OCEANIA CRUISES LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Today Oceania Cruises reaches another milestone in the company’s history. We are launching our first ever television advertising campaign. Airing on national networks in cities on the East and West coasts, the new 30-second spot begins running today and showcases the brand’s pillars of destinations, cuisine, onboard experience and value. 

The first scene opens on an Oceania Cruises ship at sea and highlights the experiences guests can “wake up” to every day, like visiting the Taj Mahal in India or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, whale watching in Alaska or a gondola ride in Venice. The ad transitions to the onboard experience and Oceania Cruises’ extraordinary cuisine, focusing on the freedom guests have to decide when, where and with whom they will dine.

 

The ad campaign is timed to coincide with the launch the 2014 Summer Collection, the largest offering in Oceania Cruises’ history. Unveiled on February 13th, the collection encompasses 90 voyages, an almost entirely new line-up of European itineraries and the highly anticipated return of Insignia. The five ships in the fleet – Marina, Riviera, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – will sail to more than 330 destinations throughout the world.

The Oceania Cruises family is always growing, and with this television campaign, we hope more people than ever will hear about the fascinating destinations, luxurious ships, exquisite cuisine and extraordinary value of the Oceania Cruises experience.

OCEANIA CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2014 SUMMER COLLECTION

It is one of the most exciting days of the year in the offices of Oceania Cruises, as today we unveiled our 2014 Summer Collection, featuring 90 voyages, 10 new ports of call and an almost entirely new line-up of European itineraries. Perhaps most exciting, Insignia will return to the fleet in the summer of 2014 after a two-year charter. All five ships in the fleet – Riviera, Marina, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – will sail to more than 180 destinations throughout the world. The 2014 cruise collection features 70 European cruises, 93 percent of which are new itineraries, plus 10 Alaska voyages, seven all-new Canada/New England cruises and three Panama Canal voyages. 

Oceania Cruises President Kunal S. Kamlani said he is thrilled about the new line-up of itineraries. “Our newest cruise collection is the largest in the company’s history with five ships visiting Europe, Alaska and Canada/New England,” he said. “Our guests will love the new and exciting options for exploring the world with a wide range of seven- to 24-day cruises, a mix of overnight and extended stays, and new ports of call in Albania, France and Greece, to name a few. 

“Bookings open today, and we are encouraging travelers to act quickly to secure the suite or stateroom of their choice. In addition to our two-for-one cruise fares, free airfare and bonus savings, guests who book by May 31, 2013, receive the added value of complimentary pre-paid gratuities on every sailing,” Kamlani added.

We hope to welcome you onboard for a wonderful voyage with Oceania Cruises in the summer of 2014!

USHUAIA: A TRIP TO THE END OF THE WORLD

According to ancient human fossils found in Tierra del Fuego dating back 8,500 to 11,500 years ago, humans lived in this remote region long before it became known as the “Land of Fire.” The name “Tierra del Fuego” was coined by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 when his ships arrived at this southernmost tip of South America. It is thought that, in the mists of dawn, the dispersed fires and columns of smoke from the native populations seemed to float on the water, thus giving this archipelago its name.

Regatta recently called on Ushuaia, the capital city of the Tierra del Fuego province. Ushuaia is the southernmost urban center in the world and the closest city to the South Pole. In December and January, the region enjoys 17 hours of daylight. Despite its isolation and harsh conditions during the colder months of the year, or perhaps because of these things, there is a lot to see and do in and around Ushuaia. During Regatta’s recent visit, guests took an unforgettable trip on the Southern Fuegian Railway, also known as the End of the World Train, through Tierra del Fuego National Park to Lapataia Bay.

Completely cut off from the rest of South America, Tierra del Fuego was developed in the 19th century as a penal colony where Argentina sent its worst criminal offenders because escape was virtually impossible. The prisoners were expected to take care of themselves, and a railway was built to transport wood from the forests for heating and building.

Now a tourist attraction through this remote national forest, the unique train transports guests across rivers and peat bogs, the beautiful formations of peat moss for which this region is known. There was a brief stop at the Macarena Waterfall Station, where guests saw the lovely falls and also heard about Tierra del Fuego’s indigenous people, the Yamana.

Arriving at Lapataia Bay, the group was met by a catamaran and treated to a cruise through Beagle Channel. These waters are among the best in the world for trout fishing, but on this day the cormorants, sea lions and seals were the stars of the show.

The cruise visited Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is also known as the Lighthouse at the End of the World. Put into service in 1920, it guards the entrance to Ushuaia and is now controlled remotely.

Quite comfortable with tourists, the seals and sea lions on Seal Island and Isla de los Lobos went about their business of napping and playing, unaffected by the arrival of spectators.

Island of the Birds is home to cormorants and other sea birds and a few seals and sea lions as well.

There are numerous other thrilling adventures to be had at the end of the world for those looking to explore the majestic wilderness of South America. Marina will stop in Ushuaia on South American Holiday, which departs on December 8, 2013, as will Regatta on the February 3, 2014 sailing, Mystical Andes & Majestic Fjords.

 

A Visit to the Charming and Historic Greek Island of Patmos

Insignia visited the Greek Island of Patmos recently and docked in this gorgeous bay at the port village of Skala. As with many of the Greek islands, Patmos offers beautiful panoramic views from the high cliffs surrounding the bay. One of the most popular shore excursions in this port includes a visit to the Cave of St. John. According to Christian tradition, St. John resided here during his time on Patmos, and it was here that he wrote the Book of the Apocalypse.

Just south of Skala lies the village of Chora, the capitol of Patmos. While exploring the town, guests discovered the rich history and varied architectural and cultural influences that have shaped Patmos over thousands of years. Whether welcomed or not, Greeks, Romans, Turks, and Italians have all contributed to the fabric of the island.

   
 

The town of Chora was built up around the Monastery of St. John, which is perched high on a cliff overlooking the island.

This monastery was the Byzantine Empire's most significant contribution to the island and was fortified to repel outside threats from pirates and other rogue forces. Today the monastery houses the Theological School of Patmos, which was founded in 1713, as well as five chapels and museum artifacts dating back hundreds of years.

After the visit to the monastery, the excursion group was welcomed at a local taverna where they enjoyed some traditional Greek food and drink. It was a beautiful day to explore the treasures of Patmos, and a stroll along one of the sandy beaches finished the day on the perfect note as the group headed back to the ship.

A Journey through Provence - Romance and Beauty Abound

As Nautica and Insignia continue to cruise the Mediterranean Sea, both Oceania Cruises ships will be visiting the port of Marseille and the neighboring areas of Provence this fall. The skyline of Marseille is dominated by the landmark basilica, Notre Dame de la Garde, which overlooks the Old Port.

A mere 12 miles to the east of Marseille is Cassis, a delightful fishing village that unites the sea with the French countryside. A journey through the lovely landscapes of Provence brings you to this vision enhanced by the scent of fresh herbs wafting through the air.

Exploring the quaint village of Cassis, one finds an array of boutique shops featuring the modern fashions of the French Riviera, while additional stores focus on the regional and cultural charms of Provence.   

 
   Some of the most tempting "local charms" are the delicious pastries that beckon you from the windows of the many pâtisseries lining the streets. 

Considering the delectable treats, fabulous shopping opportunities and beautiful scenery to be found in Provence, it comes as no surprise that this region has become a favorite destination of Oceania Cruises ships.

REGATTA AND NAUTICA SEND POSTCARDS FROM EXOTIC LANDS

 

While Insignia just crossed the Atlantic to begin her summer sojourn along European shores, Regatta and Nautica are exploring opposite sides of the globe. Regatta spent the first of April in Parintins, Brazil, and guests were treated to a taste of Amazonian folklore and festivities during an exclusive excursion to a Boi-Bumba celebration. 

The people of Parintins, known for their exuberance and rich cultural traditions, put on a mesmerizing display of revelry with colorful costumes and the sounds of samba. The performance told the captivating story of two families involved in a historic dispute, which was resolved not by combat, but by song and dance.

Meanwhile, Nautica was exploring the vibrant metropolis of Saigon. Guests were able to experience all the charms of the city via pedi-cab.

Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Saigon is an eclectic mix of old and new, with steel and glass skyscrapers towering over French colonial villas, and imposing Soviet-style facades standing beside ancient pagodas. Guests touring the city got a feel for the hectic pace of people's daily lives.

And other's lives were not so hectic.

No matter what corner of this amazingly diverse planet appeals to you most, with Oceania Cruises you can certainly experience Your World, Your Way.^®

OCEANIA CRUISES PREVIEWS NEW 7-DAY ITINERARIES

If you've always dreamed of an Oceania Cruise, but have been unable to find the time for one of our 10-, 12- or 14-day voyages, your ship has come in! Oceania Cruises' guests will now have the chance to enjoy 7-day Mediterranean itineraries as early as the fall of 2011. Inspired by the strong response
we received to our new 7-day itineraries for 2012, we've created two week-long Saturday departures perfectly timed to experience the fall foliage of Tuscany and the French Riviera this autumn.

Tuscan Charms sails from Barcelona on October 29, 2011, to Rome, visiting Provence (Marseille), Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno) and Sorrento/Capri en route. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $2,999 per guest, with free round-trip economy class air transportation. Guests will enjoy plenty of time to explore the amazing art and architecture of Italy, such as the Duomo in Florence pictured left, thanks to an overnight stay in Livorno. Besides offering the opportunity to explore the Tuscan countryside, the voyage offers the additional pleasure of a late evening departure from Monte Carlo (pictured below), so that guests can not only experience the scenic beauty of the yacht-strewn port but can also venture along the equally impressive coastline of the French Riviera and still enjoy an evening game of chance in the famous Grand Casino.

Italian Treasures, from Rome to Venice, departing November 5, 2011, calls at Amalfi/Positano, Taormina, Corfu, Bari and Dubrovnik. Guests enjoy an overnight onboard ship in Venice at the end of the cruise. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $2,799 per guest, with free round-trip economy class air transportation. This voyage also focuses on some of the classic destinations of Italy, while stopping into charming ports of call such as enticing Dubrovnik.

As both itineraries call on Rome, each offers the chance to see the fabled monuments of this iconic city and Vatican City as well, including St. Peter's Basilica pictured below.

President Bob Binder pointed out, “These two cruises depart on Saturdays so that our working guests can enjoy a week in Europe. Fall is one of the best times to visit the destination because there are no crowds and the weather is pleasant.”

If you'd like to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy seven days in the Mediterranean onboard Insignia this fall, please call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658 or contact your travel agent.

 

FEBRUARY ADVENTURES ONBOARD REGATTA, INSIGNIA & NAUTICA

      

The inaugural season of our new ship Marina has been such an exciting time for our Oceania Cruises family. So exciting, in fact, that Marina has been monopolizing the spotlight as of late, and with good reason. However, we must not forget the three equally stunning, elegant ships that are responsible for making Oceania Cruises the success it is today. Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica have

also been sailing azure seas this February, and guests onboard are likewise enjoying the fine cuisine, impeccable service, and fascinating destinations that are the hallmarks of Oceania Cruises.

Nautica has been exploring the exotic coasts of Asia, from Hong Kong to Saigon to Bangkok. In Bangkok guests enjoyed an excursion to the renowned Prasart Museum, which houses one of the most spectacular private art collections in Asia. The vast array includes art from prehistoric times to the late 19th century and features Buddha images, exquisite porcelain and pottery, traditional Thai paintings, and impressive Chinese furnishings.

Also located on the grounds is the magnificent Garden of Serenity, a horticultural treasure that contains an exceptional variety of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, many of which were selected for their association with Thai literature. The garden is intertwined with meandering pathways, tranquil pools and priceless stone statues.

 

While Nautica has been experiencing the history and beauty of Thailand, China and other fascinating nations of the East, Regatta has been exploring the Western Hemisphere. On the other side of the world, Regatta sails the vivid blue seas of the Caribbean and visits its many lovely islands, from Virgin Gorda to Antigua to the Bahamas. 

 

Guests onboard Regatta faced some big challenges this month, having to decide whether to view the vibrant colors of diverse marine life on a snorkeling venture, sail impossibly blue waters under the power of a gentle wind, or simply lie on beautiful beaches and watch the waves roll into the shore. You can tell from the photo of Nassau above and St. Barts below, guests could rest assured that any decision they made was the right one. Many guests played it safe and chose "all of the above."

Insignia took a southerly route this February, sailing from Chile through the magnificent Chilean fjords, around the southern tip of South America, stopping in to the Falkland Islands and continuing up the Eastern seaboard to Brazil. Natural wonders abound in this beautiful continent, and guests onboard Insignia explored them at length.  

One of the most spectacular regions in the world and certainly one of South America's major attractions is Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. The park was granted the status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978. Guests on the Oceania Cruises excursion, Scenic Torres del Paine, experienced the landscape by plane, boat and motorcoach, finding each stunning vista more magnificent than the last.  

To the left is Salto Grande Waterfall. The volume of water and its tremendous power is astounding. 

Below is another breathtaking view captured by a guest. The peaks, horizons, and the still blue waters of the immense interconnected lakes are awe inspiring. The granite spires of many of the mountaintops have a unique shape sculpted by glacial erosion. The park is a feast of natural phenomena — glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and abundant wildlife. 

Historical, cultural or natural, the astonishing beauty of the destinations on Oceania Cruises' itineraries never fails to impress. Whether you sail on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, or Marina, you are certain to have the experience of a lifetime both onboard and ashore. Thank you so much to our wonderful guests who shared with us these photos of their amazing experiences.

INSIGNIA EXPLORES THE MAGNIFICENT BEAUTY OF ANTARCTICA

    

When one hears of “Paradise Bay,” images of sandy beaches, palm trees, and the bright summer sun probably come to mind. But there is an equally beautiful paradise to be found along the coast of Antarctica. Insignia has been sailing these coasts, and her guests have captured stunning photos of the magnificent glaciers and seascapes that grace this southernmost continent.

Insignia also cruised along Half Moon Island and Deception Island in the South Shetlands. Since the early 19th century, Deception Island was a favorite refuge of sailors escaping storms and icebergs. This unique island offers one of the safest harbors in Antarctica and has been used as a base for sealers, whaling companies and naval operations. Its center is a caldera formed by an enormous volcanic eruption and since flooded by the sea to form a huge bay. Thus the "Deception" as the entrance, known as Neptunes Bellows, is very narrow and tricky to navigate, but once inside the sheltered harbor is revealed.

The most spectacular result of these natural phenomena is awe-inspiring scenery. Below you see guests on Insignia enjoying the view.

 

 

 Thank you to our guests for sharing these beautiful photos for the blog!

Two explorers spend six splendid weeks onboard Insignia this summer

Jeff, Randy, and Oceania Club Ambassador Per Orren overlooking Geirangerfjord, Norway. (Insignia is a speck in the fjord far below.) 

Two guests of Oceania Cruises enjoyed an amazing six-week voyage this summer onboard Insignia. Our featured guests, Randy and Jeff, embarked in Barcelona on June 27th and traveled around the Iberian Peninsula and up through Scandinavia before disembarking in Copenhagen on August 10th. This was their eighth voyage with Oceania Cruises. They say that Oceania Cruises is their “favorite cruise line, by far, because of the small size and beauty of the ships, the outstanding cuisine, top-notch service, the interesting and port-intensive itineraries, and frankly the fellow travelers.” Many of the people they have met onboard Oceania Cruises have become friends, including other guests and members of the staff and crew as well. 

Randy is a financial planner and Jeff is a high school music teacher, but their favorite thing to do when not traveling is to plan their next trip. “When we board an Oceania ship,” says Randy, “we feel immediately welcomed and at home. There is a sense of comfort mixed with spirit of adventure that, for us, is quite unique to Oceania Cruises. It keeps us coming back again and again.”  

Randy and Jeff are most certainly adventurous spirits who like to experience everything a port has to offer. While in Bordeaux, they enjoyed wine tastings at St. Emilion and Medoc. After visiting Mont St. Michel in Saint-Malo, they sat outdoors at a small cafe and savored a delicious lunch of mussels accompanied by rosé wine. They rented bikes in Bruges and rode north along a windmill-lined canal, and visited fantastic art museums in Bilbao, Amsterdam, Gothenburg, and Oslo. Norway offered ample hiking opportunities, so they explored the mountain paths and glacial lakes from Hellysylt to Geiranger, and even a steep mountain in Longyearbyen, far north of the Arctic Circle, with a guide who carried a rifle in case they encountered a hungry polar bear. (They did not.)  

Jeff enjoys an audio guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

In Gibraltar, Randy and Jeff were both surprised when the Barbary Apes jumped on their heads!

While onboard, Randy and Jeff savor the simple pleasures of cruising: Afternoon tea in Horizons, reading in the library - which Randy describes as “the most beautiful at sea” - or just sipping champagne on Deck 10 and watching the world sail by. Dinner is certainly a highlight of any day. If the ship is anchored off a particularly beautiful port such as Sorrento or Monte Carlo, Randy and Jeff dine al fresco at Tapas on the Terrace with the lovely view as a backdrop. As foodies, they always enjoy fine dining at Polo and Toscana. Jeff is a big fan of the Canyon Ranch spa cuisine, which is why he didn't gain a single pound during their travels. (Alas, Randy did.) When forced to name a favorite, they chose the Grand Dining Room, as they love the variety, the flavors and the presentation. They also sang the praises of Carlos Salvador, Corazon, and the entire wait staff for their excellent service. 

In fact, Randy and Jeff say that their fondest memories of this summer onboard Insignia are of the staff and crew. “The service they provided was beyond compare,” says Randy. “We were treated like kings. Everyone knew our names, greeted us with smiles of genuine warmth, and went out of their way to help us. We cannot compliment highly enough the hospitality provided by General Manager Rafael Cinque and his outstanding team. It was difficult to say goodbye to so many new friends after six weeks on Insignia.”

Randy can't resist the opportunity to show his support for Insignia. 

Randy and Jeff will soon reunite with old friends and make more new ones, as their next cruise is already booked for June 2011, a voyage onboard Nautica exploring the Black Sea. Perhaps you will run into them on one of your own adventures with Oceania Cruises!

Onboard and Ashore with Master Chef Jacques Pépin

Joining our journey from Copenhagen to Lisbon these past two weeks, Master Chef Jacques Pépin has once again treated guests onboard Insignia to the cruise experience of a lifetime. He has hosted cooking demonstrations, given lectures, signed autographs, and of course created culinary masterpieces. While in Bordeaux, Pépin savored the opportunity to shop the Marche des Capucins, a local farmers' market that is the place to go for those seeking fresh seafood, produce and other wares. He is pictured above with Chef Jean-Claude Szurdak and Insignia's Executive Chef Renald.

  

The market offered an immense array of choices.

Choosing the best of the best from the selection of peaches 

After a strenuous day of shopping, Pépin and company enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh oysters on the half shell at a local seafood restaurant. 
 

A lovely day in Bordeaux came to an end, and Insignia sailed for St. Jean de Luz. Meanwhile, Chefs Pépin and Szurdak made good use of their fresh finds, which inspired a special poolside patio dinner for guests of Insignia's Vista and Owner's Suites. As evidence that his talents extend beyond the kitchen, Pépin designed and hand-painted the menu for the evening. 

The event was of course a rousing success. Exquisite food and pleasurable company were enjoyed by all.

The lovely place settings for the patio dinner

Our chefs put the finishing touches on the first course.  

Anthony serves hors d'ouevres. Past guest John Caplan described Anthony as "one of the best butlers on Oceania Cruises' fleet."

Select wines were chosen by Jean-Michel Gammariello to complement the evening's menu. 

Master Chef Jacques Pépin with two of his guests  

While some have followed the work of Master Chef Pépin for years, others may not be as familiar with the storied history of this culinary legend. Pépin's passion for cooking began at a very young age in his parents' restaurant. By age thirteen, he had quit school and become a chef's apprentice. In the 1950's Pépin cooked for French President Charles de Gaulle. On the evening of May 12, 1958, when the French government was in crisis, Pépin was asked to stay and cook for the politicians who would spend the entire night negotiating the future of France's democracy. In the 1960's Pépin came to New York where he continued to work in restaurants, earned a degree from Columbia University, and was soon acquainted with the most influential names in American cuisine, including Julia Child and James Beard. Pépin went on to become a teacher, writer, television personality and an advocate, along with Julia Child, for the development of culinary programs in academia, particularly influencing the creation of a masters program with a concentration in gastronomy at Boston University. His celebrated La Technique is used to this day as a textbook for teaching the fundamentals of French cuisine. Several of his books have launched acclaimed television series, such as The Complete Pépin, Jacques Pépin: Fast Food My Way, and Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home, in which he costarred with Julia Child.

Needless to say, Oceania Cruises has been honored to have Master Chef Jacques Pépin onboard Insignia, and we've been thrilled to have him in the role of Executive Culinary Director. With such talent behind our culinary design, it is no wonder that Oceania Cruises continues to serve cuisine that rivals the best restaurants ashore.

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Fascinating Photos from the Norwegian Fjords and Polar Ice Barrier

 

Insignia just finished exploring the Norwegian Fjords and even ventured as far north as the Polar Ice Barrier, the nearly vertical seaward edge of the ice cap at the North Pole. Beautiful and fascinating photos were the result. Above and below you see the fjords and glaciers of Magdalene Bay and the town of Spitzbergen.

   
 

 
As Insignia cruised ever closer to the North Pole, the temperature became quite chilly. Crewmen were lowered into the icy waters in a tiny boat, so they could collect ice to serve in Insignia's cocktails! It's an age-old tradition and certainly demonstrates the commitment of our crew.

         

 
 
 
 
A successful voyage and a safe return to Insignia. Cheers! 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 

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Meet Lisa Pancake Fossland, Oceania Cruises’ Blogger-at-Large

Meet Lisa Pancake Fossland, Oceania Cruises’ Blogger-at-Large

I should probably begin by addressing the question foremost on everyone’s mind. Yes, “Pancake” is my real name. It’s my maiden name, which I kept as my middle name when I married. Hyphenating might have worked if I had married Kevin Bacon, but unfortunately he was taken. If it makes it easier, feel free to think of me as simply “Pancake.”

So who is this woman blathering on about nomenclature, and what does she have to do with Oceania Cruises? The answer is that I am Oceania Cruises’ Blogger-at-Large. I love everything about Oceania Cruises, and I also happen to be a writer, so the powers that be thought I would be a great contributor to the blog. After all, no one ever accused a blogger of being unbiased.

I’ve cruised on all three of Oceania Cruises’ ships — Insignia, Regatta, and Nautica — and I can’t wait to get onboard Marina and Riviera. I’ve explored the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Baltic seas. I’ve visited Athens and Istanbul and St. Petersburg. I will continue exploring the world with Oceania Cruises, and I’ll share every escapade with anyone who wishes to follow along. I hope you’ll enjoy my stories of life onboard the ships and explorations ashore. If you’re a fan of fine cuisine, exotic destinations, and relaxing days at sea…well really, who isn’t a fan? Feel free to share your own experiences with us here as well. We’d love to hear from all the fans of Oceania Cruises.

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