Aboard Regatta with Oceania Cruises
Cruise Overview
Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why.
On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats.
About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty.
Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk.
When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region.
The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital.
In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington.
Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets.
As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center.
Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed.
Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out.
That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu.
Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south.
The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand.
Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life.
When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education.
Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming.
The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs.
The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing.
This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration.
It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K.
Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009.
The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront.
The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct.
A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland).
"Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders.
A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country.
Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns.
But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem.
You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
The population center of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities.
Along with its neighbor, Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns.
Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn't grind to a halt in the off-season, because it has one of the busiest ports in the country, and the excellent waves at the neighboring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga's harbor bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk.
The earthquake that struck Napier at 10:46 am on February 3, 1931, was—at 7.8 on the Richter scale—the largest quake ever recorded in New Zealand.
The coastline was wrenched upward several feet.
Almost all the town's brick buildings collapsed; many people were killed on the footpaths as they rushed outside.
The quake triggered fires throughout town, and with water mains shattered, little could be done to stop the blazes that devoured the remaining wooden structures.
Only a few buildings survived (the Public Service Building with its neoclassical pillars is one), and the death toll was well over 100.The surviving townspeople set up tents and cookhouses in Nelson Park, and then tackled the city's reconstruction at a remarkable pace.
In the rush to rebuild, Napier went mad for art deco, the bold, geometric style that had burst on the global design scene in 1925.
Now a walk through the art deco district, concentrated between Emerson, Herschell, Dalton, and Browning streets, is a stylistic immersion.
The decorative elements are often above the ground floors, so keep your eyes up.
On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats.
About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty.
Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk.
When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region.
The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital.
In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington.
Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets.
As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center.
Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed.
Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out.
That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu.
Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south.
The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand.
Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life.
When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education.
Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming.
The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs.
The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing.
This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration.
It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K.
Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009.
The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront.
The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct.
A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland).
"Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders.
A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country.
Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns.
But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem.
You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
The population center of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities.
Along with its neighbor, Whakatane, this seaside city claims to be one of the country's sunniest towns.
Unlike most local towns, Tauranga doesn't grind to a halt in the off-season, because it has one of the busiest ports in the country, and the excellent waves at the neighboring beach resort of Mount Maunganui—just across Tauranga's harbor bridge—always draw surfers and holiday folk.
The earthquake that struck Napier at 10:46 am on February 3, 1931, was—at 7.8 on the Richter scale—the largest quake ever recorded in New Zealand.
The coastline was wrenched upward several feet.
Almost all the town's brick buildings collapsed; many people were killed on the footpaths as they rushed outside.
The quake triggered fires throughout town, and with water mains shattered, little could be done to stop the blazes that devoured the remaining wooden structures.
Only a few buildings survived (the Public Service Building with its neoclassical pillars is one), and the death toll was well over 100.The surviving townspeople set up tents and cookhouses in Nelson Park, and then tackled the city's reconstruction at a remarkable pace.
In the rush to rebuild, Napier went mad for art deco, the bold, geometric style that had burst on the global design scene in 1925.
Now a walk through the art deco district, concentrated between Emerson, Herschell, Dalton, and Browning streets, is a stylistic immersion.
The decorative elements are often above the ground floors, so keep your eyes up.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Regatta
Launch Year: 1998 Length: 181 Width: 25.5 Currency: USD Capacity: 656 Crew Count: 400 Deck Count: 8 Cabin Count: 342
Better than new, Regatta is the flagship of the Oceania Cruises fleet and features a beautifully re-inspired ambiance. Each luxurious suite and stateroom is entirely new from floor to ceiling, including the bathrooms. Her decks are resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, and her lounges, suites and staterooms showcase designer residential furnishings. Regatta offers four unique, open-seating restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, eight lounges and bars, a casino and 333 tony suites and sleekly redefined staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas. With more than 400 crew to serve a maximum of 656 guests, it’s no wonder these small and luxurious ships are more than acclaimed – they are legendary.
In a dramatic re-inspiration process, Regatta has become a completely redesigned ship without peer. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed colour palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises. From the bejewelled new chandeliers in the gracious Grand Dining Room to the beckoning Reception Hall, Regatta celebrates a rejuvenation so sweeping, you will find it positively unimaginable to resist her welcoming embrace.
Sleek and elegantly charming, Regatta is the flagship of the Oceania Cruises fleet. Her decks are resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work, and her lounges, suites and staterooms boast luxurious, neo-classical furnishings. Regatta offers every luxury you may expect on board one of our stylish ships. She features four unique, open-seating restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, eight lounges and bars, a casino and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas. With just 656 guests to pamper, our 400 professionally trained European staff ensure you will wait for nothing.
Regatta Facilities
Regatta Includes
Cabin Details
The generous dimensions of our suites and staterooms afford the ultimate in luxury. A fashionable colour palette blends sea, sky and comforting earth tones to create a soothing environment that invites relaxation. Every suite and stateroom on board will be imbued with an even more luxurious ambiance, featuring designer residential furnishings, fine fabrics and plush draperies, chic lighting and much more.
Suites Add Another Dimension
All of our suites are uncommonly spacious for added comfort. The Suites are adorned in designer fabrics and furnishings echoing the serene seas and expansive skies, becoming calming and tranquil oases of quietude and relaxation. Penthouse Suites offer oversized living and dining areas, and marble and granite-clad bathrooms with a shower.
Our palatial Owner’s Suites and Vista Suites offer everything you would expect in a world-class hotel, elevating sea-going opulence to new levels. Resplendent with custom Empire-style furnishings from Italy on board, each has its own bedroom, dining area and so much more.
Suite & Stateroom Amenities
- Ultra Tranquility Bed, an Oceania Cruises exclusive
- Free and unlimited soft drinks replenished daily in your refrigerated mini-bar
- Free still and sparkling Vero Water®
- 24-hour Butler service in all suites
- Bulgari amenities
- Free room service menu 24 hours a day
- Signature Belgian chocolates with nightly turndown service
- Wireless Internet access
Awaken refreshed and revitalised from the new custom-designed Ultra Tranquility Bed, featured in all of Oceania Cruises’ suites and staterooms.
- Custom-designed mattress featuring 3,000 encapsulated micro-springs, which ensure a peaceful night's sleep with zero noise upon movement
- Quilted with advanced silver-threaded fabric and specially designed thermo-fibre for luxurious comfort
- Plush down comforter
- Hand-quilted throws
All Suites and Staterooms are Smoke-Free
