Oceania Allura review: A welcome return to the finer things at sea

If you’ve sailed with Oceania Cruises before, you’ll know that dining is the cornerstone of the experience. Other operators might throw their weight behind inclusions, guest-to-crew ratios or the latest onboard attractions. With Oceania, it’s all about the food.

Whether you’re dining in the Grand Dining Room, one of the four speciality restaurants, or even the new Crêperie, the passion that flows from the galley to your plate is undeniable. Throughout the cruise, we enjoyed food from pretty much every venue, and I have to say it was the best I’ve experienced on an Oceania ship. It was certainly a step up from my experience aboard Oceania Riviera in Alaska last year, which was itself very good.

From a delicious lamb curry in the Grand Dining Room to the wonderful variety of Asian flavours in my personal favourite, Red Ginger, the quality was consistently excellent. And, of course, there was the French onion soup at Jacques, which I order every time I sail with Oceania and which never disappoints. Even the transformation of the poolside Waves Grill into an evening pizzeria was exceptional, not to mention a welcome break from the formalities of multi-course dining.

What I particularly enjoyed was the variety. You can indulge in a lengthy, beautifully presented dinner one evening and enjoy something altogether more relaxed the next, without feeling that you’re compromising on quality.

While the itinerary itself wasn’t as important to me as the chance to break away, I did get off the ship at every port for a look around. Split was a particular favourite, and while I’m sure Ravenna and Brindisi have plenty more to offer those joining organised excursions, we decided to pass on the tours and simply get some steps in while enjoying the fresh air.

The one organised excursion we did take was in Corfu, although I’m not sure I’d recommend it. A bus ride to Paleokastritsa was followed by a ‘caves expedition’ that fell rather short of expectations. Rolling swells made for an uncomfortable experience, while the caves themselves were more holes in the rock face than the spectacular formations you might expect from the photographs.

Then came a rather twisty bus journey to what must have been somewhere close to the top of Corfu for a traditional ‘snack’. This consisted of one slice of bread, some hummus, a piece of cucumber, some feta and a quarter of a tomato. After that, it was another hour of driving, switchbacking through some of the narrowest roads imaginable, before finally returning to the ship.

We’d spent about three hours of the morning travelling, and very little of it was particularly enjoyable. Not great, especially for an experience carrying a not-insignificant cost.
I don’t think this problem is Oceania-specific. I’ve had similar experiences with other operators recently, but it does make me wonder whether cruise lines need to reconsider some of the excursions they offer, particularly when the standard of the experience ashore doesn’t match the elevated standards guests have come to expect onboard.

Of course, not every excursion can be extraordinary, and personal preferences will always play a part. But when you’re paying a premium, it’s reasonable to expect something a little more memorable than a lengthy bus ride and a quarter of a tomato.

The ship’s observation lounge, Horizons, continues to be one of my favourite spaces at sea. For a pre- or post-dinner drink, it’s difficult to beat the expansive views across the ocean, the pleasant musical backdrop and the opportunity to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers, should you wish.

Interestingly, my previous Oceania experiences have featured overwhelmingly American guest demographics, so I was surprised by how many of our conversations this time were with fellow Brits. Whether that was a reflection of the itinerary, the time of year or simply coincidence, it gave the voyage a slightly different atmosphere from those I’d experienced previously.

One other point worth mentioning is that there were no children aboard during our October sailing. Oceania has since introduced an adults-only policy for new reservations, so depending on your perspective, that could be a very significant plus.

Finally, a special mention for one of my favourite places onboard: Founders Bar. Located on Deck 6, slightly tucked away near the casino, it’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot to spend an hour before dinner. Sitting at the bar while the affable mixologist, Felix, prepared all manner of elaborate concoctions became something of an evening ritual. Just watching the reactions of other guests as their drinks were prepared was entertaining in itself. There’s a real element of theatre to the experience, and it’s one of those venues where the people behind the bar are every bit as important as what’s being served. My advice? Order a Not So Sure and see for yourself.

To my mind, Oceania Allura provides an excellent luxury cruise experience for those looking for outstanding dining, top-class amenities and an onboard atmosphere that positively encourages you to relax amid beautiful surroundings.

As I found aboard Vista, the ship itself compares remarkably well with many of the leading ultra-luxury vessels. From the moment you step aboard and encounter the sweeping staircase in the atrium, it’s clear that considerable thought has gone into the design.

That attention to detail is evident everywhere. Each dining venue has its own distinctive character, carefully selected artwork adorns the walls, and even the wooden architectural features surrounding the pool deck help create an atmosphere that feels closer to a contemporary luxury resort than a conventional cruise ship.

But for all the impressive design, excellent dining and beautiful public spaces, it was the people who made the biggest impression on me. There’s a warmth to the service aboard Allura that complements the ship’s considerable physical attributes, and it’s this combination that makes the experience so enjoyable.

After a few weeks of recuperation, I boarded Allura hoping for a relaxing break. Seven nights later, I stepped ashore in Athens feeling considerably better, having eaten exceptionally well, enjoyed some wonderful company and rediscovered just how restorative a week at sea can be. I’d say that’s a pretty good result.