Oceania Cruises has unveiled its most expansive collection of itineraries ever for 2027 and 2028, featuring more than 250 routes worldwide.
To delve further into the upscale line’s strategy, we sat down with Nathan Hickman, chief commercial officer of Oceania.
What prompted such an extensive set of itineraries for 2027-2028?
We’ve seen an increase in demand from our guests and travel partners for deeper exploration and more variety in destination choices.
We normally have two itinerary launches per year, but with travelers now planning further in advance than ever before, we’re introducing a full year of itineraries from mid-2027 through mid-2028. We know our guests are tremendous advance planners, and this expanded booking horizon gives travelers the opportunity to plan and book their journeys into 2028.
What would you say are the highlights that travel advisors should sharing with clients?
For the first time, Oceania Cruises will sail the Mediterranean during the quiet winter season, with our newest ship, Oceania Allura, leading the way. This debut embraces the growing “quiet Mediterranean” trend, allowing guests to experience beloved destinations in a more immersive way without the summer crowds.
Oceania Riviera will return to Alaska as the only true foodie-focused ship sailing in the region.
We have also expanded our Asia offerings, with both Oceania Riviera and Oceania Vista sailing through Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand in 2027-2028.
As longer sailings continue to grow in popularity among travelers seeking deeper exploration and greater value, this collection includes an epic, 59-day South Pacific Grand Voyage and a 96-day South Pacific, India, Arabia and Europe Grand Voyage, both of which will sail onboard Oceania Vista. These extended journeys will include visits to iconic ports and hidden gems.
Nathan Hickman, chief commercial officer of Oceania
Credit: 2025 Oceania CruisesWhat more can guests expect from these Grand Voyages?
The first itinerary [sails] from Miami to Sydney, passing through the Panama Canal before visiting Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia. It’s a dream itinerary for those who want to experience the region without ever having to board a plane.
The second [begins] in Auckland, New Zealand, and [concludes] in Rome. This journey connects diverse cultures and landscapes, from Southeast Asia and the Middle East to the Mediterranean’s iconic harbors.
How do the new experiences specifically fit with Oceania’s culinary focus, including the return to Alaska?
Culinary discovery has always been at the center of the Oceania Cruises brand. In Alaska, Oceania Riviera will once again be the only foodie-focused ship in the region. Guests can enjoy hands-on cooking classes at The Culinary Center and Alaska Chef’s Market Dinners at Terrace Cafe, giving them opportunities to experience local flavors both on shore and onboard.
Across the broader program, the itineraries have been designed around the intersection of culture and cuisine — from sampling seasonal specialties in Europe’s holiday markets to savoring Southeast Asia’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Across the broader program, the itineraries have been designed around the intersection of culture and cuisine …
Now that we have a quartet of custom-built foodie ships, our trademark culinary enrichment offerings — The Culinary Center, The Chef’s Studio and our Culinary Discovery Tours — are available across Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, the South Pacific and virtually everywhere across the globe.
How will the line send off Insignia, ahead of the ship’s upcoming exit from the fleet?
Oceania Insignia will sail a farewell season in summer 2027, offering final opportunities to explore the British Isles, Nordic shores and the Baltic before it departs the fleet in November.
Guests will be able to celebrate its intimate charm and personalized service while visiting both iconic cities and lesser known gems like Zakynthos, Greece, and Bodrum, Turkey. The farewell tour will conclude in Civitavecchia, Italy, a fitting end for a ship that has meant so much to both our guests and crew.
How does this all complement the line’s new value proposition and inclusions?
Our enhanced Your World Included brand promise ensures guests always receive the best value in luxury cruising. Alongside complimentary specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities, guests can now choose between a generous shore excursion credit or complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor their voyage to their preferences, whether they want to explore on shore or enhance their dining moments onboard.
Combined with our Best Value Guarantee, this new collection represents not just the most enriching, but also the best-value program we’ve ever launched.
