This week, thanks to our partnership with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), I got the chance to check out the freshly revamped ship Marina while she was relaxing in Southampton.
Before hopping aboard Marina, I didn't know much about Oceania except for their legendary culinary experiences and their chic smaller ships. Oceania pitches its self against Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Viking, and Azamara when it comes to value and gourmet delights; however, they sit comfortably between mainstream suite categories and their luxurious sister brand Regent. onOnboard, you’ll find everything from suites and verandas to oceanview rooms and well appointed inside cabins. On the new Vista and her soon-to-arrive sister Allura, they've done away with inside and oceanview rooms, which have transformed into French Verandas, letting everyone enjoy that fresh sea breeze from their rooms! Their smaller R-Class ships even have porthole oceanview and solo oceanview rooms. Explore a penthouse suite with Tom here.
Alright, intro done—let's get to the good stuff: the tour and the food! Marina might be small compared to the giant ships out there today, but she’s a heavyweight in the food department. She boasts seven full-service restaurants, an upscale buffet-style restaurant, room service, and their signature afternoon tea in the Horizon Lounge. Plus, you can even whip up your own culinary masterpieces in their culinary center, which also includes chef-guided tours on land.
Most cruise lines tout their passenger-to-crew ratio, but Oceania takes a different spin. Sure, Marina has an impressive ratio of just under 2:1, but they highlight their 1 chef to every 10 passengers ratio instead. Want your eggs a specific way? Done. Need less salt in your sauce? No problem. Gluten or dairy-free? They’ve got you covered. Oceania takes pride in their food, knowing it can be the highlight of your holiday and a gateway to new cultures. They’ve trademarked “The Finest Cuisine At Sea,” and they mean it.
Onboard, I indulged in a four-course lunch, sampling dishes from each restaurant. I started with breaded jumbo shrimp from the Grand Dining Room, followed by porcini mushroom risotto with ricotta cream from Toscana. For my entrée, I had a 5 oz fillet mignon cooked to perfection, with potato gratin, creamed spinach, and truffle sauce from Polo Grill. Other options included a Buddha bowl from the new alfresco spa cuisine restaurant Aquamar or miso-glazed sea bass from Red Ginger, their Asian-inspired restaurant. Dessert was a triple chocolate brownie from Ember (found on their new ship Vista), followed by petits fours.
Stuffed but undeterred, I continued my exploration. My favorite spot? The pool area, decked out in real teak wood. The deck is lined with plush sun loungers, spaced for privacy, with snug-fitting white towel covers that stay put. No more worrying about them slipping off or blowing away. And the best part? You’ll always find a sunbed to sink into, no early morning scramble needed.
At the front of the ship, terraced balconies offer intimate, sheltered decks with views of the pool and the sea. You can always find your own private spot. At the very front, there’s a mini-golf course with real undulating hills and spectacular ocean views. At the aft, near the funnel, you’ll find traditional deck games like shuffleboard and lawn croquet, with a running track circling the area.
Inside, glass lifts ascend from the pool deck through a glamorous two-story atrium adorned with crystal and marble. Compared to her newer sister Vista, Marina shows her classic charm from another era, yet she’s anything but outdated. Off the atrium, you’ll find Martinis, a bar serving up the finest cocktails. At the aft, there’s the casino and its bar, followed by the Grand Dining Room. The front of the ship houses the spacious Marina Lounge.
Last but not least, Horizons—a lounge at the ship’s front—became another favorite spot. It offers fine Champagne, cocktails, space to dance, 180-degree views, and Oceania's signature afternoon tea. Cream first or jam first?
My time onboard Marina was fantastic, and I’d jump at the chance to sail on her or one of her sisters again. Despite being a small luxury ship, Marina exudes a relaxed, home-away-from-home feel. No tuxedos needed; just pure, unpretentious elegance where you can relax and be yourself.
Want to learn more about Marina? Click here, or check out her extensive refurbishment here. Want to explore even more? Check out the 'Marina' story highlight under our bio on instagram!