Add Oceania Cruises to the list of small-ship lines going big. The four-year-old company today announced plans for a string of new vessels with a capacity for 1,260 passengers -- 80% more than its current cruisers. 

Oceania has ordered up two of the $500 million ships to launch in 2010 and 2011, and it has an option for a third to debut in 2012 -- a massive expansion that is taking shape less than three weeks after New York's deep-pocketed Apollo Management bought a majority interest in the company. The line currently operates just three 684-passenger ships.

The announcement, the latest sign of the boom in upscale cruising, comes just a day after luxury leader Silversea unveiled plans for bigger ships and five months after a similar announcement by Seabourn Cruise Line.

What should Oceania's famously-loyal fans expect? The line promises bigger cabins than its existing vessels, as well as better bathrooms, more restaurant choices and a vastly expanded spa. Also in the works, as one might expect, is a more diverse array of itineraries, including the line's first foray into Alaska.

Can Oceania re-create the intimate feel of its current vessels on a ship nearly twice as large? We want to hear from you, Cruise Loggers (click on the comment button to leave your thoughts below).

There's big news this week for fans of Oceania Cruises, the four-year-old line founded by former Renaissance Cruises executives. New York-based private equity fund Apollo Management will pay $850 million for the company and its three 684-passenger ships, all former Renaissance vessels.

Oceania was founded in the wake of Renaissance's collapse in 2001, which followed the downturn in tourism after the 9/11 attacks. Like Renaissance, it has a loyal following. What does the takeover mean for Oceania lovers? In the day-to-day of ship operations, probably not all that much. Apollo praised the current management in its annoucement of the takeover this week, and it appears the line will continue to operate as it has before.

The big difference could be in funding for future vessels, a long-standing question mark with Oceania. Apollo has deep pockets and could afford to finance an expansion of the line, either by acquiring existing ships or building new. Stay tuned.

Tell us, Cruise Loggers: Have you sailed on any of Oceania Cruises' three ships, the Regatta, Insignia and Nautica? What were they like?