A Quality of Eternal Reassurance
Walking around the decks of the 684 passenger ship Oceania Nautica, I could feel a warm, friendly and opulent atmosphere. The only person missing from this ship was The Great Gatsby himself. There was a feeling so hard to explain, but an excerpt from the novel seemed to sum it up completely.
“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.
It faced–or seemed to face–the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favour. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby


The O Life
The crew and passengers onboard Oceania Nautica are so friendly. The furnishings are luxurious with attention to detail. The art and decor are beautifully traditional with a touch of chic.

Exquisite Cuisine
Bob Binder’s passion for superb wine mixed with Frank Del Rio’s artistic eye along with with Jacques Pepin’s world-class cuisine, give Oceania all the elements to deliver an exceptional onboard experience.
Oceania proudly declares that they have the best cuisine at sea. They attribute this to two things. Firstly, Oceania claims to spend more money per head on ingredients than any other cruise line and secondly, the man behind the culinary creations on board is Jacques Pepin who turned down a request to cook for John F. Kennedy many years ago. It only seems fitting to serve food fit for Presidents, at tables set with Versace plates with a price tag of 250 Euros a piece! Some cruise lines offer a cruise close to that price!

Speciality restaurants Toscana and Marco Polo Grill are no extra charge. Food from these menus can also be ordered in the main dining room. Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, speciality coffees, teas and juices are also included.

On Deck
The ship has a lovely pool with two jacuzzi’s, an extensive bar with poolside waiter service, luxurious sun-loungers and double luxury beds. There is ample room for everyone to have a lounger and plenty of space to walk around the deck.
If you’re in the mood for some laid-back alfresco dining, Waves Grill located near the pool area offers Gourmet Burgers which include a Black Angus Sirloin Burger and The Kobe Burger with Wagyu Beef, Black Truffle Sauce and Baby Cress. Sandwiches range from a tapenade-laced freshly baked panini to the surf and turf of grilled lobster medallions and sliced filet mignon. With a choice of hand-dipped milkshakes and freshly made smoothies, there is certain to be something on offer that takes your fancy.

The ultimate luxury stateroom experience starts with the Prestige Tranquility Bed. This 1,000-thread-count-linen is exclusive to Oceania Cruises. Other amenities include refrigerated mini-bar with free and unlimited soft drinks and bottled water, complimentary 24-hour room service and Bulgari toiletries. On the newer ships, Marina and Riviera you will get a full-size bathtub.

Health and Wellness
On deck nine you have a state of the art fitness centre with stunning sea views and a variety of classes including indoor cycling, aerobics, yoga or pilates. For those who want to take in the fresh air and ever-changing views of your destinations, you may prefer to use the open-air fitness track on deck ten. On the larger ships, Marina and Riviera you can find a Kinesis exercise wall.

Oceania has its very own Canyon Ranch Spa Club on board their ships. Book a signature Canyon Stone Massage, a Thai massage. Or enjoy the sauna*, steam room and full-service beauty salon.
The Grand Dining Room and Terrace Cafe serve Canyon Ranch cuisine, to offer those healthier options.
The heated ceramic loungers* in the relaxation room will restore your balance. Finish off with breathtaking views on the Private Spa Terrace in the thalassotherapy pool and whirlpools. Guests booked in a concierge stateroom or above will enjoy complimentary access. For other guests, there is a charge.

If you like your nightly entertainment, the lounge on deck 5 is the place to find it. Expect a good variety of shows from headline acts and lively jazz ensembles to comedians and magicians.

The Grand Finale
We were taken into the Grand Dining Room for a delicious six-course lunch, to finish off the day. The food and wine were exquisite.


After our amazing lunch, it was time to disembark. Oceania Nautica is a great option if you are cruising without children.

Suggested Reading – Ultra-Luxury Cruising on Crystal Symphony