My Date with Marina – Part 2

So Hopefully you got the feel from my last update about how impressed with Oceania Marina overall and today I’m going to talk restaurants and food. Now I have to admit having a guided tour from a self confessed foodie he had set the scene very early so had to back up what he said in his presentation about the dining venues and food.

He was certainly not wrong as the Marina has 6 speciality restaurants all in stunning venues and with different options on offer. This gives you the options so you can try something varied and new everyday. Oceania pride there selves on producing the finest foods at Sea and they Spend a Whopping 6, Yes 6 times more than any of the other cruise line per person on food.

I’m a big fan of Asian food so my favourite was Red ginger an Asian/Thai mix. It is a stunning venue and the attention to detail is again clear to see. Even the chairs have been made special as one of the owners had seen something similar so ordered these be made bespoke  to set everything of perfectly. This is the most popular choice on the ship and you must reserve in advance to avoid missing out. With the menu offering 6 different levels of chopstick you get the idea that is going to be something very special indeed.

Here I am trying to sneak a reservation

Next on the list was the Toscana Restaurant, Serving Tuscan food and if you remember from my first update this is the place with the X-Factor and the stunning Versace place settings costing a staggering $12,000 each The menu looked amazing but you might panic about scratching one of the plates.

I’m still in shock at the Versace place settings!

Now I love a good Grill and The Polo grill would be another great option. The Beef is in the best 2% in the world and is provided by USDA (Prime steak) dry aged for 28 days. The Lobster is only farmed in Maine and Oceania have an agreement that they are the only customer.

The Polo Grill even has some tables with great views

One thing I absolutely loved was a very special room for rent, Privee. This carry’s a charge of just $250 in total per night and that is for the room that will seat upto 10 people. When you think about it that is Amazing value at a cost of as litte as $25 per person for something like a special occassion. Designed by Dakota Jackson with a stunning golden Venini Chandelier in the centre. Perhaps the best part is you can order from the menus either side of the room which are the Polo Grill or the Toscana.

Privee

Another really popular one is Jacques ( Especially when the man himself is onboard ). Very much a Parisian Bistro designed by and hosted at times by Jacque Pepiris . You almost feel like you have taken part of Paris at Sea. Even if Jacque is not onboard you can still see him as a self portrait is just outside the restaurant.

A great venue and some of Jacques handywork

La reserve has a very classy feel to it with wine tasting playing a big part coupled with gourmet food (reservations required)

The main dinning room the Grand Restaurant is where I had my rather splendid lunch, A mix from all the restaurants above. It lives up to it’s name as it was pure class was very grand and I have to say the all the staff were first class and so freindly which is what my customer who cruise with Oceania say.

Me in the Grand Restaurant!

That just leaves me to tell you about The Wave Grill and the Terrace Cafe buffets where our host advised you can get the best burgers at Sea. If you still need any convincing then afternoon tea is served in Horizon at 4pm sharp everyday and you also have The Baristas cafe serving blended Italian signature coffees and delicious pastries.

So all in all if you are a foodie the Oceania could well be the cruise for you.

let me know if you have sailed with Oceania and how you would rate the food or of you would like any more details from me.