13 June
Setting sail from Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Don't miss
Belem Tower, dating from the 1500s, was both a fortress and the explorers’ departure point. On the façade you will find a stone rhinoceros sculpted into the tower – Europe’s first sight of this extraordinary beast!
14 June
Portugal: Porto
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
15 June
Spain: La Coruña
La Coruña is the largest city in Galicia, a beautiful region of lush green countryside and wild, windswept beaches. Historical sights of note include the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse, and the city is also home to some great seafood restaurants.
16 June
Spain: Bilbao
It’s not so long ago that Bilbao was a grim and unappealing place, scarred by heavy industry, but the Basque Country’s biggest city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub since the opening of the shimmering Guggenheim Museum in 1997.
17-18 June
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
19 June
France: Lorient
Lorient is an important fishing harbour and port on the Brittany coast, once home to the French East India Company, and was heavily damaged during the Second World War due to the presence of a German U-boat base. This is an excellent region for fresh seafood, and nearby attractions include the pretty Breton town of Quimper.
20 June
France: Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo grew rich off the back of maritime trade and its plundering corsairs, a seafaring heritage that is still proudly on display today. It’s great fun getting lost in the streets of the walled old town, and the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is an easy day-trip.
21 June
France: Le Havre
Le Havre was more or less flattened during World War II, which makes the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status all the more remarkable. Rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, Le Havre is now characterised by a striking modernist style; don’t miss the towering, concrete Église St-Joseph.
22 June
United Kingdom: Tilbury
Tilbury is not the world's most glamorous port, but the location on the Essex bank of the Thames, a short distance from the M25, means that it’s a convenient jumping off point for central London and the South East. The only real point of interest in Tilbury itself is the 16th century fort, situated just along the river from the cruise terminal.
23 June
Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)
Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.
24 June
Arriving in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. The Amsterdam canal belt is now officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from them there are so many neighbourhoods to explore, such as the Jordaan with its higgledy-piggledy streets and its famed garden courtyards (hofjes). There are also a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, not to mention some more, shall we say, quirky options.
Don't miss
The quaint cobbled streets that straddle Amsterdam’s grandest canals, known as De Negen Straatjes, are awash with history and contain some of the most unique shops in the city.
Your home from home
Purpose built for Oceania and bursting with style, sister ships Marina & Riviera are the perfect combination: small enough to be friendly and large enough to offer great facilities.
What we love
Above all, we love the fact that these ships are packed full of fabulous stuff - loads of amazing dining options, a collection of amazing artworks, wonderful learning opportunities and great accommodation. All of this is combined with the Oceania signatures: well-designed port intensive itineraries, great food, and a relaxed ambience.
Capacity | 1250 Guests |
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Crew | 800 International Staff |
Style | Easy going and unpretentious, and at the same time stylish and oozing quality, Oceania's O class ships are a great choice for inquisitive and engaged travellers who enjoy good food. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.
Two nights in Amsterdam
There is a fantastic range of canal front hotels to choose from, but we love the new Waldorf Astoria.
Around Amsterdam
Visit windmills in Zaanse Schans, the flowers at Keukenhof, or the cheese market in Alkmaar.