Oceania Cruises’ Insignia is returning to Australasian waters in early 2019, giving guests and the industry their first look at the re-inspired ship, the first of the line’s R-class fleet to undergo a ‘better-than-new’ refurbishment as part of its recently announced OceaniaNEXT initiative.

The new generation of Owner’s Suites aboard Oceania Cruises’s 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera will be furnished with Ralph Lauren Home under a new partnership.

The ultra-luxury ocean cruise segment is growing exponentially each year, with vessels already in the top-of-the-line flotilla being out-done by newer technology advances, extravagant suites, fancier restaurants and onboard and off-ship experiences from which consumers can choose. The advancements can make pairing the right cruise product for the right client a challenge for agents, especially since the word “luxury” has been so heavily “bastardised”, says Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ (NCLH) Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Steve Odell.

Oceania Cruises has revealed it will invest US$100 million on enhancing the line’s four ships – Regatta, Insignia, Sirena and Nautica – as the first initiative under a project to “elevate every facet of the guest experience”.

“These events are specifically structured to showcase Oceania Cruises’ unique style of casual, upper-premium cruising, intimate ships and The Finest Cuisine at Sea – just a few unique selling points our partners are able to promote when introducing the brand to their discerning cruising customers.”

A sweeping reimagination of the Grand Dining Room menus has created the ultimate fine dining experience from the brand yet.

Oceania Cruises has introduced 16 new cooking classes for the 2018 European season aboard Marina and Riviera.

The 2020 Around the World voyage represents the brand’s most expansive focus ever on Japan with nine glorious ports of call, explores the secrets of unspoiled Africa, rounds both the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, and in another first for an Oceania Cruises global journey, showcases the breadth of Alaska from the Aleutian Islands to the Inside Passage. In addition, exclusive shoreside events will be held in Montevideo, Uruguay; Cape Town, South Africa; Rangoon, Burma; Hong Kong, China; and Kyoto, Japan.