MS Nautica

Launched in 2000, the MS Nautica is a Regatta class - or R class - cruise ship built for the Renaissance Cruises fleet. Being the fifth vessel of its kind to be constructed, it was originally called the MS R Five.

In 2005, the liner was acquired by Oceania Cruises to join its sister ships the Regatta and Insignia. After the purchase, its name was changed to the MS Nautica.

During June 2010, the vessel underwent its most recent refurbishment - this work is part of the fleet's multimillion-dollar project to ensure that all of its ships provide the best cruise experience possible.

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The Nautica offers regular voyages in the Mediterranean that generally last between ten days and a fortnight.

Other options include trips to South Africa, Asia and the South Pacific, with just some ports of call including Cape Town, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, the Seychelles, Hong Kong, Dubai and Mumbai.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 824
Year entered service: 1998
Beam (ship width): 83.5 feet
Draught (ship depth): 19.5 feet
Length: 593.7 feet
Tonnage: 30,277
Crew: 386
Maximum speed: 18 knots
Number of passenger decks: 9
Number of lifts: 4
Number of swimming pools: 1
Number of cabins: 342

Food, cuisine and dining

Meals on the Nautica are, quite simply, delightful. The exceptional food and top-quality service are the norm, no matter where you choose to eat, and there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

The Grand Dining Room is the main restaurant and is open for three meals a day. All are offered with open seating times, so you can enjoy complete flexibility in your schedule and all passengers will experience the luxury of eating from fine Villeroy & Boch china.

Couples looking for a private meal together will be pleased to see that there are a number of tables for two, while you can also be seated at a larger table, if you prefer the group dining atmosphere of traditional cruise ships.

Menu items range from traditional favourites to more contemporary fare. Vegetarian options are always available, and the spa cuisine offers lighter bites for those looking for something that's both healthy and tasty.

Other options include the Terrace Cafe which serves breakfast and lunch buffets, Tapas on the Terrace for a more elegant buffet and al fresco dining, the Polo Grill for steaks and seafood and Toscana, which serves Italian cuisine.

Alternatively, room service is available 24 hours a day and includes a wide range of snacks, hot entrees and a continental breakfast. You can also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea every day in the Horizons lounge.

On-board entertainment and activities

Boredom is something that you'll never need to worry about when travelling on the Nautica. The ship offers a broad spectrum of activities to choose from throughout the day, while the evenings boast live music and dancing.

The Martinis bar, with its high backed chairs, dark wood panelling and intimate atmosphere, is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and it also hosts a pub quiz on most evenings. Elsewhere, you can find activities like karaoke, art auctions, dance lessons, board games and ship tours.

An extensive enrichment programme is available, which offers classes and seminars on various topics from wine tasting to technology. There are also informational lectures about the various ports of call. Meanwhile, shore excursions are all extremely well planned.

There's a small casino, which includes blackjack, roulette and poker tables, as well as slot machines. And if you'd rather just enjoy a favourite board game or a quiet card game with no money on the table, then the card room could be the ideal choice.

Spas and fitness facilities

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub is a stunning venue and the ship's exercise facility. It includes a number of cardio and resistance machines and the entire room is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. This means you can enjoy the view and the feeling of spaciousness as you work out your tensions.

Alternatively, the spa offers various beauty treatments and massage therapies, while it's also home to sauna and steam rooms.

If you prefer to get your exercise in the fresh air, you can swim some laps in the beautiful pool or go for a run on the jogging track.

Cabins

The Nautica has nearly 350 cabins to choose from. These include five different suite categories, which offer the ultimate in space and luxury.

Measuring approximately 1000 square feet, the Owner's Suites are the largest on the vessel and they offer a variety of fabulous features like a 42-inch plasma screen television that plays first-run films accompanied by a Bose surround-sound system.

With one of these rooms, you can enjoy your own private whirlpool hot tub, as well as a mini bar, and a gorgeous furnished balcony. Complimentary butler services are provided, as well as priority luggage delivery and check-in, plus, you'll be greeted with a bottle of Champagne in your cabin.

Other room options include five types of Veranda class rooms and four variations of Ocean View staterooms. There are also two grades of interior rooms and these offer the lowest prices for those seeking cruise deals.