An Oceania Club Member Publication

Issue 6 Apr 08

Free Airfare and 2 for 1 Cruise Fares

m Special Section Inside

European Voyages with

InsIde thIs Issue: Meet the Hesses On Deck with Damien Lacroix New Food & Wine Trails Experiences
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Presidents Letter
Dear Oceania Club Member, It is a pleasure to welcome you to our Spring 2008 edition of Passages. Staying in touch with our past guests, keeping you updated on so many of our upcoming enhancements and the exciting developments is something I look forward to with every issue. Ever since we announced the addition of our Oceania-Class ships in 2010 and 2011, our members have been extremely eager to obtain more information about them. As construction is about to begin, we will have a lot to share with you over the next 30 months. And as construction progresses, you will be the first to know the details; in fact, there is an article about our new ships in this very issue. Of course, there is much to look forward to before these two vessels come into service and thats the wonderful thing about cruising. By planning ahead, you will always have spectacular voyages to eagerly anticipate, such as the voyages of our 2009 European Collection. We have just released these inspiring itineraries, and being an Oceania Club Member, you will have the first glimpse of the collection, which is included within this issue of Passages. Many of you have been to Europe numerous times, often aboard our ships. You have shared your favorite ports and experiences along with your wish lists with me as we crafted the 2009 European Collection. Consequently, we have expanded and reshaped them to include a distinctly different mix of marquee destinations and boutique ports. Then, we have added a sprinkling of ports that our ships have never before visited. I believe you will be as excited about our 2009 European Collection as I am. The big news in the Baltic and Scandinavia is the re-introduction of our beloved British Isles itinerary from a few years back. Many of you suggested that we offer a sailing to this captivating region once more, so we are. Being that its our only voyage to Ireland and Scotland, two of the worlds most ruggedly scenic, unspoiled countries, we expect interest to be high. Add the fact that this sailing also follows several of Norways majestic fjords inland, and its sure to please. We have also refreshed our itineraries in the Western Mediterranean. Our Venice to Rome voyage now includes two new ports back-toback, beginning with Slovenias architecturally rich Koper. Here, I recommend visiting the 15th-century Praetors Palace, a reminder that this area was once under Venetian rule. The very next day, youll be in Split, a restored Croatian gem with a fascinating 1,700-year-old history. Another new port within our Western Mediterranean itineraries lies on the Atlantic coast of France, near the border of Spain. Its stunning Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the port for posh, beach-rimmed Biarritz. As a special note, the Mediterranean will host our 5th Annual Oceania Club Reunion Cruise, which departs on October 5, 2009. This unforgettable 12-day journey between Rome and Venice will feature breathtaking destinations and a wealth of members-only amenities and exclusive events such as dinners and private shore excursions that are only available once a year. You will also notice some finessing of our itineraries in the Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean. For example, in 2009 Nautica will take a much different route between Barcelona and Istanbul, adding historic La Goulette in Tunisia, Maltas medieval Valletta, Cretes charming Aghios Nikolaos and cosmopolitan Limassol in Cyprus. Thats the key to so many of our European itineraries. Weve refreshed them with new destinations and the result is a collection of European itineraries that shows the continent in a whole new light. With so many itineraries to choose from, Im certain that youll find the European voyage of your dreams in the enclosed brochure. I look forward to meeting you aboard and as always I treasure your feedback. Warmest regards,

Bob Binder President

We have just released these inspiring itineraries, and being an Oceania Club Member, you will have the first glimpse...

On Our Cover: Provence, France

St. Petersburg, Russia

Oceania Club Up Close

Oceania Club Members Kenneth and Patricia Hesse now see the world together
The Hesses also love meandering through the winding medieval streets of Dubrovnik. Kenneth had been there prior to the bombing during the war in 1991, and he didnt know what to expect when returning with Patricia on a cruise. You couldnt even tell that it had been damaged, except some of the roofs had been replaced because of the shelling. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, which is why its a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the Hesses enjoy their time ashore people watching, shopping (they purchase a refrigerator magnet from every place they visit) and exploring exotic destinations, its the onboard experience that brings the veteran cruisers back again and again. We really look forward to embarkation because so many of the staff and crew know us by name and hug us as we come aboard. The reception is outstanding. It makes you feel right at home. Everyone is extremely courteous and professional. And the food is magnificent. We especially love the rack of lamb in the Polo Grill, echoed the Hesses.

Kenneth Hesse has seen more of the world than most people, but often from about 35,000 feet above sea level. Hesse began traveling around the world during his 16-year stint in the Air Force. Then, for two years during President Gerald Fords presidency, he piloted Air Force One, adding even more destinations to the already impressive list of cities and countries that he has visited. Now that Kenneth has retired, his wife Patricia can accompany him everywhere, and the peripatetic couple from Woodstock, Georgia, havent wasted any time. This is my wifes turn to travel and pick out the places she wants to see, says Kenneth. Ive visited so many wonderful destinations while working, and now we get to share the experience. Together, the Hesses have sailed with Oceania Cruises 15 times, spending more than a halfyear at sea in total, and they have reserved a stateroom on four more future voyages. The Hesses have crossed the Atlantic Ocean on our ships a half-dozen times, transited the Panama Canal, and sailed through Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia, just to name a few of their itineraries. One of our favorite ports is Venice. Its so different and romantic, and the restaurants are spectacular. You cant drive anywhere, and we love to walk around, so its ideal. On our last cruise there, we toured the Murano glass factory and brought home several beautiful pieces, states Kenneth.

Their praise for Oceania Cruises is now a family affair. Kenneth recently introduced his sister to our line, and she has been just as complimentary, which is especially gratifying since she had previously been on nearly 30 voyages on other ships. We think Oceania does a great job and cant imagine ever changing. We really look forward to sailing on the new ships, too, added Kenneth.

Sail and Tell

(formerly Ragusa) was home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars. An elite destination, this pearl of the Adriatic is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean and definitely a place to visit.

Taormina
So inspirational is Taormina that D.H Lawrence wrote his famously controversial 1928 novel Lady Chatterleys Lover here. While tame by todays standards, the book was banned for decades in England and the United States.

Sweet Sorrento.
Renowned for its confectionery, Sorrento and our guests love sweets the two favorite desserts onboard are Traditional Tart Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream and the Grand Marnier Souffl.

440 lbs.

Pearl of the Adriatic.Dubrovnik

The most requested entre aboard our ships is the Florida Lobster Tail. On an average cruise, 440 pounds of lobster tails are consumed.

CHEEN-kweh TEHR-reh
Cosmo. The most requested cocktail aboard
Regatta is the vodka and cranberry infused Cosmo made popular by one of HBOs highest-rated and Emmy award-winning sitcoms Sex and the City. Cinque Terre or Five Lands, is named for the five fishing villages clinging to its rocky coastline about 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Spend the day hiking through olive groves, vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods, or simply relax with a glass of red wine and watch the Mediterranean sunset.

43 Species.
Lush and green, Corfu supports 43 species of wild orchids including the curious Bee Orchid, which is widespread in the United Kingdom. To ensure pollination by a male, this flower mimics the shape of a female bee, hence its name.

Amalfi by iPod. Learn all

about gorgeous Amalfi through our Discovery Walks program here. Youll be given a map to meander the streets at your own pace, while listening to fascinating facts about key sites on a full-stereo iPod.
iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Little Venice
Livorno, the gateway to Florence and Pisa, is known for its many canals and boasts numerous attractions close to the harbor, including a sprawling open-air market and the 16th-century fort, Fortezza Vecchia.

Staff Spotlight
On Deck with General Manager Damien Lacroix
worlds best resorts, and our entire staff is dedicated to making sure that theyre completely satisfied onboard. In a sense, Lacroix was born to meet the challenge. He grew up in picturesque Roussillion, near Lyon in south-central France, one of the worlds great gastronomic centers. Although Lacroixs father was a chemical engineer and urged Damien to follow the same career path, he chose the hotel industry instead. Lacroixs path to Oceania Cruises has been wonderfully circuitous and has given him the well-rounded training necessary to be General Manager. In the military, I learned even more about provisioning, he says, because we served more than 10,000 meals a day, every day. It was excellent training, and I discovered that my true interest was in management rather than cooking. Then, after working briefly as the Assistant Restaurant Manager at the famed Folies Bergre music hall in Paris, Lacroix joined Renaissance Cruises and became Food and Beverage Manager within two years. In time, he took a similar position at the exclusive InterContinental Hotel in Bora Bora, where he was also able to pursue his passion for scuba diving. In April 2005, Lacroix joined Oceania Cruises as Food and Beverage Manager, soon becoming GM. Its not all work and no play, however. While in port (his favorites are Helsinki and almost anywhere in the Greek isles), Lacroix enjoys getting lost in the city, striking up conversations with the locals, and indulging in the traditional cuisine. He also likes to read authors like French novelist mile Zola and is a science fiction movie buff. Still, for the time being, work takes precedence, and thats just fine with Lacroix.

From the Galley

Parfait of Ros Mushrooms with Sherry-Truffle Sauce
The legendary host of award-winning cooking shows and a renowned cookbook author, Jacques Ppin works closely with our team of Executive Chefs to develop menus for our onboard restaurants that blend new and exotic dishes with revered classics. His recipe for Parfait of Ros Mushrooms with Sherry-Truffle Sauce is on page 86 of his latest book, Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook. You may also view the recipe online at www.OceaniaCruises.com/ OceaniaClub.

To achieve my goals, Ive put my personal life on standby, happily admits Damien Lacroix, who became General Manager on Regatta in July at age 35, earning him the distinction of being the youngest GM in our fleet. Its been worth it though because I really enjoy my work. As head of the hotel operation, Lacroix is responsible for ensuring that the ship runs smoothly with regard to the guest experience. Its no small task. Regatta is a floating resort, and my duties include communicating with the other department heads, applying all the right standards, and ensuring that we create the ideal atmosphere for our guests, he explains. The questionnaires that guests submit while onboard are one of the most important tools that Lacroix relies on to judge whether the staff is meeting and exceeding expectations. He welcomes the feedback. Lacroix also greatly values his personal interaction with guests and their suggestions for ways to enhance the onboard experience. Our guests have been to the

Our guests have been to the worlds best resorts, and our entire staff is dedicated to making sure that theyre completely satisfied onboard.

After graduating from a catering school in France, where he learned accounting, management and, of course, cooking, Lacroix worked in Hanoi for three years, applying his intense training in the real world. His career was briefly interrupted when he returned to France in 1997 to fulfill a mandatory one-year stint in the military, which was required for French citizens at the time. He also earned a Masters in International Hotel Management during this period.

This is a dish that I serve for special occasions; it is very elegant and deep in flavor.

Jacques Ppin

Savor the Flavors of Europe

Italy, Greece and the south of France are an epicureans delight and the perfect stage for our new series of culinary tours. Produced in conjunction with renowned culinary experts at Food & Wine Trails of Sonoma, California, these tours are exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences providing an up-close and in depth look at Europes great culinary legacies. Each tour showcases its culinary treats at magnificent estates, centuries-old wineries and traditional restaurants settings that enhance both food and drink, and leave you with a true taste of southern Europe. These are but a few of the culinary tours available on virtually all of our Mediterranean voyages; a complete listing can be found online at www.OceaniaCruises.com/culinarytours. To preserve the intimate nature of these experiences, availability on these tours is extremely limited. Please consult your travel agent, or call us at 800-531-5658 to reserve your Food & Wine Trails experience. Bon Apptit! Best of Provence Wine Experience Port: Provence (Marseille), France Full-Day Tour Activity Level: High $195 per guest The beautifully restored Chateau Bas winery lies in the Provence countryside in the heart of the Coteaux dAix Provence appellation, approximately an hours drive from Marseille. The chateau has been producing wine since the 5th century, and this tour allows you to delve deep into the history of its terroir and sample several of the estate vintages. Of particular note are the full-bodied syrahs. A lunch featuring complementary food pairings will also be served at the chateau. Best of Pompeii Wine Experience Port: Sorrento/Capri, Italy Full-Day Tour Activity Level: High $199 per guest When Mount Vesuvius violently erupted in 79 A.D., it quickly destroyed several surrounding cities, but there was a longterm benefit. It left rich volcanic soil in its wake. After a 1.5-hour tour of the excavated city of Pompeii, you will visit the Azienda Sorrentino Winery, along the southern face of the volcano. Walk through the fertile vineyards and into the cellars for a look at the modern winemaking techniques. During a leisurely lunch of local specialties, you will sample the winerys renowned Lacryma Christi red and white wines. Best of Ornellaia Wine Experience Port: Livorno (Florence), Italy Full-Day Tour Activity Level: Moderate $299 per guest One of the few wineries in the world to receive a perfect 100 from the Wine Spectator, Tenuta dellOrnellaia produces an exceptional Super Tuscan, a term for wine that doesnt adhere to the regions traditional blending methods. Your introduction to these unique wines will be in Bolgheri, a historic village nestled in a valley of cypresses, where you will sample white Super Tuscans. Then, at the famed Ornellaias cellars, you will enjoy other distinctive Super Tuscans paired with traditional dishes that perfectly accent the flavors. Best of Corfu Wine Experience Port: Corfu, Greece Full-Day Tour Activity Level: Moderate $169 per guest Enjoy a scenic half-hour drive from Corfu before arriving in Ropa Valley, a lovely region blanketed with pine and olive trees. Here, the Theotoki family owns a sprawling estate that produces extraordinary wines, olive oils and cheeses, all of which you will sample in one of the islands most beautiful settings. Then, its into the countryside for a traditional Greek lunch at Spyros and Vassilis, a former farmhouse converted into a fine restaurant.

Best of Venice Strolling and Noshing Experience Port: Venice, Italy Half-Day Tour Activity Level: High $199 per guest Led by a local food and wine expert, this walking tour visits several picturesque, open-air marketplaces, teeming with colorful displays of just-picked produce, freshly cut meats and aromatic spices. Along the way, you will stop at rather modest traditional restaurants, known as osterie, to nosh on authentic smallplate dishes. Then, with your appetite wonderfully whetted, its time for lunch at a waterfront trattoria. The menu includes regional specialties made with fresh seasonal ingredients, complemented by locally produced wine.

Best of Santorini Wine Experience Port: Santorini, Greece Full-Day Tour Activity Level: High $249 per guest This tour might be described as deliciously scenic, as it combines a taste of Santorinis locally produced wines with gorgeous views of the countryside. After a leisurely stroll through the village of Oia, you will tour the cellars of Volcan Winery and sample some of its famed vintages over a traditional Greek lunch. Then, its on to beautiful Thira, a picture-perfect town perched on the rim of an ancient caldera. The views from this elevated setting are spectacular, especially those of the two islets of black volcanic stone called Kamenes.

A First Look at Our New Ships

The first of the Oceania-Class ships will debut in the fall of 2010
Our new ships, to be constructed in Fincantieris famed Sestre Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, will be the most expensive ever built on a per-guest basis. They will be awash in rich, dark woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather. No expense has been spared, and now that the ships overall design has been finalized, we can reveal some of the details. Y&S Architecture and Interior Design in Oslo, Norway, the worlds foremost architects of luxury ships, has designed the public spaces, staterooms, suites and deck areas. Timeless, classic and refined are how I would describe the interiors of these magnificent new ships, says Gunnar Aaserud, a Partner and Executive Architect at Y&S, who also designed much of the Regatta-Class ships. Oceania Cruises has charged us with designing the most elegant and beautiful ships to grace the seven seas. One of the hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises Experience is the refined yet relaxed atmosphere onboard and that is something that will continue with our new ships. Guests will experience the same intimate ambiance as our current ships, and the staff to guest ratio will be even greater, resulting in an even higher level of personalized service onboard, stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises. More than 780 staff members will be onboard the new ships, which will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites, 96% of which will feature private teak verandas. Another enhancement will be the six open-seating restaurants, perfect complements to the signature public spaces that our guests know well, including Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a stunning Reception Hall with a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. The color palette will be a stunning blend of dulcet tones accented by earthen and jewel tones. The eclectic furnishings will create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that resembles that of a fine home or manor, rather than a hotel. These new ships are a very personal expression of Oceania Cruises, as many members of our team are personally involved
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in the selection of furnishings, fabrics, artwork and the thousands of minute details that make the difference between a ship and a masterpiece, explains Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Oceania Cruises. The first of the Oceania-Class ships will debut in the fall of 2010 and we will formally begin introducing you to her later this year through Passages along with a website dedicated to the new ships. We expect to begin accepting reservations for the inaugural season early next year and you can be assured that our loyal past guests will be the first to be offered accommodations on the inaugural voyages.

Spotlight on Maiden Ports of Call

Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz), France One of the principal resort cities on Frances Cte Basque, Biarritz first came to prominence in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III built a summer palace here for his wife, Empress Eugenie. The oceanside palace is now known as the esteemed Hotel du Palais, a landmark for the dynamic, beach-rimmed Biarritz. While surfing in France originated here, Biarritz also has an urbane personality, compliments of its trendy art galleries, restaurants and casino. Hellesylt, Norway Situated deep in the majestic fjord country, at the head of Sunnylvsfjord, tiny Hellesylt is surrounded by ruggedly steep cliffs, pristine mountain lakes and the glacier-fed Hellesylt waterfall, which often spawns vibrant rainbows. The fairytale setting of this Norwegian village of 600 or so residents couldnt be more dramatic. In fact, it was the inspiration for Henrik Ibsens early play Brand. Being Norways oldest Viking port, Hellesylt is also quite historically significant. Split, Croatia In 300 A.D., Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace on one of the loveliest spots on the Adriatic Sea. Today, his palace has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Split, the city that grew up around it. Many intriguing relics from the Roman, Greek Colonial and Medieval periods can be found in Splits Archaeological Museum, Croatias oldest museum. One of the top outdoor attractions is the green oasis of Marjan Forest Park with its Split Zoo.

Free Airfare 2 for 1 C F

RUISE

AND ARES

Look inside for a special 24-page supplement to this issue of Passages which features all of our new 2009 European Collection of voyages.

Call Your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 1-800-531-5856 Visit Us At OceaniaCruises.com

Offer expires August 31, 2008.

Oceania Club Website

We invite you to log onto the members-only pages of our website at oceaniaCruises.com/oceaniaClub. Its a special section reserved just for you. You can read the latest company news, view staff profiles and test your travel knowledge by taking our fun Oceania Club Travel Quiz. You will also discover details about membership benefits, rewards and exclusive club member promotional offers.

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An Oceania Club Member Publication

Issue 6 Apr 08

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