Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, two of the three largest cruise companies in the world, have brought together an impressive group of cross-disciplinary experts on public health, epidemiology, maritime operations, hospitality, and more.  Their goal?  Combine all of the best science and experience to identify a science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that ensures the wellbeing of guests, crew, and communities that lines visit.  In a time we should all be coming together, these competitors are doing just that.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Oceania Cruises, announced this week that they've contracted Fincantieri ship yards to build two new Allura-class ships at a costs of $658USD million each, roughly 30% greater than the cost of the fleet's newest operating ships, Marina and Riviera.

Oceania Cruises announced that they're going to be doing significant work to "re-inspire" four of the line's six vessels in a $100 million project that is just the first project in an initiative they're calling OceaniaNEXT.  The project will mean that the 684 guest R-Class ships, Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena, will each have 342 suites and staterooms redesigned with a whole new look, custom furnishings, a refreshed color pallette of soft sea and sky tones, lush carpets, and more.  Further, they'll introduce...

This week Oceania Cruises, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, announced "Wavenet", a new internet technology coming soon to the fleet, which includes free basic access for all guests.  WiFi on cruise ships was once, and in many cases still is quite expensive and slow, but it's become much better and cheaper over the past couple of years - changes certainly welcome by many guests as well as crew members...

In our last update Oceania Sirena was just arriving in New Caledonia.  Since then the ship (and Billy's parents) have enjoyed Isle of Pines, New Caledonia as well as Suva, Fiji.  We've not talked to them in a couple days but have a few pictures to share.  Looking at the colors leaves us selfishly looking forward to their return so we can see some higher quality photos of their journey.  One thing you'll note down below are a couple snorkel pics - be sure to read about why they're special.  Oh, and there will be a small dose of mind control in this post - you'll see...

Frequent readers may have heard me gushing about Oceania before, a cruise line that, while not inexpensive, offers a tremendous value and a cruising experience that will leave most thinking they've reached the proverbial top of the mountain.  One of their ships that we've been lucky enough to sail on is Oceania Regatta, and recently, we went back on board for a brief visit.  Let's look at a little Oceania history, the ship's amenities, and wrap it up by discussing the combination of factors that put the 30k gross ton Oceania Regatta on Billy's list of favorite ships.

Oceania Cruises, known for for cuisine and dining experiences that stand out in the cruise industry, has introduced a large variety of options on new vegan menus as well as cold-pressed raw and vegan smoothie bars.  This expands their already impressive menus and culinary crew which cater well to passengers with dietary restrictions.  The juice bars are already available on the Marina and Riviera, while the new vegan menus are available across the fleet of six ships...