Oceania Cruises Travel Agency RSS Feed

OceaniaNEXT- Allura Class

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

The evolution of perfection arrives in 2022. Oceania Cruises' next generation Allura-Class ships

Video: Eco-Friendly: Meet this Cruise Line Private Island's In-House Naturalist

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

This is a cruise line private island experience we haven't seen before. Our Caribbean cruise on Regent Seven Seas Cruises included a day at Harvest Caye, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of our cruise. And when you watch the video you'll see why.

Harvest Caye is an island a mile offshore mainland Belize. Like other cruise line private islands, Harvest Caye was developed as a beach port of call in the Caribbean for its guests by parent company Norwegian for its Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania guests.

It's a spectacular, resort-style experience. There's a 7-acre pristine beach. You can relax in clamshell tents or even better, in one of the luxury beach villas with porches over the water, hammocks, dining and beverage options and dedicated concierge service.

Or head to the pool. This extravagant 15,000 square foot oasis has a swim-up bar and tables in the water, elegant lounges and canopy pool cabanas with beverage service.

A 130 foot tall 'Flighthouse' looks a lot like a lighthouse, but gets its name as the island's point of departure for adventure: an over water zipline or ropes course. There are also eco/ water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing in the lagoon alongside the wildlife.

Authentic and Sustainable

The Shopping Village, with its outdoor art festival, local musicians and dancers, high-quality local retailers of locally made chocolates, spirits and artwork including local woodwork, features street-style Belizean cuisine for that truly authentic local flavor.

The development preserves and improves the local eco system, uses indigenous, responsible hardwoods in the buildings, and is creating 500 direct and 1500 indirect jobs for the local economy.

All those things you might expect from a well-planned cruise line private island that also wants to support and authentically reflect its host community, Belize.

But Harvest Caye takes that responsible approach one step further with a Wildlife and Conservation program.

Wildlife and Conservation:

The development of Harvest Caye has boosted local environmental conservation. More than 15,000 new mangroves have been planted to increase the natural estuary habitat for birds, fish and other marine species.

Conservation programs and education efforts have been developed by award winning author and wildlife expert Tony Garel, Harvest Caye's Chief Naturalist, who supervised a wildlife interaction program so you can actually meet and learn about local wildlife. Tony is on the island daily to lead tours of the wildlife experience.

Tony's love for and commitment to Belize's plant and animal life were the highlight of our visit, and meeting Tony will be the highlight of your visit to Harvest Caye, too. (And his friends, Belize's National bird, the toucans.)

Start your Trip!

Copyright BestTrip.TV/Influence Entertainment Group Inc or Rights Holder. All rights reserved. You are welcome to share this material from this page, but it may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

3 New Cruise Line Private Islands

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

It used to be that private islands were the playgrounds of the ridiculously rich and fabulously famous. Then cruise lines got into the game. Now, cruise lines are competing with each other to build exclusive tropical enclaves in the Caribbean for their guests to experience not just a day on the beach, but create travel memories they can't get anywhere else.

Most of the actual private cruise line islands are small, uninhabited islands ('cays', pronounced 'keys') among the hundreds of islands in the Bahamas, like the very first cruise line private island in the Caribbean, Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, Holland America's Half Moon Cay (WATCH VIDEO OF HALF MOON CAY HERE), and Disney's Castaway Cay.

(WATCH VIDEO: THIS CRUISE LINE PRIVATE ISLAND HAS ITS OWN NATURALIST )

Harvest Caye is a private island off coast of Belize. It's for guests of sister cruise lines Norwegian, Oceania and Regent.

(WATCH VIDEO: ZIP LINE OVER THE OCEAN ON HARVEST CAYE)

But the term 'private islands' has also expanded to include private cruise line day resorts developed on larger, inhabited islands, like Labadee on Haiti for guests of Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cay on Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

And cruise lines continue to acquire real estate to up the ante on the ultimate resort experience for a day ashore on the beach.

Whether you've never stepped foot on a cruise line private island, or you've got a favorite you cruise to over and over again… check out these new private island destinations you can only reach by cruise ship.

They're all in the Bahamas, but designed by three very different cruise lines, and offer three very different private island experiences. Find your cruise line private island match!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/Host, BestTrip

The Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages

The Destination: The Beach Club at Bimini, the Bahamas

The Experience: High-Style Island Beach Club/ Music Festival on the Beach

As Sir Richard Branson launches his new, adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, and its first flagship, the Scarlet Lady, he also launches a private island destination just for Virgin Voyages guests.

No, not HIS private island. But The Beach Club on the Bahamian island of Bimini takes its cues from Sir Richard's famously high-living, party-loving, music industry persona. Along with exquisite beach and turquoise water, The Beach Club provides an atmosphere like beach party destinations Ibiza and St. Tropez.

A detox/retox formula starts with beach yoga and meditation to the sounds of the sea earlier in the day, chilling in hammock groves and cabanas, snacking on complimentary, locally-sourced island cuisine and sipping cocktails from 6 bars, playing on the beach and taking part in watersports, leading up to in-demand DJ-led pool and flotilla parties in the evening, and finally winding down late at night with a beach bonfire and acoustic music before a very late night ship departure.

The Cruise Line: MSC Cruises

The Destination: Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, the Bahamas

The Experience: Soft Adventure Meets Nature on the Beach

Only 65 miles off Miami, MSC will also be able to offer late night departures from its new private island (pictured, top).

7 beaches, each with its own atmosphere and experiences, ranging from shallow paddling for small children to water sports. Dining includes food trucks that incorporate local flavors, and multiple bars including one inspired by Hemmingway's famous taste for rum cocktails overlooking the ocean. MSC's Aurea Spa treatments are available on shore at Ocean Cay. And shopping includes vendors of local arts and crafts as well as branded items.

In addition to the usual beach-side water sports, Ocean Cay offers eco-friendly soft adventure experiences like kayak tours and snorkel safaris highlighting the natural beauty of the island and its seas.

Ocean Cay is surrounded by dozens of square miles of protected seas, and that's the point. The development protects the local wildlife and ecosystem, and there are plans for a coral nursery to actively contribute to the region's environment.

The Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

The Destination: Cococay, the Bahamas

The Experience: 'The Perfect Day at CocoCay' / Over-the-top Theme Park on a Beach

Royal Caribbean ships are whirlwind experiences of ice skating rinks, climbing walls, theme park type rides, restaurants and shopping… more than you could hope to ever do in a single week of cruising. Its new concept, 'Perfect Day', is a collection of private islands around the world that take 'thrill and chill' to a new level, beginning in the Bahamas with 'The Perfect Day at CocoCay'.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a shopping list of record-breaking builds, adrenaline-charged activities, and unexpected firsts: The tallest waterslide in North America. The largest wave pool in the Caribbean. The first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. The Up, Up and Away helium balloon ride that takes you 450 feet up to the highest viewpoint in the Bahamas. A soaking by 30 water cannons on a shipwrecked galleon, and an 82-foot geyser. A 1,600-foot zip line – ending with the only splash water landing in the region. A freshwater infinity edge pool and bar, spanning a whopping 2,600-plus feet. And a whole host of other dining, drinking, and shopping activities to pack a full day even fuller.

Royal Caribbean believes Perfect Day at CocoCay will live up to its name – and set the scene for more Perfect Day Island Collection destinations in the Caribbean as well as Asia and Australia.

These 3 wildly diverse new cruise line private islands prove: there's a perfect new cruise – and a new cruise line private island - just waiting for you to discover.

Start your Trip!

Have You Heard About OceaniaNEXT?

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

Oceania Cruises is making a triple-play of transformations, breathtaking in scope, that have already begun. When complete over the next few years these three tremendous changes will elevate all of the things you love about Oceania, and give you even more to experience.

A $100-million re-imagination of its four, 684-guest Regatta-class ships to make them 'better than new'

A thousand artisans have been deployed in the process to up-convert the Regatta, Insignia, Sirena, and Nautica. Inspired by their newer big sisters in the fleet, the Marina and Riviera, the Regatta-class ships each emerges from a sweeping rejuvenation with over 300 brand-new designer suites and staterooms, and a new interpretation of décor in public spaces that will still make the ships feel like home to guests, while reflecting the 450 Oceania destination ports.

On your next Oceania cruise on a transformed ship, you'll be welcomed by a dramatic new central staircase, dazzling, artistic, centerpiece chandeliers in the Grand Dining Room, tones and textures that reflect the sea and sky and welcoming shores, and in staterooms, lavish bathroom re-designs, and technology enhancements like USB ports and interactive, state-of-the-art television systems.

Re-imagined ship reveals are scheduled between late 2018 and 2020: Insignia December 2018, Sirena May 2019, Regatta September 2019, and Nautica mid-2020

Enhancements to Oceania's acclaimed 1,250-guest ships Marina and Riviera

Even as they serve as muses of the Regatta-class ship rejuvenations, the Marina and Riviera will themselves be enhanced, including a new generation of Owner's Suites whose new look will be furnished entirely by Ralph Lauren Home.

The 2000-square-foot suites' living rooms, master suites with king-sized beds, two walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, wraparound teak verandas, spectacular foyers with floor-to-ceiling sea views, mahogany bars and grand pianos, are being re-mastered in Ralph Lauren's quintessential American luxury style interpreted through yachting themes of navy, white, crème and camel tones, accented by nautical stripes, sail-inspired fabrics, rich, saddle-stitched leather, and pops of luxurious metals. Re-mastered suites debut on the Riviera in spring 2019 and on the Marina the following year.

The OceaniaNEXT transformation includes incredible new experiences too.

The Oceania Marina and Riviera are the only places in the world you can indulge in the Dom Perignon Experience. The most revered brand in champagne has partnered with Oceania to create an experience of a lifetime, one that's already available at La Reserve. (WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE AND MEET THE CHEFS HERE). Six exquisite courses are paired with a different expression and vintage of Dom Perignon. Being able to try four different vintages of the grandfather of champagnes, paired with culinary creations of the combined Oceania and Dom Perignon teams, is a truly unforgettable evening.

New, Allura Class Ships

OceaniaNEXT isn't just about re-imagination. The transformation of the cruise line includes a whole new, Allura-class of ships, debuting in 2022. Details are starting to be revealed about the next generation of Oceania cruise ships, and we can't wait to hear more about how Oceania's fleet-wide cruising experience, from design to dining and lifestyle experiences, as well as ships will evolve.

What we know is that the sparkle, and at-home warmth of Oceania cruises, as well as the celebrated dining and in-depth destination exploration, will remain a hallmark through the OceaniaNEXT generation of cruising.

Start Your Trip!

Wellness At Sea

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

MORE THAN A SPA

Healthy living and spiritual awareness are at the very heart of the Canyon Ranch philosophy. Pushing the boundaries of spa services well beyond the traditional, its award-winning health resorts have been transforming lives since 1979, when the first one was created in Arizona’s spectacular Sonoran Desert. Oceania Cruises and Canyon Ranch have recreated that unique, inspiring environment on board our ships. Through well-being explorations ashore, complimentary fitness classes, light and healthy Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine and a multitude of healing therapies, you can discover ways to unleash your untapped potential and make positive changes in your life.

Spa Treatment Highlights

Rejuvenating facials
Nourishing body wraps and scrubs
Signature aromatherapy, tension-zone and stone massages
Restorative reflexology and reiki n Luxurious manicures and pedicures

The Finest Vegan Fare Afloat

Extensive gourmet vegan menus in The Grand Dining Room aboard all ships
A total of more than 250 selections during breakfast, lunch and dinner offer dishes to please every palate
Light and healthy Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine at The Grand Dining Room
Energizing breakfast options at the Raw Juice & Smoothie Bar at Waves Grill

Fit & Fulfilled At Sea

State-of-the-art fitness center featuring the latest exercise equipment such as treadmills with heart-rate monitoring and individual LCD screens, as well as strength-training machines and free weights
Complimentary yoga, Pilates, aerobics and group fitness classes n Kinesis® exercise wall+
Personal fitness classes and one-on-one training sessions

Sail Away On A Wellness Getaway

From ancient baths outside of Rome to a traditional teahouse in Myanmar, our exclusive wellness tour collection, Wellness Tours Inspired by Canyon Ranch, offers one-of-a-kind well-being explorations ashore in inspiring, hand-picked locales around the world. With more than 50 options, the tours featured here are only the beginning.

Start exploring more now. Contact Us for more info about Wellness Tours Inspired by Oceania Cruises.

Epicurean Explorations

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:04:27 +0000

Widely recognized for its groundbreaking culinary enrichment both aboard its ships and ashore, Oceania Cruises brings you exclusive Culinary Discovery ToursTM onboard Marina and Riviera, which offer an insider’s experience of the local culinary scene and the secrets of authentic regional cuisine during your day ashore. Tour colorful traditional markets, dine at renowned restaurants and then hone your skills back on board at The Culinary Center. Whether it’s joining a cooking demonstration at a Venetian master chef’s private villa or traveling off the beaten path to tropical plantations on a French Polynesian island, Oceania Cruises connects you with the culinary culture wherever you travel.

Expert Instruction

In order to truly master a new skill, you have to get your hands a little dirty. Oceania Cruises invites you to do just that onboard Marina and Riviera in The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea. Under the tutelage of master chefs, you can participate in a wide variety of cooking classes in which you actually prepare the recipes yourself in our state-of-the-art culinary center. Spend a delightful day at sea learning how to make fresh pasta, discovering all about the fundamentals of French cooking or immersing yourself in one of the many other popular cooking classes.

Culinary Immersion

Discover the secrets of regional cuisine as you shop in local markets with master chefs
Enjoy a guided tour that highlights regional cuisine and traditional recipe preparation
Explore the true flavors of the region as you dine in renowned local restaurants
Learn professional cooking techniques and a variety of recipes in hands-on culinary classes (Available onboard Marina & Riviera)

Taste The Flavors Of The World

Our Culinary Discovery ToursTM invites you to immerse yourself in cultures worldwide through the lens of local cuisine. Whether it’s learning the best-kept French cooking secrets from a Michelin-starred chef in Provence or exploring local markets in the Caribbean and French Polynesia, these tours bring you authentic epicurean experiences in chef-selected restaurants and culinary venues around the globe. Come aboard and taste the true flavors of the world with Oceania Cruises.

CULINARY DISCOVERY TOURS:

Argostoli, Greece - Foraging Tour & Greek Cooking Class
Barcelona, Spain - Chef’s Gastronomy Tour & Tapas Lunch
Bilbao, Spain - Chef Market Tour & Tapas Cooking Class
Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Gourmet Dinner At St. Regis Bora Bora
Catania, Sicily - Chef Market Tour, Cannoli & Lunch
Cádiz, Spain - Chef Tour Of Cádiz Market & Tapas Lunch
Corfu, Greece - Market-To-Table Chef Tour & Cooking Class
Castries, St. Lucia - Spices Cooking Studio
Cork (Cobh), Ireland - Ballymaloe Cooking School
Cozumel, Mexico - Chef Market Tour & Onboard Mayan Cooking Class
Koper, Slovenia - Chef Tour: Trending Culinary Scene
Helsinki, Finland - Chef Market Tour & Nordic Cooking Class
Florence/ Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy - Tuscan Food & Wine At Luxurious Villa Dianella
Málaga, Spain - Atarazanas Market, Tapas & Spanish Wines
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia - Traditional Polynesian Culinary Experience
Marseille, France - Michelin Chef Reine Sammut & Aix Market
Oslo, Norway - Mathallen Food Hall & Norwegian Pub Lunch
Monte Carlo, Monaco - Nice Market Visit & Château Eza Lunch
Portofino, Italy - Chef Market Tour, Pesto, Pasta & Lunch
Roatan, Honduras - Hydroponic Farm Tour & Onboard Tropical Cooking Class
Raiatea, French Polynesia - Culinary Secrets Of The Sacred Island
Rhodes, Greece - Cooking Lesson & Lunch At Family Taverna
Riga, Latvia - Chef’s Market Tour & Latvian Cooking Lesson
Tallinn, Estonia - Fish Workshop & Tallinn’s Old Town
Taormina, Sicily - Chef Market Tour, Cannoli, Pasta & Lunch
Tangier, Morocco - Chef Market Tour, Lunch & Cooking Demo
Valencia, Spain - Chef’s Market Tour & Paella Luncheon
Venice, Italy - Venetian Master Cooking Class & Market

Those are just samples of the extensive Culinary Discovery ToursTM available onboard Marina & Riviera. Please Contact Us for updated information as tours are subject to change.