Oceania Cruises commenced operations in 2003: the company was created to operate vessels from the former fleet of defunct Renaissance Cruises, whose fleet of eight ‘R’ ships was built in the late 90s.

Built in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the whole fleet was substantially subsidised by French tax breaks. Following the company’s collapse, the ships were slowly taken up on long term charter or by new owners, with two going to Princess Cruises (Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess), one to Swan Hellenic as the Minerva II (now Royal Princess), and eventually three ending up with Oceania (Regatta, Insignia and Nautica) and two with Azamara (Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey).

Oceania Cruises established itself very quickly, operating excellent value port-intensive cruises in an unpretentious style, and with a reputation for excellent food. This winter, the company will take a major step forward with the launch of Marina, the first vessel to be purpose-built for the line.
One of the key differences between this new ship and the existing fleet will be the space and quality of the suites, appointed using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection.

The three Owner’s Suites at over 2,000 square feet will feature inset Georgian wood panelling, polished stone and mirror, with an ivory marble entryway, black and camel mosaic tile, and plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile, brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

It may sound a bit over the top, but the highlight of the suite will be a full wall of floor to ceiling windows giving uninterrupted views over the sea, with a pair of verandahs on either side. This extraordinary suite, unmatched by anything at sea, straddles the full width of the ship facing aft, and features a spacious living room, separate dining area, bathroom and spacious bedroom as well as a dramatic entry foyer and music room.

Even if you decide the Owner’s Suite is a step too far, there are a range of other suite options to appeal, including the forward facing Vista Suites, the beautifully located Oceania Suites, and a whole number of Penthouse Suites at 420 square feet.

In the main body of the ship, the grand stairway for the reception area has been created by Lalique and will feature double curved staircases and balcony with balustrades of crystal medallions and scrolled iron. At the base is Lalique’s highly prestigious Cactus table will be topped by an exquisite and striking Lalique vase, with fresh flower display. .

Increased dining choices have been highlighted in previous issues of Cruise News and options include the Grand Dining Room, Jacques (inspired by Jacques Pepin), Red Ginger serving Asian cuisine, the Polo Grill steakhouse, Toscana with its extensive Italian menu, and the airy Terrace Cafe.

Currently under construction in Genoa, Marina will be completed this winter, and make her Maiden Voyage a transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami in January 2011. This will be followed by two long Panama Canal cruises, conveniently cruising between Miami and San Francisco, A Caribbean round trip from Miami, and finally, a return across the Atlantic in April. With fares starting from an incredible £50 per person per day (inside cabin, transatlantic) you can hardly pass up this opportunity to experience a very special new ship. Availability is tight, so call quickly to secure your place.