There are cruise ships, and then there’s Oceania Allura - a refined evolution in luxury cruising that truly lives up to Oceania’s promise of elegance, warmth, and exceptional service. From the moment Heather Mitchell, Senior Partnerships Manager, stepped on board, she was immersed in an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and choice. This was more than a holiday - it was a deeply personal experience, crafted with care, delivered with grace, and wrapped in layers of luxury. Read on to hear about her luxurious experience on board...
First impressions that last
Our journey began on a sunny Monday with embarkation in Trieste, Italy. The boarding process was seamless, and within minutes, I found myself stepping into Allura’s grand atrium, immediately struck by her exquisite design. Every detail - from the curated art adorning the walls to the harmonious blend of marble, textures, and light -whispered sophistication.
Exploring the ship that first day felt like unwrapping a gift. The spacious decks, inviting lounges, world-class spa, and high-tech fitness centre gave a taste of what was to come. Our Penthouse Suite was understated luxury at its finest - elegant, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. We were warmly welcomed by our butler, Ismail, and housekeeper, Pam, both of whom made sure we had everything we needed to settle in comfortably. What struck me most in those early hours was not just the surroundings, but the personal touches - team members greeting us by name, engaged in genuine conversation, and took noticeable pride in their work.
Dining like never before
Lunch at the Terrace Café was our first taste of Allura’s culinary offering. Far more than a buffet, it featured manned food stations and attentive table service. I appreciated the variety - from Mediterranean-inspired salads to freshly grilled seafood.
That evening, we dined in the Grand Dining Room—a space so elegant it rivalled fine restaurants ashore. The menu changes daily and the selections are creative and beautifully presented. I opted for the swordfish while my partner enjoyed the lamb curry. Both dishes were outstanding in taste and presentation. And, of course, the evening show didn’t disappoint. 'Flashback' transported us through the decades with high-energy performances, professional choreography, and an atmosphere that had the audience singing along and tapping their feet. The night ended with live music on the piano in Martinis, where Alex charmed the crowd with smooth vocals and a carefully curated playlist.
Luxury of choice
Our first full day at sea began with immersive yoga in the Allura Lounge. Projected natural landscapes surrounded us as we moved through gentle poses. Swazi, our fitness director, led a class that felt welcoming and inclusive for all ages and abilities. We followed it with breakfast at Aquamar Kitchen, known for its wellness-inspired menu. Think cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and protein-packed egg dishes - all served in a light, airy setting.
Dinner that evening was a standout experience at Red Ginger, Oceania’s Asian-inspired specialty restaurant. Our server, Anchalee, turned our dinner into a guided culinary journey - sharing her personal favourites and popular guest picks, all served family-style. The standout? The cod. Perfectly cooked, delicately seasoned, and melt-in-your-mouth divine.
A celebration to remember
Day three marked a personal milestone: a 20th anniversary for my husband and I. Allura made it unforgettable. It began with a hands-on cooking class in the Culinary Centre, led by the wonderful Chef Kelly. We made fresh pasta, a marker of Allura’s birthplace; enjoyed a Canadian whiskey cocktail, a nod to where Allura’s journey takes her next; finished with Caribbean-inspired crepes—symbolic of Allura’s winter journey.
Later, while preparing for dinner, our butler, Ismail, surprised us with two celebratory cocktails and chocolate-dipped strawberries in our suite - just from a passing conversation earlier that day, he had noted it was a special day for us. Thoughtful gestures like this truly set Oceania apart. That night, returning to our suite, we discovered swan towel art, balloons, and decorations—another unforgettable surprise from Ismail.
Exploring Split and a farewell dinner
On our final full day, we arrived in Split, Croatia - a beautiful walled city rich in history. Wandering the cobblestone streets, enjoying local gelaterias and bars, whilst soaking in the Adriatic atmosphere made for a lovely excursion.
That evening’s dinner at Polo Grill was a fitting finale. A refined steakhouse atmosphere, perfectly cooked filet mignon, buttery lobster tail, and even warm oysters (a surprising new favourite of mine!) - everything was superb. We closed the night in the Founders Bar, an intimate cocktail venue with the most incredible mixologists and speciality cocktail menu, and finally Horizons Lounge, reconnecting with new friends made along the journey. The music, the laughter, and the joy in the air made saying goodbye that much harder.
To book your own exceptional cruise with Oceania, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
Clare Hyatt has been a Travel Counsellor for 11 years, following a decade-long career in the cruise industry. With a deep passion for cruising and a love of expedition-style travel, she leapt at the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with AE Expeditions in March 2024.
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