The luxury cruise market has become increasingly crowded. Every line seems to promise gourmet dining, immersive entertainment, and personalized service. Everyone claims luxury except maybe Carnival (the fun ship?). Yet after spending 12 days on Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Oceania Allura, I’m convinced the line continues to occupy a unique position in the industry. Affordable premium luxury, but not Ultra Luxury like Seabourn or Scenic. An adults only cruise line, welcoming those 18+.
While competitors like Scenic and Silversea focus on butlers, Atlas Ocean Voyages moves upmarket with all suites and other cruise lines move into luxury expedition experiences. Oceania cruises is not providing all-inclusive excess. Instead, Oceania has remained remarkably consistent in its message: come for the food. Stay for the destination.
Oceania says, Your World, Your Way. Being one of the few “luxury” cruise companies where they are not yet 100% all inclusive. No open bar, but instead an option between complimentary beer and wine at meal times (like most river cruise companies) or a fat excursion credit. This way those who don’t drink don’t feel as though they are subsidizing for those who do. And those who do drink but not enjoy a cruise sponsor excursion, can instead enjoy the bar vs a crowded bus tour!
Is Oceania Luxury? Premium? Right for you? Keep reading and find out!
Oceania Cruises: Huge Focus On Dining
Oceania has long marketed itself as offering “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” a bold claim in a world where cruise lines routinely spend millions building celebrity-chef partnerships and Instagram-worthy restaurants. Yet Oceania stands behind this Bold claim. Is it true? Depends on who else you’ve sailed.
On Allura, food isn’t just another amenity. It’s the centerpiece of the entire experience! Unlike many luxury cruise lines where dining venues feel interchangeable and most cruise ships only have 2-3 venues as they cater to only 500 people, Oceania puts genuine effort into culinary variety.
There are 4 specialty restaurants to choose from (included in the fare). Guests can move from a perfectly prepared filet mignon at Polo Grill to sophisticated Italian fare at Toscana, while enjoying specialty venues that go beyond the standard steak-and-pasta cruise formula. Asian fusion food head over to Red Ginger, fine french dining, prepare your palate for Jacques.
What impressed me most is that Oceania doesn’t charge extra for these venues. In an era where cruise lines increasingly nickel-and-dime guests with specialty dining surcharges, Oceania continues to include its signature restaurants in the cruise fare.
Sail 7 days and you could honestly eat somewhere else for dinner every day. As I have yet to even touch on the casual but delicious buffet with made to order steaks, pasta, fish, and more in the Terrace Café. Or Waves Grill which becomes a pizzara in the evening offering some of the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy! Then of course, when all else fails, there’s the grand dining room. Offering a la carte service with more options than I could count each evening! Each night giving you 7 dinner options + room service.
Options and no surcharges is becoming increasingly rare. Other companies love to charge $30-$250 per person for dinner reservations outside the main dining room or a casual diner. Heck even Princess Cruises’ casual dining venues generally charge a flat cover fee of $14.99 per person. Just showing cruise lines like to nickel and dime customers and how Oceania is difference.
The line also deserves credit for maintaining a strong focus on ingredients. Fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, house-made pastries, and an unusually extensive selection of international dishes all help elevate the experience above what most travelers expect from cruise dining.
For many guests, the culinary program alone will justify booking Allura. Was it the best food I’ve had no, was it good yes. Especially for a cruise line!
Entertainment: Don’t Come Looking for Broadway
This is where some travelers get Oceania wrong. If your ideal evening includes giant production shows, aerial acrobatics, laser displays, and singing waiters every night, Allura may not be your ship.
And that’s perfectly okay. Oceania has intentionally chosen a different direction. Even though they have a resident team of dancers and singers and a great theater.
Entertainment on Allura is more sophisticated and understated. Expect talented musicians, vocal performances, guest entertainers, enrichment programming, piano music, and intimate performances rather than Vegas-style spectacle. On my 12 day trip we had an Opera singer from the Netherlands, a trumpeter and singer from Leeds, and a comedian each perform twice. The resident dancers and singers did 3 shows. A great way to mix it up.
I often compare Oceania’s atmosphere to staying at an elegant boutique hotel rather than a floating resort. The entertainment complements the experience without dominating it.
In many ways, that becomes one of the ship’s greatest strengths. Not 2 – 3 shows a night where you need reservation and watch someone flop while trying to recreate the lion king at sea!
Oceania Cruises Atmosphere: Relaxed Luxury
There’s a growing segment of travelers who want luxury but have no interest in formality. Casual Resort is what Oceania is going for and they succeed. There are NO formal nights and this is great. During the day it’s resort casual and then at night people dress it up slightly, but it’s not required. Jeans are allowed, just no t-shirts or hats in the main dining venue. Want to keep it casual. You’re welcome to do so and dine in your room or terrace cafe.
On my trip it was TOO hot to get dressed up. So that’s when we opted for pizza or the buffet with made to order food. Shorts are welcome here and afterwards, you’re welcome in the bar, even if you don’t put on a collared shirt.
The ship offers a contemporary luxury feel without becoming pretentious. Service is polished yet approachable. Public spaces are elegant but comfortable. Guests can dress nicely for dinner without feeling obligated to pack an entirely separate wardrobe or a suite.
This is probably one of the reasons Oceania enjoys such strong repeat business. Once travelers discover the line, many become loyal customers for years.
The Rooms
For travelers who appreciate a few extra comforts, the Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms on Oceania Allura hit a sweet spot between standard accommodations and full suite luxury. Spacious, elegantly designed, and featuring Oceania’s signature plush bedding, these staterooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day ashore.
What sets Concierge Level apart are the added perks. Guests receive priority embarkation, dedicated concierge service, access to the private Concierge Lounge, complimentary laundry services, and enhanced room service options. It’s the kind of upgrade that quietly improves the entire cruise experience without the premium price tag of a larger suite.
The private veranda is perfect for morning coffee as you sail into a new destination or a glass of wine at sunset, while the extra touches make the journey feel just a bit more seamless and exclusive. Plus the large bathroom is a nice change from most cruise ships where bathrooms feel like closets! The shower is oversize, great for sharing!
For many Oceania guests, the Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom represents the best value onboard: all the luxury, comfort, and personalized service you need, paired with the exceptional dining and destination-focused experience that makes Allura such an appealing ship.
The hidden perk: The Spa
If you book the Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms or above you get access to the spa area, day or night, unlimited use. No upcharges. It’s a great place to relax with two additional whirlpools and hydrotherapy.
Anyone can access the gym or the sauna and steam room, but the aquamar terrace area is the hidden gem. Often empty and the most relaxing place on the ship! All pools are salt water too, which is great for the skin!
Who Should Book Oceania Allura?
Foodies: This is the obvious answer.
If restaurant reservations are the first thing you research when planning a vacation, Allura should absolutely be on your shortlist. They have over 3,000 recipes they make and the menus are ever changing. Something ships like Explora could learn from.
The culinary experience genuinely differentiates Oceania from many competitors. Mostly around choice vs best food at sea, but when comparing to the larger ships, Oceania is winning.
Experienced Cruisers
People who have already sailed the big mainstream brands often appreciate Oceania’s calmer pace. There are no constant announcements, pool games, or endless sales pitches. The focus remains on the destination, dining, and overall guest experience. They have guest speakers and enrichment series and offer unique classes such as cooking classes and technology classes.
Couples
Allura feels particularly well suited for couples seeking a refined vacation. The ship’s intimate atmosphere, excellent dining, and destination-focused itineraries create a naturally romantic experience without trying too hard.
You will easily meet other couples at the bar, pool, or around the ship. If you want to sneak away to your own corner this is very easy to do as well.
Retirees and Empty Nesters
Oceania has historically attracted a mature demographic, and Allura will likely continue that trend. Guests are generally well-traveled, intellectually curious, and interested in the ports as much as the ship itself.
Oceania move to Adults only is filtering out multi-generational families. There are few adults only cruise lines in the world. Oceania competes with Viking and Virgin to be the few child free cruise lines. Viking cruises demographics are much more similar to Oceania than Virgin’s. Oceania isn’t hip. Were there others 30s and 40s years olds on my trip. Yes. Were we the majority, absolutely.
Luxury Travelers Who Don’t Need Extreme Luxury
This may sound contradictory, but it explains Oceania perfectly. This isn’t ultra luxury, it’s premium luxury. It’s like the Marriott. Everyone likes the Marriot, but it’s not the Ritz!
Travelers who appreciate premium accommodations, exceptional service, and outstanding food often find Oceania delivers nearly everything they want without reaching the price levels of ultra-luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, or Seabourn. Travelers can enjoy an Ocania cruise on a moderate budget and have MORE included in the cost.
Looking for resort like activities, Oceania has them. From mini golf, shuffleboard, pickleball and more. You can play croquet or bocce ball on the outer decks. Corn hole too. Lots to do to stay active and just have fun in the resort!
When you don’t want to travel with 5,000 people on MSC or RCI but also don’t want to spend $5,000 a person, Oceania could be right for you. Plus with my below market rates on many trips, you’re silly for not contacting me and asking to price out your next Oceania vacation.
Final Thoughts
In today’s cruise industry, differentiation is becoming increasingly difficult. New ships frequently feature the same marketing buzzwords, similar entertainment, and interchangeable dining concepts.
Allura feels refreshingly focused with a push towards luxury. Oceania knows exactly who its customer is: a traveler who values great food, thoughtful service, interesting destinations, and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere. People who are over NCL but not ready for Regent Seven Seas.
The line isn’t competing with mega-resorts at sea. Instead, it’s creating something closer to a floating boutique hotel with a genuinely impressive culinary program and a more premium product than the big ships.
For travelers who believe the best memories of a vacation often happen around a dinner table, Allura may be one of the most compelling new cruise ships to enter the market, And frankly, that’s a recipe that’s hard not to like.
Looking for your next Oceania cruise? Consider booking via my agency, Scott & Thomas Travel for the best rates. Contact me directly for more information and exclusive savings that only select virtuoso advisors can offer.
