France ranks as the fifth highest source market for Oceania, behind the UK, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
2023 results for France are highly satisfactory for the line, back at 2019 levels. ‘We aim at increasing these results by up to 25% with our newest ship, Vista, and its sister ship, Allura, to be launched in 2025,' Cabella said.
Award-winning gastronomy
Long inspired by French star chef Jacques Pépin, Oceania’s executive culinary director since 2003, cuisine should go on attracting French passengers. ‘We are proud to benefit from the talent of two great chefs, Eric Barale, VP culinary, and Alexis Quaretti, senior culinary director, who both hold the prestigious title of Maître Cuisinier de France,’ Cabella told Seatrade Cruise News.
Also appreciated by French passengers is the line’s open seating policy and the selection of multiple restaurants at no extra cost. Menus are translated into French and multilingual staff are present on board. ‘The French clientele should also value Oceania's new “Simply More” offer, which includes free excursions, a free House Select beverages package with champagne and wines, unlimited Wi-Fi,’ Cabella remarked.
Daily programs, information and shore excursions will remain in English, however, French language tours will be arranged by the cruise line if there is demand from at least 16 passengers (eight cabins.)
Investing in the French market
If the 2024 and 2025 Collection of Voyages brochures won't be translated, Oceania's website is available in French. Moreover, some flyers are dedicated to the French-speaking market. ‘We noted that the Pacific Ocean destinations and long cruises or world tours were trendy in France’ stated Cabella. ‘Our 2024/25 Collection Pacifique includes a selection of 12 cruises on board Nautica. In 2025, Regatta will be positioned in this area and also offer itineraries from Papeete.’
The Grand Voyages flyer charts eight cruises lasting up to 111 days.
In 2024, a road show will visit seven French cities and ship tours will take place at some of the 81 French ports Oceania ships will call at.
Monaco is the only French port where Oceania will offer embarkations and disembarkations in 2024. Vista will sail Athens-Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo-Athens in August while Riviera will operate a Rome-Monte Carlo voyage in August and Monte Carlo-Barcelona sailing in September.
Oceania voyages are sold by general, specialist and online travel agencies such as Un Océan de Croisières, Voyages d'Exception, Monacruises, TMG Monaco, Cruiseline and Croisière Club, among others.
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