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About Oceania Cruises
The brainchild of cruise industry veterans Frank Del Rio and Joe Watters -- former heads of Renaissance Cruises and Crystal Cruises, respectively -- Miami-based Oceania Cruises emphasizes a destination-intensive, floating-hotel experience with top-notch food and superior service. The cruise line originally chartered vessels from the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises (its 684-passenger R1 and R2, renaming them Regatta and Insignia). Its third ship -- another Renaissance R-class vessel -- joined the fleet in 2005 and is named Nautica. Oceania now owns the ships.
Regatta, launched in summer 2003, and Insignia, its nearly identical sibling introduced in spring 2004, really set the tone for Oceania's unique style. Nautica, which has received even newer, fresher touches, continues in the same tradition. The company spent more than $10 million to refurbish these late-1990's vessels, and it shows. Public rooms, including restaurants, are graceful and elegant. The newly redone pool area is now surfaced in teak and boasts teak furnishings (including a fabulous double sunbed). Cabins have been tweaked and now feature more comfortable bed linens and mattresses.
In 2007, Oceania was acquired by New York-based Apollo Management, L.P., an investment company that specializes in private equity, debt and capital markets. Quickly following the acquisition, the line placed orders for its first-ever new-builds. Two 1,252-passenger vessels, to be built at Italy's Fincantieri shipyard, will debut in 2010 and 2011. The first vessel will be called Marina.
Overall, Oceania has managed to create a luxury experience -- particularly in the areas of cuisine and service -- at a mid-market price point. Ultimately, the company offers one of the industry's best value-for-money options in cruising.
 Read the complete Oceania Cruises Review
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Read More About Oceania Cruises Ships:
Insignia
• Marina
• Nautica
• Regatta
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