Oceania Cruises' new addition to the fleet, Marina, is currently under construction at Fincantieri's shipyard near Genoa.
Scheduled to debut in January 2011, the stylish new 1,258-guest flagship, pictured at the Sestre Ponente shipyard, will boast an array of elegant bars and lounges and ten dining venues - six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants - including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for Chef Jacques Pépin.
Other highlights include a Bon Appetit Culinary Center, Owner's Suites exclusively furnished with Ralph Lauren Home, a Grand Stairway and lobby area custom-crafted by Lalique and a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center.
Itineraries and fares will be available on the Oceania Cruises website from January 18 when Marina opens for reservations to the general public.
The Oceania-Class Marina represents an evolution of the line's extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. Since the inception of Oceania Cruises, its ships have delivered an unparalleled onboard experience. So many of the indulgences are a direct result their ideal mid-size - a tradition that Marina will continue, but in an even more refined incarnation.
While larger than her consorts Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Marina remains comfortably mid-size, adroitly utilising the additional space for even greater amenities. She rewards guests with the line's signature cuisine in six restaurants, including two new gourmet venues - Jacques and Red Ginger.
Her new Yacht Club holds enlightening wine and food pairings. For special coffees and snacks, there is Biscottos Coffee Bar. The new Bon Appétit Culinary Center offers hands-on cooking instruction under the guidance of master chefs.
Similarly, artists-in-residence teach fine arts in The Studio, a new enrichment center. Intimate lounges abound. Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.
Yet remarkably, with so many additions, the onboard ambiance and experience remains comfortably familiar. But Oceania has endeavoured to raise the bar even higher.
