Summary
This episode features John Werner, President & COO of MAST Travel Network, and Morgane Beltaief, Sr. Director, Strategic Accounts at Oceania Cruises about their Alaska cruise offerings. Oceania Cruises, known for its upscale, small-ship experience, focuses on delivering unique, immersive Alaskan itineraries that combine luxury, culinary excellence, and authentic travel experiences. Morgane highlights the distinctive advantages of Oceania’s Alaska sailings, such as smaller vessels (with capacities of 656 to 1200 guests), extensive 10 to 12 day itineraries, and visits to both popular and boutique ports like Sitka and Ketchikan. The cruises emphasize inclusivity with specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, soft drinks, and spa access all included, offering an exceptional value proposition. Shore excursions are diverse and adventurous, including helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding, ziplining, whale watching, and cultural tours. Onboard, guests benefit from expert naturalists, engaging lectures, experiential learning classes, and a strong focus on Alaska-inspired cuisine led by renowned chefs. Morgane encourages travelers to view Alaska as a destination worth multiple visits due to its ever-changing experiences and rich offerings.
Highlights
Highlights
- 🛳️ Oceania Cruises offers a unique small-ship experience in Alaska with vessels carrying fewer than 1,200 guests.
- 🌄 Extensive 10- and 12-day itineraries allow deeper exploration of Alaska’s coast and interior.
- 🏞️ Cruises visit both popular and less crowded boutique ports like Sitka, Ketchikan, Wrangell, and Icy Strait Point.
- 🐋 Shore excursions include helicopter glacier landings, dog sledding, ziplining, whale watching, and local cultural experiences.
- 🍽️ Oceania’s culinary program features destination-inspired menus, specialty dining included in the fare, and onboard cooking classes.
- 🎓 Onboard naturalists and experiential learning sessions enhance guests’ understanding of Alaska’s wildlife and culture.
- 💼 The cruise price includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, specialty dining, and spa access, offering great value.
Key Insights
- 🚢 Small Ship Advantage Enhances Authenticity and Comfort: Oceania’s smaller ships provide a more intimate cruising environment compared to mega ships carrying thousands, reducing wait times and overcrowding. This allows guests to enjoy personalized service, easy access to dining and lounges, and closer proximity to nature—such as navigating near icebergs—fostering a more immersive Alaskan experience. The boutique port visits further differentiate Oceania’s itineraries by allowing passengers to explore authentic, less touristy locales often missed by larger vessels.
- 🗓️ Longer Itineraries Cater to Explorers and Enhance Destination Immersion: The 10- and 12-day sailings enable travelers to experience a broader spectrum of Alaskan scenery and culture, including the Inside Passage and more remote stops. These extended trips appeal particularly to “explorers at heart” who want to deepen their understanding and engagement with the destination beyond the typical week-long cruise. The option of round-trip or open-jaw itineraries (e.g., Seattle to Anchorage) adds convenience and flexibility, accommodating various traveler preferences.
- 🌎 Diverse Shore Excursions Add Unforgettable Experiences: The carefully curated excursions, such as helicopter glacier landings with dog sledding in Juneau, ziplining at Icy Strait Point, and rich cultural and wildlife tours, capitalize on Alaska’s unique natural and cultural assets. These excursions not only provide adventure but also educational and interactive elements, enhancing the overall cruise experience. Guests are encouraged to pre-book these excursions due to limited availability and to avoid generic, less authentic port experiences.
- 🍴 Culinary Excellence as a Core Brand Pillar: Oceania Cruises positions itself as a floating fine-dining destination, with a strong emphasis on sourcing premium ingredients, inspired by regional flavors and indigenous culinary traditions. The partnership with Chef Jacques Pepin, known for his sophisticated culinary approach, underscores the brand’s commitment to exceptional dining. Signature events like the Alaskan Chef’s Dinner and onboard cooking classes bring the destination’s flavors directly to guests, enriching the cruise experience through food.
- 🌿 Onboard Educational Programs Enhance Guest Engagement: The presence of naturalists who provide live commentary, lectures, and personal interactions helps guests connect intellectually and emotionally with Alaska’s environment and wildlife. These educational sessions, combined with complimentary experiential learning classes on photography and social media, cater to curious travelers seeking to deepen their knowledge and document their journey beautifully. This focus on learning differentiates Oceania from more entertainment-focused cruise lines.
- 💰 Inclusive Pricing Model Offers High Perceived Value: Oceania’s all-inclusive approach covers specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, group exercise classes, and spa access, which collectively enhance the guest experience while simplifying budgeting. The exclusion of alcohol and shore excursions from the base fare is transparent and common in luxury cruising, but the comprehensive inclusions position Oceania as an excellent value for discerning travelers seeking luxury and convenience without hidden fees.
- 📈 Strong Market Demand and Forward-Looking Growth: With the 2025 Alaska season already sold out, Oceania is responding to growing demand by deploying newer, larger (yet still relatively small) ships like the Riviera to Alaska. This expansion allows for more dining and entertainment options onboard while maintaining the intimate atmosphere. The upcoming 2026 and 2027 seasons indicate Oceania’s commitment to Alaska as a key growth market, promising continued innovation in itineraries and guest experiences.
If you are interested in cruising with Oceania Cruises, please visit www.mvptravel.com to connect with a travel advisor near you.
Listen and learn on this week’s episode!
