Nautica ship visit

I was lucky enough to go on a ship visit this week to see Oceania’s Nautica in Southampton. Oceania is a premium 5* cruise line with six ships which are all quite different in size, style and appearance as only two of them were new builds for the line (MV Marina & MV Riviera) and the other four were bought from other cruise lines and refitted. The newest refitted ship is medium in size (MV Sirena) and the two new builds are large at 66,000 tonnes but are only taking around 1250 passengers each.

Nautica had her refit in 2005 and now takes 700 – 800 passengers with just 345 cabins. There are 28 inside cabins, 85 with ocean views and the rest are all balconies. With a ship of this size they can offer dinner at a single seating and offer two speciality restaurants included in the price as well as the main dining room and a buffet restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised by the elegant country house hotel style of Nautica and the amount of artwork on board. The standard cabins are much more contemporary than the top suites, but like it or loath it – she’s certainly not bland!

Oceania likes to be known for its excellent cuisine, destination oriented itineraries and their exclusive Tranquility Bed for comfort. They also do a soft refurbish all of the ships in fleet every 18 months/2 years bringing subtle updates and improvements each time. I have to say that the service was spot on, the lunch we had was wonderful and showcased dishes from each of the restaurants.

Maine Lobster and Daikon with Caviar Acacia Honey and Xeres Vinegar Espuma

*** Fagottini Al Formaggio Provolone-stuffed Pasta Purses with Butternut Squash Cream

*** Filet De Boeuf Perigourdine Medium-rare Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Black Truffle and Foie Gras Demi-Glace, Harvest Vegetables and Glazed Mushrooms -OR- Den Miso Glazed Sea Bass Wrapped and Cooked in Hoba Leaf with Steamed Basmati Rice -OR- Mediterranean Vegetable Tart Tatin Zucchini, Tomatoes, Eggplant and Parmesan Cheese

*** Papuan Chocolate Volcano Passion Fruit Heart and Caramel Lava

*** Petits Fours and Macaroons

Nautica isn't strictly an adult only ship but she doesn't cater for children at all. With Versace place settings and Riedel wine glasses you'd need to be a brave parent to take kids into the formal dining venues! As expected there's a lovely spa operated by Canyon Ranch, a fully fitted gym and a small casino. Several cabin grades provide butler service and the ship offers complimentary 24 hour room service.