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Oceania Cruises

MV Nautica

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Reviewed by: John Dvorak
Date of Trip: July 2, 2006
# previous cruises: 6
Itinerary: Baltic/Black Sea/Russia

Travelers may not know about a relatively new line called Oceania Cruises, but they should learn. We took The Black Sea Interlude on the Nautica, one of three Oceania ships. The experience was delightful. We recommend the ship to any adults who want good food, good company and good experiences ashore.

Overall, the ship was beautiful, very well decorated, traditional but not old-fashioned, and superbly maintained. You could hardly find a scuff mark anywhere. The ship carries only 680 passengers, which puts in on the small side these days. We, and everyone we talked to, liked the size, which was big enough but not too big.

Food was usually very good, sometimes excellent, and a few times even superb. It would occasionally fall into the okay category. The Grand Dining Room is elegant, with excellent service. The buffet is wonderful, although service can sometimes be a little slow.

We found the stateroom, 4049, well located, about 35 steps from the reception desk, central stairway, and elevators. The room was beautiful, in perfect condition, quiet, about average size for a cruise ship, with dark woods, a large window, a comfortable queen-size bed, a small desk and padded stool, small love-seat and a coffee table. Storage space was more than adequate. We had no balcony and never felt we needed one. The bathroom was on the small side, with adequate storage but a tiny shower. The hot water was always hot, but the shower is the worst feature of Nautica.

Showroom entertainment was just adequate. There was also a pianist and a very nice string quartet.

Pool was small but fine. Ship activities were typical. Shore excursions were fine, but, as usual with ships, way overpriced. We visited Athens, Santorini, Kusadasi, Yalta, Sochi, Sevastopol, Odessa, Constanta, Nessebur and Istanbul.

Nearly all the passengers were fine folks. Ages 40-80. Frequently married couples. I would invite most of them to dinner. There were a few louts.