Marina offers a truly magnificent experience on a small luxury cruise ship. With award winning itineraries to choose from including destinations from, Antarctica to the Baltics, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to the French Riviera and Northern Fjords, the choices are scintillating.

The Martinis Bar - Oceania Cruises
The Martinis Bar – ©Oceania Cruises

Why Choose Oceania Cruises

Oceania’s smaller ships provide an intimate and personal cruise experience, with no long queues and the ability to visit smaller ports, where larger cruise ships simply cannot dock.

Oceania Cruises have earned the reputation as providing ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’. Marina boasts six restaurants to choose from including the magnificent Grand Dining Room and my favourite speciality restaurant choices of Jacques and Red Ginger. The cruise line is popular with ‘foodies’ for good reason; the food and service are sublime.

However what makes Oceania Cruises stand out from other cruise lines in my opinion is their commitment to deliver a truly amazing service, consistently across all six cruise ships. With a team highly trained professional staff at hand to ensure your cruise is as memorable as possible.

Then there are the award-winning itineraries which cover the globe on their smaller more intimate cruise ships.

About Oceania Cruises

Six small cruise ships make up the Oceania fleet. Marina and her sister ship Riviera are the two largest ships carrying 1,250 passengers who are looked after by an 800 strong crew. The four smaller R-class cruise ships; Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena carry 684 passengers and have a staff complement of 400.

The outbreak of covid-19 may have delayed the launch of the two new Allura-class cruise ships which were expected to join the fleet in 2022 and 2025. 

Marina Cruise Ship

The Marina was built in 2011 and underwent a full refurbishment in 2016. She is an awesome ship with 11 guest decks providing accommodation for 1,250 passengers in a selection of luxury Staterooms and Suites. With a staff complement of 800 this provides a guest to staff ratio of 1.57 ensuring a personal and intimate service.

Marina Cruise Ship - Oceania Cruises
Marina Cruise Ship – ©Oceania Cruises

Life On-board Marina

Sailing on Marina offers you a unique opportunity to enjoy an intimate and personal cruise experience, enhanced by the sublime cuisine and award-winning cruise itineraries. Explore your destinations with a selection of organised tours or just do your own thing.

The ambiance on-board Marina is cosy and personal, complimented by the professional staff service and exceptional Oceania standards. There is no need to rush, you are free to do as much or as little as you like. Relax on a comfortable chaise by the pool or indulge the spa services which are readily available in the relaxing Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. 

A cruise holiday onboard Oceania’s Marina means elegance without pretence. There is no need for tuxedos, suits or evening gowns, the dress is elegant casual. There are no long queues to board or get ashore, life on Marina is relaxed and comfortable, just as a cruise holiday should be.

Suites and Staterooms onboard Marina

Marina is often described as a ‘Boutique Hotel at Sea’ offering a choice of 625 luxury staterooms and suites. Here is an overview of the accommodation choices. 

Marina Staterooms

Inside Staterooms

The spacious Inside Staterooms offer an entry level price point which I must say, we really enjoy. The inside rooms are well-appointed with a vanity desk, breakfast table and refrigerated mini bar. The marble and granite-clad bathrooms have a shower and are stocked with Bulgari amenities.

The comfortable ultra-tranquillity beds ensure an excellent night’s sleep and the advantage of having no windows in the room means it remains dark after sunrise, that means no need to rise early. There is a twice-daily maid service and my favourite Belgian chocolates mysteriously arrive with the nightly turndown service.

Inside Stateroom - Oceania Cruises
Inside Stateroom – ©Oceania Cruises

Ocean View Staterooms

If you prefer a stateroom with a window, an Ocean View Stateroom, is the next category up. These staterooms offer stunning views through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Features include a generous seating area, vanity desk, breakfast table, refrigerated mini-bar and a marble and granite-clad bathroom with a bathtub/shower and separate shower.

Veranda Staterooms

The Veranda Staterooms measure 282-square-foot and are an extremely popular choice amongst the many regular passengers. The staterooms include an ultra-tranquillity bed, spacious closet and a marble and granite-clad bathroom with a bathtub/shower and separate shower. The stateroom also provides a comfortable seating area, writing desk, flat-screen television and DVD player. The refrigerated mini bar is stocked with free and unlimited soft drinks. There is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing on your private veranda, with a glass of wine, watching the sunset.

Concierge Veranda Staterooms

Beautifully decorated, the 282-square-foot Concierge Veranda Staterooms are simply divine. Located in the most desired of locations onboard Marina offering guests an unrivalled combination of luxury, privilege, and value. 

Enjoy the services of a dedicated concierge, the ultimate comfort of ordering room service from the extended Grand Dining Room menu during lunch and dinner and unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace.

With access to the private Concierge Lounge featuring your own dedicated concierge, magazines, daily newspapers, complimentary beverage and snacks. Additional benefits include priority noon ship embarkation, a complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne on arrival and more.  

Concierge Veranda Staterooms - Oceania Cruises
Concierge Veranda Staterooms – ©Oceania Cruises

Suites

Penthouse Suites

The 124 elegant Penthouse Suites provide a haven of luxury, space and comfort which will have you thinking you have entered a world-class five-star hotel. The suites’ design maximises the generous 420-square-feet of space, featuring a dining table, separate seating area, full-size bathtub/shower and separate shower, walk-in closet and your very own private veranda, not to mention a 24-hour Butler service. 

As guests in the Penthouse Suites you will have access to the private Executive Lounge and the services of a dedicated concierge along with complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day. Other benefits include priority noon ship embarkation, a complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne. Priority online specialty restaurant reservations and unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace.

A Penthouse Suite onboard Oceania’s Marina - Oceania Cruises
A Penthouse Suite onboard Oceania’s Marina – ©Oceania Cruises

Oceania Suites

The 1,000 square foot Oceania Suites were created by the famed New York designer Dakota Jackson. The elegant suites feature a living room, dining room, fully equipped media room, large walk-in closet, king-size bed, expansive private veranda, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas and a second bathroom for guests.

Start your cruise early with priority boarding from 11am. Enjoy the 24-hour Butler service and exclusive access to private Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge, stocked with complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day.

The suites complimentary bar is setup with six full-size bottles of premium spirits and wines from your suite beverage menu. You will have a fresh fruit basket replenished daily and off course you will have priority for reservations at your favourite restaurant. As Oceania Suite guests you will benefit from unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace, along with a host of other amenities.

Vista Suites

The Vista Suites owe their luxurious interior design to Dakota Jackson and together with their prime location overlooking the bow of the ship. These are an excellent choice for anyone celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary.

The luxurious and spacious Vista Suites include access to the exclusive Executive Lounge as well as every imaginable amenity, such as a large walk-in closet, a second bathroom for guests, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas, and your own private fitness room.

Your private Vista Suite bar is setup with six full-size bottles of premium spirits and wines from your suite beverage menu. A fresh fruit basket is replenished daily and off course you will have priority for reservations at your favourite restaurant and unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace, along with a host of other amenities.

With a 24-hour Butler service included, this is the life. 

Owner’s Suites

Revel in your own 24-hour butler service to ensure that you are not wanting for anything during your cruise. Design a private dinner to savour the moment with course-by-course in-suite dining, ordering in from any of the specialty restaurants.

The Owners Suites are best described as ‘Pure Heaven’. The three exclusive suites were decorated from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Each truly, sensational suite, occupies a generous 2,000 square feet and spans the entire beam of the ship.

The suites feature a king-size bed, two walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas and an entry foyer with a music room. The large living room leads out onto a beautiful veranda with stunning views out to sea. There is a fresh fruit basket replenished daily and off course you will have priority for reservations at your favourite restaurant.

‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’

Oceania Cruises are renowned for offering the ‘Finest Cuisine at Sea’. With six stunning restaurants to choose from, I have no doubt you will be blown away by the choice and quality of the cuisine onboard, its sublime.

The Grand Dining Room

The Grand Dining Room onboard Marina is an impressive affair, resembling one of Europe’s fine marquee 5-star hotel restaurants, the room is richly decorated in rich woods, designer fabrics and oversized armchairs, creating a wonderful ambiance in classic splendour. 

This truly memorable dining experience is brought to life by the professional waiting staff and the delightful cuisine that is expertly created by the kitchen brigade. The tables are beautifully decorated; you can expect bone china, sparkling Riedel crystal, gleaming silver, and fine cotton linens. The professional waiting staff are formally attired and classically trained, ensuring your dining experience is an event and not just a meal.

The menus change daily and comprise of a variety of European-inspired continental cuisine with a selection of light and healthy ‘Aquamar Vitality’ cuisine and plant-based options for those watching their calorie intake or with dietary requirements.   

Polo Grill – Steak House

Meat lovers will ‘feel the love’ at the Polo Grill. This classic American-style steakhouse offers a selection of tender and flavoursome 28 day, dry-aged USDA Prime beef. In addition to a wide variety of red meats there is a bountiful choice of delicious seafood such as Grilled Swordfish and Whole Maine Lobster Gratinée. 

The Polo Grill- Oceania Cruises
The Polo Grill- ©Oceania Cruises

The Bistro

Go French for the Afternoon in The Grand Dining Room.

The Bistro takes its inspiration from the talented and acclaimed Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pépin. This French affair showcases a selection of the family favourite recipes and regional specialities during lunchtime in The Grand Dining Room. 

Toscana

Toscana, meaning Tuscan, is a real gourmet Italian treat. Presenting a selection of some of Italy’s finest dishes, Toscana offers an awesome evenings dining. If you love Italian food, these classical Italian dishes will delight. The waiting staff and ambiance ensures that your dining experience is as memorable as it will be rewarding. 

Jacques

Jacques offers a truly awesome dining experience, serving typical French country cuisine, this restaurant is a real delight. Resembling a Parisian restaurant, the décor is outrageously pleasing, the ambiance is wonderful, the waiting staff bring the evening alive, creating a memorable dining experience and that is before you have even tucked into the delicious French cuisine. 

The Baked Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Crust is truly sublime and for mains tuck into the deliciously slowly cooked rotisserie meats which afford a choice of succulent chicken, pork, veal or beef prime rib, simply sensational. Perhaps try the Maine Lobster Baked in Shell with Mushroom Cream Sauce, it’s all so tasty. 

Jacques is one of those restaurants that you know you will always remember, simply superb and testament to the great Master himself, Chef Pépin.

Red Ginger – Asian Cuisine

The décor sets the scene, the cuisine has your taste buds screaming for more, the food is delightful. There are too many delicious choices to mention but some of our favourite dishes were the Miso Soup, Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay and Crispy Ginger Calamari. For mains the Red Curry Chicken, Malaysian Beef Penang and the Lobster Pad Thai were delish.

The Red Ginger Restaurant - Oceania Cruises
The Red Ginger Restaurant – ©Oceania Cruises

Terrace Café

With the option to dine inside or alfresco this is a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience and perfect for those that just feel like something more casual. A beautiful setting, with awesome vistas out to sea, sets the scene for a peaceful and pleasurable meal.

The menu offers a variety of internationally inspired dishes which include freshly made sushi and sashimi, tasty rotisserie meats and delicious pizzas. The terrace café is the ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail and watch the world go by.

Waves Grill

When enjoying the pool and the sun, the best option for a snack is the Waves Grill. Offering a selection of Burgers, Sandwiches, Panini’s and Hot Dogs, with a variety of fillings and side dishes. The burgers are superb and there is a variety of drinks to quench your thirst. The menu also provides a selection of healthier choices if you are watching the calories.

Afternoon Tea

On an Oceania Cruise, regardless of the ship, the classical English Afternoon Tea is celebrated daily in grand style while a classical string quartet plays softly in the background. The daily celebration is perfectly choreographed by a brigade of well-rehearsed waiter staff who convey a beautiful selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, multi-coloured petits fours, scrumptious scones with clotted cream, and delicious desserts. It is divine, moreish, and irresistible.

Baristas

If you love coffee, Baristas is a delightful coffee bar, offering a selection of your favourite brews including illy® espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. 

Special Dining Experiences

Privée

Looking to celebrate a special occasion with friends or family while on the cruise?

Privée provides the perfect setting to reserve an exclusive private dinner party at sea. This exclusive venue accommodates up to ten guests, with an option to order from either the Toscana or Polo Grill menus. 

La Reserve by Wine Spectator

The partnership between Oceania Cruises, the renowned Wine Spectator and the premier champagne house, Moët & Chandon has created an awesome dining and wining experience at sea. 

La Reserve - Oceania Cruises
La Reserve – ©Oceania Cruises

The Dom Pérignon Experience

Featuring an extraordinary six-course pairing dinner with exceptional Dom Pérignon vintages. This exquisite dinner was created and developed with Moët & Chandon’s Executive Chef Marco Fadiga. Reservations are required and a surcharge applies.

The La Cuisine Bourgeoise wine pairing dinner

The seven-course La Cuisine Bourgeoise wine pairing dinner celebrates the acclaimed recipes from Oceania Cruises’ Master Chef and Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin with a selection of fine wines to masterfully complete a wonderful evening. Reservations are required and a surcharge applies.

Room Service

Ideal for those times when just relaxing on your private veranda is what you feel like doing. Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, sit back relax and watch the ocean float past. The complimentary room service is available 24 hours.

Bars & Lounges

Waves Bar

Ideally located alongside the pool the Waves Bar provides the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s an ice-cold beer, a glass of wine, a cocktail or delicious milkshake, Waves has it all. The bar also offers a selection burgers, sandwiches and healthier choices if you are feeling peckish.

Horizons

This lounge bar offers stunning views out to sea through the floor to ceiling windows. During the day it is an ideal setting to chill out and enjoy the vistas, in the afternoon the lounge hosts the Afternoon Tea, a daily ritual not to be missed, its delish.

By night, Horizons transforms into a more stylish venue with lively music for those that love to dance or just sit back and enjoy the vibes. 

Wine Bar at La Reserve by Wine Spectator

Enjoy the fine wines and tapas at the La Reserve by Wine Spectator. Providing a selection of wines from around the globe, often highlighting the region you are sailing through.

Martinis

Martinis serves a variety of cocktails in a lovely setting. Great place to start off the evening while enjoying the live piano music. 

The Martinis Bar - Oceania Cruises
The Martinis Bar – ©Oceania Cruises

Grand Bar

The Grand Bar is a splendid venue to meet up with fellow travellers and marvel at everything that makes this such a wonderful setting.

Lounge

The Lounge turns on the acts by night with a selection of acts from comedians to magicians and live bands.

Casino Bar

Feeling lucky? The casino has slot machines, blackjack, poker and roulette and there is an opportunity to enjoy a delightful cocktail from the Casino Bar. 

Activities & Events

La Reserve by Wine Spectator

La Reserve by Wine Spectator offers enlightening seminars, tastings, and gourmet food pairings. 

Artist Loft

At the Artist Loft, talented artists-in-residence offer step-by-step instruction in everything from photography to painting to printmaking. With courses for beginners to those looking to improve their craft. The courses change continually.

The Culinary Centre 

Join professional chefs onboard Marina who will teach you how to prepare a variety of exquisite dishes at your own fully equipped workstation in a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen. This ‘hands-on’ cooking school at sea will enable you to fine-tune your techniques under the watchful eye of a ‘master chef’ to create wonderful dishes from around the globe.

At select ports you can accompany the instructors while shopping for fresh ingredients ashore at local markets and experience authentic regional fare in private homes or chef- selected restaurants. These Culinary Discovery Tours™ are perfect for those wanting to hone their culinary skills while enjoying a glorious cruise holiday.

The Culinary Centre onboard Oceania’s Marina - Oceania Cruises
The Culinary Centre onboard Oceania’s Marina – ©Oceania Cruises

Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center

Travel stimulates the mind, uplifts the soul and invigorates the body. A cruise holiday is the perfect opportunity to focus on your well-being. With the facilities, programmes and staff to help you achieve your personal goals. Use the cruise experience to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. The luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre offers not just spa and fitness, but bespoke wellness and lifestyle enrichment.

The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center provides a holistic approach to well-being offering rejuvenating spa treatments and healing therapies as an essential part of their philosophy. Enjoy complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus on board, to excursions in worldwide destinations that reveal timeless wellness practices. Aquamar encourages a lifestyle of health and longevity.

The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center onboard Oceania’s Marina - Oceania Cruises
The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center onboard Oceania’s Marina – ©Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises Video

Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect onboard an Oceania Cruise Ship:

‘Explore the world your way onboard Oceania cruises’ –

Is Oceania a good cruise line?

We would have answer that with a resounding, ‘YES’.

This award-winning cruise company focuses on its core values so well. They do not just make a statement; their entire operation delivers a truly awesome product and service.

A ‘Boutique Hotel at Sea’ offering the ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’ certainly does sum up Oceania Cruises well.

Other Oceania Cruise Ships

Other ships in the Oceania fleet include Marina’s sister ship Riviera and four smaller ships: Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena.

Oceania Cruise Ship Reviews

Riviera review.

Regatta review.

Other Oceania Blog Posts

Oceania Cruises – Alaska Cruise Holiday 2021-2022

Oceania sums up their promise so well:

“The promise of travel is fulfilled when the journey becomes the destination”.

Awesome Travel Experiences

We specialise in designing Awesome Cruise Experiences. Our speciality is providing a holiday which delivers a seamless and rewarding experience while encompassing your desires and aspirations. We work hard to understand your wishes, whether it is a cruise with a tour, a self-drive or another adventure, either pre or post cruise. Whatever your dream, we will fulfil it.

Billy Lyle

Awesome Travel Holidays Ltd

Franchisee of Not Just Travel

E:   enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

T:  +44 (0) 208 004 9400