Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 by Peter Knego
Peter Knego spends a day and night on board Oceania Cruises’ spectacular new MV MARINA during the ship’s maiden visit to Los Angeles.
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Please click on image to see larger version. All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2011 unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
MARINA at Los Angeles.
In January, Oceania Cruises’ newly-completed, 1,250 passenger MV MARINA left the Fincantieri shipyard at Sestri Ponente for Barcelona to embark upon her maiden transatlantic crossing to Miami and subsequent christening by Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart. After a short press cruise, she departed on an eighteen night Trans-Canal voyage to the U.S. West Coast, where her arrival was eagerly awaited by an enthusiastic travel industry.
MARINA meets L.A.
The 66,000 gross ton MARINA is the first newbuild for Oceania Cruises and the line’s fourth ship. She is over twice the size of Oceania’s 30,000 gross ton REGATTA, INSIGNIA and NAUTICA, three of eight identical vessels built for now defunct Renaissance Cruises.
MARINA at Los Angeles
Although in some respects she is an enlarged version of the handsome “R” ships, MARINA’s exterior benefits from pleasingly rare curvature, namely in her long bow, terraced forward superstructure and conical funnel. The attention to detail shown in her profile permeates nearly every other aspect of the MARINA and, for that matter, the overall Oceania Cruises experience.
Marina Reception, first look.
First impressions are lasting ones and they certainly set the tone when boarding MARINA. Embarking passengers step into a double deck lobby festooned in Lalique crystal. Like her smaller, former Renaissance siblings, she boasts a grand staircase. Although it has Art Deco elements, its style might best be described as contemporary and luxuriant.
Reception foyer, facing starboard from Deck 6.
From the Deck 6 rails, the helix descents and its finer details can be fully savored.
Lalique table and vase in Reception Foyer.
On the way to Reception to get my stateroom key, I paused for a close look at the $110,000 Lalique “Cactus” table and vase at the base of the stairs on Deck 5. Exquisite and, let’s hope, securely bolted down…
Cabin 10092, facing port.
My “digs” for the next 24 hours would be the gorgeous 282 square foot Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom 10092 on the port side of Deck 10. Paneled in dark woods and with a palette of sea foam, beige and crisp white, it features a refrigerated mini-bar, LCD flat screen television, Prestige “tranquility” bedding (with Chamomile gel-tops to prevent “overheating”), vanity desk, breakfast table, sofa, abundant closet space…
En suite computers.
…and a laptop with wifi access.
Cabin 10092 WC.
Exclusive to MARINA in most accommodation tiers are oversized marble bathrooms that have separate shower (with both rain shower heads and hand jets) and tub…
Bvlgari cabin amenities.
and toiletries by Bvlgari (lotion, shower gel, soap, shampoo, conditioner).
Cabin 10092 balcony, facing forward.
The balconies are furnished with cushioned wicker chairs and a small table.
Putting on The Ritz: forward Deck 16
In addition to some 200 passengers that were doing back-to-back sailings, I would be sharing the MARINA with 500 visiting travel agents. As they wined and dined in various lounges and the gorgeous Grand Dining Room, I began my documentation at the top of the ship on forward Deck 16.
St. Andrews putting course.
Fronted by a glass screen, Deck 16 features an 18 hole putting course, a netted-in driving range and a games court. I arrived during a spirited putting tournament.
Funnel from port Deck 15.
On aft Deck 15, there is a jogging track that encircles the funnel casing as well as a shuffleboard court to starboard and a bowls court on the port side.
Hail MARINAs from aft Deck 15.
From Deck 15, there is a nice view of the MARINA’s teak-lined pool area. Is it just me or does the pool basin have a slightly obtuse crucifix footprint?
Midships Deck 14, facing aft.
In addition to an open spa deck up forward (see upcoming Decked! for all the details), Deck 14 features a sunning and observation terrace that overlooks the midships pool area.
Waves Grill, facing forward.
On Deck 12, there is teak-lined, sheltered sunning space surrounding the midships pool and alcoves on either side that lead aft to the Terrace Cafe. On the starboard side, there is the Waves Grill, the ship’s casual poolside eatery accommodating 92 guests.
Aft/port Deck 12, facing forward.
On the port side, there is more (and rather stylish) sheltered seating.
Baristas, facing forward/starboard.
Before beginning the interior documentation, I stopped in Baristas for a delicious double espresso cappuccino. Baristas overlooks the pool from the prow of the elliptical deckhouse at the base of the ship’s funnel.
Suede on Seven.
Prestige Cruise Holdings’ Tim Rubacky pointed out some of the small details that might have been overlooked during my brief time on board the MARINA. For instance, many of the bulkheads in the stairtowers and passageways are covered in suede.
"Sun Flowers" Sanctuary glass detail by Beverly Albrets.
In addition to her Lalique and Swarovsky elements, the MARINA is adorned with lovely glass art in her forward stairtower, the Sanctuary, Patio and Polo Grill by Naples, Florida-based Beverly Albrets.
Horizons, facing aft from port.
Located on Deck 15, Horizons is the ship’s uppermost public room. It overlooks the spa terrace and has sea views via full length windows on either side.
Library alcove, facing starboard.
Oceania ships are renowned for their lavish libraries. On the MARINA, the Library adjoins Baristas on the port side of Deck 14 and is divided into small alcoves with marble fireplaces and posh wing back leather chairs.
Polo Grill, facing aft.
In the aft/starboard corner of Deck 14, there is the 137 seat Polo Grill. Laid out and decorated in a similar fashion to the Polo Grills on the smaller ships, the popular steakhouse features comfortable leather seats, dark wood tones and polished brass accents.
Polo Grill glass details.
On Polo’s inboard bulkhead, there is a nice floral glass ensemble by Beverly Albrets.
Toscana, facing forward.
Meanwhile, on the port side, also in similar fashion to Oceania’s former “R” ship fleet mates, there is Toscana, the MARINA’s 137-seat Mediterranean style eatery. Its airy blue and beige tones complement Polo’s deep maroons and mahogany veneers.
Martinis, facing aft from port.
Martini’s is a wonderful bar with several intimate alcoves adjacent to the Deck 6 level of the Reception Foyer.
Facing MARINA.
There was even a quick opportunity to visit the ship’s shiny blue fo’c'sle for a shot of her impressive “face” before setting down the cameras, racing off to the spa for a workout and getting prepped for a delicious dinner in the Grand Restaurant.
Grand Dining Room, facing port.
Aside from the hardware, which is among the best in the industry (only Celebrity’s SOLSTICE class ships can match Oceania for design and decor), the cuisine and service are also what make Oceania one of the world’s best cruise lines. The Grand Dining Room is located in the stern of the ship on aft Decks 5 and 6, the terraced 566-seat venue features soaring ceilings, an autumnal color scheme and full length windows on three sides.
Under the chandeliered dome...
Its centerpiece is a sparkling Swarovsky crystal chandelier that photos do not do justice to. The multi-faceted crystals have an intense, diamond-like sparkle.
Grand Dining Room table setting.
Table settings feature heavy silver plate, Riedel stemware, gorgeous gold-patterned china chargers and starched linens.
Breaking bread in the Grand Dining Room.
The Grand Dining Room is the MARINA’s largest dining venue and while it is not a specialty restaurant, there is nothing ordinary about its cuisine. Oceania’s master chef Jacques Pepin oversees the menus, which feature a trio of Pepin’s “Signature” dishes, Canyon Ranch Spa choices, several vegetarian selections and a regular Dinner Menu featuring four courses (Appetizers, Soups, Garden Salads and Main Courses). But it all starts with fresh baked breads and crispy bread sticks.
Roasted Duck Salad in the Grand Dining Room.
Among the Appetizer choices was a Roasted Duck Salad with mango-coriander salsa and frisée.
Risotto in the Grand Dining Room.
There was also an Arborio Risotto with Sautéed Shrimps and baby zucchini.
Artichoke soup in the Grand Dining Room.
Among the soup courses was a delicious Cream of Artichoke with sour cream and chopped fresh parsley.
Grand Dining Room salad.
Salads included a classic Caesar with traditional garnish and shaved Reggiano Parmesan.
Poulet Roti in the Grand Dining Room.
Although there were six tempting Main Courses on the regular menu, it was impossible to resist the “Signature” Poulet Roti, an herb-roasted free range chicken with red bliss mashed potatoes and pan gravy. Stupendous!
Banana and Macadamia Nut Pudding dessert.
Desserts included a Banana and Macadamia Nut Pudding with a dollup of Rum Raisin Ice Cream.
Key Lime Pie in the Grand Dining Room.
There was also Key Lime Pie topped with a caramelized slice of lime.
Raspberry and Vanilla ice cream in the Grand Dining Room.
I went with a duo of raspberry and vanilla ice cream. Its thick, creamy texture was actually more like a fine gelato.
After dinner cheese selection.
After dinner cheese selections included Livarof, Gruyere and Pyrennes with homemade peach and walnut chutney, leek and prune cake and pressed dry fig and almond cake.
MARINA lights up Pier 93.
After dinner, I “eschewed the review” in the Marina Lounge and headed out to get some photos in the chilly but still night. Was that pretty godmother Mary Hart exiting the ship with her entourage?
MARINA from the Cruise Promenade.
A nice promenade runs the length of the Catalina Terminal across from the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal at Pier 93.
Vincent-Thomas versus MARINA.
Lit by solar-powered LED lights, the 1500 foot span of the Vincent-Thomas suspension bridge made an excellent backdrop for the MARINA.
Midships pool area, facing aft from Deck 16.
Back on board, I made another round of the upper decks to catch them in nocturnal mode.
Midships pool area, facing forward from aft Deck 15.
And while life carried on with a pianist in Martinis and a live band poolside, I retreated to the sanctuary of stateroom 10092.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Breakfast buffet.
My morning began in the Terrace Cafe with a quick breakfast. There was a nice, tempting variety of selections, including freshly baked breads and preserves, fruits and melon and cereals.
Breakfast cold cuts.
From the cold cuts counter, I selected some tender smoked salmon, capers, onions and tomatoes, then headed to the omelet station.
Omelet offerings.
I ordered a fluffy onion and tomato omelet made with fresh eggs and topped with cheddar cheese.
Terrace Grill breakfast.
Cappuccino and orange juice, a view of Los Angeles Harbor on a crisp, clear winter day and good company made for a perfect breakfast before it was time to disembark. Although my mere 24 hours on board the lovely MARINA barely scratched the surface of her myriad offerings, she just might be my favorite new cruise ship.
A full top to bottom Decked! tour is in the works, so please stay tuned…
Very special thanks: Martin Cox, Gary Gerbino, Michael Hicks, Tim Rubacky
Shawn Dake
February 28, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Incredible photography and coverage of a ship that I agree is among the best of the best. You surpassed even your own high standards with these photographs. Great job, Peter!
Peter Knego
February 28, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Thanks, Shawn. Especially appreciated coming from you. Much more to come in the Decked! feature but I think MARINA shows that quality really does count. And the passengers seemed very happy, almost fiercely so.
Sean
February 28, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Well done Peter on a great review and pictures of what looks like a superb ship.
I have been looking forward to seeing interior pictures of Marina and she surpasses my expectations, a truly beautifull looking ship throughout with a very pleasing exterior to match, well done Oceania Cruises for a lovely ship.
Even though I am very fond of the Celebrity Solstice class I think the Marina surpasses them especially with her beautifull exterior profile something the Solstice class lacks.
I think I have my new favourite cruise ship and I for one can not wait to see her in person even though Oceania Cruises do not use my home Port of Southampton, instead they use Dover as their UK port!
California Solar Engineering
March 1, 2011 at 9:02 am
This looks like a nice and completely superfluous ship- Sure it’d be fun potentially but why cause THIS much environmental and economic destruction?
Patrick Le Bihan
March 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm
This nice vessel gime me a lot of good souvenirs from the Renaissance 1 to 6 where i was deeply involved during shipbuilding and commissioning.
Michael Grace
March 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Excellent review. This is a very quality company. No false advertising. Wonderful this ship is visiting LA. A ship people should book. This company is not resting on a reputation long gone and vanished such as Cunard. A company claiming to British five star but is more Valencia motel six. Compared to Cunard and the Queen Victoria… which I sailed trans-Atlantic in January…in mistakenly what is called the Queen’s Grill class… it’s like Oceania is Neiman Marcus and Cunard Walmart… The recent reviews of the Queen Victoria in cruise critics are frightening. There is absolutely no comparison between the quality found on this new ship and the QV which is plagued by some of the worst service and food witnessed. Oceania is a great company with wonderful service and ships. These photos and coverage are very very good…
Kenneth Eden
March 4, 2011 at 7:23 am
True, this is a fine (oceania) company, and very honest.
What is not overly obvious, in their (Oceanias) reviews by past passengers, is the unmistakable emphais on food, it is tremendous, expertly prepared, abundant, and exquisitely presented.
Only qualm I have is the service crew, dinnig and bar, not overly warm.
I am booked on Marina, and await her charms.
Peter C. Kohler
March 10, 2011 at 10:15 am
Literally just off REGATTA on our fifth and sadly, last, Caribbean cruise in her. Kicking and screaming, we’re booked on MARINA for next year and will miss “our” lovely little REGATTA.
MARINA looks good. Although I question the lack of promenade space with no Boat Deck and I cannot imagine they thought one single pool sufficient for 1200 passengers.. that on REGATTA is often packed as it is.
REGATTA lost about 140 of her best crew to MARINA and after a rough patch in December/January is back to near perfection. This is a superb product, no doubt, so MARINA should be a winner. But make no mistake, there were already Oceania regulars aboard REGATTA who have tried her bigger fleetmate and came back preferring the smaller ship experience and the lack of glitz and glitter of the new one which one desribed as “over the top” in places.
Justin Higner
March 10, 2011 at 10:47 am
I really like this ship. She brings a sence of elegance to cruising again not really seen like this since the R-ships of the 90′s. Although I would tone down the odd lighting and glam in places. Still, It reminds me of the ocean liner style I love–great job Oceania!
Kenneth Eden
March 11, 2011 at 6:16 am
Pool and deck space are tight on the R class Oceania ships, should prove even tighter on the Marina from the looks of the deck plan, and no full promenade, as found on the R class, or lack of.
Marinas ceiling height seems a tad low, making the interior rooms seem dowdy, and gloomy, claustrophobic.
Then, there is the pool factor, and it does indeed seem totally inadequate
for the number of passengers.
Peter C. Kohler
March 14, 2011 at 9:12 am
Kenneth, what strikes me and my wife is the enormous amount of space spent (wasted?) on what we’d call foo-foo and trivial stuff i.e. cooking demonstrations, artists space (?), golf etc. at the expense of the amenities most used by Oceania passengers: walking and jogging space, swimming pools, sunning space and, most importantly, shaded outdoor deck space. Do we really need a room for napkin folding lessons and 18 holes of putting? Maybe MARINA is bigger in person but considering we’re dealing with DOUBLE the number of passengers, I’m thinking she’s going to be more congested than the R ships in the essentials.
Kenneth Eden
March 15, 2011 at 6:15 am
Peter C. Kohler
Perhaps these extra ammenities are in response to past pasenger requests, I do not know. I for one am not interested in mini-golf, on land, or sea, and coooking school, bah, I am a chef, and napkin folding, thats been done for decades on ships, so I too do not see the point of it.
There are a few ship comparos, say, the MAASDAM, and the MARINA 1258 pax, 717 to 787 feet long, gross registered tonnage arout 55,000 to 65,000 – have pity, this is from memory – granted, the MAASDAM is smaller, however, when I have sailed her, full capacity, ot her sister ships, they are never, never, never crowded. I think the MARINA may have a deck or two more than the MAASDAM, or STATENDAM Class ships.
Artists space, the Art Studio, could be nice, and I would enjoy a few lessons with a real artist, not the arts and crafts lady. Art has played a major role on Oceania cruises, with guest artists lecturing, and we’ve enjoyed having them on board, and, of course, bought some of their pictures.The deck plan for the MARINA does not seem tight on space, and my goodness, a lot has been placed over her decks, and the on board experience should be quite unique. Watch our CrystaL.
Peter C. Kohler
March 15, 2011 at 9:06 am
Actually, I would hate to design a new ship for Oceania….these people (myself included) know what we like, return time after time and are not “for changing” (good or bad). And yes, we already encountered some folks aboard REGATTA happy to be “back” after trying MARINA. Crystal seems to be the main competitor, interestingly enough, having perfected the big luxury ship experience and according to those we met, exceeding Oceania. Anyway, happy to give MARINA a try at least although I would have been content to just keep returning to REGATTA every year.
Kenneth Eden
March 16, 2011 at 7:43 am
Peter C. Kohler
Something has always left me “cold” about Crystal, can’t put my finger on it, it is just that way for me.
Yes, designing a ship for Oceania must be really topugh. However, I am looking forward to the MARINA and am trying to book RIVIERA today, however, from the repeaters info for todays reservations date, there are no listings, so, I contacted OCEANIA and await the answer.
I remember how difficult it was for Royal Viking Line when they brought out new tonnage in the form of the ROYAL VIKING SUN, and, boy was she ever a glamour girl, blew the socks off the SKY STAR and SEA – and, although there is no RVL, the SUN lives on with HAL as the PRINSENDAM, chopped up, taking more pax than the SUN did, and now with two dining seatings. At least the ship is sailing, and she still is gorgeous.Seroisly, I can not wait the day when I sail the MARINA, and, still support the R Class ships as well.
Jean Pauwels
December 9, 2011 at 7:20 am
After all these “hurah” letters, here a few posts of people who have actually sailed on the Marina and have first hand comments of their trip.
1-As many have noted, the shower was claustrophobic and very poorly designed. The bathroom configuration is a major faux pas. Also, a number of the drawers and shelves in the cabin were too shallow for clothing and poorly designed.
2-The first time I had some difficulty with the shower. I am 6.4 and the shower was really small. Now for the second time I did not mind so much as I knew what to expect.
3-Cabin: My wife did not like the overhead shower head. Or why so much space was used for a bath tub when it could have been used in the stateroom. The closet is in a strange space where two people can not stand in front of it at the same time, nor get out of bed on that side.
4-So physically the cabin met our expectations, though I would have preferred a larger shower without a bathtub since we never used it. (I’m sure a big tub is a good marketing tool for certain groups.)
And it goes on and on like this. I just hope somebody at Oceania reads this
Jean
Kenneth Eden
December 9, 2011 at 9:24 am
Jean,
This is just a thought, and only that – could Oceania have designed the showers to replicate the tiny size found on their existing ships? Really, the smallest I have had on any ship, cruise ship, that is.
To quote or refer to comments that are not from ones own experience I don’t care for. Its heresay.
One thing that gets my goat are the Grohe or similar pulsing shower heads on ships – never enought power to perform a water massage, then again, they are not that great in the home either.
Did you actually sail the MARINA – would love to know about the food if you did.
Ken
Kenneth Eden
December 13, 2011 at 6:42 am
Peter K
Did you consume all of those capers seen above? And, no bagel?
Looks divine even without a bagel.
Peter Knego
December 13, 2011 at 7:49 am
Absolutely, Kenneth! You can never have too many capers!
Peter
Kenneth Eden
December 13, 2011 at 8:05 am
True enough, Peter!