I am looking into Oceanic Cruises in the Eastern Med. (Athens , Istanbul ) and have not had good luck researching this cruise line, we are in our late 50's and like comfort, great food and quality service, but I don't want to pay Crystals prices. This cruise line is offering a 2-1 discount and airfare til July 31st for 06 cruises and I need your help in getting information about this cruise line and shore tours.

I have never cruised on Oceanic but know people who have and rave about it. I think you'll get a lot more information on the message board at www.cruisecritic.com

It is Oceania.

For lots of info, you would be better served at www.cruisecritic.com on the Oceania board.

We are in our mind 50s and love Oceania for the size of the ship (684 passengers), open seating dining in multiple restuarants, great staff and wonderful itineraries.

In addition to cruisecritic, there is good information at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OceanaCruiser/

We went on an Oceania cruise in the western Med last year (Rome-Barcelona.) I'd compare it comparable to Celebrity, some things nicer (smaller, food a little better), other things inferior (smaller, fewer options.) The ships are very nice in a sort of high-end furniture store sort of way. The entertainment was way lower-key than on the bigger boats (again, scale) and of course they can get into somewhat smaller ports than the big ships can.

We especially liked the absence of silly dress codes at dinner, and the ability to sit where and when we wanted, rather then be assigned to a table and a time.

The itineraries are very port-intensive, so if you like sea days, or want to escape the inevitable hawking of overpriced excursions, you'll be challenged by the itineraries.

On our trip the pax were virtually all US, mostly 45-70 in age, seemed pretty affluent. Some had bothered to learn about where they were going, but the majority, I fear, were pretty clueless. Pet peeve, sorry.

I included this trip as part of a trip report on the Europe board, here: http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34498271

One word of advice with Oceania's "free air" and 2 for 1 pricing promotions. Ask for the fare "cruise only" also to determine what you are paying for the free air! Might surprise you!

Great line for ambiance, small and more intimate, no smoking with exception of one very small area on deck and one small area in a public lounge. All country club casual attire makes for nice traveling if you are not the "monkey suit" kind.

Have you looked at Radisson. Certainly a wonderful line! The luxury of Crystal but with understated elogance. Small ships, all suite, open dining, no tipping, etc.