Rosanna De Ria shares her love for Europe

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited Europe, there’s always another adventure just waiting to be found – especially in summer. “There’s so much to explore”, said Rosanna De Rai excitedly on board the luxurious Riviera cruise ship in Bordeaux. The Italian born Oceania Club Ambassador beams as she shares her love for Europe.

Indeed, Oceania Cruises are passionate about showing their guests the very best of Europe, whether it’s new ports of call, classic destinations or rich cultural immersion. 

New ports-of-call

Oceania Cruises 2021 itineraries for Europe are now on sale and Rosanna told me that they include thirteen new European ports. “We will go to Monopoli, Italy. It’s a tiny seaside town on the Adriatic with a famous Baroque cathedral and totally unique architecture”, she said. “We are also visiting Salerno on the southeastern edge of the beautiful Amalfi Coast.” 

In northern Europe Oceania Cruises will make a number of maiden calls too. There is Turku in Finland, a town that dates from the 13th century which today has charming restaurants lining cobbled riverside streets. As well as Malmö in Sweden with its glorious King’s Park and Castle Park separated by a picturesque canal.

“Our new ports are especially popular with experienced cruisers who are looking for something different, but of course we have the classic ports too. Places like Copenhagen, London, Rome, Athens and Venice”, said Rosanna.

Venice remains popular

She tells me that Venice is always one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Oceania guests. “It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to see. My home town is near Venice and I’m still discovering new things!”

Of course Venice can get crowded in the summer, but Rosanna offers an insiders tip. “Get lost!”, she says. “Be an explorer. Get off the beaten path and you’ll discover the secret magic of Venice.”

New Go Local excursions

Exploring is something Oceania Cruises are famous for. In fact, they have introduced a new range of tours called “Go Local”. These are especially designed for guests who crave something different – something that lets them feel the pulse of the destination.

For instance, in Rome you can spend a day like a local. “We start at a little coffee shop where you can taste espresso made with water from an ancient well”, said Rosanna. “Then you’ll sample pizza from a local bakery and you’ll shop at a local market. It’s fantastic and it’s unique.”

Rosanna’s top destination

Rosanna De Ria has been working on cruise ships for 16 years. So what is her favourite destination in Europe? “It’s Israel, I find it fascinating and beautiful at once.” Indeed, Oceania Cruises usually spend three days in port so there is plenty of time to explore. “You can go to Nazareth one day, then Jerusalem the next. On another day you can see the Dead Sea and Masada National Park.”

Learn more about 2021 Oceania Europe itineraries at the Oceania Cruises website.