faqs

Hosted British Isles Cruise 2027

MON. JUL 5 - FRI. JUL 16, 2027

11 NIGHTS

  • Embark in Southampton, England

  • Day at Sea

  • 5 Ports in Scotland

  • 1 Port in Northern Ireland

  • 2 Ports in Republic of Ireland

  • Day at Sea

  • Disembark in Le Havre, France

Trip Details

  • You will receive email reminders prior to these dates to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

    Week of Jun 22, 2026 • Initial Itinerary App — featuring the basic outline of your trip

    7-5-26 • Excursions available to book

    Week of Aug. 31, 2026 • Discuss Airfare & Pre- and/or Post-Cruise Options

    2-5-27 • Remaining cruise fare balance due & update or revisit travel protection

    3-7-27 • Culinary classes are available to book

    4-21-27 • Restaurants available to reserve for Penthouse guests

    5-6-27 • Restaurants available to reserve for Concierge Veranda guests

    5-6-27 • Spa treatments available to book

    5-21-27 • Restaurants available to reserve for remaining guests

    6-14-27 • Online check-in available

    6-21-27 • Apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) & European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

    Between Jun 14–25, 2027 • Itinerary App will be finalized & Travel Packets will be mailed out

  • You will be sailing aboard the Oceania Vista, one of Oceania Cruises’ newer ships (an adult-only, upper-premium small ship)

    PASSENGERS: 1,200
    CREW TO PASSENGER RATIO: 1:1.5
    LENGTH: 791 ft
    LAUNCHED: 2023

    QUICK LINKS

     

    CRUISE FARE INCLUSIONS

    • Ship accommodations

    • Oceania’s Your World Included • your choice of wine and beer with lunch and dinner OR a $300 per person shore excursion credit

    • All dining venues including specialty restaurants

    • All day soft drinks, Vero still and sparkling water, premium coffees, teas, smoothies, and fresh squeezed juices

    • Entertainment, lectures, demonstrations, and most onboard activities

    • Starlink WiFi service (2 devices per stateroom)

    • Crew gratuities

    • Launderette on every deck

    • 24-hour room service

    EXCLUSIVE BONUS INCLUSIONS

    • Group booking bonus • $200 per stateroom onboard credit

    • Private Welcome Reception for our group with hors d'oeuvres and drinks

    • Book by April 15, 2026 • Additional $200 per stateroom onboard credit

    NOT INCLUDED
    Additional fee or packages available for purchase:

    • Airport transfers

    • Pre- or post-cruise accommodations

    • La Reserve dining experience

    • Culinary classes 

    • Art classes

    • Alcoholic beverages (unless you select the wine & beer option with lunch and dinner)

    • WiFi with streaming capabilities

    • Excursions

    • Spa treatments

    • Laundry service (included for Concierge Level and above)

    DRESS CODE

    • Bathing suits are not permitted in any dining venue, including the buffet; coverups are required when coming from the pool.

    • Daytime attire is smart casual for indoor dining rooms

    • Evening attire is resort casual to a refined evening look (no shorts or sloppy t-shirts; jackets are not required)

    • No formal nights

  • PASSPORT • Must be valid for 6 months after your date of return.

    TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION NEEDED

    • UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland) • ETA

      • This is a fully electronic authorization that is digitally linked to your passport

      • We recommend applying 10–14 days prior to your departure (takes about 3 days to process)

      • Estimate about £20 per person

      • Valid for 2 years

    • Republic of Ireland - no requirements beyond a valid passport

    • France • ETIAS

      • ETIAS is scheduled to begin late 2026 (more details to follow)

      • Estimated cost of €20 per person

      • Valid for 3 years

    • You may see information about European countries requiring EES. There is nothing you need to do ahead of time. It replaces traditional passport stamping when entering or exiting most European Union (EU) countries. It is completed automatically (passport scan, photo, and fingerprints) at arrival and has no additional cost

    DOUBLE CHECK TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS >>> CLICK HERE <<<

    As regulations may change, it is your sole responsibility to confirm requirements in advance and again before travel. Click the website link to look up each country on your itinerary, including connections.

  • In general, mid-July in the British Isles and northern France brings mild to pleasantly warm days, cooler evenings, and a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain.

    • Southampton (London), England • 59°F to 73°F

    • South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland • 55°F to 66°F

    • Invergordon, Scotland • 52°F to 64°F

    • Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Scotland • 52°F to 63°F

    • Portree (Isle of Skye), Scotland • 52°F to 64°F

    • Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland • 55°F to 67°F

    • Belfast, Northern Ireland • 54°F to 66°F

    • Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland • 55°F to 68°F

    • Cobh (Cork), Ireland • 54°F to 66°F

    • Le Havre (Paris), France • 59°F to 75°F

  • CLOTHING

    • Layers: Think mix-and-match pieces (short sleeves, long sleeves, and light layers) as weather can shift quickly from sunshine to cool breezes and light rain.

    • Pants and Jeans: These will be ideal for daily touring; temperatures are mild but not overly warm

    • Evening Wear: Onboard Oceania, elegant-casual resort wear is common for dinner and events.

      • For women: a dress, skirt with blouse, slacks with nice top.

      • For men: collared shirt (button-down or polo), dress slacks, nice sweater, sport coats are optional but are often worn for a polished look.

      • Avoid casual jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and baseball caps in the restaurants after 6 PM. There are no “formal nights” onboard Oceania, but you may dress up if you prefer.

    • Sweater or Warm Layer: Even in July, mornings and evenings can feel cool, especially in Scotland and Ireland.

    • Waterproof Jacket or Raincoat: A must for this region (light rain showers are common, even in summer).

    • Swimwear: Bring a swimsuit and coverup for onboard pools and the spa.

    • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for cobblestones, uneven paths, hiking tours, and longer walking tours.

    • Secondary Footwear: Casual shoes, sneakers, and flip-flops for onboard comfort; a pair of dressier shoes for evenings.

    ACCESSORIES

    • Scarf or Wrap: Useful for warmth, accessorizing, and modesty when visiting churches.

    • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen (UV exposure can still be strong even on cloudy days).

    • Jewelry

    • Hair bands, clips, etc.

    • Belt

    TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

    • Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are readily accessible.

    • Medications: Bring any over-the-counter and prescription medications along with a first-aid kit for minor issues.

    • Power Adapter: United Kingdom and Ireland use Type G plugs; a universal adapter and converter are recommended.

    • Day Bag or Backpack: Ideal for carrying bottled water, tissues, hand sanitizer, and more while on excursions.

    • Compact Travel Umbrella: Large umbrellas are available in your Oceania stateroom, but on excursions you may prefer a compact umbrella for unexpected showers

    TOILETRIES

    • Basic Toiletries: These will be provided at the hotels and on the ship, but if you prefer, pack travel-sized items including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

    • Personal Care Items: Include items like deodorant, makeup, razor, tooth care, and skincare products to maintain your routine.

    TECHNOLOGY

    • Smartphone/Tablet: Useful for staying in touch, snapping photos, viewing itinerary, navigation, and more.

    • Camera: Optional if you prefer over your phone

    • Charger and Extra Battery: Keep your devices powered while out on excursions.

    OPTIONAL ITEMS

    • Binoculars: Great for observing wildlife or scenic views.

    • Books or E-Reader: For relaxing during downtime on board.

    • Strong Magnetic Hooks: For additional hanging space in your stateroom. (All cruise ships have metal walls.)

  • > > > CLICK HERE < < <

  • A universal travel adapter and converter that includes Types G, C, and F will cover your entire trip.

    England (Pre-Cruise Hotel) Plug Type: Type G (three rectangular prongs); voltage of 230V

    Cruise Ship Plug Type: A and B (standard US) & C (European-style two-pin); voltage of 110V & 220V

    France (Post-Cruise Hotel )Plug Type: Type C and F (European-style two-pin); voltage of 230V 

    Important Note:

    • Power strips/serge protectors are NOT allowed onboard.

    • A small USB hub (non-surge protected) can be helpful for charging multiple devices in your stateroom.

    • Most modern electronics (phones, tablets, laptops) are dual voltage, but check your devices to confirm compatibility with 230V.

  • ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, & NORTHERN IRELAND

    Currency

    • British Pound (GBP) £

    • MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is accepted in many locations, but not all.

    • Contactless payment is extremely common, including for public transportation, taxis, and small purchases.

    • It is a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for small shops, cafes, and tips.

    • ATMs are readily available in tourist areas.

    Tipping

    • Private or small group tour guide: £5 - £10 per person for half-day; £10 - £15 per person for full day

    • Large group tour guide: £3 - £5 per person for half-day; £5 - £10 per person for full day; £1- £2 per person for the bus driver

    • Service charges are sometimes included in restaurant bills (often 10–12.5 percent).

    • If a service charge is included, no additional tip is required.

    • If a service charge is not included, it is customary to leave approximately 10 percent for good service.

    • Taxi drivers are typically tipped by rounding up the fare.

    • Bellhops and hotel staff appreciate small tips for assistance.

    IRELAND & FRANCE

    Currency

    • Euro (EUR) €

    • MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is less commonly accepted than in the UK.

    • Contactless payment is very common, including for taxis and small purchases.

    • It is a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for small shops, cafes, and tips.

    • ATMs are readily available in tourist areas.

    Tipping

    • Private or small group tour guide: €5 - €10 per person for half-day; €10 - €15 per person for full day

    • Large group tour guide: €3 - €5 per person for half-day; €5 - €10 per person for full day; €1- €2 per person for the bus driver

    • In Ireland, service charges are sometimes included in restaurant bills which means no additional tip is required; otherwise, 10% is customary

    • In France, a service charge (service compris) is typically included in restaurant bills by law. No additional tip is required, but it is customary to leave a few euros (or round up) for excellent service.

    • Taxi drivers are typically tipped by rounding up the fare.

    • Bellhops and hotel staff appreciate small tips for assistance.

  • DATA PLANS
    Before your trip, check with your cell phone provider to learn about international rates and coverage options so you can stay connected no matter where you are.

    WI-FI
    Hotels will have complimentary Wi-Fi.

    Onboard Oceania, guests enjoy unlimited WiFi via Starlink. A complimentary login per guest will be provided with a maximum of two free logins per stateroom (one login for solo travelers), each of which can be used on one device at a time. Additional logins for 3rd and 4th guests in a suite or stateroom as well as upgrade packages are available for purchase on board.

    WHATSAPP
    This is a free messaging and calling app that works over Wi-Fi instead of traditional SMS or voice minutes. So long as you are logged into Wi-Fi, you will be able text, call, and share photos while using this app.

  • Travel protection is highly recommended.

    OCEANIA CRUISE
    Days Prior to Embarkation

    • 181 days or more • $150 per person admin fee

    • 180 - 151 days • $500 per person admin fee

    • 150 - 121 days • 25% of full fare

    • 120 - 91 days • 50% of full fare

    • 90 - 61 days • 75% of full fare

    • 60 - 0 days • 100% of full fare


    DOGWOOD TRAVEL DESIGNS
    Days Prior to Arrival

    • 181 days or more • No penalty

    • 180 - 151 days • $200 managing fee per vacation package

    • 150 - 121 days • $300 managing fee per vacation package

    • 120 - 91 days • $450 managing fee per vacation package

    • 90 - 61 days • $600 managing fee per vacation package

    • 60 - 0 days • $750 managing fee per vacation package