The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship
Among major cruise lines, Oceania Cruises is particularly known for its diverse array of itineraries.
Despite operating just seven ships, the upscale brand offers voyages in every corner of the world, from North America and Europe to Africa, Asia and Australia. Its vessels visit more than 450 different ports.
Oceania has a particularly large footprint when it comes to Europe itineraries, with five or six of its seven ships spending at least parts of their spring, summer and fall in Europe in a typical year.
Oceania also typically deploys at least one of its vessels to Alaska in the summer.
In the winter, Oceania moves at least two of its vessels to the Caribbean (sometimes more) while basing one ship in Asia and one ship in South America. Yet another vessel will be sent on an around-the-world voyage during winter.
The line typically also offers one or two sailings each year out of Cape Town.
Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from seven-night cruises in the Caribbean to 200-day globe-circling voyages. The company generally doesn’t do very short sailings of just three or four nights, unlike mass-market lines.
Overwhelmed with the choices? Here are our picks for the five best Oceania cruise destinations.
Northern Europe
Some of Oceania’s most interesting itineraries are around the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea.
Each year from April through as late as October, the line sends at least two ships to the region (sometimes more) and offers itineraries ranging from just nine nights to a whopping 51 nights.
The voyages will take you to such Northern European countries as Germany, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, all in a single 10-night vacation. Or you could spend 10 nights visiting multiple ports in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Other voyages focus on Scotland and England.
Related: The ultimate guide to picking the right cruise line for you
Note that Oceania voyages in the Baltic traditionally have included a multinight stay in St. Petersburg, Russia, considered the highlight of any Baltic cruise. But in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Oceania pulled all St. Petersburg stops indefinitely. Whether St. Petersburg will return as a call on Baltic sailings in coming years will depend on whether there is a resolution to the conflict.
In the meantime, Oceania has cut back on Baltic sailings and changed up its port list for the Baltic sailings it has kept.
In Northern Europe, Oceania ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; Hamburg, Germany; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Copenhagen; and Oslo.
The Mediterranean
Many of Oceania’s most popular itineraries are in the Mediterranean, where it sometimes deploys as many as five ships during parts of the summer.
The Mediterranean trips typically range from about 10 nights to as many as 22 nights, though there occasionally are Mediterranean voyages as short as seven nights. They include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.
Typical of the latter is the line’s 12-day “Mediterranean Splendors” routing, a one-way trip between Istanbul and Lisbon, Portugal, that brings stops in Turkey, Greece, Malta, Spain and Portugal.
More focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-day “Cultural Crossroads” voyages between Athens, Greece, and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), which mostly concentrate on stops along the west coast of Turkey and the west coast of Italy.
In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Monaco; Valletta, Malta; Civitavecchia and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.
Related: The best Mediterranean cruise for every type of traveler
Asia
Oceania typically sends one of its seven ships to Asia every winter for Asia-focused sailings out of such cities as Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo.
The line also typically sends a second ship on an around-the-world cruise that includes multiple segments in Asia, resulting in two of the line’s ships sailing in Asia during the winter.
The vessels typically offer a relatively wide mix of itineraries, never staying in the same part of Asia for too many voyages in a row.
Asia itineraries that Oceania offers include 10-night voyages between Bangkok and Singapore with stops at Ko Samui, Thailand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Nha Trang, Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.
Related: The best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity
The line also typically offers several 10-night “Japanese Immersion” sailings each winter out of Yokohama, Japan (the port for Tokyo), with stops at Nagoya, Kobe (for Kyoto), Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kochi and Shimizu in Japan, as well as Busan, South Korea.
Longer Asia itineraries include 18-night “Spiritual Shrines” sailings from Bangkok to Tokyo that include calls in Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.
Caribbean
Oceania isn’t a huge player in Caribbean cruises, unlike its sister company Norwegian Cruise Line. But it typically sends two vessels to Miami every winter to operate warm weather-focused getaways to well-known Caribbean ports. It also offers some Caribbean sailings from other regional ports, including Panama City, Panama.
Typically, Oceania’s Caribbean sailings are either 10 or 12 nights, with a typical 10-night voyage featuring stops in St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Dominica, St. Barts, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
A few shorter, seven-night Caribbean itineraries are also available, with routings generally focusing on the Western Caribbean and bringing stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras.
Among the line’s most far-flung Caribbean itineraries for the coming year is a 12-night voyage out of Miami that brings visits to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and Antigua.
South America
Oceania typically bases just one ship in South America each year and only for about five months in the winter. However, it also often has a second ship visiting the region briefly as part of an around-the-world cruise.
As a result, the line typically offers around a dozen South America cruise departures in any given year out of such cities as Rio de Janeiro; Santiago, Chile; Buenos Aires; Lima, Peru; and Miami.
Many of Oceania’s South America sailings are lengthy, with some extending for as many as 24 to 30 nights.
Among these longer sailings are 24-night trips between Lima and Buenos Aires that include a visit to Antarctica, as well as stops in Chile (including in the Chilean fjords), Argentina and Uruguay.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- What to pack for your first cruise
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.