Having visited Marina, one of Oceania Cruises’ ‘O Class’ ships in the morning; it was great to visit Nautica (one of three ‘R Class’ sister ships) in the afternoon, to get a comparison between the ‘O Class’ and ‘R Class’ ships. Take a look at all the information below, and then if you would like any further information, or would like to book your cruise, call GoCruise with Ian on 01455 821770 or 0800 292 2850.

Nautica is fresh out of a multi-million dollar refit, during which all suites and staterooms were refurbished. A lot of work was also done in the public rooms, including the addition of a Baristas coffee bar, and a new colour scheme and décor for the Horizons lounge. Toscana and the Grand Dining Room were both extended, with more tables for two added, Martini’s got new furniture, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub got new steam rooms and changing rooms, and the Terrace Café had a new state-of-the-art grill added.

We had a tour of the ship, including a number of staterooms and suites, and I took some video and photos. If you would like to take a look at them, then just follow the links at the bottom of this review.

Ship Facts & Figures – originally built for Renaissance Cruises as one of 8 sister ships, and named R Five, Nautica is 30,277 tons and has 9 passenger decks. Her crew of 400 looks after 684 passengers at double occupancy. See the end of this review for details of all 8 sister ships originally built for Renaissance Cruises

Accommodation – there are 16 grades of staterooms (cabins) and suites, ranging from a G grade inside stateroom of 160 sq ft, right up to the OS grade Owner’s Suite which is nearly 1,000 sq ft. In between you have ocean view, deluxe ocean view, veranda / balcony, Concierge and various suite grades. There are 342 in total, including 3 which are wheelchair accessible.

All grades benefit from having a Prestige Tranquility Bed (exclusive to Oceania Cruises) with 1,000 thread-count linens, refrigerated mini-bar replenished daily with complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, complimentary 24 hour room service, nightly turndown service with Belgian chocolates, plush cotton towels, fresh milled toiletries, security safe, handheld hair dryer, flat-screen television with live satellite news, and DVD player with an extensive media library.

Concierge level has extra benefits including priority noon embarkation and luggage delivery, complimentary welcome bottle of champagne, Bulgari toiletries, unlimited access to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub private Spa Terrace, and complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag.

In addition to the above, Suite passengers also receive other benefits including priority 11am embarkation and luggage delivery, and 24 hour butler service.

Dining Options – Oceania Cruises claim to serve ‘the finest cuisine at sea’, with all food prepared from fresh and their Executive Culinary Director is Master Chef Jacques Pepin. There are multiple open-seating dining venues for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all with no additional charge. You can choose from: -

• Grand Dining Room – serving Continental cuisine
• Polo Grill – serving steaks, chops and seafood
• Toscana – for gourmet Italian dining
• Terrace Café – serving casual and Al Fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Waves Grill – for poolside dining including gourmet burgers and milkshakes
• Baristas – coffee and pastry bar
  

Vegetarian, Kosher and special diets are available on request, but it is advisable to enquire about any special diets before booking your cruise.

It is worth noting that you receive complimentary and unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, cappuccino, espresso, teas and fruit juices throughout your cruise.

Dress Code – Country Club casual is the order of the day, and tuxedo and gowns are never required. Relax as if you were visiting your own private country club.

Onboard Facilities & Entertainment – During the day you have the use of the pools and sunbathing areas, a library stocked with 2,000 books and magazines, a card room, a driving range, and 18 hole miniature golf course, and shuffleboard. There is also a fitness centre, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and why not take advantage of the talks given by the world renowned guest lecturers, who might be a historian, a naturalist or a former ambassador.

The evening brings a different choice of activities including Jazz nights at Martinis, Dancing at Horizons, a casino, an eight-piece orchestra or string quartet.

General Points

• The onboard currency is $US
• Gratuities for your stateroom and dining room stewards are added to your onboard account, but can be amended if you wish. The amounts added are $15 per person per day, or $22 per person per day if you are staying in one of the suites with a personal butler. There are occasionally promotions running with prepaid gratuities included.
• A service charge of 18% is added to all beverage and spa purchases
• Drinks packages are available to purchase, and there are occasionally promotions running which include them
  

Summary

If you are looking for a smaller ship, carrying less than 1,000 passengers, appreciate fine dining with impeccable service, and prefer country club casual to DJ’s and Ball Gowns, then Oceania Cruises would be an excellent choice for you. If you would like a ship which is a little bit larger, but still has all the benefits of Nautica, then you should consider one of the ‘O Class’ sister ships, Marina and Riviera.

Click on the following link to look at my photos of Marina on Facebook
Click on the following link to watch my video of Marina
Click on the following link to read my review of Nautica
Click on the following link to look at my photos of Nautica on Facebook
Click on the following link to watch my video of Nautica

Note – please see below for details of the original 8 Renaissance Cruises sister ships
R One – now known as Insignia (Oceania Cruises)
R Two – now known as Regatta (Oceania Cruises)
R Three – now known as Pacific Princess (Princess Cruises)
R Four – now known as Ocean Princess (Princess Cruises)
R Five – now known as Nautica (Oceania Cruises)
R Six – now known as Azamara Journey (Azamara Club Cruises)
R Seven – now known as Azamara Quest (Azamara Club Cruises)
R Eight – now known as Adonia (P&O Cruises)