Stepping aboard Allura for the first time, Daisy Crane, Account Manager for ROL Cruise, knew she was in for something special. But even she wasn’t prepared for the grandeur of Oceania Cruises’ newest ship.
“I was completely blown away,” Daisy recalls. “You walk into the most beautiful atrium, champagne bottles popping - it’s dreamy! The welcome is magnificent, and it immediately sets the tone for everything that follows.”
Oceania Cruises is renowned for its culinary excellence, and during her voyage, Daisy quickly discovered why. “The food has been top-notch. We enjoyed an amazing brunch with a string quartet, caviar and oysters - not many companies offer that anymore. It was such a highlight and felt truly unique.” Dining on board is elevated not just by the cuisine, but by the atmosphere, with restaurants like Ember, the line’s modern American concept, striking a balance between timeless sophistication and contemporary flair.
For Daisy, it isn’t only the food that sets Oceania Cruises apart. “The staff seem genuinely happy. They remember you from previous cruises and make you feel so welcome. Loads of ships have great food and itineraries, but it’s the extra touches - the warmth, the pride and the genuine service - that you remember and that bring you back time and time again.”
On this sailing, Daisy and her husband stayed in a Vista Suite, located at the very front of the ship. “The views are exceptional. The bathroom is bigger than mine at home - it’s like living in a film. It’s something I never imagined I’d experience,” she says.
The voyage wasn’t only about indulgence; it also offered opportunities to connect with the passion behind the brand. Attending a Q&A session in the theatre with Oceania Cruises’ leadership team, including President Frank A. Del Rio and CEO Jason Montague, left Daisy inspired. “Hearing them speak so passionately about what they do reignited my own excitement. They weren’t just talking about features - they spoke about design choices with such detail and enthusiasm. You could see it wasn’t just a job to them, and that energy really filters down to the crew.”
Oceania Cruises’ unique selling points are clear to Daisy. The line’s smaller ships allow for immersive itineraries, often with overnight stays in ports like Monaco and Istanbul.
“Bigger ships might only stay a few hours, but with Oceania Cruises you get to really experience a destination,” she explains. “It’s more than a visit - it’s an opportunity to feel part of the place.” Add to this the complimentary speciality dining and meticulously designed spaces, and it’s easy to see why Oceania Cruises attracts such loyal guests.
Reflecting on her time onboard, Daisy describes it simply: “It’s overwhelming, in the best way! We’ve created so many memories during this experience. Whether it’s sipping champagne on deck or dining in a beautiful restaurant, these are moments we’ll always talk about. That’s what Oceania Cruises does: it gives you something alsting, something to cherish.”
For Daisy, and for so many others, Oceania Cruises is a celebration of life’s finest moments at sea.
