In a move to provide guests with an elevated level of luxury, value, and convenience on board its sailings, Oceania Cruises is adopting a more all-inclusive approach with a new package that features more inclusions.
Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, during Vista’s christening voyage in May, already teased about the upcoming change, stating, “In mid-July, we’re really excited to launch a new promotion. We’re taking the choice component out and you’re just going to get it all.”
Now, more details have emerged of the Oceania Cruises’ new Simply More concept. For all new reservations beginning 1 July 2023, all guests will enjoy free shore excursions and a free beverage package for sailings departing from 1 October 2023.
In an exclusive interview with Travel Weekly Asia, Jason Worth, Oceania Cruises’ vice president of sales & general manager for Asia Pacific, shed light on this new programme that is set to mark a new chapter for the cruise line .
“Whether embarking on a short voyage or a month-long sailing, guests can look forward to the enhanced benefits and seamless all-inclusive experience that Simply More brings to their journey,” Worth concluded.
Will it be more ‘Worth it’?
Simply More replaces Oceania Cruises' previous OLife Choice programme, which allowed guests to select an amenity from a range of options and paying an additional fee for the add-on on top of their standard cruise fare.
"With Simply More, we have reimagined our approach," Worth explained. "Guests no longer have to navigate through multiple options. We have eliminated OLife Choice and instead included Simply More as part of the standard cruise fare. This means that guests receive an all-inclusive experience that encompasses these amenities, ensuring they can fully indulge in every aspect of their journey without compromise."
The introduction of Simply More will lead to some price adjustments from 1 July, but these changes also align with Oceania Cruises’ regular quarterly adjustments, said Worth. “The introduction of Simply More does not imply a significant increase in overall pricing,” he added.
More freedom in shore excursion spending
With Simply More, guests will be given a shore excursion credit starting from US$600 per statement for sailings between seven and nine days, going up to US$1,600 per stateroom for voyages between 31-35 days.
“We have transformed the shore excursion system, replacing the previous model of choosing from a limited selection. With Simply More, guests now receive a flat shore excursion credit corresponding to the length of their sailing,” explained Worth.
Oceania Cruises' shore excursion - Ephesus small group tour. Photo Credit: Tim Fairclough
To illustrate the possibilities, Worth shared an anecdote. “Let's say a pair of guests embarks on a cruise that grants them a shore excursion credit of US$800. They can choose from a wide range of experiences, such as a helicopter tour over a volcano, which costs US$489 per person. In this scenario, the total cost would be US$978. However, each guest would only need to top up US$89, thanks to the shore excursion credit. The flexibility is remarkable, and there are no limits to what the credit can be used for. Guests can apply it to private car transfers, wellness tours, boutique shopping experiences, or any other shore excursion that captures their imagination.”
The shore excursion credit increases in alignment with the length of the cruises. "On a 30-day cruise, guests might receive a US$1,600 shore excursion credit. This expands their choices and allows for even more remarkable experiences… granting guests greater freedom to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit."
Worth emphasised the significance of this change, stating, "This new system allows guests to create personalised and unforgettable experiences, tailored to their interests and preferences. It unlocks a world of possibilities and encourages exploration beyond predefined options. Whether guests seek adventure, cultural immersion, or relaxation, they can use the shore excursion credit to craft their dream itinerary.”
More comprehensive drinks package
Oceania Cruises' in-house sommelier. Photo Credit: Tim Fairclough
As part of the Simply More programme, guests will delight in a comprehensive beverage package that includes free premium-label Champagnes and wines, and more than 20 American and international beers, during lunch and dinner. For guests seeking the pinnacle of indulgence, they can elevate their experience with the premium beverage package upgrade that costs US$30 a day to access top-shelf alcohols including scotches and cocktails, according to Worth.
While Oceania Cruises has always prided itself on including specialty dining as an essential component of their luxury voyages, Simply More magnifies this experience, placing it front and centre within their offerings. "Specialty dining has always been included all this time," Worth emphasised. "We want to highlight its importance and ensure guests fully appreciate this extraordinary aspect of their journey."
More connectivity
Moreover, guests will also be able to have the convenience of two Wi-Fi logins per cabin, a feature designed to meet the needs of the modern traveller. "Currently, when a guest makes a standard booking, they have one Wi-Fi login to share," Worth elaborated. "Starting in July, we're changing this to two Wi-Fi logins, simplifying the experience and allowing guests to connect their multiple devices to their own network."