OCEANIA CRUISES; IS THE STYLE EQUAL TO THE HYPE?

Since it's debut in 2003, Oceania Cruises has become one of the most talked about and popular companies in the modern cruise industry. Not quite as all inclusive and dressy as, say, Silversea, it is still a good notch above the likes of Holland America and Princess in terms of quality and inclusiveness. But does it deserve it's exalted reputation?

It's a reputation that rests squarely on the quality and variety of the food on board, as well as on the elegance of the ships, and the quality of accommodation and service. For sure, entertainment is a very weak link in the company's roster of on board offerings. But, in general, most of the hype translates seamlessy into a pretty classy, upscale series of shipboard experiences.

Take the food. And you will. Believe me, you will. Even the burgers served up at Waves Grill are made from Kobe beef. They are simply irresistable- the finest I've ever tasted at sea on any ship. Then there's a magnificent steak house, a superb French restaurant, and a classically styled main dining room that stages what is, quite simply, the best show on any Oceania ship; the sheer theatre of the evening dinner service.

That show is a combination of deft, attentive service, superb table settings in a stunningly beautiful room, and one course after another that resembles a work of art all by itself. It's subtle, understated, and done with such flair and flourish that you'll wonder why you would want to eat anywhere else on board. It's a true virtuoso performance.

Another great thing about Oceania is the low number of passengers on board each of their six ships, relative to their actual size. This translates into far more elbow room, plenty of space to roam and relax, and service that is snappy, yet not overly obtrusive.

More to the point, the Oceania ships actually feel like a true luxury product. Furnishings just beg you to lounge; the artwork throughout the fleet is museum quality. It's hushed, subtle and unobtrusive; not a cruise for families with children, but more of a gourmet's heaven.

As I said, the Oceania experience is not as fully inclusive or over the top as the true, top end luxury lines. But then, you are not paying their kind of prices, either. Oceania is grown up cruising in glamorous surroundings, an experience that gifts you endless leisure options in surroundings of casual splendour.

What's not to love in that?