Oceana Cabins

More than 600 of the 975 cabins have an outside view and nearly half (450) have balconies, which score highly for privacy with solid partitions each side and above. As a result, they are rarely suntraps, but ideal for a shady drink or breakfast and perfect on windy days.

Standard cabin sizes range from 137 square feet for an inside to 178 square feet for an outside with balcony.

There are seven price grades of inside cabins, and 11 of outside, but there are only small differences in size between most of them -- the major differences are between those outsides with portholes, picture windows or sliding patio-style windowed doors and balconies.

All inside and outside cabins have bathrooms with shower but no bathtub, with generous-sized The White Company shampoo and shower gel products (in small bottles and fixed to the wall). Twin beds (mostly) convert into doubles, and amenities include a TV/radio, fridge, safe, telephone, hair dryer and tea/coffee-making facilities. There is ample storage space but hanging space is limited as the ship was originally designed for one-week rather than two-week cruises.

In the 2012 refit, all the cabins received new curtains and new lamp shades, and selected cabins got new carpets. Despite those efforts, the cabins are beginning to show their age, particularly on the balconies, which could do with a good lick of paint, and the bathrooms, which could do with a refurb similar to that of the spa, with new fittings and fixtures throughout.

There are three grades of mini-suites, which are not huge (382 square feet, including balcony) but the space has been used very effectively with a curtain division between the bedroom area and the hall/living area. Equally clever, the toilet facilities are separated from the bathroom area, so that it can be used while someone else uses the whirlpool bath and separate shower stall. There are two TV's, one with a DVD player, mini stereo, a walk-in wardrobe/closet, floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors leading to a balcony with table and reclining chairs. Extra touches include mineral water on arrival, bathrobe and slippers, magazine and newspaper selection, fruit basket, flowers, Champagne and chocolates on arrival and daily canapes.

The six deluxe suites (638 square feet, including balcony) are all on the stern, with views from the balcony overlooking the ship's wake. As well as all the mini-suite amenities, deluxe suites also have a separate dining area, fixed king-size bed and butler service.

Next: Oceana Dining

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