Luxury Cruising Above and beyond

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Whilst most cruise lines purport to offer luxury, true luxury cruising is a step up from what I would call mainstream cruising because of a few subtle differences:

• Smaller ships with greater crew- and space-to-passenger ratios

• Much greater emphasis on dining experiences with several types of speciality restaurant often included in the price

• Larger cabins, usually with a balcony and extra amenities. Many also include:

• Alcoholic drinks including fine wines, champagne, cocktails, branded spirits, teas and coffees and soft drinks.

• Gratuities

• Shore excursions.

The atmosphere on board is very relaxed and the evening dress code is smart/casual. Because of the smaller size of the ships, the itineraries are often more unusual as they can dock in ports the larger ships cannot.

As I write, my colleague, Howard, is onboard Oceania’s Riviera sailing towards Charleston, South Carolina. Howard has a wide range of cruising experiences, so I asked him for a candid opinion of Oceania. He told me: “Oceania proudly claims to offer the best cuisine at sea and, after six days of testing out most of the dining venues on the newly refurbished Riviera, I find it hard to disagree.

With seven dining venues, the quality is equally matched by the choice. Riviera provides all the finer virtues of a traditional cruise ship but without the imposition of strict formality. So there is no requirement for dinner suits, and first, or second-sitting. Instead, they reflect a more modern approach with a smart/casual dinner dress code and open seating - enabling you to dine when you want, and with who you want. The only exceptions are the speciality restaurants require pre-booking.”

Howard continues, “And for those of us who relish a more sophisticated environment, there are no rock climbing walls, no pool parties, no water slides and no children’s clubs! Oceania is for people who enjoy being pampered and appreciate a high standard of personal service in comfortable and uncrowded surroundings. Oceania also offers some of the most imaginative itineraries with a number of sailings that include overnight stops in key ports. The perfect combination of exploration and pampering!”

See our advert featuring extraordinary Oceania Cruise offers newly released for an opportunity to experience Luxury Cruising at an incredible price.

Delmar World are leading travel experts in Worldwide tailor-made holidays & cruises.

Tel: 01978 853 886, www.delmarworld.com

54-56 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8NE