Our cruise was wonderful and though the ship had challenges out of their control (previous cruise had GI case and then, on board more GI cases) which necessitated a deep clean before embarking which delayed everyone in Sydney and then strict Code Red Level 2 protocols until the GI cases abated though they continued sanitizing and started taking temperatures half-way in NZ due to increase threat of the Coronavirus). Our TA sent us the Oceania emails advising us about the GI cases so we were prepared and Captain came on each day to give us an update as well as the CD, Corey. Sailing under a Code Red Level certainly dampens the O experience in dining rooms etc., however we found the crew to be very pleasant and provided top notch service (other than one or, two). We loved all of our ports of call (other than Gisborne): Burnie, Tasmania, Dunedin - Napier - Tauranga and beautiful Akaroa, NZ! Especially, enjoyed our encounters with Australian wildlife: koalas & kangaroos and even the Tasmanian devil. Then in NZ, the albatross centre outside of Dunedin, sheep farm in Akaroa, little penguins in Napier. We took a combination of O shore excursions and independent (we still find good value if you purchase YWC 25% off if you book 6 or more on this cruise and always compare total $ compared to taking OLife Excursions).

The ship's renovation is beautiful and as we have been on many O cruises, we liked the new lighter colour scheme. Crew were fantastic. Food also great though did notice that the GDR dinner menu mimics the Terrace which is disappointing as limits variety; further, found we enjoyed the Terrace food better than the GDR for dinner. The Exec. Concierge was very helpful and found the Maitre d' from India in Polo and then Toscano outstanding!

Recommendation to all passengers: wash your hands as even with Code Red, my husband noticed men not washing hands after using the toilet! Read more