This cruise review should be read with the understanding that it was our FIRST Oceania cruise of the 18 cruises we had done to this point. The standard for comparison was Holland America Line, with which we have done 11 cruises to date, and whose service and ambience we have thoroughly enjoyed over the years. We chose this particular cruise partly because it gave us a chance to cruise on Oceania's Regatta, a ship (and cruise line) about which we had heard so many positive comments, and partly because the attractive fares offered for the transatlantic route gave us a chance to try it at a moderate price.

The booking went well. Our only disappointment was the air routing selected for our return trip from Miami to Toronto. Surprisingly, with so many nonstop direct flights to Toronto out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Oceania's air department gave us a flight on Northwest Airlines, with a stop and change of planes in Detroit. Although other Canadian cruisers had been able to get this changed, Oceania told my TA that we would have to pay $400, and still no guarantee of a nonstop flight. Needless to say, we declined.

Our flight to the ship (overnight Toronto to Frankfurt and then Frankfurt to Barcelona) went fine (but why, oh why does Frankfurt make connecting passengers go through security again??!!), and the transfer to the ship was smooth and well-organized. Check-in was a breeze, the best ever in 18 cruises. What a treat after a long travel day. Unfortunately, we had to wait a couple of hours for the cabins to be ready... understandable, but a bit disappointing. Read more