As part of the ongoing enhancement program, OceaniaNEXT, Oceania Cruises have also unveiled 120 new and exclusive ‘Go Local’ tours for their guests to enjoy.
The ‘small batch’ tours will allow guests to explore the inner-depths of Europe, Alaska, or South America on selected itineraries.
President and CEO for Oceania Cruises, Bob Binder, said:
“On our new Go Local tours, you don’t see the highlights or even a landmark. On these tours, you are being introduced to local artisans, shopping local markets, and quite literally becoming part of a local family. You’re learning about and experiencing generations-old traditions and the ways of their day-to-day lives.”
The ground-breaking tours will take passengers into the local lives and homes of selected destinations, exploring the very fabric of the people and their communities, away from the typical tourist sites.
Samples include:
Shepherd for a Day
Mahon, Spain
Guests will be welcomed to a family farm in the countryside of Ciutadella or Es Mercadal and introduced to the lifestyle and operation of the farm, including the milking and shearing of the sheep. You will also learn the intricacies of making goat cheese and how the strong coastal winds that soak the grazing fields result in the cheeses having a hint of sea-saltiness. After the immersion into sheep farming, it’s time to savour a meal around the family table and sample local cheeses, freshly baked bread, cured meats and of course, wine.
Shop for Dinner and Set the Table
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Accompanied by a local guide, this is a fun and engaging afternoon and evening of shopping local markets and then retiring to a local residence where dinner is prepared and enjoyed. Navigating through a market bustling with locals, there will be opportunities to ask the butchers for the best cuts, the fishmonger for today’s catch or to haggle with the grocer for the best price on vegetables. One need not be a foodie to appreciate the richness of this experience. After the shopping is finished, it’s time to enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner ‘at home’.
Fishing with the Natives
Portofino, Italy
On this lively excursion, guests spend the day at sea with a local fishing crew, watching them haul in the day’s catch. The Captain and crew will describe their typical day on the stunningly beautiful Ligurian Sea and explain the different methods they use such as casting nets or the traditional palamiti – long lines with hundreds of hooks. Of course, no day at sea would be complete without a meal of traditionally prepared, just-caught fish followed by a refreshing dip in the sea off the coast of Portofino.
From being introduced to local artisans, learning the intricacies of making goat cheese or even fishing with the natives, the tours offer truly immersive, genuine experiences.
Would you love to explore the world with one of these once-in-a-lifetime ‘Go Local’ tours? See all of our Oceania Cruises sailings with the button below and find your perfect itinerary today.