Oceania Cruises’ Marina Debuts With Comprehensive Upgrades and New Culinary Options

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Oceania Cruises, renowned as the premier cruise line focused on exceptional culinary experiences and destination explorations, has reintroduced its 1,250-passenger vessel, Marina, after a comprehensive renovation. This upgrade introduces three exciting new dining concepts. Guests on the Marina can now relish the offerings at Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-oriented eatery first launched on Vista last year to rave reviews; a casual poolside ice cream shop that also serves milkshakes and smoothies; and a delightful outdoor Pizzeria featuring exquisite Italian fare.

Marina represents the latest in Oceania Cruises’ fleet to receive such an upgrade, making it one of eight ships that are newly enhanced or restored to a superior condition. The fleet will expand with the launch of the Allura in July 2025.

“Marina is the first – the original – ship designed by foodies, built by foodies, for foodies,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “We are renowned for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, and this is not just a tagline, it is a mantra which we have built the business around. Food is the foundation of what we do on board each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit.

“The addition of these three relaxed, yet refined, eateries to Marina is the perfect way to spotlight that The Finest Cuisine at Sea does not always mean a white linen tablecloth and starched napkins at one of our award-winning specialty restaurants. It’s also a perfectly prepared pizza, accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine enjoyed on deck, as you set sail with a warm breeze around your shoulders; or a decadent poolside ice cream or flavorful smoothie as you relax on your sun lounger.”

Under the guidance of newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, along with their skilled team, Oceania Cruises is also revamping the menu offerings across all dining venues on each ship.

Chef Alex commented: “The introduction of these three wonderful culinary venues on board Marina is just the start of an exciting new taste journey for Oceania Cruises. Of course, there is an incredible amount of work going on to prepare for the arrival of Allura next summer, but we have so much going on aboard all our beautiful ships. Eric and I are looking at every menu and every dish we serve, as you’ll see with the return of Marina.

“The ethos behind The Finest Cuisine at Sea is at the heart of everything we do; it all starts with the best ingredients, the best team and a precise plan as to how each mouthful should taste – regardless of whether it’s a lunchtime burger at Waves Grill or an extravagant souffle in The Grand Dining Room. We have so much to talk about, I cannot wait to share more in the coming weeks and months.” 

Detailed Breakdown of Marina’s Comprehensive Refurbishment:

Aquamar Kitchen: This signature Oceania Cruises restaurant, first introduced on Vista, offers wellness-oriented dishes with a touch of luxury, appealing to refined tastes. Breakfast features energizing smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and nourishing energy bowls. Lunch menus include diverse avocado toasts, salads with global flavors, and wraps. Hearty choices such as an Impossible™ burger, yellowfin tuna tacos, and a crispy chicken sandwich are also available. The drink menu boasts premium non-alcoholic wines like Pierre Zero from France and an array of mocktails made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits. Open for breakfast and lunch, Aquamar Kitchen requires no reservations and is free for guests.

Evening at Waves Grill: In the evening, this space transforms into an outdoor Pizzeria. It serves freshly baked pizzas, grilled Italian favorites, enticing salads, rosemary focaccia with creamy burrata, and decadent desserts like Nutella pizza.

Ice Cream Parlor on the Pool Deck: A new all-day venue offering a selection of ice creams from the acclaimed Humphry Slocombe, alongside milkshakes and smoothies, enhancing the pool deck experience.

124 Penthouse Suites Renovation: These suites have been luxuriously upgraded with bespoke furniture, enhanced storage options including new closets and cabinetry, plush new carpets, and upholstery. Modern lighting, additional outlets, and USB ports have been added for convenience. Bathrooms are revamped with fine Italian marble, ample storage, and spacious showers, embodying Oceania’s signature residential-style luxury.

Refreshed Public Areas: Key communal spaces like Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room, and the Library boast new plush carpets and updated upholstery. The Polo Grill steakhouse presents a revitalized appearance with new carpeting, chic window treatments, and modern leather dining chairs.

Dining Experience Enhancements: With Aquamar Kitchen’s introduction, signature pairing dinners previously held in La Reserve will now take place in Privée, Marina’s sophisticated and private dining area, adding an exclusive touch to culinary experiences on board.