OCEANIA Cruises is set to sail its first-ever full winter season in the Mediterranean in 2027-28 aboard Oceania Allura (pictured).
The collection of 17 new sailings is ideal for travellers seeking the cooler atmosphere of a Mediterranean winter.
Journeys range from nine to 26 days, offering the chance to shop artisan and Christmas markets in Rome’s Piazza Navona, wander the bazaars of Turkey and Morocco, or take in the spices of North African bazaars.
The program spans from Barcelona in the Western Mediterranean to Istanbul in the east, with other highlights including the Bay of Kotor, Cagliari, Sardinia, and more.
Sales Director James Sitters told Cruise Weekly that Oceania has so far been “thrilled” with the response to the new concept.
“As part of the 2027-2028 Collection launch, we saw a unique opportunity to reimagine how travellers experience this iconic region – free from summer crowds, extreme heat, and peak-season pricing,” he said.
“Leading the way is our newest ship, Oceania Allura, offering guests the chance to explore each port in a more authentic, unhurried way, almost as if they were locals themselves.
“This debut taps into the growing ‘quiet Mediterranean’ trend,” he added.
Sitters said Oceania’s expansion into the winter season in the Mediterranean also allows the cruise line to address the demand for the region, while expanding into new destinations such as Greenland (CW 18 Sep).
“Our quiet-season program allows us to expand into these bucket-list regions while staying true to the classics,” he said. MS
