For a limited time, Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, invites guests on select 2023 voyages to delve deeper into the world’s most exotic destinations and treasured wonders with its Free Land Program. Available on 15 featured sailings reaching Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and more, guests who book by 8 January 2023 can choose an immersive pre- or post-cruise add-on to coveted places like Cape Winelands, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, the Blue Mountains, Nazca Lines and more, saving up to US$4,600 per person.
“Each of our land programs delve deep into the rich history, culture, nature and architecture of these destinations,” said Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “There are some places in the world we just can’t reach by ship, but are must-sees when cruising the region, so our immersive land programs are the best opportunity for guests to visit these remarkable places and do it for free.”
Please see Free Land Tour offerings below. Each tour offering has limited capacity and are each subject to availability.
Ancient Incas & Pristine Paracas
1 Night | Overland in Lima (Callao), Peru
View ancient Peruvian wonders by flying over the enormous drawings that the pre-Columbian Nazca people created in the desert and by meandering through the 15th-century ruins of the coastal community, Tambo Colorado. The latter is notable for being the only example of an Incan settlement constructed entirely of adobe and compacted soil known as rammed earth. Wildlife is the draw of both the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, a desert landscape along the sea. Humboldt penguins, sea lions and bright-pink flamingos are commonly seen there.
The ‘Ancient Incas & Pristine Paracas’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as an overland excursion aboard the Insignia’s Pacific Panorama Cruise departing 15 January 2023, 24 day voyage from San Francisco to Santiago De Chile.
Chilean Wonders & Wine
3 Nights | Post-Cruise Santiago de Chile, Chile
Savour characteristic Chilean wines and drink in the country’s wondrous natural beauty. The foothills on the outskirts of Santiago contribute to an inland terroir that produces enviable wines, as a tasting at Viña Santa Rita confirms. With the towering Andes as a backdrop, the sky-high ski resort Portillo offers spectacular views. The watershed Battle of Chacabuco was fought nearby, leading to Chile’s independence. Colonial architecture clings to the steep hills of Valparaiso, a lovely seaport that earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation for its 19th-century urban landscape.
The ‘Chilean Wonders & Wine’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a post-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Pacific Panorama Cruise departing 15 January 2023, 24 day voyage from San Francisco to Santiago De Chile.
Winelands & Wildlife
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Cape Town, South Africa
Enjoy inspired wine tastings in the epicentre of the esteemed Cape Winelands, paired with opportunities to view animals synonymous with Africa. Dutch-influenced towns and country estates dot the fertile wine region, ensuring an experience that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Not far away lies Aquila, a private game reserve where you may spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo. Look for other species at the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve and penguins at Boulders Beach.
The ‘Winelands & Wildlife’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Safaris & Global Gems Cruise, departing 5 April 2023, 21 day voyage, Cape Town to Dubai. and Atlantic Expedition Cruise departing 4 March 2023, 32 day voyage Rio De Janeiro to Cape Town. It is also offered as part of the program on board Nautica’s South Africa Spotlight departing 6 January 2023, 12 day voyage from Capetown to Capetown, and Indian Ocean Escapade Cruise departing 18 January 2023, 18 day voyage from Capetown to Mumbai.
India’S Crown Jewel
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Mumbai, India
Although watching a radiant sunrise and sunset at the Taj Mahal may well be the highlight of this exploration, it is by no means the only attraction that will leave an indelible impression. The time between these two spectacles can be spent at the UNESCO World Heritage site Agra Fort or at the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum known as the “Baby Taj” as it is considered to be the model for the Taj Mahal. Delhi also delights through architecture such as the triumphant arch India Gate.
The ‘India’s Crown Jewel’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Nautica’s Indian Ocean Escapade Cruise departing 18 January 2023, 18 day voyage from Capetown to Mumbai and Far East Interlude Cruise departing 5 February 2023, 14 day voyage from Mumbai to Bangkok.
Angkor Wat
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Bangkok, Thailand
Meandering through the ruins of the Angkor Archaeological Park is mesmerizing as it transports you back to the heyday of the Khmer empire. Not to be outdone by the dozens of Hindu-Buddhist temples at the renowned Angkor Wat, the 12th-century temple complex at Angkor Thom stuns in its own way. Its Terrace of the Elephants and huge stone faces only touch upon the curiosities. A look at contemporary life in a craft school for underprivileged children and in a thriving marketplace add cultural context to the experience.
The ‘Angkor Wat’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Nautica’s Far East Interlude Cruise departing 5 February 2023, 14 day voyage from Mumbai to Bangkok, and Fortunes Of The East Cruise departing 19 February 2023, 10 day voyage from Bangkok to Singapore.
Explore Singapore
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Singapore, Singapore
Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of Singapore, a city state that rapidly transitioned from a British trading post into an ultra-modern destination. Its multicultural past comes to life in the traditional temples and synagogues on Waterloo Street and in Chinatown’s bewitching maze of narrow roads. Cruising the Singapore River presents yet another perspective of the metropolis while sustainably powered Gardens by the Bay celebrates the bullish future. What better wrap-up than toasting the experience with a Singapore Sling in the legendary Raffles Hotel.
The ‘Explore Singapore’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Nautica’s Fortunes Of The East Cruise departing 19 February 2023, 10 day voyage from Bangkok to Singapore, East Asia Enclaves Cruise departing 1 March 2023, 10 day voyage Singapore to Hong Kong, Highlights Of The East Cruise departing 22 April 2023, 18 day voyage Tokyo to Singapore. It is also offered as part of the Free Land Program on Insignia’s Far East Legends departing 26 April 2023, 22 day voyage Dubai to Singapore and Southeast Asia Array Cruise departing 18 May 2023, 15 day voyage Singapore to Hong Kong.
The Jewels Of Hong Kong
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong dazzles, especially when you see it from the most captivating vantage points. Ride the funicular to soaring Victoria Peak, a sampan boat past Chinese junks in Aberdeen Harbour and a cable car up to Ngong Ping village, home to the once-remote Buddhist monastery Po Lin. Every cherry-picked highlight reveals another fascinating facet of Hong Kong, a metropolis equally proud of its soaring skyscrapers and traditional neighbourhoods. Exploring vibrant Stanley Market and watching craftsmen turn gemstones into finished jewellery add cultural nuance.
The ‘Jewels of Hong Kong’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Nautica’s East Asia Enclaves Cruise departing 1 March 2023, 10 day voyage Hong Kong to Tokyo and Eastern Endeavor Cruise departing 11 March 2023, 12 day voyage Hong Kong to Tokyo. It is also offered as part of the Free Land Program on Insignia’s Southeast Asia Array Cruise departing 18 May 2023, 15 day voyage Singapore to Hong Kong, and Spiritual Shrines Cruise departing 2 June 2023, 18 day voyage Hong Kong to Tokyo.
Tribute To Tokyo
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Tokyo, Japan
Only icons can truly encapsulate a metropolis as big and bold as Tokyo, especially ones that represent the capital’s extraordinary diversity. For a historical perspective, the 7th-century Sensoji Temple and the Edo Tokyo Museum speak volumes. The Imperial Palace bridges the past and present, as samurai warriors lived in the castle that once stood where Japan’s imperial family now resides. The ultimate view of the city and Mt. Fuji in the distance is from atop Tokyo Tower, a symbol of Japan’s rebirth as an economic powerhouse.
The ‘Tribute to Tokyo’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise or post-cruise offering aboard Nautica’s Eastern Endeavor Cruise departing 11 March 2023, 12 day voyage Hong Kong to Tokyo and Highlights Of The East Cruise departing 22 April 2023, 18 day voyage Tokyo to Singapore. It is also offered as part of the Free Land Program on Insignia’s Aleutian Bridgeway Cruise departing 20 June 2023, 24 day voyage Tokyo to San Francisco, and Spiritual Shrines Cruise departing 2 June 2023, 18 day voyage Hong Kong to Tokyo.
Glimpse Of Arabia
3 Nights | Post-Cruise Dubai, UAE
See the United Arab Emirates through landmarks that best express its richly layered history and audacious vision for the future. The Emirates’ cultural heritage is engagingly displayed within the waterfront Museum of Islamic Civilization in Sharjah, while the capital of Abu Dhabi showcases more modern attractions, including its Grand Mosque, which holds 40,000 worshipers. The Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects the country’s deep devotion to the arts. Still, the desert dominates most aspects of life, which is why a Bedouin-style dinner amid the sand dunes seems so appropriate.
The ‘Glimpse of Arabia’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a post-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Safaris & Global Gems Cruise, departing 5 April 2023, 21 day voyage, Cape Town to Dubai.
Emirates: Past, Present & Future
3 Nights | Pre-Cruise Dubai, UAE
Gain a remarkably comprehensive understanding of the United Arab Emirates by visiting three cities, each wonderfully distinct. In the capital of Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque salutes cultural diversity through its unexpected blend of architectural styles. Dubai celebrates the bold and unusual in landmarks such as the arresting Swiss Cheese Building and spire-shaped Burj Khalifa, once the world’s tallest building. The heritage of the emirates is proudly displayed in Sharjah’s esteemed Museum of Islamic Civilization and Souk Al Arsah, the country’s oldest such marketplace.
The ‘Emirates: Past, Present & Future’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Far East Legends departing 26 April 2023, 22 day voyage Dubai to Singapore.
Cultural Sydney
3 Nights | Pre- or Post-Cruise Sydney, Australia
Become immersed in Sydney’s extraordinary Aboriginal culture for a glimpse into an ancient lifestyle that still flourishes today. Take the ferry to Goat Island and discover its significance to the Aboriginal people, who own it once again. Wander about the Royal Botanic Garden and the national park Ku-Ring-Gai Chase for an understanding of herbal medicines and how the indigenous people nurtured the land. Deepen your insight even further by browsing Aboriginal artwork and listening to Elders tell spiritual Dreamtime stories.
The ‘Cultural Sydney’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre- or post-cruise offering aboard Regatta’s Fjords & Tasman Tales Cruise departing 13 February 2023, 15 day voyage Sydney to Sydney.
Scenic Blue Mountains
3 Nights | Post-Cruise Sydney, Australia
Nature dominates this adventure into the Blue Mountains, a massive UNESCO World Heritage site blanketed with eucalypt forest and pristine bushland. Explore Jenolan Caves, a labyrinth of limestone chasms that underground rivers carved over eons. Behold roaring Wentworth Falls and hear Aboriginal legends about the weathered Three Sisters peaks. Options in Scenic World alone include riding the world’s steepest incline railway, traveling between clifftops in a glass-bottom tram and descending into the ancient Jamison Valley by cableway. Stroll Australia’s most elevated botanical gardens for good measure.
The ‘Scenic Blue Mountains’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a post-cruise offering aboard Regatta’s Fjords & Tasman Tales Cruise departing 13 February 2023, 15 day voyage Sydney to Sydney.
A Passion For Rio
3 Nights | Pre-Cruise Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It’s hard not to fall in love with Rio, especially when this irrepressible city is presented so beautifully. What better introduction than seeing the highlights from every conceivable angle, including from atop Sugarloaf Mountain, which you reach via cable car. Rio is synonymous with the uber-exuberant festival Carnival, and a behind-the-scenes look divulges exactly how the outlandish floats and lavish costumes are made. Even a taste of Rio leaves you wanting more, so an entire day is devoted to independent exploration.
The ‘A Passion For Rio’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a pre-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Atlantic Expedition Cruise departing 4 March 2023, 32 day voyage Rio De Janeiro to Cape Town.
San Francisco & Sausalito
2 Nights | Post-Cruise San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Bay Area flaunts its finest as you take in the most alluring attractions in the heart of downtown and in the artsy suburb of Sausalito. The destinations are so iconic that you can’t help but come away with a true picture of San Francisco, the world’s largest Chinatown outside of Asia. The hairpin turns of Lombard Street and the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. The attractions simply don’t get more emblematic and they are nonstop. The laidback vibe of Sausalito adds the perfect counterpoint.
The ‘San Francisco & Sausalito’ program is available as part of Oceania’s Free Land Tour Program as a post-cruise offering aboard Insignia’s Aleutian Bridgeway Cruise departing 20 June 2023, 24 day voyage from Tokyo to San Francisco.