I wake up to a gray skyOcean ViewDock in the port of Naples, Italy. Determined to change my weather luck, I headed to deck 12 for a Morning Sunrise smoothie at Aquamar Kitchen. efficient. A combination of the restaurant's white tile backsplash and baby blue accents with tropical smoothies puts me in a good mood. Inspired, my husband and I decided to brave the rain in search of a life-changing pizza.
Last week I was one of 1,200 guests on Oceania Cruises' first new ship in 11 years. With the debutvision, brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, introduces the new Allura classBarco.It's the first ship in Oceania with balconies in every room, it launches with Starlink (yes, Elon Musk Wi-Fi) and it's powerful enough to make a Zoom call with a camera in the Tyrrhenian Sea .devision11 bars and restaurants, three of which are new to Oceania, including a deluxe cocktail bar with Death & Co juice.
This luxury cruise takes you to France, Greece and Italy
However, loyal Oceania cruisers will recognize places like the Polo Grill steakhouse and Toscana Italian restaurant, also on Oceania-class ships,rivieraeindividual, and older ships of the Regatta class. I was especially excited to dine in Tuscany, not only because I had heard about the oil cart, but also because Giada De Laurentiis - the godmother of the ship sailed with us and was baptizedvisionAt a port ceremony in Valletta, Malta, two recipes were offered for the menu. like one who has seen too mucheveryday italianAt first I had a strong urge to try their Capri style lemon pasta. Grilled Shrimp And Capers With Lemon Cream SaucePublishedAside from the duck and watermelon salad at pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger, this is by far the most talked about dish on board.
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Extraordinary gastronomic experience
I won the jackpot - which, invision, instead of hitting the jackpot in the casino on deck six, got a reservation on the Red Ginger during our cruise, when we sailed from Malta to Naples. My husband and I sat at a side table and admired the glass and gold light fixtures and geometric black aluminum dividers that create cozy nooks near the windows. We tried tuna and salmon sashimi, spring rolls with pork vermicelli and of course the famous duck watermelon salad (lives up to the hype) with Sonoma Chardonnay. The highlight, however, is the medium-rare ribeye plated in elegant Tokyo Design Studio ceramic with blue edges. We ended our evening in the Martini Bar - I bet you can guess what that bar served - there was a pianist playing every night, covers of Elton John and The BotanistGinIt never seems to dry.
The cocktail bar on this luxury cruise ship never ends!
Most nights, however, the Founders Bar is the place to party. Newly arrived in Oceania, the ship's most ambitious bar offers a menu of 26 exquisite cocktails featuring house-made syrups and top-shelf spirits such as Whistle Pig and Gray Goose with salsa. Of those cocktails, we tried nine (good but not the best) and kept coming back not so sure, a potent version of an old fashioned cocktail made with Earl Grey, infused with Woodford Reserve bourbon.
We and others in the industry, including Oceania executives and travel consultants who attended the previous trip, were blown away by the mixology - the smoke, bubbles, and botanical sprays were all part of the show. Still, the onboard demographics are typical of Oceania, attracting tourists in their 60s. That's what the story is about. We had dinner with an eighty-year-old couple who had worked on a ship in Oceania for two months. They dine in Ember,visionThe New American Restaurant tells of preparations to cross the east coast of Africa to defend against an attack by Somali pirates. Another gentleman who grew up in Malta took us to the bar in Valletta where actor Oliver Reed filmed Gladiator. (Apparently Reed challenged English sailors to a drinking contest one night – and died in that bar. In a modest bar on a side street in Valletta, you can buy a Reed Shirt dress with the last unpaid drink: 8 pints; 12 doubles of rum; 14Whisky.We opted for a slightly more subdued sequence. )
That said, the ship is really struggling when it comes to attracting millennials. Excellent Wi-Fi; pickle ball (fastest growing sport in the United States, by the way, NPR reports "the strongest growth among players under 55"); a very Sweetgreen-style salad bar at Aquamar; and a coffee shop that looks like a coffee shop within walking distance of my home in LA (marble counters, gilded accents, leather sofas) and serves similar quality espresso.
At the same time, Oceania has significantly increased the number of trips and excursions, which should also appeal to a younger target group. Oceania Cruises' new president, Frank Del Rio Jr., acceptsTravel + LeisureIn total, the company has developed more than 100 of these new options for smaller groups leveraging local expertise and launching hidden campaigns such as T+LContributing editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon recently reported. These "Go Local" tours brought Greaves-Gabbadon tothe locals’ building houses in little-known places like “the small village of Škopljanci in Croatia (9 inhabitants), where local farmers welcomed me with homemade cherry schnapps”.
Longing for my own version of the city of nine and cherry schnapps, I opted for a tour of Corsica, promising a visit to the hill of Vizzavona and "Corsican tapas". We drive from the port city of Ajaccio to the Hôtel-Restaurant Monte d'Oro in the center of the island. I found our guide easy to reconcile (she was indeed a local, but her monologue seemed more suited to an old-fashioned 50-person cruise than a tapas-loving group of 20). But as our bus climbed 3,815 feet to Vizzavona, I was thrilled to see the scenery change from beaches and shimmering seas to mountain vistas that rivaled the Alps. In Corsica's oldest hotel, dating back to 1880, an impressive charcuterie awaits us, served under vines hanging from the wood paneled ceiling. After lunch, I chatted with the waiter about the biodynamic red wine they served, then sat comfortably in the hotel's living room, retrieved a biography of Molière from a cluttered bookshelf, and whispered out loud, Listen to my husband. I think he likes it.
I did absolutely no research on Corsica - other than reading the tourist brochures on my flight from Paris to Rome and browsing Napoleon's Wikipedia page. However, I ended up on amazing islands that I didn't know existed. I don't have to worry about how to get there. The only concern I have is how long it will take for my husband's patience with me to slowly translate Molière's life from French to English to run out.
otherculinary adventureis an important part of Oceania's effort to attract people of all ages. to existprospect,There are 17 new culinary tours in addition to the already strong lineup of cooking classes. In various ports, gourmets go to markets such as large onesopen airNoton the island of Corfu Greece), shopping tasks and eurovisionchief. Then they return to the ship for lessons in the ship's food center, which is three times the size of the old ship.
Rooms designed like resorts
After a morning of shopping and an afternoon of Corsican delicacies, I returned to my house and posted on my porch to watch us leave Ajaccio. My concierge level cabin was 27 square feet with a large balcony, queen size bed and double shower. (I've spoken to several veteran Oceania cruisers who raved about the larger shower area.) While the rooms are about the same size as on other Oceania ships,visionThe design made smarter use of the floor plan, said Greg Walton, CEO of Studio Dado, which designed most of the ship's components. For example, the cabinet was moved from close to the bed to closer to the door, freeing up space to enlarge the shower, Walton explains in conversation with T+L.
New class AlluravisionShe also has more suites than any other in the Oceania fleet: 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); three master suites with Ralph Lauren decor, two massive terraces, and 2,400 square feet of space.
When I left Corsica, I went to the main pool, which Walton said was "designed like a resort" with cabanas and light wood decor, and ordered a cask-aged Negro Neal and took it to the vortex. After a shower, I sip a martini and filet mignon while watching the sunset at the Polo Grill before heading back to Founders Bar to resume my all-important cocktail tasting.
seven days latervision- the longest time I've spent on a boat - I would really like to stay on a boat, and that surprises me. I'm not ready to ditch my new habits, from sunrise smoothies in the morning to not-so-safe cocktails before bed. “Next year, 40% of our trips will be 30 days or longer,” says Del Rio. These itineraries, also known as "trips", are very popular with Oceania guests returning to cruise ships. “We have 180-day round-the-world cruises that we also sell in segments,” he added.
visionofsailIn Europe this summer - for example, a trip in June takes 10 days from Athens to Istanbul,From $5,089 per person(RM 23,251), including food; choice of wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks; six shore excursions; and a $600 (RM2,741) credit to spend on spa services or premium drinks on board. The ship will arrive in the US in the fall for an 11-day voyage from New York to Montreal before heading to the Caribbean in the winter. 7-Day Round Trip Cruise from Miami via Mexico, Belize and Honduras,From US$2,228 per person(RM10,179) (or $318/RM1,452 per day for travel that includes food, non-alcoholic beverages and house wine, four excursions and $400/RM1,827 onboard credits).
All currency conversions are done at the time of writing
(Hero image credit en highlight: Oceania Cruises)
This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com
related:The most luxurious and expensive cruise ship suites
FAQs
This luxury cruise ship has a resort-style swimming pool and an impressive cocktail bar.? ›
Accordingly, the lido deck is traditionally the ship deck that is home to the outdoor swimming pool, and adjacent bars and dining options.
What is the cruise ship deck with the main swimming pool known as? ›Accordingly, the lido deck is traditionally the ship deck that is home to the outdoor swimming pool, and adjacent bars and dining options.
Which cruise ship has the most pools? ›Dubbed the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas features 19 swimming pools, 20 restaurants, a casino and its own 'Central Park'.
How would you describe a luxury cruise ship? ›Luxury passenger ships are called floating hotels on the sea. These ships have many facilities and provide big restaurants, theaters, pools, gyms and quiet libraries to enjoy a long cruise trip. They also have a clinic and doctors on board, too. There are many types of cabins.
Does the Norwegian bliss have a pool? ›If you are staying in the Haven Suites, you get access to your own private pool exclusively for Haven guest. That pool comes with a clear retractable roof on the NCL Bliss so when the temperature drops (and it definitely can in Alaska even in the summer) you can still enjoy some pool time.
What was the first cruise ship to have a swimming pool? ›The RMS Adriatic of the White Star Line built by Harland and Wolff shipyards that was launched on 20 September 1906 was the first ocean liner to feature a swimming pool.
Why do cruise ships have a pool at the front? ›Nowadays, passengers expect pools to be out in the sunlight and so they must be at the top of ship. This magnifies the risk of throwing the ship off balance in rougher weather when the water starts moving around. That is also why they are often drained and emptied when seas are rough.
Which Princess cruise ships have indoor pools? ›On our newest ships, Sky Princess®, Enchanted Princess® and Discovery Princess®, you'll find refreshing new opportunities for aquatic relaxation. In addition to more spa tubs, the ship has two deep-tank pools, linked by sunken, communal seating, adjacent to the top-deck bar.
Who is the biggest swimming pool in the world? ›| Rank | Swimming Pool | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citystars Sharm El Sheikh | Egypt |
| 2 | Crystal Lagoon | Chile |
| 3 | Mahasamutr | Thailand |
| 4 | Treasure Bay Bintan | Indonesia |
Royal Bay℠ Pool
This sprawling oasis on Chill Island℠ is the largest pool at sea, with over 40,000 gallons of water. Here, you'll find plenty of space to soak up the sun or make a splash. Like in-water loungers and raised whirlpools offering elevated views.
What is a luxury ship called? ›
A cruise ship is a luxury vessel that is used to take passengers on a pleasure voyage in a journey that is as much a part of the experience as the various destinations on the way.
What is Royal Caribbean luxury cruise line? ›The 'jewel in the crown' of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises is the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line—acclaimed for both its all-inclusive lifestyle offering and its global destination portfolio.
Is Royal Caribbean considered a luxury cruise line? ›When it comes to luxury cruises, nobody does lavish like Royal Caribbean. Unforgettable adventures call for an unforgettable oasis where you can rest and recharge in between thrills.
Does Norwegian Bliss have an adults only pool? ›There are two pools aboard the ship, including the main pool on Deck 16 and another that's more kid-friendly, also on Deck 16. There are four hot tubs on Deck 17 that overlook the ship's side. The adult's only outdoor deck does not have a pool, unfortunately, but there is a hot tub and waterfall.
Is Norwegian Bliss a big ship? ›At 167,800 tons and 1,082 feet in length, Norwegian Bliss -- which can accommodate 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and a maximum of 4,905 passengers -- is the largest cruise ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet.
How many pools are on NCL bliss? ›The boat has 20 decks (16 passenger-accessible, 11 with cabins), 29 dining options (9 complimentary), 22 lounges and bars, 3 swimming pools, 9 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 5 waterslides, 16 elevators.
Why do cruise ships empty the pools at night? ›Cruise lines drain their swimming pools at night to discourage guests from trying to enter the pool when it is closed. Draining the swimming pools each night also allows the cruise lines to replace the water with clean water and a drained swimming pool is safer if the weather is rough.
Can you swim laps on a cruise ship? ›Diving and jumping is not permitted; you are welcome to swim laps, but each lap will be short, and the pools will likely be crowded at peak hours. A handful of cruise ships also have a secondary pool area at the back of the ship, overlooking the wake, and some have a swim-against-the-current pool for laps.
Can you swim by cruise ships? ›Yes. We have lifeguards on duty at all pools and waterslides during opening hours. Our lifeguards are trained and certified to reduce risk and be ready to take action in the event of an emergency.
Is it better to have a room in the front or back of a cruise ship? ›The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Whilst the front of the ship gets the most movement the back also does get some. Whilst it's nowhere near as bad as the front of the ship, you may still notice some movement in rough seas.
Can you swim at night on a cruise? ›
Swim at night
Just like the tip before, once the sun goes down, many guests skip the pool completely, but night swims are not only a great time for an uncrowded swim, but they are really a lot of fun too. There will be at least one pool open each evening, and hot tubs too.
You'll likely want to steer clear of forward cabins. These are far and away the cruise rooms most affected by waves since they're the first to dip in rough seas. Even if you're on a lower deck, the forward of the ship might be the worst place to stay if you're prone to seasickness.
Does Crown Princess have adults only pool? ›Retreat Pool – Adjacent to The Sanctuary, the Retreat Pool provides an exclusive area for adults to relax and rejuvenate. The Retreat Pool on Royal Princess offers more space and seating than the adult pools on other Princess vessels, plus adds new Retreat Cabanas that can be reserved for an enhanced experience.
Does majestic Princess have an adults only pool? ›Retreat Pool area is the adult-only swimming pool (with freshwater) and 2 Whirlpools.
Does Sky Princess have an indoor swimming pool? ›As well as the outdoor pool area complete with surrounding whirlpools and sun loungers, where you'll be at the centre of the action during the day, Sky Princess also boasts an indoor hydrotherapy pool for those looking to relax and unwind.
Where is the deepest swimming pool in America? ›| Deep Eddy Bathing Beach | |
|---|---|
| Deep Eddy Pool | |
| Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap | |
| Location | 401 Deep Eddy Ave. Austin, Texas, USA |
| Coordinates | 30°16′35″N 97°46′23″W |
Explore a unique underwater world filled with wonder and adventure for beginners and professionals alike. Discover thrilling diving possibilities in the deepest pool in the world. Boasting a record-breaking depth of 60 meters, Deep Dive Dubai opens up a world of exciting and unique scuba and freediving opportunities.
Where is the deepest swimming pool in the world? ›Deep Dive Dubai, located in Dubai's Nad Al Sheba neighborhood, is verified by the Guinness World Record as the world's deepest swimming pool, at a depth of 196.9 feet (60.02 meters) and volume of 14 million liters of water.
How many pools are in Allure of the Seas? ›Allure of the Seas FAQ:
It features 18 total decks, 16 of which are open to passengers. How many swimming pools are on Allure of the Seas? There are three main pools in total on Allure, on Deck 15, with a main pool, beach pool and sports pool, alongside a kids' H20 Zone. The main pool and beach pool are most popular.
Icon of the Seas is a cruise ship under construction for Royal Caribbean International and will be the lead ship of the Icon class. She is scheduled to enter service in early 2024 out of PortMiami, and will have a gross tonnage of 250,800, making her the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage.
How deep are pools on Oasis of the Seas? ›
The AquaTheater pool is 17.9 feet (5.4 meters) deep, making it the deepest pool at sea. Oasis of the Seas has the longest jogging track at sea; one lap around the track will be 0.43 miles – 2.4 laps will equal a mile.
What is the largest luxury cruise ship in the world? ›As of January 2022, the largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, has a gross tonnage of 236,857, is 362 metres (1,188 ft) long, 64 metres (210 ft) wide, and holds up to 6,988 passengers.
What is the oldest luxury ship? ›A Floating Piece of History. The Astoria, then called the Stockholm, was ordered by Swedish American Line in 1944 and was completed in 1948. In February 1948, the ship set sail on her maiden voyage as a transatlantic passenger vessel, offering luxury voyages between Sweden and the United States.
How much do cruise ship workers get paid? ›As of May 17, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cruise Ship Worker in the United States is $49,005 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.56 an hour. This is the equivalent of $942/week or $4,083/month.
Which Royal Caribbean cruise is the most expensive? ›Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas were the most expensive cruise ships worldwide as of 2022.
How much does luxury cruise cost? ›How much does a luxury cruise cost? Pricing on luxury cruises varies depending on factors like the time of year you're sailing and the region you're visiting. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 per person per night to $600 or more per person per night.
How much do you tip a Royal Caribbean Genie? ›How much do people tip a Royal Genie? How much people tip a Royal Genie on their Royal Caribbean cruise tends to vary, although many American guests tend to fall at around the $75-$100 per day. There are a number of factors which people use to decide how much to tip their Genie.
What is the best category on a cruise ship? ›Suites: If you're looking for luxury on your cruise, suites offer the most space and best room locations, often with separate living and sleeping areas. They generally feature large balconies, and extra amenities and perks. In other words, a suite can be considered the best cabin on any cruise ship.
How many cruises do you need to be platinum on Royal Caribbean? ›There are 6 levels of membership in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society: Gold: 3-29 cruise points. Platinum: 30-54 cruise points. Emerald: 55-79 cruise points.
What are the different levels with Royal Caribbean? ›Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society currently has six tiers or levels of membership: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club. As you would expect, there are different benefits to each level -- and the higher the level, the more benefits members can receive.
Is Starbucks free on Norwegian cruise? ›
Yes! Starbucks and specialty coffees are included with the NCL Premium Plus Beverage Package. You can read the terms and conditions for the Norwegian Cruise Line's Premium Plus Beverage Package: here. What's the deal with tipping on a cruise ship vacation?
How much does a bliss cruise cost? ›Norwegian Bliss Cruises 2023, 2024 - Ship, Itineraries, Prices | Norwegian Cruise Line and Atlas Cruises and Tours. Sail Norwegian Bliss From $248 per person Imagine exhilaration whilst exploring the wilds of Alaska. Imagine relaxation upon finding your slice of paradise in The Caribbean. Imagine Bliss.
Is Spice h20 adults-only? ›Our adults-only Ibiza-inspired beach club at the back of the ship. The entertainment is non-stop as the pool floor rises to become a dance floor and giant screen projects hypnotic visuals under a starry sky.
What is the biggest cruise ship in NCL? ›Ship Largest By Weight - Norwegian Encore. The largest ship currently in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet by weight, is the Norwegian Encore. This ship is the currently the heaviest vessel amongst all NCL ships. This vessel measures in at 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage and is 1,094 feet long in overall length.
What is the biggest cruise ship in 2023? ›1. Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International.
What are the sister ships to the Norwegian Bliss? ›Norwegian Bliss is the sister ship to Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore.
Which Norwegian ship has an indoor pool? ›Pool Decks & Hot Tubs
Whether you're dipping your toes in the water, warming up in a hot tub or doing laps in the longest indoor pool on Norwegian Dawn, bring your sunscreen and soak up the sun on our pool decks.
The breakfast menu onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships include a selection of fruit, pastries, yogurt, cold cereal, and various beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, and juice. Several specialty selections are also available, including omelets and French toast.
Are the pools on NCL salt water? ›Are pools and hot tubs on Norwegian ships chlorinated or salt water? All outdoor pools contain salt water and are chlorinated in accordance with USPH regulations.
Where is the pool on a cruise ship? ›In general, cruise lines put their pools on the topmost deck, referred to as the Pool Deck or Lido Deck. ("Lido" is a 19th-century term meaning a fashionable beach resort.) In general, you'll find at least one pool, flanked by one or more hot tubs, plus showers for rinsing off and rows of lounge chairs for sunbathing.
What are decks on a cruise? ›
A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a ship. On a boat or ship, the primary or upper deck is the horizontal structure that forms the "roof" of the hull, strengthening it and serving as the primary working surface.
What cruise ship has a pool table? ›Carnival ships offer pool tables and mini-bowling alleys for guests to enjoy during their travels. Pool games are especially popular on cruises, as they provide a fun way to spend time with friends while cruising the seas.
Do any cruise ships have lap pools? ›Solarium pools, Celebrity Cruises
On Solstice class ships, there's a small lap pool, while on Millennium class vessels, you'll Zen out in a thalassotherapy pool. Also on deck: whirlpools, rows of cushy lounge chairs, and plenty of kid-free serenity.
The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks. That typically means just below the pool deck. However, the pool deck is often the loudest during the day (and often well into the night).
What is the top deck ship called? ›The uppermost deck running from the bow to the stern is called the weather deck. The main deck area over the stern is called the fantail or poop deck. The flat part of the bottom of the ship is called the bilge.
What is deck 5 in cruise ship? ›On cruise ships, decks are numbered from bottom to top, starting from Deck 1 and going up at high as 20 or more. On most cruise ships, the lowest decks aren't accessible to passengers, and you board the ship on Deck 4 or Deck 5. Many cruise ships give the decks names as well as numbers.
What floor is best on a cruise? ›Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much. The front and back of the ship are a no-no.
What deck is better on a cruise ship? ›Upper Deck Cabin Pros
The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary. Here are helpful tips for choosing which side of the ship will suit you best.
What are cruise ship workers called? ›Commonly Available Positions on Cruise Ships:
Deck Crew. Cruise Directors. Disc Jockeys. Expedition Leaders. Hosts and Hostesses.
What do you call passengers on a cruise ship? ›
Cruiser - A passenger or guest on a cruise ship. Days at sea - The days during a cruise when the ship does not stop at a port. Debark/Debarkation - To leave a ship and go ashore. Debarkation usually refers to leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
What do you call a captain of a cruise ship? ›The Captain is also called: Master or Shipmaster. The Captain of a cruise ship is responsible for everything that takes place on it. They are the highest officer on board and all others answer to the Captain, who makes all final decisions.