The Oceania Marina Part One

Had a nice early start yesterday morning driving from Sheffield to Liverpool for my tour on board the Oceania Marina with my colleague Layla. I noticed there was the Crowne Plaza hotel with it’s own car park right across from the road from the Cruise Terminal which is perfect for an overnight stay before your cruise.

Having not sailed with Oceania before i was really keen to see what the ships were like as they had often been compared to 5 or 6 star ships.

Oceania are a Premium brand that would still nicely in the middle between Cunard, Princess, Celebrity and the likes of Regent, Seabourn, Silversea. their itineraries are very port intensive  with a lot of overnight visits and extended evening stays in ports. Intimate and luxurious ships with a maximum of 1250 guests on the Marina and Riviera and 684 on the Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and sirena. Tuxedos and ball gowns are never required just an elegant casual dress code. Itineraries tend to vary from 7 days right through to a Round the World cruise in 180 days. they include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Panama Canal, South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa, South America, Alaska and Canada.

Guests can expect complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, Tea’s and coffee’s, juices all around the ship and in all staterooms. Internet on board is free for the UK guests.

They were the first to introduce the completely hands on cooking school at sea with the Culinary Centre on board the Marina and the Riviera.

Another area that i definitely would participate in is the Artists Loft. In-residence Artists will be on hand to offer step by step instructions on painting with watercolors and oils, sketching and collages. All the equipment is provided on board. These classes get very busy during sea days. They are designed for everyone in mind from beginners to professionals.

The Canyon Ranch spa club features on board all their ships. Offering massages, couples massages, facials, spa treatments, a fully equipped Gym as well as wellness lectures and fitness classes.

The Monte Carlo was very impressive and really stylish. The bar stools alone cost $10,000 a stool.

There was a taster on the Marina for you. Next time i will talk more about the Dining and other facilities featured on board the ship. If you yourself have sailed on this ship please leave a comment with your thoughts. Please give me a call or email me if you have any questions or would like to look more in to cruising with Oceania.