Norry and I recently embarked on an unforgettable 4-night journey aboard the brand-new Oceania Allura, sailing from Genoa to Trieste just before its inaugural voyage. It was our first time experiencing a luxury small ship cruise, and Oceania Allura truly exceeded all expectations!
Genoa: A Charming Pre-Cruise Stay
Our adventure began with a one-night pre-cruise stay in Genoa. The airport is just a 13-minute taxi ride from the city centre, with a standard fare of around 30 Euros. We stayed at the Hotel De Ville, ideally located in Port Antico, offering stunning views of Genoa’s Old Port and easy access to the city’s main attractions. Even with limited time, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring this historic port city, famous for its winding, medieval streets and rich maritime heritage. We particularly loved wandering the hidden alleyways, discovering quaint churches, and stumbling upon the beautiful Palazzo Podesta. For a truly breathtaking view of the city, we recommend taking the public elevator from Piazza Portello (though we sadly missed it!).
Oceania Allura: A Luxury Experience
Your World. Your Way Includes:
- 24/7 in-suite and in-stateroom dining with gourmet options
- Unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi
- Exclusive fitness classes with expert instructors
- Gratuities included
- Access to gourmet specialty restaurants, offering world-class dining
Excitement built as we boarded the Oceania Allura, arriving at the port for a seamless 11 AM check-in. The Allura, Oceania’s newest ship, accommodates 1,200 guests. After checking in at the Muster Station, we entered our Concierge Level Veranda cabin (11064) on Deck 11, and the first word that came to mind was “wow!” The cabin’s design was elegant, with ample storage and a spacious walk-in shower featuring Aquamar products. Concierge-level veranda cabins also offer exclusive access to the Spa Terrace, a serene space at the front of the ship, complete with a hydrotherapy pool and whirlpools. The main pool area is equally inviting, with comfy cabanas, sun loungers, and jacuzzis.
Let’s talk about the beds – they’ve undergone 17 generations of modifications to ensure the best night’s sleep at sea. Custom-designed, temperature-regulated mattresses paired with 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens made for the comfiest bed we’ve ever slept on at sea. You can even purchase these luxurious mattresses and bedding from www.oceaniabedcollection.com.
The Finest Cuisine at Sea
Oceania Cruises proudly claims “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” and we can confidently say the food onboard lives up to the name.
The Grand Dining Room: We enjoyed dinner here, where the menu was simply mouth-watering. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Grand Buffet at lunch is a must-try, offering an incredible variety, including lobster, snow crab, oysters, caviar, and a selection of charcuterie and cheeses.
Oceania’s promotional fares often include a house beverage package with wine at lunch and dinner. You can also upgrade to the Prestige Select drinks package, which offers exceptional value. Premium sodas, artisanal coffees, fresh juices, smoothies, and gourmet ice cream are all included, with sodas and water replenished in your cabin’s mini-bar.
Aquamar Kitchen: This healthy dining venue is perfect for balancing indulgence. With offerings like cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, organic bowls, and avocado toasts, it’s a great spot for breakfast and lunch. I was initially sceptical, but the food was genuinely delicious!
Specialty Restaurants: All of Oceania’s specialty restaurants are included, and you can dine at least once in each of the four:
- Toscana: Authentic Italian cuisine.
- Polo Grill: A classic steakhouse.
- Jaques: French cuisine.
- Red Ginger: Bold Asian cuisine. We dined at Red Ginger, where wines were thoughtfully paired with each dish. The miso-glazed sea bass wrapped in hoba leaf and Malaysian Beef Penang were exquisite!
- Waves Grill: Located on the pool deck, Waves Grill offers a more casual dining experience with high-quality burgers, sandwiches, and American-style food, including Wagyu burgers. We loved the Philly cheese steak, lobster rolls, and pizza!
- The Terrace Café: For breakfast or a relaxed dinner, The Terrace Café is a wonderful spot at the ship’s aft, with outdoor seating overlooking the wake. It offers a buffet with options like sushi, grilled meats, and vegan dishes, plus a grill station with meals served directly to your table.
If you’re still hungry, enjoy Afternoon Tea daily at 4 PM or grab a crepe at the Creperie or a sandwich at the Barista Bar.
- Founders Bar: For pre- or post-dinner cocktails, Founders Bar is the place to be. The mixologists here are true artists, creating incredible drinks to impress even the most discerning guests.
Our Adventure Continued… Florence & Beyond
After disembarking in Trieste, our adventure continued. We took a coach to Venice Marco Polo airport, then a 30-minute bus ride (10 Euros) to Venice Mestre. From there, we caught an Italo train to Florence (Firenze), a comfortable 2-hour journey in Italo Prima Business Class, with ample luggage space, Wi-Fi, and extra legroom.
Upon arriving in Florence, a 20-Euro cab ride took us to the RH River Hotel & Spa, overlooking the Arno River. Our superior room was spacious and comfortable, with a high-quality breakfast selection. The hotel was a 20-minute walk along the river to the city centre, a manageable distance as we spent most of our days exploring this incredible city.
Pisa & Lucca Day Trip
We booked a 9-hour day trip to Pisa and Lucca. Pisa was a delightful surprise, with much more to see than just the famous Leaning Tower. The Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo di Pisa, and the Baptistery, was breathtaking.
In Lucca, we discovered a charming, historic city surrounded by well-preserved Renaissance-era walls, perfect for walking or biking. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone staying in Florence.
Exploring Florence
Florence is a dream to explore, with iconic sights like the Duomo, Giotto’s Campanile, and Palazzo Vecchio. Its narrow cobbled streets and bustling piazzas are full of life, offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Dining alfresco in the many trattorias was a highlight.
We also stumbled upon one of Florence’s unique “wine windows,” small arched openings used in the Renaissance to serve wine directly to locals. A quick search for “wine windows” on Google Maps will reveal their locations!
After 18,424 steps, we were exhausted but incredibly happy—time for a well-earned rest!
Florence Guided Tuk Tuk Tour
To see more of the city, we booked a 1.5-hour Tuk Tuk tour. Our guide navigated the cobbled streets, and the breeze was a welcome relief from the heat. We crossed the River Arno and saw the famous Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, and Piazzale Michelangelo. The panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo was a highlight, offering stunning views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and surrounding hills—a truly unforgettable experience.
We ended our Florence adventure with a train journey to Venice for our return flight. Florence will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we’ll definitely be back.
Thank you for reading our blog! If you’re interested in booking a trip, we can assist you with any of Oceania’s itineraries, including the Vista and Allura. Ascroft Travel also offers city breaks beyond Florence, though we highly recommend visiting this incredible city at least once in your lifetime.