New Oceania Marina – an Epicureans Dream!
We have just received a really exciting press release from Bernie Carter of Oceania Cruises informing us that the new Marina is the ‘first ever cruise ship built for Epicureans’. So, before writing this I had to refer to my good friend Google to ask the meaning of this! Apparently an Epicurean is ‘a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)’, and the use of this noun is very rare. Mmmm – now I am really interested to discover more…………………
Instead of rambling on as I usually do I will copy the Press Release so that you can read for yourselves what Bernie has to say. I defy anyone not to be impressed by what Marina is going to offer. Their food has always been in a league of its own but Oceania are really raising the bar on their newest ship. Read on, and savour the delights that await future passengers. God, I am already green with envy!
Oceania Cruises’ new ‘Marina’ to feature
10 dining venues, including 6 gourmet restaurants
The first-ever cruise ship built for Epicureans
Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will set new standards for culinary excellence at sea with 10 dining venues, six of which are gourmet restaurants and offer culinary excellence at no supplement. The 1,250-guest ship, which debuts later this month, has been designed for food and wine lovers with the aim of offering dining experiences comparable to the best shore-side restaurants.
Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president, said “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many cruise lines, all of our meals are cooked to order, a la minute. We are committed to serving cuisine that rivals some of the world’s very best restaurants.”
Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favourites
Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. Below is an outline of the ship’s eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive options:
1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savoury specialities, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its namesake, internationally renowned chef Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centrepiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.
8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, homemade biscotti and coffee cake.
Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table
9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – La Reserve is an intimate venue that hosts wine tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.
10. Privée – An exclusive private dining room that offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalised menu featuring such specialities as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.
Oceania Cruises’ new Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre and full-service Canyon Ranch® SpaClub. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.
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I've been a Cruise Consultant for a number of years now and I can honestly say that it is just the best job ever. No two days are the same. I have got to know some fantastic people through the course of my job, both in the industry and clients,…
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They should have named it Baccus – the Greek god of wine and intoxication !