Oceania Vista: Lisbon to Barcelona for people who travel to eat
Portugal, Andalusia and the Spanish coast with the best restaurants at sea, at an upper-premium price.
AdviceWhat we would do in your position
Ask Blackbury Travel
Which cruise has the best food?
Oceania for adults who travel to eat; Silversea for the best kitchens on a true luxury line; Explora for a family who want nine places to eat without compromise.
Our answer
In our words.
Oceania's kitchens lead the upper-premium bracket by a clear margin, and Vista is the ship to try them on. The fare is well below the all-inclusive lines, so you pay for drinks and excursions separately, but for a couple who plan a vacation around dinner it is the best value at sea.
Among the all-inclusive luxury lines, Silversea's restaurants are the strongest, and Silver Nova's are the best in the fleet. Seabourn and Regent are very good; Explora matters for families because of range rather than a single standout room.
We would not choose a ship for food alone when children are coming. Pick the ship for the party, then book the restaurants. We can reserve the specialty venues before you sail.
Our promise
We will say no.
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If the ship you have in mind is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistThe sailings we name
Where this answer points.
Planning figures per person, not quotes.
Silver Nova: Venice to Athens down the Adriatic
Silversea's brightest ship through Croatia, Montenegro and the Ionian, with a butler in every suite.
The lines
Who we would book it with.
Oceania Cruises
Food-led, country-club casual ships of around 670 to 1,200 guests at an accessible luxury price.
- Best for: Adult parties who rank food first and want to spend less than the luxury lines
- Not for: You have children with you or want everything included
- Included: specialty dining; wi-fi
Silversea
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
- Best for: Couples and well-traveled grandparents, and families with teenagers on an expedition
- Not for: You need a kids' club or a big, lively pool scene
- Included: butler service in every suite; drinks and dining
Explora Journeys
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
- Best for: Three-generation groups who want modern comfort and plenty of room
- Not for: You want a traditional, intimate ship
- Included: dining across most venues; drinks and minibar
Comparison
Read the comparison behind it.
Want us to make the recommendation for your family?
Tell us who is traveling, when and what matters most, and a specialist will name the ships we would book for you, and the ones we would not.