Public Areas and Facilities

Carefully furnished to impart the atmosphere of a private English country manor, this mid-size ship is casual yet elegant, with a sweeping central staircase and abundant flower arrangements. Brocade and toile fabrics cover the windows, overstuffed sofas, and wing chairs to create a feeling throughout that is warm and intimate. The entire effect is that of a weekend retreat in the English countryside.

Authentic-looking faux fireplaces are inviting elements adjacent to a cozy seating area in the Grand Bar, near the Martini Bar's grand piano, and in the beautiful library -- one of the best at sea with an enormous selection of best sellers, nonfiction, and travel books. The casino is quite small and can feel cramped, nor does it allow smoking. There might be a wait for a seat at a poker table; however, there are enough slot machines to go around.

Restaurants

Oceania passengers enjoy the flexibility of four open-seating restaurants: the Grand Dining Room; Toscana and Polo Grill, the reservations-required alternative restaurants; and Terraces, the buffet restaurant, which transforms into Tapas after dark for a relaxed atmosphere and alfresco dining. All dining venues have nearby bars, and there's no additional cover charge.

What Works & What Doesn't

A relaxed, social atmosphere pervades all areas on board, particularly during sea days. Passengers mix easily and create their own entertainment, depending very little on organized activities. Shipboard charges can add up fast since drink prices and even Internet services are above the average charged by most cruise lines. The one minuscule self-serve laundry room can get steamy, particularly when there's a wait for the machines. The absence of a sauna in the spa is an unfortunate oversight, although you'll be happy to find a rain shower and nifty tiled steam room in the changing areas.

Accommodations

Layout: Private teak-floor balconies outfitted with chairs and tables add additional living space to nearly 75% of all outside accommodations. All cabins have a vanity-desk and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table. Every cabin has generous closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Owner's and Vista suites have a separate living-dining room as well as a separate guest powder room.

Amenities: Dark-wood cabinetry, soothing blue decor, mirrored accents, personal safe, broadband Internet ports, Tranquility Beds, 350-thread-count linens, goose-down pillows, silk-cut duvets are typical stateroom features. Bathrooms have a hair dryer, shampoo, lotion, and bath gel, plus robes.

Suites: Owner's and Vista Suite have an entertainment center with a DVD and CD player, a small refrigerator, and a second TV in the bedroom; the main bathroom has a combination shower-whirlpool tub. Penthouse suites also have refrigerators and bathtubs. Butlers are on hand to coordinate reservations and serve evening canapés and dinner ordered from any of the ship's restaurants.

Good to Know: Although a number of cabins accommodate third and fourth passengers, don't look for many with connecting doors. Three staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Cabin Type and Size (in square feet)
Owners/Vista Suite	962/786
Penthouse Suite	322
Concierge Ocean View	216
Deluxe/Standard Ocean View	165/150-165
Inside	160

Favorites

Best Place to Get Away from It All: Passengers don't always discover the teak deck just forward of the spa and fitness center. Padded wood steamer chairs surrounding a large saltwater therapy pool are the ideal spot to sunbathe and watch the ship's bow slice through the water.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Despite its location adjacent to the casino, Martini's feels more like a living room with its cushy seating and fireplace. With a pianist playing softly in the background, you'll be disturbed only if some lucky player hits a jackpot.

Best Splurge: Certain staterooms on decks 7 and 8 receive an extra level of service and amenities, including 20-inch TV, DVD player, robes, slippers, shoe shine service, and more. These guests also receive priority embarkation, luggage delivery, and priority restaurants reservations.