Magnificent Marina !!

I have been lucky enough to visit and sail on some wonderful ships during my career in travel but Oceania Marina has to be the best I have seen so far.

The sun was shining as we arrived at Dover Cruise Terminal to begin our visit to the ship, that had to be a good omen for the day! We embarked Marina and began our  tour in the fabulous atrium complete with Lalique Glass chandeliers and adornments. On from there to the  wonderful staterooms and suites where the furnishing have all been carefully selected by the ships owners and much of it designed by Ralph Lauren.

Then to the Canyon Ranch Spa and the outdoor pool area where they have some of  the largest and most comfortable sun loungers I have ever seen.

 The lounges and theatre are all also excellent but the thing I was most interested in was the restaurants and food on board.

The cuisine on board Oceania ships is widely acclaimed as the finest at sea, under the watchful eye of the Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pepin. All the restaurants are complimentary, with the exception of Privee – the private dining room –  and La Reserve. La Reserve is available on board Marina and Riviera and is a set “taster” style menu which has to be pre booked and a surcharge does apply – but it certainly looks like an experience not to be missed.

La Reserve

 We first visited the Terrace Cafe, open for buffet breakfast , lunch and dinner. On embarkation day there is a special ” embarkation lunch ” featuring some wonderful roast meats.

Terrace Cafe

On from there to the Polo Grill for steaks, chops and seafood, and the wonderful Italian venue Toscana where the walls are decorated with murals of the Tuscan countryside.

Polo Grill

Jacques Pepin serves his own French Country Cuisine in ” Jacques ” and flavours of the East can be found in Red Dragon.

Al Fresco dining is is available at Waves Grill by the pool, and the Terrace Cafe. There are wonderful coffees, classic English afternoon tea and a fabulous wine cellar, complimnetary room service and evena pizzeria, ice cream and sundae bar!

 Finally – The Grand Dining room !! for lunch ! and what a lunch it was. the menu was a selection of dishes from all of the speciality restaurants.

To Start

Warm Crushed Baby Potato with Caviar

Echire Butter and Fresh Chives

 To Follow

Rissotto all!Aragosta

Arborio Rice with Roasted Lobster Medallions in Lobster Broth Reduction

Next Course

Den Miso Glazed Seabass

wrapped and cooked in Banana Leaf

Main Course

Seventy Two Hours Slow Cooking Short Rib ” Perigourdine”

Semolina Gnocchi, Vegetable Casserole and Crispy Parmesan

For Dessert

“Gold Bullion” of Valrhona Jivara Chocolate Mousse Praline, Exotic Fruit and Amarena Cherries

Peti Fours and Macaroons

The food tasted as good as it looked, the service was friendly and attentive and I can`t wait to go on her again. The Grand Dining room is one of the best I have seen on a ship – light and airy with a huge Swarovski crystal chandelier in the centre.

She is a truly wonderful ship and, at the moment, there are some great itineraries and prices on her.  Have a look at her Baltic Treasures itinerary for 1st August with prices starting at £ 1099 pp for a 10 night cruise – an absolute bargain  plus $ 500 per cabin on board credit to spend as well.