Sailing in style: My journey aboard Oceania Allura

14 August 2025

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...

Sailing in style: My journey aboard Oceania Allura

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.

Everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line's new Southampton sailings for 2026

16 January 2026

What could be more magical than a dream holiday with your family? How about setting sail with Disney Cruise Line from Southampton? New for summer 2026, these UK sailings offer the perfect opportunity to add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your summer holidays—with the convenience of departing from closer to home. Fans of Disneyland Paris will discover that a Disney Cruise brings that same magic to the open sea. Whether you're planning your first-ever Disney cruise or you're a seasoned sailor eager for a shorter adventure, these Southampton sailings pack excitement, luxury, and unforgettable family moments into a convenient three-or four-night holiday. Here's why you don't want to miss these new itineraries.

Unlock extraordinary worlds with Cunard this Black Friday

24 November 2025

There's a certain magic that comes with a Cunard voyage. It’s a return to the golden age of ocean travel, where every detail is considered and every day brings a new sense of wonder. From the impeccable White Star Service to the grandeur of the ship's ballrooms, a journey with Cunard is an experience to be treasured. This Black Friday, the opportunity to step aboard one of these iconic liners is more attainable than ever, offering a collection of remarkable journeys at exceptional value when you book with your Travel Counsellor before 4th December.

Discover new horizons with Riviera Travel in 2027

20 October 2025

If you’re seeking your next adventure on the world’s rivers, Riviera Travel’s 2027 programme brings remarkable new ways to explore. This year’s collection includes a highly anticipated new ship, the luxurious Riviera Alba, as well as brand-new river journeys through some of Asia’s most storied landscapes. In this blog, we’ll introduce the Riviera Alba and share details about two standout river sailings in China and India. Plus, we’ll highlight how you can make a European river cruise extra special with a complimentary deck upgrade.