In essence, it's the ideal size of our ships that elevates our onboard experience into the sublime. Being mid-sized allows for a certain warmth, intimacy and elegance that is largely devoid on other vessels. The differences are pronounced, especially with regard to the defining points of ambiance, attitude and service.

Returning guests are greeted as cherished friends. First-time guests soon develop their own rapport with the staff, and the relationship only deepens with time. It's a matter of great pride and devotion that our staff sincerely addresses you by name and always remembers your preferences. Personal care this indulgent is no coincidence. It's the direct result of our ships' enviable size.

That warm, caring attitude pervades the ship, promoting an extraordinarily comfortable atmosphere. Guests instinctively introduce themselves to each other, easily finding common ground. While intimate, public areas are alive with laughter and engaging conversation.

How comforting it is to feel completely at ease aboard our mid-sized ships. While the atmosphere is certainly elegant, it's never pretentiously so. The ambiance is refreshingly casual and friendly, much like that of a country club. Intimacy and warmth are the hallmarks, encouraging you to simply be yourself, while enjoying the company of others who genuinely share your enthusiasm.

Meet over cocktails in Martinis and recount your adventures ashore. Strike up a conversation poolside, while lying back in a commodious teak double chaise lounge. Making new friends is effortless, as is finding quiet, more private areas to relax, when you're feeling less gregarious. In such an inviting atmosphere, where every wish is attended to with exemplary service, it's so easy to feel right at home.

It's only natural that your idea of entertainment changes day to day, so our ships provide for an abundance of diversions. Some days, you may wish to do nothing more than while away the hours reading, comfortably ensconced in a private cabana on the Sun Deck. Other days, if you're feeling ambitious, you might power-walk around the oval track in the fresh sea air, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or work out with a personal trainer.

Whatever strikes your fancy - the immense variety of entertainment options onboard our ships ensures that your interest will be constantly piqued. Enjoy one of our esteemed, often famous guest lecturers, who might be a historian, naturalist or former ambassador eager to share insider knowledge. Our musical performances are equally enriching and, depending on the voyage, may include a live pianist, classical string quartet, dynamic vocalists and spectacular headliners. Later you may wish to try your luck in the elegant Monte Carlo-style casino.

Enriching your mind can be tremendously entertaining, as well. The ultimate source of insider's knowledge is our esteemed and often-famous guest lecturers, who are aboard for the express purpose of enlightening you with their personal insights, historic outlooks, and vast expertise regarding the treasures ashore. Imagine how your perceptions might change after discussing the current political climate in Russia with a former diplomat or historian while sailing the Baltic Sea. Just think how it would enhance your understanding of French wine to learn about France's unique terroir from an acclaimed vintner who lived there. These are the kinds of encounters that comprise the Oceania Cruises experience.

Discover the highlights of your next port of call by reading Oceania Currents, our shipboard daily, or one of the dozens of the travel books from the well-stocked English-style library. And now onboard Marina and Riviera, experience hands-on instruction in our new Bon Appétit Culinary Centre or create arts and crafts in Artist Loft. Other great sources of information are the concierge, shore excursion staff, and even your fellow guests.

Marina offer a hands-on programme for budding artists in the Artist Loft, a well-equiped enrichment centre, where superbly talented artists-in-residence offer step-by-step instruction in their areas of expertise. You might learn how to paint with watercolours, needlepoint or create phenomenal arts and crafts. The courses are always changing, and with the masters’ guidance, your talents will quickly blossom.

Enrich your mind in the tranquility of our English inspired Library with over 2,000 books and periodicals ranging from destination-specific guide books to best-selling mysteries to classic literature.

Stay connected with family and friends or monitor business developments in our 24-hour Internet centre, Oceania@Sea. For personalised service, Oceania@Sea is fully-staffed on both sea days (8 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and port days (8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.). Oceania Cruises also offers wireless Internet access throughout the ship, allowing you to connect through your laptop or mobile device. Guests in suites aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, are provided with a laptop, as well as guests in Concierge Levels and above aboard Marina and Riviera. And as an added convenience, guests in all Owner's, Vista and Oceania Suites will have the use of an iPad® throughout the voyage.

In addition to Internet onboard, Oceania Cruises offers Connect@Sea, a mobile voice application developed specifically for calling and messaging while out to sea. Connect@Sea is a Wi-Fi enabled app that allows you to use your smart phone to send and receive unlimited calls and messages to other Connect@Sea app users on the ship, as well as offer competitive per minute calling rates for all your ship to shore needs. You can download the app for free via Apple and Google Play stores.

Immerse yourself in the joy of cooking gourmet cuisine at Oceania Cruises' Bon Appétit Culinary Centre. It's the world's only hands-on culinary studio at sea, a distinction that elevates the onboard gourmand experience to a level of participation far beyond even the grandest expectations.

•The only cooking school at sea to offer hands-on instruction
•Produced in conjunction with Bon Appétit, America's premier publication catering to fine food and wine
•Expert Master Chefs provide instruction in a professional kitchen atmosphere
•Expand your knowledge and appreciation of local cuisines
•12 individual cooking stations with two guests per station
•From great regional cuisines to the secrets of homemade pasta, our hands-on classes are perfect for every aspiring chef
•Culinary classes charge a fee per guest

Children under the age of 18 may not participate in the Bon Appétit Culinary Centre except as stipulated below:

•Children between the ages of 16-17 may participate in the Culinary Centre with a parent/legal guardian's signed Minor Waiver and Release Form. Parents must accompany children to the beginning of the class to present the signed Minor Waiver and Release Form.
•Children between the ages of 13-16 may participate with a signed Minor Waiver and Release Form but must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian for the duration of each class.

Discover a legendary spa experience aboard Oceania Cruises. Award-winning Canyon Ranch – with its family of destination health resorts, hotel, wellness communities and SpaClub facilities – has been the acknowledged world leader in healthy living expertise, and a haven of luxury, comfort and warmth for 30 years. Experience the profound pleasures of Canyon Ranch in a spectacular setting –Oceania Cruises' fleet of luxurious cruise ships. Enhance your voyage with indulgent services, enlightening presentations, nurturing wellness services and exercise classes that promote resilience, restore serenity and leave you feeling fantastic. Enjoy!

All Concierge Level and Suite guests can enjoy free unlimited access to the beautifully appointed Canyon Ranch SpaClub private Spa Terrace. All other guests can purchase Spa Terrace passes and can access the ship's thermal suite with a sauna, steam room and scented showers.

*SpaClub® guests must be at least 18 years old.

The fully equipped fitness centre with a panoramic sea view is attached to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Our fitness professionals can help you fine-tune your exercise programme or start a new one. Some classes are complimentary (walk-a-mile, stretch and relax, and complete core) and others (such as Pilates, boot camp, yoga and Yamuna Foot Fitness) charge a nominal fee, or if you are planning on joining in with a lot of classes, for a one-off fee passes are available.

The fitness centre has a serene and peaceful vibe (with beautiful art and a waterfall), and you can order healthy drinks and snacks, which can be served anywhere in the facility including the forward-facing whirlpool deck. A whole host of treatments, from skin-care to massage to acupuncture, are available. An adjacent beauty salon handles hair styling and cuts, manicures, and pedicures.

On-board there is also a fitness track, putting greens, golf cages, Ping-Pong, croquet and shuffleboard.

If you're an aficionado of the arts, you'll find our entertainment just as engrossing and personally satisfying. In the evenings, the ship is filled with music performed by, what some have called, the finest orchestra at sea. Attend a live classical concert under the stars, the notes gently wafting through the misty night. Marvel at the magicians, comedians and other headliners. Evenings aboard can be anything you desire. Watch a high-quality musical show. Chat with newfound friends over a cocktail in one of our nine lounges. Dance the night away in Horizons to the sounds of a marvellous musical group, or show your talent at karaoke. Entertainment has never been so enjoyable, enriching or varied.

Lady Luck always seems to be present in our Monte Carlo style-casino, coaxing jackpots and eliciting squeals of delight. Take one of our slot machines for a spin or join a rousing game of blackjack, poker, or roulette.

The martini exudes luxury and sophistication. Sample a selection of these fine cocktails from our convivial bars and lounges, or learn about the intricacies and history of the drink from our head bartender.

Our three stylish boutiques feature a bounty of items ranging from sundries to designer casual wear. Feel free to browse through our array of duty-free merchandise including fine jewellery, fragrances and Oceania Cruises logo wear.

With a large heated pool and three whirlpool spas, there is always room for a refreshing dip in the pool, poolside relaxation, or a soothing spa experience.

One of cruising’s most time-honored traditions, High Tea is served promptly at 16:00 each day, when the pastry chefs take centre stage with a colourful collection of English finger sandwiches, scones and other goodies fit for royalty. Live entertainment and gracious service complete a very elegant and refined afternoon.

Oceania Cruises pioneered extensive overnight stays and late evening departures allowing guests to truly experience each destination to it's fullest.

Shore Excursion Points of Distinction:

•Professional English-speaking experts to guide you through your journey.
•Peace of mind in knowing that your excursions are monitored by the ship’s staff.
•A staff of experienced, excursion specialists expertly plans each tour and is dedicated to maximising your time in each port.
•Travel with premier, licensed and insured, tour companies aboard the best available, climate controlled luxury transportation.
•In addition to our group departures, you may choose the Executive Collection – customised, private tours with highly personalised service.