In 2002, cruise industry veterans Frank Del Rio and Joe Watters, former heads of Renaissance Cruises and Crystal Cruises respectively, teamed up to form Oceania Cruises, acquiring the former R1 and R2 cruise ships of Renaissance Cruises, and renaming them Regatta and Insignia. Both ships have received a $5 million refurbishment and now offer an 'upper premium' cruise experience with higher levels of food and service. Since both cruise ships are so new, having entered service in 1998, they are in excellent condition, however, they each received a $5 million refit before joining Oceania. Upgrades and maintenance work was undertaken on both ships during two-week dry docks. Work included intensive maintenance of machinery and navigation equipment. Another former Renaissance Cruises ship named "Nautica" joint the Oceania Cruises fleet in 2005. Overall, Oceania Cruises has managed to create a luxury experience, particularly in the areas of cuisine and service at a mid-market price point. Ultimately, the company offers one of the industry's best value-for-money options in cruising. The intimate and luxurious 684 passenger ships, feature itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Panama Canal. The itineraries have been tailored to include many overnight port stays allowing passengers time to immerse themselves in the history, culture and local flavor of the region. Voyages for this cruise line include the Black Sea, British Isles, Caribbean, Central America, Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Mexico, North Cape, Russia, Scandinavia, and South America.
Fleet and itineraries:
 Oceania Nautica: Marshall Islands registered, built 1998, 30.277 gross tons, 680 passengers, 373 crew members.Itineraries: Mediterranean, Trans-Atlantic, Caribbean, The Americas. |
 Oceania Regatta: Marshall Islands registered, built 1998, 30.277 gross tons, 640 passengers, 373 crew members.Itineraries: Mediterranean, Western Europe, Scandinavia/ Russia, Trans-Atlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal. |
 Oceania Insignia: Marshall Islands registered, built 1998, Completely Refurbished 2003, 30.277 gross tons, 684 passengers, 386 crew members.Itineraries: Western Europe, Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Caribbean, South America, Amazon River, Trans-Atlantic. |
