Trip Reports
22 September
Setting sail from Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium's principal port, is a city bound up with the arts, once home to Flemish masters such as Rubens and Van Dyck. More recently Antwerp has carved out a reputation as the fashion capital of Belgium, and it's also a magnet for shopaholics, with designer boutiques and jewellers galore. The historic centre retains much of its medieval charm in spite of Antwerp's heavy bombardment during the Second World War, and the soaring Cathedral of Our Lady, completed in 1521, is quite magnificent.
Our tip
Small enough to be manageable, and with lots of crooked alleys and back streets, Antwerp is a city to walk in, so make the most of it and explore by foot.
23 September
Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)
Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.
24 September
France: Le Havre
Le Havre was more or less flattened during World War II, which makes the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status all the more remarkable. Rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, Le Havre is now characterised by a striking modernist style; don’t miss the towering, concrete Église St-Joseph.
25 September
At sea
26 September
Ireland: Dublin
The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.
27 September
At sea
28 September
France: Nantes
Nantes was founded by the Celts around 70 BC, and is considered the cultural capital of Brittany despite now belonging to the neighbouring region of Pays de la Loire. Explore the city’s history and its role in the slave trade at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, check out the chic boutiques of Passage Pomeraye or head inland to visit the famous vineyards of the Loire Valley.
29-30 September
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
1 October
Spain: San Sebastián
The lovely little city of San Sebastián, set on the golden sands of Playa de la Concha, is a real foodie favourite, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and bars serving pintxos (Basque tapas). Spend some time exploring the buzzing old town, and take the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo for magnificent views.
2 October
Spain: Gijón
Gijón is the largest city in the Asturias region of northern Spain, an important industrial port but also a lively and youthful place, ideally positioned for exploring the Costa Verde. The most interesting area is the historic fishing village of Cimadevilla, which sits on a peninsula that divides the bay in two.
3 October
At sea
4 October
Arriving in Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Don't miss
Belem Tower, dating from the 1500s, was both a fortress and the explorers’ departure point. On the façade you will find a stone rhinoceros sculpted into the tower – Europe’s first sight of this extraordinary beast!
Your home from home
Small enough to operate fascinating port-intensive itineraries, but with the space for dining options, comfortable accommodation and more, sister ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena are for many the perfect size.
What we love
These four boutique style sister ships carry just 684 guests apiece, with a comfortable, relaxed country house style and plenty of intimate corners. We love the alternative restaurants - Oceania is rightly renowned for great food - and the pretty little library up on deck 10.
| Capacity | 684 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 400 International Staff |
| Style | On Oceania it's all about the time spent ashore, so back on board it's relaxed and unpretentious, with no dressing up. Open seating throughout creates an atmosphere which is friendly and sociable. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Antwerp
We like De Witte Lelie, just eleven rooms in three 17th-century houses around a paved courtyard.
Day trips from Antwerp
If you’ve time to leave Antwerp, we recommend Ypres, a key historical centre and a genuinely moving memorial to the war dead.
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.
