Hays Travel and cruise.co.uk unveil exclusive Oceania charter programme

Hays Travel and cruise.co.uk are looking to shake up the ex-UK cruise market by running six full-ship charters in partnership with Oceania Cruises next summer.

The retail giant and the cruise specialist it bought last year will run the exclusive sailings between July 17 and August 26, 2027.

They will be designed specifically for UK guests and will offer a five-star luxury cruising experience for 650 passengers per itinerary, on board Oceania’s Nautica.

The majority of the sailings will be no-fly options from Southampton.

The move marks the first time Hays Travel Group has chartered an entire vessel for a complete UK summer season and comes almost a year after Hays Travel acquired Victoria Travel Group, the parent company of cruise.co.uk, in July 2025.

Hays Travel owner Dame Irene Hays said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with cruise.co.uk’s Chris Gardner, Tony Andrews and their team on this exclusive charter with Oceania Cruises.

“Cruise continues to be a key strategic growth area for Hays Travel, and we know our customers will appreciate the luxury experience on board Oceania Nautica and the excellent choice of itineraries.”

The Hays and Cruise.co.uk sailings will be the last operated by Oceania Nautica before it enters drydock to be refitted and renamed Oceania Aurelia. More suites will be added, meaning it will carry fewer than 500 passengers when it resumes sailing in late 2027.

Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “Demand for luxury cruising has never been stronger, and this programme gives British travellers something genuinely special.

“With world-class dining, small-ship elegance and unforgettable itineraries on our doorstep, the 2027 ‘summer of lux’ season will be a fitting farewell for a much-loved ship and we’re proud to be the ones bringing her home.”

Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Oceania Cruises, said: “The British market has long been important to Oceania Cruises, and these exclusive sailings reflect a clear desire for luxury experiences closer to home.

“Sailing from Southampton aboard Oceania Nautica, our UK guests can enjoy the hallmarks of our brand while exploring some of Europe’s most compelling destinations.”

The adult-only line claims to offer “the most inclusive specialty dining at sea”, with all venues included in the cruise fare alongside Wi-Fi and gratuities.

The itineraries being offered are:

• July 17, ‘Iberian Homecoming’: three-night cruise from Lisbon, visits Southampton from £699pp
• July 20, no-fly ‘Norwegian Fjords and Nordic Light’: seven-night round trip from Southampton from £1,799pp
• July 27, no-fly ‘Grand Iberian Tapestry’: 12-night round trip from Southampton from £2,999pp
• August 8, no-fly ‘Vineyards, Canvases and Chateaux’: eight-night round trip from Southampton from £2,099pp
• August 16, no-fly ‘Norwegian Fjords and Nordic Light’: seven-night round trip from Southampton from £1,899pp
• August 23, ‘Iberian Return’: three-night sailing from Southampton from £699pp

Pre-registration will go live between May 29 and June 3, before general sale opens on June 4.