Oceana Review
Rating by category
Additional details
As a first time cruiser I didn't really know what to expect but I had a fantastic holiday. The other option was a 5* all inclusive deal somewhere and this was much better value and not much more expensive in the school holidays.
Oceana is little dated in the cabins but overall the cruise was great value for money. The food and dining experience was excellent, breakfasts on the balcony and dinner in the Ligurian freedom dining. I loved sitting with other passengers and with freedom dining you get to meet so many people. The portions are fairly small which was great for me as I could indulge in all 5 courses! Avoided the main buffet - it's just not my thing! Drinks reasonably priced but soft drinks are a little pricy. The beach house was good but I wouldn't go back to the Cafe Jardin in the evening.
The theatres tended to fill up quite quickly so you do have to plan to be there with a few minutes to spare. Both shows I saw were ok. The ents team were great and the tropical night was great to watch from the horizon grill.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom with Shower
Cabin felt dated in it's decor but did not feel cramped or claustrophobic. Plenty of storage but short on coat hangers as every other hotel! Had a balcony which was the best bit - not sure I could go without. Bathroom good for a ship's cabin- shower was rubbish- but it is a ship! AC Good and the first 'hotel' mini fridge that worked- and the hairdryer was decent too. Balcony not cramped as imagined big enough for two to relax comfortably. Mid-ship on deck A- good location no noise and no movement. Room service highly recommended!
Port Reviews
Venice
Arrived at Oceana at 12. Took the PO motor launch £10 return. Easy to buy tickets at the gangway and no queues. Need to take passport. The trip to Venice is about 10 minutes and it a wonderful place to spend a few hours to explore and buy a gelato.
Kotor
Fantastic port. Tendered in the lifeboats from anchoring in the 'fjord'. Wonderful medieval town. Small enough to do in a couple of hours.
Corfu
Corfu is OK. My opinion is blurred as I was suffering in the heat! Take the cruise shuttle bus it's worth the money as it's quite a distance and it was 37c. The Liton is lovely and we really need a map as got lost. Next time id would do an excursion to the beach or best of Corfu.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Rome was much prettier than I expected! We took the 8.45 train - packed out but fairly quick (40 mins) if you get of at San Pietro (Vatican). Walked round the wonderful Vatican then got on Hop on hop off bus. Had a pizza and came back to the ship around 2!! I've never been to Rome so it was a good 'nutshell' tour-the coliseum was amazing even from the outside. San Pietro is a better station as it is much easier to navigate then the termini.
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
My favourite. Walked of the ship and had a wander round the old town. Sunbathed on the ship with Monaco as the backdrop- sheer bliss.