Choosing Your Oceania Cruise: Regatta Class vs Oceania Class Ships

Oceania Cruises’ fleet consists of six ships across two classes – Oceania Class (O Class) and Regatta Class (R Class). The two O Class vessels were custom built for Oceania in 2011 and 2012, while the R Class vessels previously sailed under the Renaissance Cruises flag and have since been refurbished in Oceania’s style.

Ships hailing from both classes offer immersive itineraries around the globe, and an elegant setting in which to enjoy them. The class you travel on may be dictated by the itinerary that ticks all the boxes for you, however, if you have the option to choose between Oceania’s O Class and R Class ships, then here are some things to consider.

R Class Ships are More Intimate

Oceania’s O Class ships, Marina and Riviera, are mid-sized cruise ships that have a capacity of 1,250 apiece at double occupancy. They carry almost twice as many guests as the smaller R Class ships, with Nautica, Sirena, Regatta and Insignia welcoming just 684 guests at double occupancy.

Given the difference in passenger numbers, travellers can expect a more intimate cruise experience aboard R Class ships. It is easier to get to know more of your fellow passengers, as well as the staff on board (and visa versa).

O Class Ships have Larger Staterooms and Suites

On O Class ships, guest accommodation is larger than on their R Class counterparts. Whether you are opting for stateroom or suite, the same category on O Class ships is more spacious than what you will find on an R Class vessel.

For example, there is an additional 14 sq. ft of space in an Interior Stateroom, 77 sq. ft of space in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, 66 sq. ft in a Veranda Stateroom, and 98 sq. ft in a Penthouse Suite on O Class ships. 

R Class Ships Can Access Smaller Ports

Oceania’s R Class small cruise ships can access ports that their mid-sized sister ships can’t. Even where itineraries visit the same destinations, R Class ships may dock closer to the city centre and offer guests better berthing locations thanks to their size.

Docking in the centre of it all makes independent exploration easy, and can eliminate additional time transferring to and from the ship to the hub of each destination. Depending on your itinerary, this may or may not be a factor.

O Class Ships have More Facilities

Given their size, O Class ships are able to accommodate additional venues that aren’t found on R Class vessels. On O Class ships there are six open seating restaurants as opposed to the R Class’s four, as well as two for-fee venues (wine pairing dinners at La Reserve and private dining at Privée).

Guests can also take a hands-on class at The Culinary Centre cooking school or tap into their budding talent at the Artist Loft, both exclusive to O Class ships.

Choosing which is the right fit for you comes down to what the onboard and cruise experience you are seeking. Both O Class and R Class vessels provide a comfortable and elegant home away from home for your cruise journey, and if you are still undecided, you can find out more about Oceania’s fleet and individual ships here.