OCEANIA MARINA GALA CHRISTENING CRUISE REVIEW
The Marina is a beautiful new ship, christened February 5, 2011, and I would highly recommend it if the itinerary or pricing appeals to you. Ours was not a traditional cruise as we were onboard for only three days for the christening of the ship.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
The Marina has some very beautiful touches, light and bright atmosphere. The cabins at the lower categories are a bit smaller than some but larger than the three smaller Oceania ships. The public areas are very spacious with comfortable seating. There is the traditional atrium with a beautiful Gone with the Wind staircase with Lalique lighting and decors. There is a large bar area outside the Grand Dining room, a martini bar, good size casino and a number of specialty rooms such as the Bon Appétit Culinary center that offers cooking classes and the Artist Loft that offers art, photography, needlepoint, scrapbooking and quilting classes at a reasonable fee. Our ship was totally full with 1250 guests, but it rarely felt crowded. There were not long lines at the restaurants. The only areas that I noticed were more crowded were the Terrace Café, the Grand Bar, and the Barista. The Terrace Café can be more crowded when the majority of the ship arrives all at the same time.
EMBARKATION
Staff offered glasses of champagne and we signed the 15 litre champagne bottle that was to be used to christen the ship. Staff were lined up to welcome us to the ship, and we were escorted to our stateroom. Lunch was served in both the Wave and Terrace Cafes. The Wave Café offered burgers, sandwiches, a drink bar, and a wonderful ice cream case. In the Terrace Café there were a number of food stations that offered a wide variety of food.
CABINS
All have full length mirrors, pillowtopTranquility beds, safes, a leather covered alarm clock, a hand held 1875 watt hair dryer, slippers, terry robes, marble bathrooms, and refrigerated mini-bar stocked with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks. Beer, wine and spirits have a charge throughout the vessel including those in the mini-bar.
Inside cabins - 174 square feet
These rooms appear a bit larger; I imagine because of the glass mirrors on the walls. There is a nice glass shower but no tub in the bathroom.
Ocean view cabins - 242 square feet
There is a beautiful full floor to ceiling window about the size of standard sliding doors that offers a good amount of light, but the window cannot be opened. This is quite special as most ocean view staterooms only have a picture window that does not offer as much light and visibility.
Standard balcony cabins - 282 square feet
The décor features wood, with blue coloring for the accent pillows, couch, and headboard. There are two bedside tables with three drawers in each that are quite useful. Bedside lamps are mounted on the wall with a small flexible reading light attached, which is very handy.
There is not a walk in closet but there is good storage space. There is a single hung closet with a wooden sliding door that is not totally accessible from both sides due to the nightstand, particularly if the room is made with twin beds. There are a number of drawers adjacent to the closet with a good size safe and mini-refrigerator. There is a desk area with the traditional top drawers but two deep slide out drawers on either side, a lighted makeup mirror (there are no magnifying mirrors), and two plugs. The plugs are too close together to use both at the same time. These are the only plugs in the room other than the 110V in the bathroom so I would recommend bringing a power strip. A flat screen TV with DVD hangs on the wall adjacent to the desk and is easily visible from both the bed and the love seat, although it would be nice if it could swivel. They offer a variety of movies that start at set times and TV shows including CNN, Fox, Bloomberg News Service, and some National Geographic and History Channel specials.
Bathroom
The marble and granite bathroom has a bathtub with hand held shower, a single sink with small cabinets on both sides, and two shelves below for storage. The separate shower has a large rain shower head, which makes it difficult to shampoo your hair as the shower is small and there is no place to get away from the shower head. The shower is also a bit small to lean over and pick up any item you drop.
Concierge level balcony cabins offer a complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag, Bvlgari toiletries, a cashmere lap blanket, exclusive access to the private Concierge Lounge, early embarkation with a dedicated check-in desk, priority luggage delivery, and priority restaurant reservations.
Penthouse, Oceania, Vista and Owner’s suites offer the same amenities as the concierge level as well as butler service, access to the private Executive Lounge, and more extensive Bvlgari toiletries.
Penthouse suites – 420 square feet
These are nice larger suites with a walk-in closet with 10 foot hanging rod and 4 large drawers. The bathroom is much larger including a larger vanity, larger storage cabinets, and a larger shower. There is good storage and counter space as well as a lighted vanity that has a lift up lighted makeup mirror. It was disappointing that the curtains between the sitting area and bedroom cannot be drawn to offer two separate areas, although we understand they are fixing this.
Oceania Suite – 1000 square feet
This suite has some very positives aspects. There is a nice separate powder room upon entering the suite. The living area which offers good seating space has a nice bar area on one wall and a dining room table. A side media room includes a large flat-screen TV and sofa, but seems like a waste of space. The bedroom is separated by a translucent glass door. There is not much space between the door and the bed. In my opinion, the space in the separate entertainment area could have been better utilized in the bedroom. There is a good size balcony with a Jacuzzi.
Vista Suite – 1200 square feet
There is a nice powder room upon entering the cabin. The good size living room includes a dining table, separate work station, large flat screen TV, and bar. There are two sliding glass doors that go out onto the balcony, which extends from the center of the ship across the front and wraps around the side. On the side, there is a Jacuzzi and a flat screen TV above the tub.
The bedroom also has a sliding glass door onto the balcony. Adjacent to the bedroom is a reasonable size work out room with two pieces of equipment and a window with a nice ocean view while you are working out. There is a good size walk-in closet with plenty of drawers, shoe rack, and safe.
Owners Suite – 2000 square feet
There are three owner’s suites, each of which stretches across the entire back of the ship. They are a WOW. When you first walk in there is a central room with a player baby grand piano, a bar, a full wall of glass looking out, and two faux animal print chairs.
To one side of the central room is a large separate living room/study with work station, telescope, flat screen TV with Bose sound system, and a dining area. Laptop and wireless access are included. Internet is an additional charge.
There is a large master bedroom with flat-screen TV, walk in closet, a marble bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and a larger separate shower. A work out area with one piece of equipment is adjacent.
All rooms have doors that go out onto the balcony that stretches across the back of the ship and wraps around both sides. On one side there is a Jacuzzi tub and a flat screen TV perched above it. On the other side there is a large seating area and also additional table space so that you could host a dinner or cocktail party.
CONCIERGE AND EXECUTIVE LOUNGE
There is a comfortable lounge on deck 9 with 12 chairs, coffee and tea machine, refrigerator with yogurt, snacks, 2 computers, newspapers, magazines and an executive concierge to handle requests. This lounge is for the exclusive use of concierge level suites. On our cruise we found people tended to run in, pick up coffee and a snack, and leave. However, I would imagine this room can be quite busy, and there really isn’t enough space to accommodate many at one time.
There is an executive lounge on deck 11 for the penthouse and above suites that is similar to the concierge level lounge with 12 seats, but decorated in woods and also has access to a copy machine. While this lounge serves fewer suites, I would imagine it cannot handle enough guests during peak times.
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
The Grand Dining Room
This is a spectacular room. Beautiful Lalique lighting, high ceilings, several different levels, very light and airy. The Grand Bar leading up to the dining room has a number of tables and chairs for seating with tables to hold drinks. This is a pretty area with molded ceilings and hand blown glass pieces. There is one small bench inside the restaurant entrance that could only seat about two to three people. We did not experience any waiting time to be seated and it is open dining, open seating.
The lunch and dinner menus offered a wide variety of foods. There were 6 appetizers, several soups and salads. With nine entrées that included pasta, fish, and several meat dishes there was something for everyone. A Canyon Ranch menu was offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a standard offering with chicken breast, salmon, pasta, and a steak.
The large breakfast menu has all the offerings one could wish for with a quick Continental Breakfast as well as a Canyon Ranch Spa offering.
While the restaurant has a dedicated chef to handle special dietary requirements such lactose free or gluten free, we have been told the restaurant is not able to honor special orders, but there were plenty of tempting dishes to select from.
Jacques
This is a small reservations only Jacque Pepin restaurant that offers a wonderful French menu and seats about 100 people. The décor is elegant with beige and gold tones. The presentations are unique. For example, pumpkin soup was served from an actual pumpkin. The escargot presentation was a sight to behold with raised puff pastry.
There is no charge for reservations. Oceania, Vista and Owner's suites are given two reservations to begin and all other staterooms begin with one reservation. One can request additional reservations if space permits.
Red Ginger
This is a small reservations only Asian restaurant with beautiful red décor and beautiful glass lighting. While we were unable to secure reservations, everyone that ate here raved about it. Many said it was their favorite restaurant. Oceania, Vista, and Owner's suites are given two priority reservations where lower suites receive one to begin.
Polo Grill
We did not have the opportunity to eat in Polo this time but the menu and décor were very similar to the other three ships - dark woods and classic steakhouse menu. Again, this is a reservations only restaurant.
Toscana
We did not have the opportunity to eat in this reservations only restaurant, which offers Italian cuisine in a beautiful beige and ivory décor.
The Terrace
is the casual restaurant and is a very nice venue. There is a grill on one wall where they offer different grilled foods at each meal. There is a large center island with all types of salads, appetizers, and deserts including 6 ice cream selections and toppings. On the opposite wall there is a long station with the hot foods and a carving station. There is a sufficient number of staff and all food is served by the staff. There is good indoor as well as outdoor seating.
This restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and lunch during the daytime and a la carte dining at night. At dinner they also offer great freshly prepared sushi.
The breakfast buffet offers almost everything you could wish for including all the traditional items along with made to order eggs.
Each day at lunch featured a theme. One day was seafood with the largest offering and variety of seafood I have seen. The next day it was Italian.
Waves
Is adjacent to the pool, outdoor dining featuring the normal salads and cooked to order burgers, barbecue grilled seafood, and simplicity items at lunch. There is an ice cream bar and also a nice soft drink and juice bar.
La Reserve
by Wine Spectator is a 24-guest reservations only restaurant that pairs 7 courses with appropriate premium wines. Cover charge is $75 per person. We were not able to dine here during our cruise, but it did receive rave reviews from those that did. It is my understanding this restaurant will be used as an onboard wine tasting center with seminars and wine tastings during cruises.
Privee
For $1000 one can reserve this restaurant for up to 10 people. It is located between Polo Grill and Toscana. It is a very private area with a large white oval table with white leather chairs. You meet with the chef to plan your own personalized menu. Wine is extra.
BARISTAS
is a coffee bar overlooking the pool where master baristas serve espressos, cappuccinos, pastries and homemade biscotti. There is limited counter seating as well as seating along the glass wall. This is a very narrow area and did become crowded at times. There is no self service.
LOBBY AND SHOPS
The main reception area is similar to many ships. One side is reception and the opposite side is shore excursions. There was sufficient staff so there were not long lines.
In the main foyer there are two concierge staff to make reservations. This is a large space with comfortable seating.
Off the main lobby are three shops offering clothing, jewelry, perfumes, and toiletries. These were very nice, well stocked shops and the staff were quite friendly and helpful.
AFTERNOON TEA
is held in the Horizons lounge on deck 14 with great panoramic views. White glove service features exotic teas with sandwiches and pastries. A string quartet provided music.
COMMENTS ON FOOD AND SERVICE
The food overall was very good, of course food is very subjective to each person’s tastes so these comments are only my opinion. I believe lunch in the Terrace is the best I have had on a ship. The desserts were excellent. Most items exceeded our expectations. There is an effort to offer full service as all food is served by the staff at the buffets, but most times there was not a long wait.
The service staff was very good with a variety of Filipinos and Europeans. We enjoyed the head waiter Mauricio who is from Portugal. We had a wonderful waitress, Suki from Thailand. Staff greeted us in the hall consistently and were very friendly.
DRESS CODE
The ship is entirely casual throughout. Shorts, jeans, and sandals cannot be worn at dinner, with the exception of the Terrace Café where nice shorts and causal shirts may be worn at dinner. Some men wore jackets and some ladies wore dresses.
SELF SERVICE LAUNDRY ROOMS
Spacious laundry rooms are offered on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 with three sets of machines per laundry room. There were also ironing boards and irons. Tokens can be charged to your shipboard account at reception. It is $2 per wash and $2 per dry. Dry cleaning and pressing services are offered for a customary charge except for in concierge level suites and above where limited pressing is complimentary.
CANYON RANCH SPA
A lot of space is devoted to the spa. The exercise room offers a number of treadmills, ellipticals, and other equipment and is open to all guests. Gatorade and bottled water are complimentary.
There is a separate exercise room where they offer yoga, aerobics, Pilates and indoor cycling classes. Most classes are complimentary. A personalized trainer is available for a fee as well as personal Pilates sessions.
There is a large aromatic steam and dry sauna room. There are two side rooms with heated tile loungers and soothing music that are quite relaxing. A private sun deck and whirlpool are in front of the spa for spa guests.
Services include skin care and body treatments, facial enhancements, facial and body waxing, tanning treatments, massages, acupuncture, hair cuts and hair design, hair color, manicures, nails, pedicures, fitness assessments, and wellness services.
You may reserve your Canyon Ranch spa treatment by calling Canyon Ranch at 877-329-1924.
INTERNET PACKAGES
There is a large computer room but it never was full, although they were having difficulty with connectivity as well as Wi-Fi. They were working on it and this was supposed to be corrected the day we disembarked. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship and concierge level and above suites offer laptops in the rooms. As with all ships the internet is slow.
Rate Plans
$.95 per minute with no package
100 minutes for $80
200 minutes for 4140
500 minutes for $300
800 minutes for $400
1,200 minutes for $540
GRATUITIES
are $16.50 per person per day for Penthouse and above suites and are added to your onboard account. All suites below the Penthouses are $12.50 per person per day. There are times in which we are able to offer prepaid gratuities as an amenity. 18% gratuity is added to all alcoholic drink orders.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Marina lounge is the show lounge with theater style seating. The seats are a bit close together and there are not separate cocktail tables. There are small pull up tables much like an airplane that I am concerned will not offer the stability needed to hold drinks when the ship is sailing. Also the ceiling is too low and the sight lines are not great. It is my understanding that this will be changed on the new Riviera, which will be released April 2012.
There is a group of cabaret type singers and dancers as well as an 8 piece band. There is a piano player in Martinis as well as one that alternates between the Grand Bar and the Horizons Lounge. There is small band that plays in the lounges.
ACTIVITIES
There is a good size heated swimming pool with two whirlpools. There were Balinese beds and chaise lounges covered with nice terry towel covers. While this area was busy on our cruise, I did not see any problem getting a lounge.
On the upper decks there is a small 18-hole golf putting green, paddle tennis court, lawn bowling, and croquet. Ping pong and shuffleboard are also available.
The Bon Appétit culinary center features 24 individual cooking stations with one guest at each station. A la carte classes offered on our cruise were $49 per person per class. A two session class called Southwestern Sizzle was $99 per person and a 3 class Homemade Pasta course was $149. Reservations can be made online and payment is due when reserved. On our cruise the classes were full.
CASINO
is reasonably sized and includes craps and roulette tables, some blackjack tables, poker, and a wall of slot machines. It was busy during our trip.
LIBRARY
has molded ceilings and was quite sizeable with big comfy leather chairs.
DECK WALKING
On deck 15 there is a dedicated fitness track that covers about 1/3 the length of the ship.
DECK PLAN
Decks 5 and 6 contain many of the common rooms, services, show lounge, restaurants and bars.
In my personal opinion this centrally located design is a great convenience to guests’ ease of use.
Decks 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are dedicated to staterooms. The hallways do seem rather long because they are not broken up with other common rooms. Staterooms are also offered on Deck 12 forward.
Deck 12 includes the Culinary Center, Artist Loft, pool, La Reserve and the Terrace Café casual dining.
Deck 14 contains the spa, fitness center, library, computer room, and three specialty restaurants.
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Susan
