Why should we cruise with Oceania?
We asked Oceania why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
You can sail to the far corners of the globe on Oceania's small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because our dedication to service comes from the heart. Our ships radiate warmth and character among their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. With up to six open-seating, gourmet restaurants to choose from, dining is a central highlight of the Oceania read more Cruises experience and guests may dine when, where and with whom they wish.
What destinations are Oceania exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Caribbean Europe & Med New Zealand Northern Europe South America More...Oceania snapshot
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The low down on Oceania from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Oceania Cruises is best described as upper-premium cruising with a strong luxury edge - known for small-ship ambience, destination-rich itineraries and a cuisine-first onboard experience. Depending on which ship you select, they carry either arounf 680 to 1,200 guests, creating a calmer, more boutique feel than mainstream and many premium cruise lines. Oceania also bundles meaningful value through "Your World Included', with specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, and laundry included, reducing surprise onboard costs. From 2026, Oceania becomes an adults-only (18+) cruise line, reinforcing its tranquil, sophisticated style.
Who cruises with Oceania?
Semi-retired or retired world travellers who appreciate good food and wine, culture, enrichment and cuisine; Oceania also has a high number of repeat travellers.
What are Oceania known for?
Longer stays in port and more overnights, the Finest Cuisine at Sea, and an elegant-casual dress code with no ties required.
Are Oceania's fares all-inclusive?
Not all-inclusive but almost. Includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, selected laundry services, plus your choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Addtional premium alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and some specialised classes or seminars also cost extra.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
No, although you have the option with Ocenaia's Your World Inclusions to a choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit, based on the length of the cruise.
Is there WiFi on board?
Oceania Cruises provides complimentary, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide as part of your standard cruise fare. Enhanced WiFi packages are available.
Does Oceania have a loyalty program?
Yes, past guests received additional benefits on future bookings.
They also have a loyalty program at various levels for additional benefits on board.
Is Oceania a family friendly cruise-line?
Oceania is an adult only cruise line.
Are any onboard activities included?
Guest lectures, seminars, destination-focused activities, evening entertainment, complimentary dining and group fitness classes.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars and Culinary Centre classes on select ships incur additional charges. Personal training, some specialised fitness programs, spa and salon services also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Oceania's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary, with a surcharge only for La Reserve and private dining in Privee.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
As part of Your World Inclusions, you can opt to have included the House Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine and champagne anywhere on the ship during lunch and dinner.
Do Oceania sell any beverage packages?
Yes. The Prestige Select Beverage Package offers unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beers, spirits and cocktails, available at any onboard venue as well as through room service during bar operating hours. If you've selected complimentary wine & beer through Your World Inclusions, you are eligible to upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for 50% off. Normally $79.95 per person, per day (subject to change).
Do Oceania offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Oceania's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Oceania's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.
Do Oceania offer personal training?
Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes. Complimentary self-service laundries are available.
Do Oceania offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge and if guests are in a Concierge Veranda room category or above, laundry is included.
Recent Oceania reviews
The most disappointing issue was that Oceania read more automatically charged US$100 to our credit card at the beginning of the cruise as a security deposit, without obtaining our authorisation. What is even more frustrating is that, despite the fact that we did not overspend our onboard credits or have any outstanding charges, the US$100 has still not been refunded. It has now been almost 30 days since the cruise ended, and we are still waiting for the money to be returned. We find this particularly disappointing and feel that the way this was handled was not consistent with the level of customer service we would expect from a premium cruise line.
More generally, we found that the overall level of service on Oceania—including organisation, entertainment and customer service—was noticeably below what we experienced with Viking. We were also not particularly impressed with the level of marketing during the cruise, which at times felt rather aggressive. Overall, our experience with Oceania reinforced our very positive impression of Viking, and we would certainly consider travelling with Viking again in the future. Thank you again for all your assistance over the years. We very much appreciate it.
Oceania's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Ponant?
We asked Ponant why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
It's time to join Ponant's team of experienced naturalist guides and expedition experts to discover some of the world’s most distant and sought-after shores, venture into the heart of extreme lands and be immersed in nature on one of many Zodiac outings and shore excursions. Whether you dream of stepping foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, witnessing the incredible rise of Montgomery reef in the Kimberley or meeting and interacting with local communities in the Arctic, Ponant, the world leader in luxury expeditions can take you there.
What destinations are Ponant exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & New England Europe & Med New Zealand More...Ponant snapshot
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The low down on Ponant from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Ponant cruises are best described as small-ship luxury expedition cruising: intimate yachts designed to reach remote ports and wilderness coastlines, paired with elevated French-style hospitality and strong inclusions. Unlike mainstream cruise lines built around onboard entertainment, Ponant is destination-first, with expedition landings, expert-led enrichment, and itineraries spanning the Arctic and Antarctica. A key point of difference is Le Commandant Charcot, a hybrid-electric LNG polar exploration ship positioned for high polar environments, giving Ponant a standout edge for serious polar travellers.
Who cruises with Ponant?
International guests, cosmopolitan world travellers and travellers seeking to explore remote locations.
What are Ponant known for?
Luxury expeditions, French cruising, a young expedition fleet and access to remote locations with small ships.
Are Ponant's fares all-inclusive?
Ponant positions itself as all-inclusive, but classic-cruise shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, and gratuities are not included.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, premium-label spirits and champagne, gratuities and gear beyond the provided parka and boots on polar expeditions. Optional excursions may also incur charges.
Are gratuities included?
No. Tipping is customary but entirely at guest discretion. Ponant generally guides that tips are in the range of €10–12 per day per passenger.
Are shore excursions included?
No, excursions cost extra on Ponant's classic small ship cruises, although selected special offers may include them. Shore excursions are included on expedition cruises and Smithsonian Voyages with some optional excursions available at additional cost.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included.
Does Ponant have a loyalty program?
No. Ponant Yacht Club benefits are available to Ponant members only.
Is Ponant a family friendly cruise-line?
No. The minimum age is six for Polar Expedition cruises, and children must meet height, instruction and equipment requirements for Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Naturalist and specialist lectures, guest lectures, live music, dance shows, film screenings and access to the hammam steam room.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
No.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No. All onboard activities are included, although some group fitness sessions and specialised fitness classes may incur charges. Spa and salon services also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Ponant's ships?
No specialty restaurants. Ponant has two complimentary restaurants: a Gastronomic Restaurant and a grill.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Mineral water, soft drinks, coffee and tea are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. The Open Bar includes Charles Heidsieck champagne, beer, wine and spirits but excludes premium-label spirits and champagne.
Do Ponant sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Guests can purchase the Premium Open Bar for top-shelf spirits and Veuve Clicquot.
Do Ponant offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge; access to the hammam steam room is complimentary.
Are there gyms onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. A fitness studio or gym is available.
Are fitness classes available onboard Ponant's ships?
Yes. Occasional group fitness sessions may be offered and may incur charges.
Do Ponant offer personal training?
No.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Ponant offer a laundry service?
Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Recent Ponant reviews
Ponant's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Oceania Cruises vs Ponant
Ponant and Oceania both offer smaller-ship cruising with a strong focus on destination and food, but the experience is quite different. Ponant is a luxury line with intimate ships and a strong expedition focus, while Oceania sits at the upper end of the premium market with larger ships, more traditional onboard facilities and one of the strongest culinary programs at sea.
Which ships will suit me best?
Ponant’s fleet is generally much smaller and more intimate, with understated French styling, bilingual touches and expedition-capable vessels designed to reach remote destinations. Oceania’s ships are considerably larger and offer more restaurants, lounges, entertainment and facilities, with everything from intimate Regatta Class ships to larger Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura. Ponant feels more like a private yacht, while Oceania delivers a relaxed ‘Country Club Casual’ experience with more traditional cruise amenities.
Which has the better expedition experience?
This is where Ponant clearly stands apart. Expedition voyages include Zodiac and land excursions led by specialist teams, with vessels designed to access remote regions such as Antarctica, the Arctic and the Kimberley. Oceania doesn’t operate expedition cruises, although its smaller ships can still access ports that larger liners can’t. If you want true expedition-style exploration, Ponant is the obvious choice; if you prefer classic small-ship cruising with more onboard facilities, Oceania is the better fit.
Which offers better value?
Ponant generally costs more upfront, but its fares are highly inclusive, with dining, an open bar, Wi-Fi and included activities or excursions depending on the voyage. Oceania now includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and non-alcoholic drinks for all guests, plus your choice of either wine and beer with lunch and dinner or a shore excursion credit. Ponant includes more when it comes to drinks and expedition experiences, while Oceania offers a lower starting price and more flexibility over whether you want drinks or shore touring bundled into your fare.
Which has the better itineraries?
Ponant is strongest in expedition destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley and other remote regions, but also offers traditional luxury cruises through Europe and elsewhere. Oceania has the broader classic cruise program, with extensive itineraries through Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, the Americas and longer worldwide voyages. There is some overlap in mainstream destinations, but the biggest difference is cruise style: Ponant can take you deeper into remote regions, while Oceania offers more traditional destination-focused cruising.
