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. 

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.

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.