When it was launched in January 2011, Oceania's 1,250-passenger Marina was unique in many ways. It was the first new-build for this upmarket cruise company; and had 'firsts' on board including a superb cookery school and a purpose-built 'loft' for arts and crafts classes. Marina combined absolutely top-notch dining in its six restaurants with beautiful, contemporary decor -- the suites in particular are a real talking point - and imaginative itineraries that spanned the world, significantly, at reasonable prices. This winning formula continues today; Oceania has not been tempted to go all-inclusive, like some of the luxury lines, so keeps its prices competitive, but continues to deliver a high quality product.
Marina is a real foodie's ship. We love Jacques, the signature restaurant of the cruise line's culinary director, Jacques Pepin; the oak flooring in the room was sourced from a barn near Lyon and recipes, all French classics such as Moules Marinieres and succulent Duck à l'Orange, come from the Pepin family cookbook. The cheese trolley is a work of art. Marina also has an Asian restaurant, Red Ginger, as well as Oceania's popular Polo Grill and Toscana, both alternatives to the elegant Grand Dining Room. If the calorie count is looking alarming, don't worry; there's a Canyon Ranch spa on board and its recommended dishes are highlighted on every menu.
Marina is full of personal touches. The stunning lapis lazuli blue marble that tops the Pool Bar was personally chosen by company founder Frank del Rio and much of the Cuban art on board is from his personal collection; in fact, a new audio tour of the ship's art was launched in 2014. The chefs who run the cookery classes will take guests on truly immersive tours in port where they taste local produce, select their own ingredients and take their haul back to the ship to cook. If you're looking for casual but informal elegance, genuinely beautiful surroundings and the ambience of a mid-sized ship aimed at adults, Marina could be the perfect choice.
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