Launched in 2005 as the sister ship to Oceania Regatta & Insignia, Oceania Nautica was recently refurbished in 2014, and our group was very excited to get a glimpse of her as we embarked for our tour and lunch onboard. Accommodating up to 684 guests in 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms, we were looking forward to seeing how she shaped up compared to other similar size ships. With 4 unique restaurants, a modern fitness centre and spa as well as 8 lounges and bars plus a casino, Nautica offers every luxury you expect onboard a stylish ship.
The furnishing and decoration really gives of an ‘English Country Manor’ vibe, and this midsize ship has plenty of faux fireplaces and cosy seating areas, as well as stunning a library, you could really picture yourself settling in to one of the comfy armchairs or sofas to enjoy one of the wide varieties of books available.
There are also many great features such as Afternoon Tea, and the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, so you can treat yourself onboard! There is also a fully equipped gym, so if you’re planning on keeping up with your fitness regime, you won’t have to worry with a vast array of cardio machines as well as free weights to help keep you in shape!
The public spaces were intimate and cosy, and really reflect the importance of socialising onboard Oceania Ships. The Pool Deck is a social centre, with thickly padded single and double loungers arranged around the pool, and it looks like the perfect venue to chill and relax, and soak up a bit of sun.
With Oceania, unlike other cruise lines, all your visits to speciality restaurants are included in your cruise fair. So you can visit the Polo Grill, which embodies all the elements of a classic steakhouse and perhaps try the incredible 32-ounce Porterhouse steak if you feel you’re up for the challenge. Alternatively you can also pay a visit to Toscana, and sample the Italian cuisine evolved from rich family traditions, which the eagle eyed fashionistas among you will notice are served on custom-designed Versace china. We would highly recommend pre-booking your visits to the specialty restaurants as spaces will fill up quickly, full of guests who want to sample the delights of both these amazing venues.
Of course there is also the Grand Dining Room, which we were seated in to sample a 5 course extravaganza of food. The Grand Dining Room oozed a classy feel, and the formally attired waiting staff greeted us enthusiastically and introduced themselves. Having sampled Fingerling Potato with Sturgeon Caviar, Risotto All’Aragosta, Wellington of Veal Tenderloin With Porcini Mushroom Stuffing and A La Minute Poached Floating Island it’s safe to say the food was exquisite, and the service fantastic. One of our party who didn’t like fish was quickly provided with an alternative dish, which was no trouble for the excellent waiters to sort out.
Once we had been fed and watered, the day onboard Oceania Nautica was over and we all departed back into sunny Liverpool. It’s safe to say that I and the rest of our group were very impressed with Oceania and particularly the Nautica. It’s obvious to see why Alex Farquharson one of our ‘guides’ for the day informed us ‘once you’re booked you’re hooked’. It truly is ‘Your World. Your Way’ with Oceania Cruises.
By Richard Hemming
Over 30 years of travel experience. Been there, seen that, sailed the world.
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