For Billy Hirsch, going on cruises isn’t just taking a holiday—it’s a lifelong passion rooted in childhood memories. "I was introduced to cruising as a young kid because my father worked for a cruise line," Hirsch confided to Reader’s Digest. "Travelling with my family, cruising became a love of mine, and those early experiences sparked my desire to explore more of the world by cruise ships.
" As an adult, his love for cruising only grew, though the financial responsibility of his vacations shifted. "Paying for those trips became my responsibility, so I started with cheaper sailings," Hirsch reflected, explaining that, being a South Florida native, a weekend getaway on a cruise ship became his default holiday choice. Now, after years of extensive cruising, Hirsch has a keen eye for what makes a cruise truly special—especially when it comes to avoiding crowds.
When asked about his favourite cruises with the least amount of passengers, he points to a couple of standout ships that offer serene experiences in uncrowded spaces. One of those ships is the Oceania Regatta, a smaller vessel by modern standards, which Hirsch describes as having an intimate, almost homelike atmosphere. "It feels like you're in someone’s lovely home.
.. which happens to be a ship," he said.
Despite its more compact size, the Regatta doesn't sacrifice luxury. It still offers a range of public spaces for guests to relax, enjoy onboard entertainment, or take in beautiful views. With fantastic dini.