Oceania Cruise 3-Day Sale Ends September 9th

Oceania Cruises is having a 3-Day Sale September 7 – 9, 2011

• 2 for 1 Cruise Fares
• FREE Roundtrip Airfare*
• Up to $3,000 Bonus Savings* (on select voyages)
• PLUS – $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom*

As a valued cruiser, we wanted to give you heads up avbout our upcoming 3-Day Sale. This is a great opportunity to cruise with Oceania with affordable luxury. Get a jump start on this fantastic offer. You can start booking today! Simply ask your favorite Oceania Cruises specialist for the 3-Day Sale in order to book!

Click here for a list of voyages associated with the 3-day Sale. This offer is for new bookings only and is not combinable with group amenities or any other promotions.

Visit Oceania-Cruise-Voyages.com/ for more information and to request information on this sale and other voyages & ship sailing itineraries.

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The Finest Cuisine at Sea – Video on Oceania Cruise Dining

Oceania recently posted a video on their dining experience, and let me tell you they are not exaggerating when they claim to serve “the finest cuisine at sea”. While this might appear to be a step over confident, they wouldn’t make such an immodest assertion if not for the tremendous contribution of the legendary Master Chef Jacques Pépin.  He is their Executive Culinary Director, who inspires their chefs to perform feats of gastronomic wizardry.

Since Oceania’s ships are mid-size, they can afford their chefs the luxury of cooking for fewer guests.  This means never rushing to prepare dishes en masse, liberating them to meticulously prepare your individual order, exactly as you wish and just as you would expect in the finest restaurants. Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, their chefs create an indulgent array of dishes, many reflecting the regions their ships are sailing.

Dining in an Oceania cruise is truly a memorable dining experience beginning with open-seating, as it allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose. All of their restaurants follow this liberating policy while serving their own distinct style of cuisine.

Wherever you choose to dine, there are never any surcharges. Enjoy the best of Toscana’s authentic Italian, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and made-to-order favorites in the Terrace Café.

The cruise ship Marina offers two additional complimentary dining venues: Jacques, the eminent Jacques Pépin’s exquisite bistro-like French restaurant, and a contemporary Asian masterpiece called Red Ginger. To explore epicurean delights in a more private setting, try Marina’s La Reserve by Wine Spectator, where a maximum of 24 bons vivants may indulge in private wine and food pairings. For the ultimate in exclusivity onboard Marina, Privée may be reserved for the evening for parties of up to 10 guests, who will savor a gourmand-inspired, seven-course Menu Degustation.

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Last Minute Savings Event for Europe 2011 Cruise to Europe

OCEANIA SAVINGS EVENT – ENDS AUGUST 31, 2011
2 for 1 Cruise Fares with FREE Airfare
Additional Bonus Savings of up to $3,000*
PLUS $500 Shipboard Credit*

These 2011 European Voyages highlight the best of Europe, a continent of diverse destinations, far-reaching history and spectacular landscapes. ACT NOW, PROMOTIONS END AUGUST 31, 2011

Request Info*Travel Promotional Offer is per stateroom and on select sailings

Promotion Terms and Conditions

2011 European and 2011-12 Winter Collections

+Operates in reverse itinerary. *Offers expire August 31, 2011 unless otherwise noted. All advertised fares, offers and any applicable shipboard credits, upgrades or special amenities shown are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise indicated, are subject to availability at time of booking, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without prior notice or remain in effect after the expiration date. All fares listed are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include Non-Commissionable Fares. Cruise-related Government Fees and Taxes of up to $17 per guest per day are additional. For itineraries shown with multiple departures, sailing prices may vary and any “Fares From” pricing is based on Category G unless otherwise indicated. Any indicated discounts for 3rd and 4th guests and single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge may apply and, if applicable, is additional revenue to Oceania Cruises. 2 for 1, Early Booking Savings and Special Offer fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares. Full Brochure Fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all cabin categories, may not have been in effect during the last 90 days and do not include Personal Charges and Optional Facilities and Services Fees as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Request InfoTicket Contract which may be viewed at OceaniaCruises.com. Full Brochure Fares are cruise only. “Free Airfare” promotion does not include ground transfers and applies to economy, round-trip flights only from the following Oceania Cruises Primary Air Gateways: ATL, BOS, ORD, DEN, DFW, EWR, IAH, LAX, MIA, IAD, JFK, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SEA, SFO, TPA, YUL, YYC, YYZ, YVR. Airfare is available from all other U.S. & Canadian gateways at an additional charge. Any advertised fares that include the “Free Airfare” promotion include airline fees, surcharges and government taxes. Some airline-imposed personal charges, including but not limited to baggage, priority boarding and special seating, may apply. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Suite and Stateroom measurements are approximate, and those in same category may vary in size. They may also have different furniture placement than as depicted in the photographs. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Guest Ticket Contract. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands.

2012 European Collection

+Operates in reverse itinerary. *Offers expire August 31, 2011. All advertised fares, offers and any applicable shipboard credits, upgrades or special amenities shown are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise indicated, are subject to availability at time of booking, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without prior notice or remain in effect after the expiration date. All fares listed are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include Non-Commissionable Fares. Cruise-related Government Fees and Taxes of up to $17 per guest per day are additional. For itineraries shown with multiple departures, sailing prices may vary and any “Fares From” pricing is based on Category G unless otherwise indicated. Any indicated discounts for 3rd and 4th guests and single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise Ship Fuel Surcharge may apply and, if applicable, is additional revenue to Oceania Cruises. 2 for 1, Early Booking Savings and Special Offer fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares. Full Brochure Fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all cabin categories, may not have been in effect during the last 90 days and do not include Personal Charges and Optional Facilities and Services Fees as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Ticket Contract which may be viewed at OceaniaCruises.com. Full Brochure Fares are cruise only. “Free Airfare” promotion does not include ground transfers and applies to economy, round-trip flights only Request Infofrom the following Oceania Cruises Primary Air Gateways: ATL, BOS, ORD, DEN, DFW, EWR, IAH, LAX, MIA, IAD, JFK, MCO, PHL, PHX, SAN, SEA, SFO, TPA, YUL, YYC, YYZ, YVR. Airfare is available from all other U.S. & Canadian gateways at an additional charge. Any advertised fares that include the “Free Airfare” promotion include airline fees, surcharges and government taxes. Some airline-imposed personal charges, including but not limited to baggage, priority boarding and special seating, may apply. “Free 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel” offer, if applicable, does not include items other than room rate, hotel taxes, hotel porterage and hotel to ship transfers; hotel assignments are solely at the discretion of Oceania Cruises, may be changed at any time, and will be confirmed in final cruise documentation. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Suite and Stateroom measurements are approximate, and those in same category may vary in size. They may also have different furniture placement than as depicted in the photographs. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Guest Ticket Contract. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands.

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New Oceania Cruise Voyages for Fall 2012

Oceania Cruises has just announced 7 new voyages for Fall 2012

There is a new promotion as well – a 2-for-1 Cruise Fares with FREE Airfare* plus Up to $5,000 Bonus Savings per stateroom!

As Regatta cruises between New England and Canada, the opportunities for adventure on these sailings will be as spectacular as the scenery.

Find out More Today! Request information on an Oceania Cruise Voyage – Click Here

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The Tastes of Europe Cruise on Oceania – Travel Dossier Series – Normandy Wines and Cuisine

Our first leg of the new voyage begins with a trip to the taste the delectable wines and exquisite cuisine served in Normandy.

Chateau-de-Breuil
Oceania Cruise to Europe – Stop in Normandy

What a wonderful excursion we enjoyed during Marina’s recent call in Honfleur in the Normandy region of France. Normandy is known in the culinary world as the cuisine of “apples, cream and butter,” so what more fitting excursion to take in Honfleur than to a Calvados winery. We had a lovely bus ride across the Seine River to Deauville and then on to the Chateau du Breuil, where the specialty for many generations has been Calvados. When we arrived, we were greeted by one of the family members, who showed us where the apples were brought in the first phase of making Calvados – a shed where they are washed and then pressed into apple juice.

We then walked down a beautiful lane toward the distillery building, passing the small green Calvados apples along the way.

The distillery is a four-story brick building that was formerly a factory devoted to fabric making.  Once inside, we saw the equipment used for the double distillation of the apples, which was quite impressive in both size and modernization.

We then moved on to the barrel sheds, where our guide explained how the cider was then aged anywhere from two to 20-plus years.

He also pointed out that the roof of the barrel shed was actually the hull of a Viking ship, which was absolutely fascinating !

Normandy-Vineyard-Tour-Picture-2-Wine-Barrels
Normandy Vineyard Tour – Wine Tasting

We moved from the barrel shed to the tasting room, where we were treated to a two-year-old Calvados and a 12-year-old Calvados. The alcohol content of the younger Calvados was about 17 percent, and many guests thought this was a delightful aperitif.
The grounds were lovely, and we all had a fabulous time visiting this unique property and sampling their treasured Calvados.

Amazing Oyster Dish

Amazing Oyster Dish

Following our outing, I wandered back to the town of Honfleur for a late lunch. And what a lunch it was!  I started with a plate of 12 oysters, three with red wine vinegar and shallot, three with cream and Calvados, three with cornichons and tarragon cream sauce and three with onion confit and toasted bread crumbs.

Once the chef discovered that I was a chef – well then it was a full-court-press set to impress! Next came a local lobster specialty followed by the cheese plate and a rocket salad with a dreamy mustard vinaigrette. (Sometimes the simple things in life are the best!)

After that delicious lunch I needed a walk around the charming port town of Honfleur.
Even in August, this part of France enjoys mild temperatures. The shops had lots of local products and specialities, so I found myself picking up three local cheeses for our afternoon class so we could taste Calvados and a selection of Camembert, Pont d’Eveque and Livarot.
I am always delighted when I can share a taste of local wines and products with our Bon Appétit Culinary Center students. And this day in the heart of Normandy was no exception!

Walkabout In Normandy

To learn more about a cruise getaway with Oceania Cruise, see Oceania-Cruise-Voyages.com

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Oceania Cruises Named Top Cruise Line by Travel Leisure Magazine

The awards keep coming in! Oceania Cruises has just been named one of the top 5 “Best Cruise Lines” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

This honor is part of Travel + Leisure’s annual ranking for popular travel destinations and more. Oceania came in 3rd place (out of 10 ranked) for being one of the best large-ship cruise line.

To Learn More About Oceania Cruises, Click Here or visit www.Oceania-Cruise-Voyages.com

Terms/Notes from Travel + Leisure: Throughout the World’s Best Awards,  scores are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a point; in the event of an exact tie, properties, companies, or destinations share the same ranking.

 

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Oceania Cruise Travel Promotions


Oceania Cruise Lines  has some valuable travel offers they are promoting  and they’re worth  us mentioning them here. I was checking on the website  earlier and I see great ports of call and exciting destinations!

Here’s some quick info about the promotions I read up on…

EUROPE 2011 3-DAY SALE JULY 25-27th

2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare* plus Up to $3,000 Bonus Savings & $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom*

Available July 25-27th only, Oceania Cruises is offering 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare* plus Up to $3,000 Bonus Savings & $200 Shipboard Credit per stateroom on select European 2011 cruises. With limited availability, we urge you to act now to reserve the suite or stateroom of your choice! Please call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658 or your Travel Agent to book this exclusive offer.*Offer is valid on new bookings only. Offer expires July 27, 2011 and is not combinable with any other travel promotion or offer.

Want to know more? [click to read brochure]

2011-2012 EXOTIC TREASURES

Up to 67% Off Cruise Fares Plus FREE Airfare* – Limited Time Only!
From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the glittering temples of Bangkok, there is no limit to the wonders both modern and historic to be encountered on these grand voyages. You will be awestruck by not only the feats of celebrated civilizations, but also the natural beauty of breathtaking landscapes. Discover the dynamic diversity of Asian cultures. Embark on a safari in Africa. Sail the azure blue waters of the South Pacific and explore the coral coasts of Australia.

Our ships sail to all of these magnificent shores and beyond. [click to read brochure]

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Can’t wait to take another amazing cruise with Oceania

We just got back a few days ago from our latest journey on an Oceania Cruise, and we’re already talking about going again. What an amazing time we just had. We just sailed the South Pacific aboard on one of Oceania’s luxury ships – The Regatta.

You can’t even talk about this cruise vacation experience without first speaking about the ship itself. The Regatta is truly amazing. Such Luxury appointments and attention to detail are what you really feel right away, and it’s impressive. I can only compare this to getting into a new Bently or Rolls Royce and just breathing in the fine leather from the interior… The feeling when you sink back into the firm cushion of the contoured seats.

The Regatta is just like that, and you’ll be reminded that you had “arrived” on many occasions throughout the trip. Wherever we’ve gone with Oceania, they never fail to impress us… and we’re longtime cruisers. Our expectations are met every step of the way on their ships, and our trip through French Polynesia, Fiji, and New Zealand was everything we wanted from this latest voyage.

We set sail early in the afternoon, and we were already relaxing on deck with a bottle of tiny bubbles,… just happy we were on our way.

Cruising through the South Pacific took us from Papeete, French Polynesia to Moorea, which has amazing sundrenched beaches…the kind you think about when you close your eyes and imagine that picturesque tropical beach. There are stunning landscapes to see here. The azure seas and white sand beaches. You can grab a ride on a canoe through a lagoon; snorkel, scuba or helmet-dive the reefs, or hike up to the Afareaitu Waterfalls.

Next we sailed to Raiatea, and then Bora Bora (One of my favorites really), and then onto Pago Pago and then arriving in Fiji. Sometimes I feel like moving to Fiji! So relaxing its just divine.

I could go on and on about the destinations, but I guess the point of my note here is really about the service and attention to detail that sets Oceania apart from the rest.

We like the size of the ships, they’re the right size to voyage through the sea and glide into ports of call that most mega-ships won’t dare squeeze into. We weren’t interested in that kind of mid-level cruise anyways, we’re happy to spend the extra money to get a better experience across the board; That’s really value for us when it comes to vacations and cruising. So worth it to spend more and really enjoy the personal service and the amazing food.

Speaking of… The staff are great, always wanting to get us anything to make our travel more enjoyable. And, what I find more endearing is that I feel they genuinely were interested in going the extra mile for any of the guests, but still made us feel special. Of course, they address you by name and check with you throughout to see if there are any products or onboard services we needed.

The past few weeks were just a blur of relaxation, great conversations, kodak moments, and many popped corks. We shared good times with some new friends, and recharged our internal life batteries. While we’re going into the office tomorrow to make sure the company is still running right (I’m sure it is), but I wish we were still back on the ship, far far from our home.

So now that we’re back at home, our bags barely unpacked… and we can’t wait to go on another voyage soon.

Here’s only a few of the hundreds of photos we took, come on over to view the whole album.

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