonnay. The showstopper, though, was the medium-rare bulgogi rib-eye plated on chic, blue-rimmed Tokyo Design Studio ceramic. We capped our night at Martinis — bet you can guess what that bar serves — where a pianist plays every night and the well of Elton John covers and The Botanist gin seemingly never runs dry.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel+Leisure

Most nights, though, Founders Bar was the spot. New to Oceania, its most ambitious bar aboard has a menu of 26 intricate cocktails that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. Of those cocktails, we tried nine (a decent showing, but not our best), and kept coming back to the Not So Sure, a potent take on an old fashioned made with Earl Grey tea–infused Woodford Reserve bourbon.

We marveled over the mixology — smoke, bubbles, and botanical spritzes were all part of the show — with other industry insiders, including Oceania executives and travel advisors who’d joined the preview sailing. Still, the onboard demographic was typical for Oceania, which tends to attract travelers in their 60s. That’s where the stories are. We dined with one couple, in their mid-80s, who have done two month-long stints on Oceania ships. They spent our meal at Ember, Vista ’s new American restaurant, telling us about the preparations that go into cruising the east coast of Africa to safeguard against Somali pirate attacks. Another gentleman, who grew up visiting Malta, sent us to the Valletta pub where actor Oliver Reed spent his time while shooting “Gladiator.” (Apparently, one night, Reed challenged British sailors to a drinking contest — and died in that very bar. At the unassuming pub on a Valletta side street, you can buy a shirt with Reed’s final, unpaid bar tab: eight pints; 12 double rums; 14 whiskeys. We opted for a slightly more restrained order.)

That said, the ship really is putting in the work when it comes to appealing to millennials. There’s the excellent Wi-Fi; pickleball ( America’s fastest growing sport , by the way, with NPR reporting “the strongest growth among players under 55”); a very Sweetgreen-like salad counter at Aquamar; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. 

Meanwhile, Oceania has vastly expanded the number of tours and excursions available, something that should also appeal to a younger crowd. “These aren’t the run-of-the-mill shore excursions that everyone is used to on cruises,” promises Frank Del Rio, Jr., the new president of Oceania Cruises, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . All in, the company has developed more than 100 of these new, smaller-group choices, which leverage the expertise of locals and unlock under-the-radar activities, as T+L   contributing editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon recently reported . These “Go Local” tours brought Greaves-Gabbadon to locals’ homes in little-known destinations, like the “Croatian hamlet of Škopljanci (population: nine), where a local farmer welcomed me with homemade cherry schnapps.” 

Eager to find my own version of a nine-person town with cherry schnapps, I opted for a spin around Corsica that promised a visit to the mountains of Vizzavona and “Corsican snacks.” We took an astounding drive from the western port city of Ajaccio to Hôtel-Restaurant Monte d'Oro in the center of the island. I found our guide easy to tune out (she was, indeed, a local, but her monologue felt more suited to an old-school cruise tour of 50 people, rather than a group of 20 snack enthusiasts). But I loved watching the landscape transform from beach and sparkling sea to Alps-rivaling mountain views as our bus climbed 3,815 feet to Vizzavona. Waiting for us inside the hotel, the oldest on Corsica, dating back to 1880, was an impressive charcuterie spread, served under vines weeping down from wood-paneled ceilings. After lunch, I chatted with a server about the biodynamic red wine they were pouring and cozied up in the hotel’s sitting room, where I pulled a Molière biography from a paperback-cluttered shelf and read quietly aloud to my husband. I assume he loved it.

I did absolutely no research on Corsica  – beyond reading the excursion pamphlet on my flight from Paris to Rome, and skimming Napoleon's Wikipedia page. And yet, I still wound up on a stunning stretch of the island I would have never known about. I didn’t have to worry about how to get there. All I had to worry about was how long I had before my husband’s patience ran out on my very slow French-to-English translation of Molière’s life.

Other culinary adventures are a key part of Oceania’s effort to appeal to all age ranges. On Vista, there are 17 new culinary tours on top of an already robust lineup of cooking classes. Executive chef Kathryn Kelly says, in various ports, foodies will head to the market (like the main open-air agorá on Corfu, Greece ), with shopping assignments and euros from Vista chefs. Then, they’ll come back on board for a class at the ship’s culinary center, which is three times larger than the ones on older ships.

After a morning of shopping and an afternoon of Corsican charcuterie, I returned to my cabin and posted up on my balcony to watch as we pulled away from Ajaccio. My concierge-level stateroom, at 270 square feet, had a sizable balcony, a queen-size bed, and a double shower. (I spoke to several experienced Oceania cruisers who were beyond excited about the increased size of the showers.) Though the rooms are about the same square footage as those on other Oceania ships, the Vista designs make smarter use of the floor plan, said Greg Walton, CEO of Studio Dado, the firm that designed most of the ship. To take one example, closets were moved from next to the bed to a spot closer to the door, which freed up room to expand those showers, Walton explained in a conversation with T+L.

The new Allura-class Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: there are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor, two massive terraces, and 2,400 square feet of space. 

As we sailed away from Corsica, I went up to the main pool area, which Walton said is “designed to feel like a resort” with cabanas and light wood–colored accents, ordered a barrel-aged Negroni, and took it with me to the whirlpool. After my soak, I watched the sunset from Polo Grill, over martinis and filet mignon, and then went back to Founders Bar, to continue my absolutely crucial cocktail-sampling mission. 

After seven days on Vista — the longest I’ve ever spent on a ship — I was surprised by how much I wanted to stay on board. I wasn’t ready to part with my new routine, from early Morning Sunrise smoothies to Not So Sure cocktails before bed. “Next year, 40 percent of our trips will be 30-plus days or longer,” Del Rio says. Dubbed Grand Voyages, those itineraries have been extremely popular among Oceania guests as they return to cruising. “We have the 180-day around-the-world cruise that we also sell in segments,” he adds.

Vista will sail in Europe this summer — a June itinerary, for example, goes from Athens to Istanbul in 10 days, from $5,089 per person , including food; select wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages; six shore excursions; and a $600 credit to use on board toward spa services or top-shelf drinks. The ship will come stateside in the fall, starting with an 11-day sail from New York to Montreal, then head to the Caribbean for the winter. A seven-day round-trip cruise from Miami, visiting Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, starts at $2,228 per person (or $318 a day for the trip, including food, non-alcoholic drinks and house wine, four excursions, and a $400 onboard credit).

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