Ep 17 - Exploring the World with Oceania Cruises with Nikki Upshaw

In this episode, we're diving into Oceania Cruises with Nikki Upshaw, who reveals how this line stands out with its unparalleled culinary experiences. Each restaurant boasts its galley, ensuring your food arrives fresh and hot within seconds. Rodney himself praises the miso-glazed Red Bass as the best on the planet. Beyond dining, Oceania offers casual spots with extraordinary cuisine, sourcing ingredients locally from ports of call. Guests can also engage in hands-on learning at the onboard culinary center. The cruise experience is highly customizable, featuring stunning art collections and an artist loft, with smaller ships that stay in port longer, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Exciting news includes the introduction of the newest ship, Allura, in July 2025, with two more ships arriving in 2027 and 2029, continuing to provide world cruises and unique overland experiences. Join us as we explore the exquisite offerings of Oceania Cruises. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:44] Nikki explains how Oceania focuses on having the best cuisine and that each restaurant has its galley
• [4:59] There are casual dining spots on the ship, and the cuisine is still extraordinary, and the ship takes advantage of local sourcing from ports of call
• [7:06] Nikki discusses the hands-on center where guests can learn from the chefs on board
• [9:48] Nikki shares that your cruise experience can be customized to their liking and discussion about the art on board 
• [12:44] Nikki mentions Oceania has smaller ships, they stay in port longer, they have an artist loft, and there is art available to purchase
• [14:57] Nikki shares that their itineraries remain in port until seven, eight or nine o’clock so that passengers can enjoy the culture of the city come alive, and in some destinations, they overnight
• [19:45] Nikki introduces the newest ship, Allura, in July 2025 and reports that two more ships are coming in 2027 and 2029 and discussion of world cruises overland experiences

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Each restaurant has its galley, so the food arrives at your table 30 seconds after it leaves the kitchen. 
• Rodney vouches for the Red Bass on Oceania prepared with miso glaze. He says it is the best on the planet. 
• Staying in port into the evening and overnight allows a traveler to immerse themselves in the city they are visiting

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Nikki Upshaw - LinkedIn

Oceania Cruises - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Nikki has over 30 years of luxury sales, marketing and cruise industry experience and is responsible for Global Trade Sales as well as Onboard Sales. She has led the company to record breaking launch seasons and record results. As a member of senior management, she also contributes to the company’s success by driving brand development, sales channel enhancements and creating new trade marketing strategies. 

Prior to joining Oceania Cruises, she held the position of Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing for The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth. She has also held several senior-level positions with ultra-luxury cruise companies, such as Royal Viking Line, Cunard Line and Seabourn. 

Nikki has three children – Alexandra (26), Connor (23) and Keira (16). She is the Chairperson of the South Florida American Cancer Society Evening of Hope Ball and served as Co-Chair of the CLIA Trade Relations committee from 2020 to 2022.