When you have a new cruiseline whose president's working motto is "Promise a lot; deliver more than you promise," whose every principal and officer is constantly considering what can be done better, where every little tiny detail is scrutinized, and where ultimate customer satisfaction is the ONLY goal, you have a likely winner.

It's a fact that part of my job description requires me to be hypercritical, to assess what works and what doesn't, what's good and what's not so good. I did that on my Regatta cruise but here's the rub: So did the people who matter at Oceania.

The few things that I found confusing or not as well-handled as they could be were already being addressed by the company. In fact, the only item that I wish would be considered and probably is at the bottom of the food chain for the line is the issue of the too-small smoking areas, causing them to be overcrowded, noisy, and too concentrated with smoke. While the principals say that they will review the issue, it is nether pressing nor urgent. Everything else is.

Oceania's goal is to position itself between the premium and luxury cruise market, offering an affordable cruise vacation with the finest dining at sea, creative and exciting itineraries, a relaxing yet elegant environment. There are no formal nights; dress is "country-club casual," meaning anything from Dockers to Gucci. In the main restaurant there is single-seating dining; the specialty restaurants require reservations, but unlike the mainstream and premium cruiselines, there is no surcharge. Oceania has even hired renowned chef Jacques Pepin as its Culinary Director, to assist with designing and developing the gourmet fare for the line.

I loved the design of the ship and the elegant but casual atmosphere. I loved every one of the dining venues, I loved the meals and the selections. I loved the fact that the ship was fairly quiet most nights (except for the night of the famous Polyester Party,) and I loved the low-key entertainment. Not everyone would feel the same way. Twenty-somethings might find the ship boring if they are used to - or crave - a lot of activities, but on the other hand, it's ideal for honeymooners. There are no facilities for young children, even though they are wecome aboard. Some might find the old-world decor a bit too fussy; sleek brass, chrome, neon and 10-story atriums just don't exist on the Oceania ships. The staterooms are on the small side; the bathrooms in all but the suites are miniscule. There are no mini-fridges in the cabins - yet - and whether they are added in the future is under review.

All in all, the Regatta is a romantic, beautiful ship with few drawbacks, and the Oceania experience was as close to perfect as any cruise I have ever taken.

I think that it's important to note that although the ships in Oceania's fleet come from the Renaissance line, this is not Renaissance Cruises. That company bit the dust in 2001; this is Oceania, proudly new. There is a limited smoking policy, children are allowed, the food, spa services, stateroom amenities, beds, linens and decking have all been upgraded. Although the ships and the experience will appeal to the legions of loyal Renaissance fans, they will soon realize that Regatta (and her sisters Insignia and Nautica, due to be launched in 2004 and 2005 respectively,) are a whole different breed: They are much, much better.