Oceania Cruises welcomed its 1,250-guest ship, Marina, back into service after undergoing a refurbishment, including three new dining options.
The ship's additions include Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-focused dining venue that debuted to great acclaim on Vista last year; a poolside ice cream parlour serving milkshakes and smoothies; and a new al fresco Pizzeria offering sumptuous Italian dishes.
Marina is the most recent of Oceania Cruises' current fleet to be refurbished. Its eighth ship, Allura, will sail in July 2025.
"Marina is the first – the original – ship designed by foodies, built by foodies, for foodies," said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises.
"We are renowned for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, and this is not just a tagline, it is a mantra which we have built the business around. Food is the foundation of what we do on board each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit.
"The addition of these three relaxed, yet refined, eateries to Marina is the perfect way to spotlight that The Finest Cuisine at Sea does not always mean a white linen tablecloth and starched napkins at one of our award-winning specialty restaurants. It's also a perfectly prepared pizza, accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine enjoyed on deck, as you set sail with a warm breeze around your shoulders; or a decadent poolside ice cream or flavorful smoothie as you relax on your sun lounger."
Oceania Cruises' newly appointed executive culinary directors, chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, were charged with creating a fresh look for menus across the fleet.
"The introduction of these three wonderful culinary venues on board Marina is just the start of an exciting new taste journey for Oceania Cruises. Of course, there is an incredible amount of work going on to prepare for the arrival of Allura next summer, but we have so much going on aboard all our beautiful ships. Eric and I are looking at every menu and every dish we serve, as you'll see with the return of Marina," said chef Alex.
"The ethos behind The Finest Cuisine at Sea is at the heart of everything we do; it all starts with the best ingredients, the best team and a precise plan as to how each mouthful should taste – regardless of whether it's a lunchtime burger at Waves Grill or an extravagant souffle in The Grand Dining Room. We have so much to talk about, I cannot wait to share more in the coming weeks and months."
Overview of Marina's all-encompassing refurbishment:
· Aquamar Kitchen, a new Oceania Cruises signature restaurant, which debuted on Vista, presents wellness-inspired menus. Aquamar Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch and does not require reservations, and as with all other onboard restaurants, is complimentary for guests.
· In the evening, Waves Grill transforms into an al fresco Pizzeria with freshly made pizzas, succulently grilled Italian specialties, salads, rosemary focaccia with lush burrata and indulgent desserts, including a Nutella pizza.
· An all-day ice cream parlour has been added to the pool deck.
· The 124 Penthouse Suites are completely re-inspired, with custom-crafted furniture, new closets and cabinetry to increase guest storage space, new carpets and upholstery, updated modern lighting and thoughtful details such as more outlets and USB ports. Each Penthouse Suite has a restyled bathroom with Italian marble throughout, abundant drawer space, and generous oversized showers, offering residential luxury.
· Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room, and the Library have been updated with new carpets and refreshed upholstery, and specialty steakhouse Polo Grill boasts a fresh new look with new carpeting, stylish window treatments, and sleek, pillowed-leather dining chairs.
· Due to the addition of Aquamar Kitchen, Oceania Cruises' signature pairing dinners featured in La Reserve will now be showcased in Privée, Marina's glamorous and exclusive private dining venue.
