Age Policy
To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, Oceania Cruises enforces minimum age requirements for infants and minors.
Infant Minimum Age Requirements
Infants must be at least 6 months old on the day of embarkation. For cruises that include three or more consecutive days at sea, infants must be a minimum of 12 months old at the time of boarding. Guests traveling with infants who do not meet these age requirements will be denied boarding, and no refunds, credits, or compensation will be provided to the affected guests.
Policy for Minors Under 18
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult aged 18 or older and must share the same stateroom accommodations. The accompanying adult is fully responsible for the supervision, behavior, and well-being of the minor throughout the cruise or cruisetour.
Parental Responsibility and Supervision
- Oceania Cruises does not offer childcare, youth programs, or supervised children’s activities. All accompanying adults agree to supervise minors at all times and ensure compliance with all onboard policies, rules, and safety regulations.
- By sailing with Oceania Cruises, guests acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any minors in their care and agree to indemnify and hold the cruise line harmless from any claims, losses, or damages arising from the presence or actions of minors during the voyage. This policy helps maintain Oceania Cruises’ refined onboard environment while ensuring the safety of all guests.
Dining Information
Oceania Cruises is widely celebrated for its Finest Cuisine at Sea, offering a dining experience that feels more like a land-based luxury hotel than a typical cruise ship.
The Dining Experience: What’s Included?
Unlike many luxury lines, Oceania does not charge a cover fee for its specialty restaurants. Whether you are eating at the steakhouse or the Italian trattoria, the meal itself is included in your cruise fare.
Always Included Amenities
- Specialty Dining: All gourmet restaurants (reservations required for some).
- Beverages: Unlimited soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and still/sparkling Vero Water.
- Room Service: 24-hour complimentary in-suite dining.
- Treats: Hand-dipped milkshakes, smoothies, and gourmet gelato.
Pro Tip: Under the Your World Included program (for bookings made starting late 2025), you can choose complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner hours as one of your included amenities.
Signature Restaurants
Oceania’s fleet features a mix of classic favorites and new concepts found on their newest ships, Vista and Allura.
| Restaurant | Type of Cuisine | Notable Dishes |
| The Grand Dining Room | Continental / European | Herb-crusted rotisserie chicken, Tournedos Rossini. |
| Polo Grill | Classic Steakhouse | USDA Prime steaks, whole Maine lobster gratinée. |
| Toscana | Authentic Italian | Hand-rolled gnocchi, osso buco, octopus carpaccio. |
| Red Ginger | Contemporary Asian | Miso-glazed sea bass, spicy duck & watermelon salad. |
| Jacques* | Fine French | Cheese soufflé, duck confit (Signature of Chef Jacques Pépin). |
| Ember / Tuscan Steak | American / Fusion | Porcini-dusted ribeye, inventive Italian-steakhouse blends. |
| Aquamar Kitchen | Wellness / Healthy | Avocado toast, yellowfin tuna tacos, energy bowls. |
Available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena, and Allura.
Casual & Al Fresco Options
- Terrace Café: The high-end buffet option. In the evening, it often features lobster tails, lamb chops, and fresh sushi made to order.
- Waves Grill: Located poolside, serving gourmet burgers (including Wagyu), seafood, and fries. At night, this often transforms into a Pizzeria.
- Baristas & Bakery: The go-to spot for espresso drinks and fresh French or Italian pastries.
- Horizons: Famous for the Traditional Afternoon Tea at 4:00 PM, featuring four-tiered carts of scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts.
Exclusive (Paid) Dining Experiences
While most dining is free, there are a few ultra-exclusive options that carry a surcharge:
- Privée: A private dining room for up to 10 guests (available on Marina, Riviera, Vista, and Allura). It usually involves a room reservation fee (approx. $250).
- La Reserve by Wine Spectator: Multi-course wine pairing dinners.
- Dom Pérignon Experience: A high-end pairing dinner featuring different vintages of Dom Pérignon.
Dress Code & Atmosphere
Oceania maintains a Country Club Casual atmosphere.
- Daytime: Casual resort wear (shorts and t-shirts are fine).
- Evening (after 6 PM): No formal nights! However, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are generally not permitted in the fine dining venues.
- Footwear: Avoid flip-flops or athletic shoes in the main restaurants for dinner.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Oceania Cruises does not routinely apply fuel surcharges. In the event of extraordinary fuel cost increases, the cruise line reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement, as outlined in the guest ticket contract.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard bookings require a deposit of $500 per person for standard staterooms (Penthouse and below). For Owner’s, Vista, and Oceania Suites, the deposit is 20% of the cruise fare. Grand Voyages require a deposit of $1,500 per person, and Around the World (ATW) Voyages require 20% of the fare. Final payment is due exactly 150 days prior to sailing for standard voyages (under 180 nights), and 181 days prior for Around the World Voyages (180+ nights). For departures on or after January 1, 2025, under the ‘Your World Included’ program, government taxes and fees are built into the cruise fare, whereas for legacy bookings they remained non-refundable.
Cancellation & Refunds
Oceania Cruises applies a sliding scale penalty structure where cancellation charges increase as the sailing date approaches. Ancillary services carry a 100% penalty if cancelled within certain windows: hotel, land, and overland packages at 90 days; visa packages at 60 days; and a la carte shore excursions, private transfers, Culinary Center classes, and specialty dining (La Reserve, Privee) at 48 to 36 hours.
181+ Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): $150 per person administration fee.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: $150 per person administration fee.
180–151 Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): $500 per person administration fee.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: 10% of cruise fare.
150–121 Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): 25% of cruise fare.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: 25% of cruise fare.
120–91 Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): 50% of cruise fare.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: 50% of cruise fare.
90–61 Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): 75% of cruise fare.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: 75% of cruise fare.
60–0 Days Prior
- Standard (Penthouse & Below): 100% of cruise fare.
- Owner’s / Vista / Oceania Suites: 100% of cruise fare.
Smoking Policy
For the safety, comfort, and well-being of all guests and crew, Oceania Cruises enforces a strict smoking policy throughout its ships. To maintain a clean, healthy, and fire-safe environment, smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas, including dining venues, elevators, entertainment lounges, the casino, and all guest suites and staterooms—verandas included.
Smoking is permitted only in clearly designated outdoor and lounge areas and must be limited to those locations at all times. This policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices.
Designated Smoking Areas by Ship
- On Vista and Allura, smoking is allowed in the Smoking Lounge on Deck 14 (starboard side) and in the outdoor Pool Deck area on Deck 12 (starboard forward). Cigar and pipe smoking are permitted in both locations.
- On Marina and Riviera, guests may smoke in the Horizons lounge on Deck 15 (portside corner near the entrance) and in the outdoor Pool Deck area on Deck 12 (starboard forward). Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted only on the outdoor Pool Deck.
- On Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, and Sirena, smoking is allowed in Horizons on Deck 10 (portside corner near the entrance) and in the outdoor Pool Deck area on Deck 9 (starboard forward). Cigar and pipe smoking is permitted only in the designated outdoor Pool Deck areas.
Important Policy Notes
- All areas not specifically identified as smoking zones are strictly smoke-free. Smoking inside staterooms, suites, or on private verandas is considered a serious fire hazard and is strictly prohibited.
- Guests who violate the Oceania Cruises Smoking Policy may be subject to a cleaning and recovery fee, additional charges for any damage caused to furnishings or ship structures, and possible disembarkation at the next port of call.
Travel Protection
Oceania Cruises recommends travel protection plans underwritten by Nationwide. Limits are applied per insured guest and include Trip Cancellation up to a maximum of $50,000, Medical Expense up to $10,000, and Emergency Medical Evacuation up to $25,000. The plan can be purchased up until the final payment due date. Trip Cancellation benefits take effect only upon receipt of full payment of the protection plan cost. Alternative coverage, such as the ‘Go Plan,’ is available through Generali Global Assistance.
Tipping Policy
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2024, for departures on or after January 1, 2025, under the ‘Your World Included’ value promise, gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff are built into the cruise fare and are completely non-adjustable. For legacy bookings or unbundled rates, gratuities are automatically charged to the onboard folio and are discretionary and adjustable at the Purser’s Office: Suites are billed at $23.00 per guest, per day, and Concierge level and below are billed at $18.00 per guest, per day. A mandatory 20% gratuity is automatically applied to all beverage purchases (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), beverage packages, and spa/salon services, regardless of ‘Your World Included’ status.
Dress Code
Oceania Cruises is renowned for its elegant yet relaxed “resort or country club casual” atmosphere. During the day, casual resort wear such as walking shorts, polo shirts, khakis, and sundresses is standard. In the evening (after 6:00 PM), the dress standard shifts to elegant casual resort wear. Guests are requested to refrain from wearing jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes in any of the ship’s dining venues for dinner.
Formal Nights
- Oceania Cruises operates with no formal nights. There are no requirements for black-tie, tuxedos, or formal evening gowns, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed and consistently elegant atmosphere throughout their sailing.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Oceania Cruises?
- World-renowned gourmet dining included in the fare
- Small to mid-sized ships with a relaxed, upscale atmosphere
- Longer port stays and destination-focused itineraries
- Open-seating dining with no fixed schedules
- Elegant accommodations with spacious layouts
- Enrichment programs and cultural experiences onboard
- Attentive, personalized service with high staff-to-guest ratios
- Gratuities included for onboard service staff
- Ideal for couples, solo travelers, and mature cruisers
- Trusted premium cruise brand with global reach
FAQ
What is included in an Oceania Cruises fare?
Cruise fare includes accommodations, gourmet dining at all specialty restaurants, room service, onboard entertainment, enrichment programs, and gratuities.
Is Oceania Cruises all-inclusive?
Oceania offers a luxury-inclusive experience, though airfare, shore excursions, premium beverages, and spa services may cost extra depending on the fare.
Is Oceania Cruises good for families?
Oceania Cruises is best suited for adults and mature travelers. Families are welcome, but youth activities are limited.
Are gratuities included on Oceania Cruises?
Yes. Gratuities for onboard service staff are included in the cruise fare.
Does Oceania Cruises offer flexible dining?
Yes. All dining venues feature open seating with no assigned dining times.
What is the dress code onboard?
The dress code is country club casual. Formal attire is not required.
Is smoking allowed on Oceania Cruises ships?
Smoking is limited to designated outdoor areas only. Staterooms and balconies are non-smoking.
Does Oceania Cruises offer travel insurance?
Yes. Optional travel protection plans are available at booking.
What destinations does Oceania Cruises visit?
Oceania Cruises sails worldwide, including Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, and extended world voyages.
Who should choose Oceania Cruises?
Oceania Cruises is ideal for travelers seeking fine dining, cultural enrichment, longer port stays, and an upscale yet relaxed cruise experience.
