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
Total No. Cruises
Departures
Avg. cruise length
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive level
Onboard currencyOur thoughts...
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 Silversea?
We asked Silversea why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.
Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.
What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?
African & Indian Ocean Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England More...Silversea snapshot
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyOur thoughts...
The low down on Silversea from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.
Who cruises with Silversea?
World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
What are Silversea known for?
Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.
Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?
Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.
Are gratuities included?
Yes.
Are shore excursions included?
Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.
Does Silversea have a loyalty program?
No. Venetian Club only.
Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?
Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.
Are any onboard activities included?
Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
No.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?
Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.
Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?
No.
Do Silversea offer room service?
Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?
Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.
Do Silversea offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
Yes.
Do Silversea offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Silversea reviews
The cruise itself was wonderful. Silversea delivered a quality experience from start to finish. The Silver Nova is a beautiful, contemporary ship with spacious common areas and comfortable cabins. The staff are excellent and the amenities on board first class. Alaska is spectacular and Japan is a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and modern. We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday.
Silversea's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Oceania Cruises vs Silversea
Oceania and Silversea both offer smaller-ship cruising with a strong focus on food, service and destination, but they sit in different parts of the market. Oceania is an upper-premium line with a relaxed ‘Country Club Casual’ atmosphere and more accommodation choices, while Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite line with butler service for every guest and more bundled into the fare.
Which ships will suit me best?
Oceania’s fleet ranges from intimate Regatta Class ships to larger Marina, Riviera, Vista and Allura, with accommodation from inside staterooms through to expansive suites. Silversea’s Classic ships are generally smaller and more luxurious, with all-suite accommodation, butler service and a more polished onboard atmosphere. Both place plenty of emphasis on food, but Oceania offers a broader range of cabin price points while Silversea delivers a more consistently high-end experience across every suite category.
Which offers better value?
Oceania generally has the lower starting price, while Silversea includes more from the outset. Oceania’s Your World Included fare covers specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and non-alcoholic drinks, plus your choice of either wine and beer with lunch and dinner or a shore excursion credit. Silversea includes butler service, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, Wi-Fi and gratuities, while its All-Inclusive Plus fare adds a shore excursion credit on Classic voyages. If you prefer a lower fare and more flexibility, Oceania may suit you better; if you want more luxury inclusions bundled upfront, Silversea has the stronger proposition.
Which has the better itineraries?
Both offer destination-rich cruises across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Americas and beyond, with smaller ships that can reach ports inaccessible to larger liners. Oceania focuses on classic cruising and longer worldwide voyages, while Silversea combines classic luxury cruising with expedition voyages to destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and the Kimberley. If you want traditional small-ship cruising with a culinary focus, Oceania is a strong fit; if you also want true expedition options, Silversea offers considerably more variety.
