When I was recently onboard Vista, Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, the line mentioned that Marina would soon be receiving the brand’s fresh Aquamar Kitchen concept, which serves healthier food.
And now, the company is expanding on what else is slated for the ship when it goes in for refurbishment in May 2024, including a total of three new dining venues for vessel, which originally launched in 2011.
“Marina is a 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 onboard each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit.”
Food is the foundation of what we do onboard each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit.
Dining Venues
Aquamar Kitchen will displace La Reserve, but its signature pairing dinners (such as the Odyssey Menu and Dom Perignon Experience) will be relocated to Privee — the ship’s private dining room, nestled between Toscana and Polo Grill.
Meanwhile, reservation-free Aquamar Kitchen will showcase “wellness-inspired menus, with a hint of indulgence,” according to Oceania. For breakfast, guests can expect smoothies, cold-pressed juices and energy bowls; for lunch, they can anticipate avocado toast options, salads and wraps, as well as an Impossible burger, yellowfin tuna tacos or a crunchy chicken sandwich.
Beverages will also follow suit, with the likes of non-alcoholic wines from Pierre Zero and other mocktails.
“We are especially thrilled to expand the Aquamar Kitchen concept to Marina, following its incredible reception from guests since it was unveiled onboard Vista in May,” said Del Rio.
Also being added to Marina is an alfresco trattoria at Waves Grill in the evening, as found on Vista, as well as an all-day poolside ice cream parlor. At night, the grill will serve up everything from gourmet pizzas and grilled Italian specialties to spicy dry-rubbed chicken wings, refreshing salads, rosemary focaccia (complete with burrata) and tempting desserts.
And speaking of desserts, the new ice cream parlor will highlight premium flavors from Humphry Slocombe, in addition to milkshakes and smoothies.
The trio of new venues will be complimentary to guests. Illustrating Oceania’s overall commitment to fine dining, the line claims to offer the highest percentage of culinary staff of any cruise company. In fact, half of the crew onboard either cook or serve food, and there is one chef present for every 10 passengers.
Refreshed Suites and Public Spaces
In addition to restaurants, Marina’s other private and public spaces are set to be revitalized, as well. For instance, all upper-tier suites will be redesigned with lighter and brighter tones, and Penthouse Suites specifically will get new bespoke furnishings, updated closets and cabinetry for increased storage, refreshed carpets and upholstery, enhanced lighting and additional electrical outlets and USB charging ports. Their bathrooms will also be redesigned with Italian marble, oversize showers and ample drawer volume.
The Polo Grill, Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room and the Library will also be receiving refreshed carpets and/or upholstery, and the Polo Grill will further get updated window treatments and redesigned dining chairs.
Once complete, Marina will be reintroduced on May 18, 2024. Its upcoming voyages next summer will include a 20-day trip from Oslo, Norway, to Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 6, and an extended 44-day route roundtrip from London. Shorter cruises include a 10-day trip from Copenhagen to Tromso, Norway, on July 26, or a 15-day sailing from Tromso to Reykjavik, Iceland, on Aug. 5.
