Reservations opened today for Oceania Cruises’ 2012 European Collection. For the first time, the company will operate four ships in Europe – including Marina and its sister ship, Riviera – which debuts in April 2012 – on more than 72 sailings, from April through December 2012. Other exciting firsts include a complimentary hotel stay before every voyage, an overnight stay on every itinerary, more late-night departures and the addition of three seven-night voyages.

Featuring 41 distinct itineraries, Regatta, Nautica, Marina and Riviera will cover the continent in depth, calling at 145 different ports of call, 12 of which are new for 2012.

“Oceania Cruises’ guests value immersive experiences and have a real passion for discovery,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “For 2012 we will offer Europe in its entirety, all of the most desirable destinations from east to west.”

Introducing Riviera, Sister Ship to Marina

Riviera, Oceania Cruises’ new 1250-guest ship launching April 2012, sets sail on her inaugural season of European voyages. From romantic Provence and Positano and historic landmarks such as Jerusalem and Ephesus to new ports of call including Argostoli, Greece; Granada, Spain; and La Palma, Canary Islands; Riviera offers 21 voyages to choose from.

Marina will spend most of the summer sailing the Mediterranean calling on favorite ports including Saint-Tropez and Monte Carlo. From May 12-22, 2012, Jacques Pépin, Oceania Cruises’ executive culinary director, will join Marina on her 10-day Tuscan Artistry itinerary to host cooking demonstrations, lead shore-side market tours and oversee the operations in his namesake restaurant, Jacques. Beginning in June, Marina will join Nautica in Northern Europe, visiting Dublin, Reykjavik, Oslo and Copenhagen.

Highlights of the 2012 European Collection

  * The introduction of 1,250-guest Riviera
  * 41 distinctive itineraries, including first-ever voyage to Greenland
  * 145 ports of call
  * Complimentary overnight calls on every voyage, a total of 72 stays in all
  * Three seven-night voyages to the French and Italian rivieras and Greek Islands
  * Increased number of sailings to the Holy Land
  * 12 new ports of call including Akureyri, Iceland; Cephalonia for Argostoli, Greece; Batumi, Georgia; Cartagena, Spain; Cherbourg, France; Motril for Granada, Spain; Horta, Azores; Qaqortoq, Greenland; La Palma, Canary Islands; Vigo for Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Tasiilaq for Ammassalik Island, Greenland and Trapani, Sicily.