Oceania Cruises Introduces Greco-Roman Culinary Theme Cruise

Regatta commences her 2007 European season with a cuisine-themed cruise hosted by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Combining well-known destinations in Italy, Spain and Greece with four maiden calls in some of the region’s most intriguing ports, this voyage presents boundless opportunities for culinary discovery and personal enrichment.

Sailing from Barcelona to Athens on April 17th, guests will be treated to the fascinating culture, history and breathtaking beauty of this region of the Mediterranean. This 10-day voyage replaces the previously scheduled voyage to Libya and combines the fabled history of Rome, Crete and Olympia, the exquisite beauty of Amalfi, and the medieval majesty of Taormina with maiden calls in delightful Mahon; stunning Porto Cervo; colorful La Spezia, gateway to Cinque Terre; and Monemvasia for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus.

Olympia Picture (c) Linda Garrison

Oceania Cruises Introduces Greco-Roman Revelations
Epicurean Odyssey with Jacques Pépin Features Four Maiden Calls and Highlight the Star Ports of Italy and Greece

Miami, FL, October 13, 2006 —Regatta commences her 2007 European season with an Epicurean Odyssey hosted by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Combining Italy, Spain and Greece’s star destinations with four maiden calls in the region’s most intriguing ports, this voyage presents boundless opportunities for culinary discovery and personal enrichment.

Sailing from Barcelona to Athens on April 17th, guests will be treated to a kaleidoscope of diversity as each and every port etches an indelible memory of its fascinating culture, history and breathtaking beauty. This 10-day voyage replaces the previously scheduled voyage to Libya and combines the fabled history of Rome, Crete and Olympia, the exquisite beauty of Amalfi, and the medieval majesty of Taormina with maiden calls in delightful Mahon; stunning Porto Cervo; colorful La Spezia, gateway to Cinque Terre; and Monemvasia for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus.

Adding a unique, epicurean perspective to this exquisite voyage are the talents of two of the world’s most renowned culinary experts, Master Chef Jacques Pépin and famed pastry chef Jean-Claude Szurdak. As the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, Pépin will treat guests to evenings of specially designed signature menus in the four gourmet dining rooms, and by day, guests may participate in culinary demonstrations, engaging question and answer sessions, and one-of-a-kind Epicurean Excursions.

"This unique voyage affords our loyal Oceania Club members and first-time Oceania Cruises guests with an opportunity to experience the treasury of art, culinary delights and history that is just waiting to be discovered in these astonishing ports," stated Frank Del Rio, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Destination Highlights
Katakolon – Visit ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began in 776 BC and stroll around this deserted sanctuary, admiring the temples, altars and treasuries, and stand on the ground where ancient athletes practiced before competing.

Monemvasia – Take an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Epidaurus; view the vast site and in particular the impressive theatre which is considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture.

Rome – Revel in magnificent monuments from the ancient Roman Forum and Coliseum to the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pièta and Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Or enjoy a drive through the lush farmlands of the Roman countryside to lovely, medieval Castelgandolfo.

La Spezia – discover the five stunning, colorful towns of Cinque Terre clinging to the cliffs along the coast. Stroll along the trail connecting them, or take a boat tour and see them from the water as ancient seafarers did.

Culinary Highlights
Mahon – revel in the succulent fresh seafood and decadent Catalan cuisine along with a vibrant Spanish red wine – a Barbera or Tempranillo – at one of the many charming and atmospheric cafés. Or simply stroll through the lively market or the countryside where you might discover a family-owned vineyard.

Cinque Terre and La Spezia – The region of Liguria is reputed to be home to the finest cuisine in Italy. Indulge in the ultimate Mediterranean meal of herb-perfumed cuisine – pesto, focaccia, fresh pastas, minestrone, and specialties such as stuffed basil leaves and sea bass fillets in asparagus sauce – while relaxing on a terrace overlooking the scenic Gulf of Levanto.

Porto Cervo – A yachtsman’s haven, Porto Cervo is renowned for its abundance of fine restaurants, succulent cuisine and character-filled wines. The island’s rich gastronomic culture dates back centuries and thrives today in the many historic, family-owned establishments found along the waterfront and in the countryside.

Free Air and 2 For 1 Cruise Fares, Exquisite Enhancements to Regatta

With Free Airfare from 20 North American gateways and 2 for 1 Cruise Fares that start at $2,299 per guest, this voyage represents the pinnacle of value. Guests will experience Europe during the glorious springtime with delightful, warm days and crisp, cool evenings, the ideal conditions for touring and exploring.

And when guests return from shore each day, they will revel in the exquisite luxury of Oceania Cruises’ beloved flagship Regatta. Sparkling like new, guests will find that she is fresh from a multi-million dollar refurbishment that saw all suites, staterooms, and public areas lovingly refreshed with new custom-milled carpeting, hand-picked furnishings and a wondrous array of new and thoughtful touches and comforts.

About Oceania Cruises
For the third year in a row, in a testament to the exceptional quality and outstanding value that Oceania Cruises provides its guests, the savvy and sophisticated readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine have ranked Oceania Cruises as one of the world’s top three cruise lines. This prestigious award reaffirms the line’s unique brand positioning which positions it ahead of the leading premium lines and in the esteemed company of the world’s most respected luxury brands.

Oceania Cruises is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line. Featuring a fleet of intimate and luxurious 684-guest ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Oceania Cruises sails to the most alluring ports in Europe, China and the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Combining the finest cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service, luxurious accommodations and extraordinary value, Oceania Cruises is setting a new, worldwide standard for luxury cruising. For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact your Travel Agent or Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658. Visit us at OceaniaCruises.com.

Press Release Source: Oceania Cruises
Dateline: October 2006