Oceania Cruises
Regatta Cruise Review
Western Mediterranean

John M. Lane

My wife and I have just returned from a cruise of the Western Mediterranean on the Regatta. I had read the cruise reviews for this ship before we sailed. I found these reviews to be accurate regarding the excellent service, food and condition of the ship. What was not explained are the restrictions on the use of the specialty restaurants. Oceania Cruises advertises that “our open seating policy allows you the freedom to decide when, where and with whom you wish to dine”. This statement is inaccurate because there are restrictions on reservations in the specialty restaurants. Passengers are informed as soon as they board the ship that they can book one night in Toscana and one night in the Polo Grill. One additional night in each restaurant might be possible after everyone has taken advantage of these dining facilities. In addition to this restriction, a table for two presents new problems. There are two tables for two in each specialty restaurant. I think that anyone contemplating a romantic cruise involving a table for two each night in either the Toscana or the Polo Grill should be aware that it isn’t going to happen. Those restaurants are definitely more desirable because of the level of noise in the Grand Dining Room and the fact that people do dress up a little more there.

The “country club casual” dress code does seem to work and tuxedos and ties are not necessary. A great many of the male passengers seemed to interpret that dress code as the country club’s first tee rather than the club’s dining facilities.

One final note from our cruise. The Maitr’d, Enzo Mazzali does an outstanding job. We have been on many, many cruises and Enzo is the very best there is.