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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 has chartered Renaissance Cruises' 684-passenger R1 and R2, renaming them
Regatta and Insignia. It also has signed an agreement to operate a third
Renaissance R-class vessel. Already named "Nautica," the ship will begin sailing
for Oceania on November 28, 2005.
Regatta was the first ship to launch,
in summer 2003. Insignia, its nearly identical sibling, was introduced in spring
2004. The company spent some $10 million-plus to refurbish these late-1990s
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 with
much more comfortable bed-wear and mattresses.
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.
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CRUISECLEVER - OCEANIA
CRUISES
