Oceania’s Marina ship visit

Thanks to Oceania for another great ship visit last week on the Marina. Sadly not many outside shots as the weather in Southampton was grey and overcast and didn't do the pool deck justice! Marina is one of Oceania's new build ships and has less than double the amount of cabins as Nautica, but is more than twice the size at 60,000 tonnes taking approx 1250 guests. One of the things that struck me was that the ocean view cabins have floor to ceiling windows that resemble a set of patio doors more than anything else! This makes the cabin light and airy.

The elegant country house style of Nautica was evident in several places on Marina but with a more contemporary twist. She still has a fireplace in the 2,000 book library and the impressive artwork and sculptures are around every corner. Although Marina is 6 years old now, she still looks brand new. Personally I didn’t like quite so much of the artwork this time, but I also learned that this was the intention. The two buyers were the founder and the Vice Chairman of the cruise line and they had an agreement that if they both liked the same piece they’d reject it as they wanted the purchases to represent different artistic tastes on board. I’m pleased they disagreed on the Murano and Lalique glass and we got to see lovely pieces of each.

The cabins still boast the signature ‘Tranquility Bed’ and the Penthouse Suites are styled by Ralph Lauren at Home. The twelve Oceania Suites were designed by the famous New York designer Dakota Jackson and have more than 1,000 square feet of space to relax in. These each have a living room, dining room, not one but two whirlpool spa tubs with one being on the private veranda. If you’re lucky enough to be in a suite you’ll also have your own 24 hour butler service.

The ship has a small casino for those that still like to try their gaming skills and has a Canyon Ranch Spa complete with a separate spa deck area with hot tubs. Oceania isn't strictly 'adult only' but they don't offer reductions for children and have no kids facilities on board.

The Polo Grill and Toscana speciality restaurants are featured on the Marina as well as on Nautica - but on Marina they also offer a private dining experience for a reasonable supplement in Privee. For up to 10 guests you can hold a private dinner party and choose dishes from either restaurant or a combination of both. Marina also offers ‘La Reserve’ by Wine Spectator which is a wine pairing restaurant for a supplement. Apart from these two, the speciality restaurants are included in the cruise fare but do need to be booked in advance.

New to Marina & Riviera are the Red Ginger Asian fusion restaurant and the renowned French chef Jacques Pepin’s ‘Jacques’. We had lunch in the Grand Dining Room which is the ship’s main dining room and I have to say that the food was excellent again. This time I was able to try the Filet de Boeuf Perigourdine and wasn’t disappointed. Before going for our lunch, we were able to see the Terrace Café begin offering their guests their first meal on board. Despite being a buffet restaurant, you are still served at every food station and some dishes are prepared for you whilst you wait.

Oceania pride themselves on their cuisine and offer ‘The Culinary Centre’ on Marina and Riviera where you can learn to make some classic regional dishes yourself. You can even shop at the local market with one of the chefs and then cook what you bought when you come back on board. That sounds like fun and I’d love to try it!