After extensive refurbishment, Oceania Cruises has welcomed its 1,250-guest ship, Marina, back into service.
With three new culinary offerings onboard, Marina guests can now enjoy the culinary delights of Aquamar Kitchen (the new wellness-focused dining venue); a poolside ice cream parlour serving milkshakes and smoothies; plus a new al fresco Pizzeria offering delicious Italian dishes.
With Marina being the most recent ship in the fleet to be refurbished, Oceania Cruises now boasts eight new, or ‘better-than-new’, ships. The cruise line’s eighth ship, Allura, is set to sail in July 2025.
“Marina is the first – the original – ship designed by foodies, built by foodies, for foodies. 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.
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 speciality 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 flavourful smoothie as you relax on your sun lounger.”
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises
Alongside their talented team, Oceania Cruises’ newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, are taking a fresh look at the menus across all venues in the fleet.
“The introduction of these three wonderful culinary venues onboard 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.”
Chef Alexis Quaretti
Highlights Of Marina’s Refurbishment
Aquamar Kitchen
Debuting on Vista, Aquamar Kitchen is a new Oceania Cruises signature restaurant presenting wellness-inspired menus with a hint of indulgence, aiming to satisfy every kind of palette.
Guests can enjoy smoothies, cold-pressed juices and energy bowls at breakfast, while for lunch, avocado toast and globally inspired salads and wraps take centre stage. Heartier options feature an Impossible burger, yellowfin tuna tacos and a crunchy chicken sandwich. Where beverages are concerned, menus feature an array of premium, award-winning non-alcoholic wines alongside a refreshing selection of mocktails crafted with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits.
Aquamar Kitchen opens daily for breakfast and lunch, doesn’t require reservations, and is complimentary for all guests.
Al Fresco Pizzeria
When evening comes around, Waves Grill transforms into an al fresco Pizzeria, serving up freshly made pizzas, grilled Italian specialities, tantalising salads, rosemary focaccia, and indulgent desserts- including a Nutella pizza!
All-Day Ice Cream Parlour
Gracing the pool deck, the all-day ice cream parlour will offer milkshakes, smoothies and favourite ice cream flavours, including options from award-winning artisan ice cream company, Humphry Slocombe.
Penthouse Suites
The 124 Penthouse Suites onboard Marina have been completey re-inspired to offer elegant residential luxury, featuring custom-crafted furniture; new closets and cabinets to increase storage space; new carpets and upholstery; updated modern lighting; plus smaller thoughtful details such as more outlets and USB ports. Additionally, each Penthouse Suite has a sleek restyled bathroom, boasting Italian marble, generous drawer space, and oversized showers.
In addition to these highlights, public spaces onboard (including Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room, and Library) have been updated with plush new carpets and refreshed upholstery. Speciality steakhouse, Polo Grill, also boasts a brand-new look with new carpeting, stylish window treatments, and pillowed-leather dining chairs.
