Regatta

Formed in 2002 by cruise industry veterans Joe Watters (formerly of Crystal Cruises) and Frank Del Rio (formerly of Renaissance Cruises), Miami-based Oceania Cruises has set out to establish itself as best in class for cuisine, destination-oriented itineraries, and outstanding value. Oceania positions itself as a five-star product with a pair of mid-size ships, the Regatta and the Insignia, acquired from the one-time Renaissance fleet, with each receiving an extensive stem-to-stern revamp. Onboard atmosphere is relaxed and reminiscent of understated club elegance. Guests enjoy the flexibility of four open-seating restaurants, to dine when, where and with whom they choose. Five- star menus are crafted under supervision of Jacques Pépin, the line’s executive culinary director and one of America’s best known chefs. Oceania itineraries, in Scandinavia, Mexico, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Panama Canal are tailored to include many overnight port stays allowing guests more time to immerse themselves in local flavor. In winter 2003/2004, Regatta sets sail from Miami, Los Angeles and Puerto Caldera to captivating ports such as Gustavia on the island of Saint Barts, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Port Antonio in Jamaica, and Guatemala’s Puerto Quetzal. In 2004, Oceania also introduces Insignia, joining Regatta in Europe. Insignia debuts on April 3, sailing a 10-day inaugural voyage between Barcelona and Athens. On what’s to be the annual Chairman’s Cruise, a 14-day “Footsteps of History” voyage sets sail on July 22 from London to Lisbon with Oceania Chairman Joe Watters and wife Virginia. Also booked aboard is Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian David McCullough, author of John Adams, Truman, and The Path Between the Seas.

Quick View

Regatta (the former R2) and sister ship Insignia (the former R1), have a country club at sea atmosphere after some $12 million in upgrades. These relaxed, comfortable vessels are devoid of formality so that guests can leave gowns and tuxes back home. Activity aboard ranges from lectures by world-renowned experts and recitals by virtuoso musicians to computer classes from beginner’s level Microsoft Windows XP to image retouching with Adobe Photoshop. Oceania’s mid-sized ships lend themselves to accessing ports less frequented, and 70 percent of staterooms and suites feature private verandas. For sound sleep at sea, Tranquility Beds in all quarters feature custom mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens and down pillows. On Regatta, high tea is served promptly each day at 4 p.m.

About Gratuities
Gratuities are up to guests, and for their convenience a total of $10.50 per guest, per day, is automatically added to shipboard accounts. An additional $3 per guest per day is added for guests occupying Penthouse, Vista or Owner’s Suites, where butler service is rendered. Guests may increase, decrease, or remove all gratuities at their discretion.

Disabled Access
Some staterooms are wheelchair accessible.

Ship Features

Oceania’s Regatta, the former R2, is designed to appeal to a discerning, sophisticated traveler in search of world-class cuisine, unparalleled personal service, and an enriching, in- depth, destination oriented experience. Smoking is not permitted in staterooms, verandas, or in any of the dining areas. Guests who fondly recall sailing the former "R" ships, will encounter a sense of familiarity upon boarding, yet they’ll also find entirely new furnishings and dark paneling, paint and wallpaper. Decks and balconies have been resurfaced as well and the pool area has a new look.

Staterooms
Owner’s Suite and Vista Suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening on to private wraparound teak verandas, private whirlpool spas, separate guest baths, and complete entertainment centers with DVD and CD. Penthouse Suites, of 322 square feet, have sliding glass doors, private verandas, marble baths and tubs.

Stateroom amenities
All suites and staterooms have Tranquility Beds -- stylish bedding ensembles with custom mattress, 350-count Egyptian cotton linens, plush silk-cut Italian duvets and fluffy down pillows. Nightly turn-down service includes Belgian chocolates. Stateroom amenities include twice daily maid service and 24-hour room service, English milled toiletries, cotton towels, hair dryer, safe, alarm clock, remote control TV, on-demand movies, direct dial satellite phone, and a writing desk with Internet access. Suite amenities also include champagne upon arrival, private teak verandas, and butler service, with packing and unpacking upon request, course-by-course in-suite dining, and much more.

Kid & Teen Stuff
There are no children’s programs aboard.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Dining
Six open-seating venues tempt with different moods. The Grand Dining Room (its domed ceiling embellished with a hand-painted frescoe) serves six-course American-inspired Continental meals on Villeroy & Boch china accompanied by European crystal. The 90-seat Toscana reflects Italy with dishes from many regions. Signature items at the 96-seat, dark wooded Polo Grill are prime beef, chops and fresh seafood. Breakfast and lunch buffets are served at the informal Terrace Café. Each evening, the alfresco Terrace Café becomes the romantic, candlelit Tapas on the Terrace, with an extensive menu of tapas, paellas and other Mediterranean specialties. For poolside dining, Waves does hand-tossed pizzas, grilled and barbecue fare, salads and sandwiches.

Sports / Health / Fitness
A large, airy fitness center has treadmills, bikes, and weight machines, and there is an aerobics area for fitness classes staffed by personal trainers. Deck 10 has a jogging track, and a pair of Jacuzzi whirlpools flank the pool.

Entertainment
Classical musicians, soloists, string quartets, comedians and other headliners along with lecturers for personal enrichment entertain guests in the Horizons lounge. Elsewhere, guests can indulge in disco and Karaoke or movies under the stars. A cardroom hosts tournament bridge and table games. Oceania@Sea’s 24-hour Internet center has computer classes, and a library is open 24 hours on the honor system.

Casino
Blackjack, roulette, poker or slot machines await on Deck Five near the photo gallery.

Bars
Among eight attractive bars and lounges, favorites are the Piano Bar and the Sports Bar.