We took the Oceania Regatta July 5-17 Athens to Istanbul Black Sea cruise primarily for the interesting itinerary. It is one of the few cruises visiting 10 Black Sea ports. Oceania is rated as a deluxe cruise line, but we were disappointed in almost all services the ship provided except the food which was usually very good. As it turned out the most deluxe part of the cruise was the price.

We had assumed that because of the historical significance of the area, and the fact that most people on board were experienced travelers, live port talks or lectures related to the area would be a highlight. However, the cruise director apologized for his lack of knowledge regarding the Black Sea ports and not one lecture or port talk was provided. Fortunately, with the help of a fellow passenger we had arranged for private tours in three ports including Sochi, Russia. Oceania tours are outrageously expensive, around $169 for a partial day tour and sometimes $200 or $300 for a day tour. Oceania told passengers that they would be unable to get off the ship in Sochi, Russia unless they had previously arranged for a Russian visa or were on an Oceania tour and none of that was true. Arranging for a tour with a licensed guide is all that is required for a short stay in Russia. Oceania's only interest is selling their own tours. Very little assistance was provided for those wishing to tour on their own. In most ports a single local representative came o board with area maps, and dozens of passengers would line up for individual help. This was a huge waste of passenger's time!

The Regatta has a beautiful library with nothing to read. The books remind me of the discarded free book section in my home library. No new books or magazines were available. When I complained the cruise director agreed, and said they hoped to get a new shipment of books soon. Read more