Oceania Nautica-Aurelia

The 2000-built (as “R Five”) Oceania Nautica cruise ship is the fleet's third R-Class liner, with sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Sirena (formerly Ocean Princess). Oceania ship Nautica was drydock-refurbished in June 2020 as part of the company's OceaniaNEXT fleet renovation project (2019-2020).

The vessel (IMO number 9200938) is currently Marshall Islands/France-flagged (MMSI 538001665) and registered in Majuro.

IMPORTANT: In April 2026, Oceania announced that, following a major refit and complete refurbishment in 2027 Q4, Oceania Nautica will be relaunched/renamed as "Oceania Aurelia". The project is part of the company's OceaniaNEXT (fleet renovation) program. The redesigned Oceania Aurelia will have lower passenger capacity (under 500), and most of the staterooms (179 total) will be suites (categories Owner's, Vista, Penthouse, Oceania, Horizon), with only a small number of Oceanview and Inside cabins.

History - construction and ownership

Oceania Cruises is a USA-based passenger shipping company and luxury travel brand owned by NCLH-Norwegian (shipowner). Between April 2007 and September 2014, the company (as part of Prestige Cruise Holdings) was owned by Apollo Management LP, one of the world's largest private equity investment funds.

Since September 2014, Oceania and its sister company RSSC-Regent have been owned by NCLH, acquired at a total cost of USD 3 billion.

Since January 2026, Oceania has operated as an adults-only cruise line and ocean travel brand.

Oceania ships offer luxury cruises with relatively shorter itineraries, as well as Around The World voyages of up to 180 days.

The 700-passenger ship Nautica followed Oceania's strategy of creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of an English country house hotel than a cruise vessel. The range of amenities is well balanced, while the ambiance remains comfortable and intimate. The decor is largely consistent fleetwide, and all ships feature quality dining venues, Mandara Spa, and a cyber lab. Nautica's crew members routinely rotate between the three vessels, so returning cruisers are likely to recognize familiar faces.

Oceania is marketing the rebuilt Aurelia as a residential-style luxury ship featuring a near 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio.

Decks and Cabins

Almost all of Oceania Aurelia's staterooms (238 total) feature step-out balconies, including the 179x Suites and the 50x Verandas, or 96% of all accommodations. There are only 5x Oceanview and 4x Inside cabins. Handicap (wheelchair-accessible) cabins for disabled passengers total only 3 (category G, interior).

Aurelia's cabin categories are 14.

Of all Oceania Nautica's staterooms (349 total), 66% feature step-out balconies (including 62x Suites and 170x balcony cabins). There are 89x Oceanviews (including 14x single cabins) and 28x Inside cabins. Connecting cabins are 40.

Nautica's cabin categories are 16.

Most balconies are relatively small, measuring approximately 45 ft2 / 4 m2.

The largest accommodations are the Owner Suites (620 ft2 / 58 m2 plus a 345 ft2 / 32 m2 private terrace).

The ship has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible, and 5 contain cabins.

Oceania AURELIA ship review

Next are listed the ship's public venues, facilities and amenities by deck:

On DECK 3 (tendering, crew)

The Tender Embarkation Area (two ship entrances/portside and starboard) serves passengers' ship-to-shore tendering operations in destinations without proper docking infrastructure.

Forward and aft are crew-only areas (cabins, machinery and storage rooms).

DECK 4 (hospital)

The Medical Center/Hospital/Infirmary is operated by resident doctors/physicians and nurses on 24-hour call duty. The Atrium Lobby Lounge houses guest services desks: Reception Desk (assistance, dining reservations), Concierge Desk (starboard), Destination Services (shore excursions booking and information), and Oceania Cruise Director's Office.

DECK 5 (bars, lounges, dining venues)

Aurelia Lounge is the ship's main show lounge/theater with a Stage for live evening entertainment (comedy acts, magician shows, classic concerts, jazz ensembles) and a large dance floor (for themed dancing parties). This venue also hosts daily trivia quizzes, guest lectures and media presentations, various social events.

The Casino (gambling lounge & bar) operates with USD bets and is served by the Casino Bar. The Casino has gaming tables (blackjack, poker, roulette (operational between 2-5:30 pm) and slots (8:30 pm till closing).

Martinis (piano bar) serves 30+ Martini brands and hosts martini tastings. Entertainment options include live piano performances by a resident pianist (including jazz and cabaret).

The Boutiques (two duty-free shops/portside and starboard) sell jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, Oceania Cruises-logoed merchandise, gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and convenience goods.

The Upper Hall lounge area (by the aft elevators) has a grand piano for live performances, and it is served by the Martinis Bar.

Founders Bar (wine bar by the Dining Room Restaurant) hosts wine tastings in the evening (sommelier service). It has an extensive fine wine list (by the glass). Founders Bar is also served by Baristas making complimentary Illy beverages (espresso, cappuccino, latte) and also serving fresh pastries, biscotti, and finger sandwiches.

Grand Dining Room is a complimentary aft restaurant (full seating capacity) for open-seating Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (French-inspired dishes, menus change daily). It features high-quality cotton linens, Versace china, Riedel crystal, Christofle silverware, and a frescoed dome ceiling. At lunch, the ship's Grand Dining Room transforms into "The Bistro by Jacques' (aka “Jacques Bistro”). The dining concept allows the restaurant to serve lunch also on port days, as opposed to the traditional self-serve port day lunches at the Lido Buffet. This lunch-only French bistro serves an exclusive menu with signature dishes by Oceania Cruises' executive chef Jacques Pepin. The lunch menu is rotational and varies by season and itinerary, as most ingredients are locally sourced (at ports of call). The "Lunchtime at The Bistro" also offers 14 "Taste of the World" food selections, each dish featuring 6 different regional/local specialties inspired by the cruise ship's culinary team.

Deck 6 (teenagers)

Card Room is a club lounge for playing bridge (also for organized bridge sessions), card games, board games, and social gatherings. Often used for organized bridge sessions and quiet daytime activities.

Artist Loft is a creative studio offering art classes and workshops led by resident instructors. Activities may include watercolor painting, sketching, mixed media, and collage work.

LYNC is a dedicated teen and family activity space focused on interactive entertainment, games, and youth programming based on supervised activities.

Deck 9 (Lido Deck/Pool Deck/Wellness facilities/Sundeck)

The Aquamar Wellness Center (open 8 am - 8 pm) has a Spa Terrace (open-air deck with loungers), indoor jacuzzi (Spa Whirlpool), 2 Steam Rooms, 3 Treatment Rooms, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, portside location Styling Salon (beauty parlor- hairdressing, styling, coloring, makeup, manicures, pedicures, barber) and Boardroom (cards playing and board games), Fitness/Gym, restrooms. The Spa Club staff services the spa and beauty salon.

The Fitness Center has a modern gym with floor-ceiling panoramic starboard views. It is open 6 am - 8 pm, also providing personal trainers and complimentary classes.

Chef's Studio is an interactive culinary venue offering hands-on cooking workshops, chef demonstrations, and gastronomy-focused classes led by professional chef instructors. Designed for small-group experiences centered on regional cuisines and culinary techniques, reflecting Oceania Cruises' strong food-focused identity.

Waves Bar is a poolside bar serving the swimming pool, with a shaded outdoor seating area. It serves cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and refreshing drinks throughout the day, with happy-hour specials and casual pool-deck service.

The teak-decked pool area/sundeck has 1 swimming pool flanked by 2 Whirlpools, a sunbathing area with loungers and a Band Stand/Stage for live entertainment.

The Patio is an outdoor shaded lounge furnished with chairs, daybeds, and cushioned sofas.

Waves Grill is a casual dining/fast-food bar serving the sundeck with quick meals. It offers made-to-order daily specialties, including burgers, fries, steaks, seafood, desserts, and gelato ice cream.

Terrace Cafe & Bar is a casual self-service buffet restaurant (complimentary) open for breakfast and lunch. It has both indoor (154 seats) and outdoor sitting areas (186 seats). The Terrace Bar also serves as a small Pizzeria. The Terrace Cafe becomes “Tapas On The Terrace” in the evenings, serving traditional Mediterranean dishes (tapas, paella, sangria, etc).

Deck 10 (dining/sundeck)

“Horizons” is a bow-facing Bar Lounge (an indoor observation lounge) served by the Baristas Bar (coffee venue). Horizons Lounge features slanted floor-ceiling windows, ample seating, live entertainment, full bar service, and Afternoon Tea service (4-5 pm). The Lounge transforms into a Disco Nightclub in the evenings.

Adjacent to the Baristas Bar is the Creperie - a complimentary dining venue/patisserie serving freshly-made French crepes, Bruxelles waffles, and gelato sundaes with various toppings.

Fitness Track (Power Walking/Jogging Track) circles the sundeck area (open space in the center).

The Library has 1000+ books (mostly in English) with many Oceania Cruises itineraries (ports-destinations) related tour guide books.

Two bars serve the outdoor seating areas of the Toscana and Polo restaurants.

Toscana is a 96-seat Italian fine dining restaurant (reservations-only). This dinner-only venue is complimentary (at no charge) but with limited reservations per cruise. Two reservations are allowed for Concierge and above passengers, and one reservation for other cabin categories guests. Toscana Restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine, and it's served by Italian culinary staff.

Polo Grill is a 96-seat Steakhouse (prime steaks, seafood), featuring dark wood paneling and furnishings and classy leather chairs. Just like the Toscana restaurant, Polo Grill is at no charge (complimentary specialty dining venue, reservations required) but with a limited number of dinner reservations - two for Concierge and above rooms, and one for lower cabin grades guests.

Deck 11 (golf, sundeck)

Sun Deck (open-air) area with staircase access only, served by the Polo Bar (including premium Scotch and Whiskey brands).

The sundeck/sunbathing area has plenty of sun loungers, 2 showers, a deck games area with Shuffleboard, Golf Driving Net, and 9-hole Mini-Golf Course/Putting Greens.

Oceania NAUTICA ship review

Nautica's guests enjoy the flexibility of four open-seating dining venues. The Grand Dining Room serves Continental cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alternatively, reservation-required venues include Toscana, offering gourmet Italian cuisine, and the steakhouse Polo Grill.

The buffet-style Terraces serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and transforms in the evening into “Tapas on the Terrace” for a more relaxed atmosphere. All dining venues feature bars, and there are no cover charges. In addition, a poolside grill serves hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads at lunchtime, while a pizzeria operates within the buffet area. The observation lounge Horizons hosts afternoon tea, and room service is available 24 hours a day.

Below is the complete list of Nautica's restaurants and food venues.

• Grand Dining Room (complimentary 340-seat restaurant with open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; offers French-inspired cuisine with daily changing menus)
• Toscana (96-seat Italian fine dining restaurant, dinner-only, reservations required, complimentary; offers traditional Italian cuisine)
• Polo Grill (96-seat steakhouse restaurant, complimentary; reservations required)
• Red Ginger (feng shui-inspired Pan-Asian fusion specialty restaurant)

Red Ginger is a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant serving fusion cuisine and offering a five-course tasting menu (a-la-carte priced). Menu highlights include shareable platters for two to four guests (skewers, sushi, and tempura), soups (Tom Kha Gai, chili miso), salads (Spicy Duck and Watermelon Salad, Thai Beef Salad, Avocado Lobster Salad, BBQ Baby Back Rib Salad, Sesame Wakame Salad, Asian Greens), appetizers (Seared Salmon with Scallop Ceviche, Vietnamese Banh Trang Summer Rolls, Imperial Crispy Potato Roll, Vegetable Tempura, Caramelized Tiger Prawns, Crispy Ginger Calamari, Tuna Tataki, Chicken Satay, Sushi Chef's Selection), and main courses. Main dishes include seafood (Miso Glazed Seabass, Sole Tempura, Lobster Pad Thai, Bay Scallop Trilogy, Red Snapper in Banana Leaf), vegetarian options (Thai Vegetable Curry, Stir-fried Udon Noodles), and meat dishes (Red Curry Chicken, Twice-cooked Crispy Chicken, Malaysian Beef Penang, Beef Teriyaki, Bulgogi Rib-eye Steak, Seven Spices Crusted Lamb Rack, Pork Luc Lac). Side dishes include Organic Steamed Brown Rice, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Red Ginger Stir-fried Rice, Stir-fried Udon Noodles, Broccoli with Shiitake Mushrooms, and Green Asparagus with White Miso Glaze. Fleetwide since 2026, Red Ginger's menu also features 12 Nikkei dishes (Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine developed by master chef Gustavo Sugay), combining traditional Peruvian ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques.

Waves Grill is a casual fast-food venue serving the Pool Deck with made-to-order daily specialties and gourmet gelato or freshly made ice cream. The menu includes more than 20 items, such as burgers with fresh-made salads, coleslaw, hand-cut fries, Surf & Turf Wagyu Burger, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and cold sandwiches. In the evenings, Waves Grill transforms into an alfresco pizzeria serving freshly baked pizzas, grilled Italian specialties, salads, rosemary focaccia with burrata, and desserts such as Nutella pizza.

Terrace Cafe & Bar is a complimentary casual buffet restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with changing menus. Terrace Bar also functions as a small pizzeria. In the evenings, Terrace Cafe transforms into “Tapas On The Terrace,” serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Once per cruise during dinner service, the Terrace Cafe also hosts an Indian Corner, featuring approximately 15 authentic Indian dishes.

The Lido Buffet's Sushi Station offers approximately 45 recipes, including two types of sashimi, uramaki rolls, three varieties of nigiri, and a daily vegetarian sushi option.

Below is the complete list of Nautica lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues.

• Nautica Lounge (main showroom and theater for live evening entertainment and themed dance parties; also hosts daily trivia quizzes, lectures, and presentations)
• The Casino (operates with USD wagers; served by the Casino Bar)
• Martinis (piano bar serving a wide selection of martinis)
• Two Boutiques (duty-free perfumes, jewelry, Oceania-branded merchandise, clothing, gifts, and convenience items)
• Upper Hall lounge area (features a grand piano for live performances; served by the Martinis Bar)
• Grand Bar (wine bar hosting wine tastings; served by Baristas offering complimentary illy beverages)
• Nautica Wellness Center (includes Spa Terrace, Spa Whirlpool, steam rooms, treatment rooms, styling salon, Canyon Ranch Spa Club, fitness center, and boardroom for card and board games; Canyon Ranch Spa Club treatments include acupuncture, Ayurveda, healing energy therapies, body wraps and scrubs, skin care, tanning, massages, and exotic treatments)
• Oceania@Sea (24-hour Internet computer room; private lessons and group classes available)
• Pool area (one swimming pool, two whirlpools, sunbathing area, and bandstand; served by the Waves Bar)
• The Patio (shaded outdoor lounge with chairs, daybeds, and sofas)
• Horizons (lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, live entertainment, and full bar service; also serves afternoon tea and transforms into a nightclub at night)
• Fitness Track (power walking and jogging track) and Promenade (Deck 5)
• The Library (over 1,000 books, including numerous port and destination guidebooks)
• Sun Deck (served by the Polo Bar; features sun loungers, showers, and deck games such as shuffleboard, a golf driving net, and a 9-hole mini-golf putting green)

Itineraries

MS Nautica's itinerary program focuses on luxury voyages to exotic destinations in Asia, with departures from Singapore, Thailand, and China, as well as European itineraries in the Mediterranean and Baltic, South Africa, Suez Canal transits, and Transatlantic crossings.

Oceania Aurelia's maiden voyage will be a 7-day itinerary (November 29th, 2027) in the Mediterranean, between Civitavechia-Rome and Trieste. The inaugural cruise visits Salerno, Messina (Sicily), Valletta (Malta), and Croatia (Dubrovnik, Zadar).

Oceania Aurelia's inaugural schedule (2027-2028) lists voyages in the Mediterranean (departures from Rome, Trieste, Piraeus-Athens), followed by a Transatlantic repositioning crossing to Miami.

In 2028 and 2029, Oceania Aurelia is scheduled to offer two 180-day Around the World voyages plus Grand Voyages (longer regional itineraries/shorter global itinerary segments).

Oceania Nautica is the fleet’s third vessel of the Renaissance/Regatta class, with sister ships Insignia, Regatta and Sirena/Ocean Princess. Regarding her class, Nautica is also related to the Azamara ships Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward and Azamara Pursuit.

The vessel (built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, hull number R5-P31) is powered by four Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 12V32) with a combined output of 13.5 MW. The registered shipowner is NCL BAHAMAS LTD, while the current ship manager is NAUTICA ACQUISITION LLC.

The vessel was delivered on January 27, 2000. MS Nautica was ordered and initially operated as “R Five” by Renaissance Cruises during the period 2000-2003. Following Renaissance’s bankruptcy, Royal Caribbean/RCCL acquired the vessel and transferred her to Pullmantur’s fleet (2004-2005). In 2005, after a major refurbishment, she was transferred to Oceania and entered service under her current name, “MS Nautica.”

In one of the world’s most unusual cruise ship incidents, on November 30, 2008, the Oceania ship Nautica was attacked by Somali pirates. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Aden (Arabian Sea) while the vessel was en route from Egypt to Oman (Safaga to Salalah). The ship was fired upon eight times but successfully outran the attackers without sustaining injuries or damage.

On September 2, 2014, NCLH-Norwegian purchased Prestige Cruise Holdings (owner of Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas) for USD 3.025 billion, becoming the official owner of all vessels in both fleets.

The Apollo Group company provides all Oceania ships with the complete onboard hotel product and services. This includes administration, food and beverage staff (preparation and service), housekeeping personnel, as well as vessel provisioning and crewing. Other cruise lines served by Apollo include Thomson UK (Marella Cruises) and RSSC-Regent.

Oceania Nautica was last drydocked in June 2024 (June 19-28, at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam) for routine maintenance and classification works, as well as extensive interior upgrades and selected machinery improvements.

Oceania Nautica refurbishment 2022 review

Nautica’s OceaniaNEXT refurbishment was originally scheduled for June 8-21, 2020, at CNM – Chantier Naval de Marseille (Marseille, France). Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the drydocking was postponed and ultimately carried out in 2022.

The following changes were planned for this project:

• New public spaces, including an open-floor-design Lobby with a Reception Hall (lower level) and an Upper Hall (second level), connected by a Grand Staircase with decorative railings and balustrades, and featuring a large crystal chandelier with hand-painted glass elements.
• The Grand Dining Room (aft on Deck 5) received new premium dining furniture (leather chairs with metallic bronze threading) and a new crystal chandelier.
• Martinis (the piano bar lounge on Deck 5) was redesigned, with the addition of a silver-white marble bar top and walnut paneling.
• All staterooms were completely overhauled, redesigned and refurnished, and upgraded with custom-made furniture, polished wood and stone finishes, designer accessories, smart HDTVs (interactive infotainment systems with movies on demand and Internet access), USB ports and LED lighting.
• All cabin bathrooms were refurbished with new tiling, surfaces, fixtures, designer accessories, vanities and glass shower enclosures.
• Penthouse, Vista and Owner Suite bathrooms were enlarged and upgraded with Carrara marble, onyx and polished granite surfaces.

Oceania’s 2018-2022 refurbishment projects (covering Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena) cost the company approximately USD 100 million.

Oceania Nautica refurbishment 2016 review

Deck plan changes following the 2016 drydock (Marseille, April 24-May 16) included:

• All passenger cabins received new décor, furnishings and luxury fabrics.
• All cabin bathrooms were upgraded with oversized showers. Owner and Vista Suite bathrooms received new vanities made of onyx and granite.
• Penthouse Suites were remodeled to a standard similar to that of the Marina and Riviera ships.
• The “Horizons” bar lounge (Deck 10) received new color schemes and furnishings.
• All lounges were renovated with new carpeting, chairs and premium fabrics and upholstery.
• The “Martinis” bar lounge (Deck 5) and the Lido Pool area (Deck 9) received new furnishings.
• The ship’s Spa complex (Deck 9) was remodeled with two new steam rooms, while locker rooms were redecorated with custom-made tiles and mosaics.
• The Terrace Cafe (buffet on Deck 9 aft) was redecorated, and the Terrace Grill station was added, similar to those on Marina and Riviera.
• The Grand Bar (Deck 5) received Barista coffee machines, and the amenities were upgraded with complimentary illy coffees and gourmet desserts.
• New deck games were added on Deck 11, including shuffleboard and a 9-hole mini-golf putting green.

Oceania’s 2016 drydocking projects (covering Nautica, Insignia and Regatta) cost the company approximately USD 50 million.