Review: Oceania Allura takes to the seas

Location: Oceania Allura began its maiden season in Athens in June. Sister ship to Oceania Vista, it will offer Med itineraries before sailing to Canada and New England for an extended North America season. It will then winter in the Caribbean.

First impressions: The lobby, the ship’s shimmering  centrepiece, wowed me immediately. A string quartet added to the refined atmosphere, while friendly staff identified muster points. Decor throughout was sleek with muted tones and warm lighting, creating a calm atmosphere. My Penthouse Suite on deck 11 had a king-sized bed, elegant seating area, balcony and a bottle of prosecco on ice with two glasses waiting for me. The attention to detail was noticeable.

The facts: Allura has 613 staterooms, of which 149 are suites. These span seven categories, with four suite types featuring private verandas and 24-hour butler service. The top accommodation is the Owner’s Suite, which measures the full width of the ship. It’s furnished in partnership with Ralph Lauren and includes exclusive access to the Executive Lounge and priority luggage delivery, among other benefits. Passengers in Vista, Oceania and Penthouse Suites and above can order speciality dining as room service and access a private Concierge Lounge. There are 11 restaurants, including four speciality venues for passengers to eat in at least once – Oceania recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment. There are also four bars and one cafe, including new venue Crêperie. My highlights were Red Ginger, which offers Peruvian/Japanese Nikkei fusion cuisine; Aquamar Kitchen, for healthier bites; and Martinis, where mixologists create cocktails, often accompanied by live piano.