OCEANIA CRUISES INTRODUCES THE 2008 EUROPEAN COLLECTION. Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce the release of the new 2008 European Collection. With three ships positioned in Europe for the season, Oceania Cruises will offer guests an unrivaled array of itineraries that call on Europe ’s most enticing ports. Oceania Cruises will offer 54 European voyages in 2008, introduce six new itineraries, and make maiden calls at new and intriguing ports.

From the elegant avenues of Saint Tropez, to the majestic beauty of Kotor's dramatic fjords and the Czarist splendors of St. Petersburg , Oceania Cruises presents the cultural and historical gems of this fabled continent to the most discerning travelers. Sailing to the Western Mediterranean, the Greek Isles and Scandinavia, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica will sail to more than 70 ports throughout Europe .

Oceania Cruises continues to set the benchmark for destination cruising in Europe with more overnight port stays than any other cruise line in its class. This unique and trend-setting approach to cruising provides travel ers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and abundant history, culture and cuisine of Europe ’s most alluring cities. With a keen focus on the destination experience, every aspect of the line’s 2008 European Collection has been meticulously planned with the discriminating travel er in mind.

New Ports:
“Oceania Cruises has always been known for its destination-intensive itineraries and we are always seeking new and different ports to elevate the experience for our guests,” stated Bob Binder , President of Oceania Cruises. Oceania Cruises has added several new and exciting ports to its already stellar line up of boutique and marquee ports, Haifa, Israel; Pula, Croatia; Alghero , Italy; Tangier, Morocco ; and Hamilton, Bermuda. Oceania Cruises’ intimate and mid-sized enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Saint Tropez, Sarande, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Oceania Cruises’ perennial favorites like St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Venice and Rome .

2008 European Collection voyages range from 10 to 16 days in length and feature an abundance of port time and a minimum number of sea days. On average, 10- and 12-day itineraries will feature no more than one sea day and 14-day itineraries will feature no more than two sea days.

Highlights of the 2008 European Collection:
The Mediterranean and Greek Isles offer 42 different opportunities to explore these fabled lands rich in culture, cuisine and history. New 14-day Barcelona to Istanbul itinerary that includes both Egypt and Israel .

Regatta traverses virtually all of Europe with voyages to the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Western Europe and the glittering, great northern cities of St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Gdansk, Poland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Bruges, Belgium.

Spotlight on Maiden Ports of Call:
Haifa, Israel - Visit the land of miracles--Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha or venture to Nazareth , home of the young Jesus.

Pula, Croatia – Rich in Roman political history, visit the majestic Arena which dates back to the 1st century or stroll the quaint, medieval streets of the city’s old quarter.

Alghero (Sardinia), Italy – Although Italian, many in this quaint, Genoese influenced city speak Catalan. Marvel at the ancient Phoenician buildings or the imposing fortress overlooking the harbor.

Tangier, Morocco - An ancient Phoenician town, founded by Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century, Tangier is an eclectic wonderland of cultures, cuisines, histories and cultures.

Hamilton, Bermuda - This British colony is pretty as a picture. Blessed with a perfect climate, pink sugar-sand beaches and an air of civility that is second to none, Bermuda is synonymous with paradise.