Is it possible to spend a fortnight on board a luxury cruise ship and emerge equally well-fed and well-travelled? This is the question I set out to explore as I embark on Oceania Cruises’ Asian Gulfs & Deltas voyage – a 14-night journey that sails from the port of Sriracha near Bangkok, tracing the coastlines of Southeast Asia and pausing at selected ports in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. The good news is that Oceania Cruises is a cruise line for travellers who relish being gourmands on both land and sea – so much so that its trademarked phrase is ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’. “Exceptional cuisine has been a hallmark of Oceania Cruises since the first cruise set sail in 2003, earning the reputation as the cruise line of choice for epicureans,” Chef Alexis Quaretti, Senior Culinary Director of Oceania Cruises, later tells me.
"Food is the foundation of what we do onboard each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations that we visit."
On embarkation day, I settle into my Veranda Stateroom – one of 633 suites and staterooms still gleaming from a re-inspiration in 2022, running from affordable Inside Staterooms to the extravagant Owner’s Suites. Elegant grey- and silver-accented interiors, white wood paneling, a roomy Italian marble bathroom, and generous storage spaces transform the 291-square-foot stateroom into a welcoming residence at sea. A private balcony also proves a marvellous addition when we sail through Ha Long Bay, with its limestone karsts rising out of the misty seas a few hundred metres from Riviera.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Holiday Feast
Celebrate this joyous season with classic fare from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Savour the season
Gather your friends for a joyous celebration at Pan Pacific Singapore's Pacific Emporium - one of the best spots, we think, to indulge in a festive afternoon tea.
Plant-Powered Paradise
Exploring Seoul's Burgeoning Vegetarian Food Scene
Brewing tradition, bottling innovation
Chunpoong Brewery is safeguarding a cherished Korean beverage, makgeolli, while embracing innovation for a new era.
Home is where the heart is
The best memories are often made at home, something which Hideaway, Nae:um Group's latest venue featuring a cosy design inspired by nature, is venture, aims to recreate.
The Life Aquatic
On board Oceania Cruises' Riviera, a luxurious two-week voyage along the Southeast Asian coastline delivers on its promise as a food lover's paradise at sea, offering an array of specialty restaurants, thoughtfully re-inspired menus, and a state-of-the-art cooking school.
Bright lights, big city
Going to Bangkok for an extended weekend? We've narrowed down a few places for you to swing by.
Sun, sea and banh mi
NOX Beach Club in Central Vietnam is a balmy haven for daytime escapes and after-dark events. Plus you will never go hungry here thanks to the collection of six restaurants and bars.
Laneway stars
Melbourne shines bright with its bevy of dining gems and new luxe hotels. It's time to revisit this well-loved destination.
Spiced and praised
These spice-centric East Indies Gins from Spice Island Distilling Co. have been acclaimed for their authentic excellence.