The all-white Oceana has a pleasing profile for a large ship, and is well balanced by its large funnel, which contains a deck tennis/basketball/ volleyball court in its sheltered aft base. There is 93,000 sq. ft (8,600 sq. meters) of space and a wide, teakwood wrap-around promenade deck outdoors. A great amount of glass area on the upper decks provides plenty of light and connection with the outside world. The ship underwent a few changes to make it more user-friendly for British (rather than American) passengers.
The ship, while large, absorbs passengers well, and has an almost intimate feel, which is what the interior designers intended. Its interiors are very pretty and warm, with attractive colors and welcoming decor that includes some very attractive wall murals and other artwork.
There is a wide range of public rooms, with several intimate rooms and spaces, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by large spaces. The interior focal point is a large four-deck-high atrium lobby with winding, double stairways and two panoramic glass-walled lifts.
There is plenty of space throughout the public areas, and the traffic flow is quite good. The library is a warm room and has six large buttery leather chairs for listening to compact audio discs, with ocean-view windows. There is a conference center for up to 300, as well as a business center, with computers, photocopiers and fax machines.
The collection of artwork is decent, particularly on the stairways, and this helps make the ship feel smaller than it really is. The Monte Carlo Club Casino, while large, is not really in the main passenger flow and so it does not generate the “walk-through” factor found aboard so many ships. Without question, the most traditional room aboard is the Yacht and Compass Bar, decorated in the style of a turn-of-the-century gentleman’s club, with wood paneling and comfortable seating.
Ballroom dance fans will be pleased to note that there are several good-sized wooden dance floors. The ship usually carries a professional dance couple as hosts and teachers, and there is plenty of dancing time included in the entertainment programming.
Children have their own Treasure Chest (for ages 2–5), The Hideout (6–9 year-olds), and for older children (aged 10–13) there is The Buzz Zone. P&O Cruises provides an abundance of staff to look after the children, as well as many activities to keep them out of adult areas. A night nursery is available from 6pm to 2am (there is a per child charge after midnight). While many children don’t like organized clubs, they will probably find they make new friends quickly during a cruise.
As is the case aboard most large ships, if you live in the best accommodation (a suite), you will be well attended; if you do not, you will merely be one of a very large number of passengers aboard a ship that caters to families with children (lots of them in peak vacation periods). One nice feature is the Captain’s cocktail party – it is held in the four-deck-high main atrium so you can come and go as you please, with no standing in line to have your photograph taken with the captain if you don’t want to.
This ship is all about British-ness and will be comfortingly familiar for families with children who want to go abroad but take their British traditions and food with them. Most cabin stewards and dining room personnel are from India, and provide service with a well-balanced smile and warmth that many other nationals find difficult to equal.
However, note that in the quest for increased onboard revenue (and shareholder value), even birthday cakes are an extra-cost item, as are espressos and cappuccinos (fake ones, made from instant coffee, are available in the dining rooms). Also at extra cost are ice cream, and bottled water (these can add up to a considerable amount). You can expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches and other promotions. For gratuities (which are optional), you should typically allow £3.50 (about $5.50) per person, per day. The onboard currency is the British pound.
A fine British brass band send-off accompanies all sailings from Southampton. Other touches include church bells that sound throughout the ship for the interdenominational Sunday church service. A coach service for any passengers embarking or disembarking in Southampton covers much of the UK. Car parking is also available (there is one rate for undercover parking, one rate for parking in an open compound).
There are a number of dead ends in the interior layout, so it’s not as user-friendly as it should be. Standing in line for disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships. You may be subjected to announcements for revenue-producing activities such as art auctions, bingo, horse racing that intrude constantly into your cruise.
The swimming pools are actually rather small and will be crowded when the ship is full; also the pool deck is cluttered with white, plastic deck lounge chairs, which don’t have cushioned pads (the rule about not leaving sunloungers unattended for more than half an hour is flouted by most British passengers, who are keen to keep their favored position).
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
