Oceania Regatta

Regatta's main pool sits midship with two hot tubs, bench seating around a shallow entrance, and overstuffed day beds with terry cloth covers in both sun and shade. The Waves pool bar keeps drinks coming. One level up, a walking track circles the deck, and all the way forward on Deck 11 there's a full-size shuffleboard court, cornhole and a putting green that wraps around the front of the ship, with ocean views as you play.

Horizons is the classic observation lounge at the very top and front of the ship, with windows wrapping around for a 180-degree view. A self-serve coffee and tea station sits at the entrance, and a full bar runs along the front. By day it hosts lectures, trivia and enrichment talks from destination experts. In the evening, a live band takes the stage and the dance floor fills up. Afternoon tea is served here too, with carts of sandwiches and finger foods.

The Terrace Café is Regatta's casual buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but Danny says it's much more than a buffet. There's a full bar, specialty coffees, a smoothie bar at breakfast, a pizza station, a carvery, a bakery with fresh French breads, a cheese selection, and a grill serving steak and lobster. A gelato and ice cream station sits in the corner, all included. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an aft outdoor terrace complete the space.

Right next to the pool, Waves is several things in one. It starts the day as a smoothie and juice bar, then serves milkshakes, malts, gelato and ice cream, all complimentary. The grill offers burgers that include salmon, ahi tuna and Wagyu, plus made-to-order sandwiches, a salad bar, fresh breads and a daily entrée. Waves keeps longer hours than the buffet, and on some days the crew rolls out a big barbecue for a deck party.

Many ships are dropping their libraries as everything goes digital, but Regatta kept hers, and Danny appreciates it. The library has reference books, fiction and nonfiction, all free to borrow, plus a book exchange where guests can swap what they've finished. Think of it as the den of the ship, with large, comfy couches, chairs and ottomans, little nooks for reading and plenty of natural light. The card room nearby has board games and a sign-up sheet for bridge and mahjong.

Regatta has two specialty restaurants, and both are included in the fare. Toscana serves Italian favorites from a menu of nearly 40 items, with antipasti, pastas, risottos and entrées. Polo Grill is a classic steakhouse with steaks, seafood and lobster, plenty of sides and a full bar with a wide wine list. Concierge Level and suite guests get priority reservations, and longer cruises may allow a second or third visit.

Baristas is Regatta's coffee shop, set right at the entrance to the Grand Dining Room. It serves lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and espressos made with illy coffee, all complimentary, plus small bites that change throughout the day. It also works as a full bar. Comfortable sofas, armchairs and tables for two and four make it an easy place to stop before or after dinner, or any time of day for a cup of coffee.

The Grand Dining Room sits all the way aft on Deck 5, with 180-degree views through windows that wrap around the room. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from an enormous menu, with tables for two up to a large table for ten and elegant place settings. Guests in the top suites can even order from this menu in their suite. Just outside, the grand staircase leads down to reception, the concierge desk and destination services.