8/31/04

By mgm445

• February 11, 2007

This ship is smaller (675 passengers) than the mega liners and the itineraries are very port-intensive. No huge Broadway-type entertainment, but the food and service are exceptional. Dining is open seating and eating in the two specialty restaurants (Polo Grill -- surf and turf -- and Toscana -- Italian) have no addidional charge. Assistance offered in the Computer Lab for digital camera users was terrific, and they burned a photo CD for you at the end of the cruise for only $15. Fellow passengers were very savvy and many toured independently in the ports, so there was always someone to share a taxi with.

Although I always think the last cruise was the best, this truly was a wonderful experience. I have never encountered a friendlier staff, nor a finer menu. The beds are called "Tranquility Beds" and are very comfortable, with down pillows and comforters and fine cotton linens. The provided toiletries are spa-quality. There was never a problem getting a lounge chair at the pool, even on sea days. There is a self-service laundry which costs $3.00 per load (wash and dry) using tokens from the purser. There is a free cocktail party hosted by the ship and Yahoo.com if you sign up in advance through Yahoo Groups, Oceana Cruisers for your departure. This was terrific, since it meant we started our trip with 32 "friends" we met through the Yahoo Board. We would absolutely recommend them, and hope to travel with Oceania again.