Oceania New Marina

Oceania Cruises redefined the upper-premium cruise ship market with the christening of Marina in February. The ship’s godmother, “Entertainment Tonight” Host Mary Hart, named the ship at a lavish, invitation-only gala ceremony, which culminated with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, crashing against the hull. Among the ceremony highlights were inspirational performances by the Marina Choir, assembled just for this event, and the appointment of Master Chef Jacques Pépin as honorary commodore of the Oceania Cruises’ fleet.

Entered into service in January 2011, Marina brings the vision of Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises and chairman & CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings, to reality with the line’s first newly built ship measuring 66,000 tons and accommodating 1,250 guests.

“The saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait.’ Although Marina ’s arrival has been long awaited, she’s more than just GOOD,” stated Del Rio “She’s the most beautiful, sophisticated and stylish ship launched in the modern era of cruising – a span of some 50 years.”

Marina is a ship of firsts, featuring the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center , Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program and a Lalique grand stairway.

“ Marina is not just ‘another’ ship, she is special in so many ways,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “When we set out to design and build our first new ship, we wanted it to set new standards for comfort, service and culinary excellence.”

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina arrived in Miami on February 4, after her maiden voyage from Barcelona . Following a short preview cruise, on February 8 she will depart on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco and San Diego , both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami , departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Marina has been purposefully designed to carry guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Marina is full of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers which adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

The new Marina joins the Oceania Cruises’ fleet consisting of the 684-passenger Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, which have taken guests around the world since 2002. Her sister ship Riviera will be christened in April 2012. A leader in destination cruising and defining the upper-premium market, Oceania Cruises offers gourmet cuisine, gracious service and award-winning itineraries at an exceptional value.

Luxury Operator Oceania Cruises’ new Marina to Feature 10 Dining Experiences

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina is destined to set new standards
for culinary excellence at sea with 10 dining venues, six of which are no-charge, gourmet restaurants. The 1,250-guest ship, which debuts later this month, was designed for food and wine lovers with an ambitious goal to offer dining experiences comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.

According to Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president, “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many cruise lines, all of our meals are cooked to order, a la minute. We are committed to serving cuisine that rivals some of the world’s very best restaurants.”

Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favorites

Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. Below is an outline of the ship’s eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive options:

1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe ’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savory specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its renowned namesake, Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavors are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centerpiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.

6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.

8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake.

Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table

9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.

10. Privée – This posh private dining room offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalized menu featuring such specialties as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Center and full-service Canyon Ranch^® SpaClub. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

Additional information about Marina dining venues, including sample menus, can be found online. visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

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Mary Hart Named Godmother of Oceania Cruise's Marina

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT host Mary Hart is confirmed as the godmother of Oceania Cruises’ new cruise ship Marina . Hart will name the ship in Miami at a lavish, invitation-only christening ceremony February 5, which will culminate with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, commemoratively crashing against the hull.

A beloved television personality, this year marks Hart’s final season as host of ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT – the number one syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show in the world, which enters its 30^th season this year. Hart joined the popular show as a correspondent in June 1982, and within weeks was named co-anchor.

In her personal life, Hart has been involved with philanthropic causes devoted to children. A member of the board of trustees for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, she currently serves as Leadership Chair of the New Hospital Campaign. Hart is also an ambassador for Childhelp USA , which combats child abuse. For many years she served on the board of directors for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation and continues her affiliation with the Children’s Miracle Network, for which she was telethon co-host for 15 years. Hart is the recipient of the Samaritan Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation for her work on behalf of several children’s charities. In 2001, she was honored with the first-ever Children’s Miracle Achievement Award for her “long-standing commitment to children and contributing in many ways to bettering the lives of children everywhere.”

“It’s very exciting, and a bit humbling,” said Hart, “I’m truly honored to serve as the Godmother for Marina – she will be a very special ship. And, I look forward to smashing a great bottle of champagne as we let the celebration begin!”

”Mary Hart personifies elegance and style, just like our magnificent Marina ,” stated Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, the line’s parent company. “We especially salute her philanthropic work devoted to children’s causes and we are proud to welcome her to the Oceania Cruises family.”

After christening festivities in Miami , Marina sets sail Feb. 8 on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or San Diego , both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami , departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

At 66,000 tons and carrying 1,250 guests, Marina features an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 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 full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Bon Appétit Culinary Center , Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home , and a grand stairway custom-crafted by renowned French glass master, Lalique.

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Oceania Cruises New Marina Completes Sea Trials

Oceania Cruises’ 1,250-guest Marina, scheduled to launch in January 2011, successfully completed sea trials on Sept. 26, which included three days of sailing the Mediterranean for the first time.

During the sea trials, technicians and engineers from the Fincantieri shipyard along with Oceania Cruises’ marine and technical teams evaluated the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, among many other aspects of the ship’s performance.

“She is a beautiful ship. Marina was extremely maneuverable with virtually no vibration to be felt, even at high speeds,” stated Captain Dimitrios Flokos, the ship’s master. “Marina exceeded all expectations. In fact, shipyard representatives commented this was the most successful sea trial in recent history for technical performance.”

A second and final round of trials will be run just prior to the ship’s delivery. The 65,000-ton ship – being built at Fincantieri in Sestre Ponente, Italy – is scheduled for delivery Jan. 17, 2011.

“Her first foray at sea was a resounding success. Marina exhibited exceptional sea-keeping abilities, is amazingly agile and cruised at more than 22 knots with plenty of power in reserve,” said Robin Lindsay, the line’s executive vice president of vessel operations, who was on board during the sea trials. “Now that sea trials were successfully concluded, we will focus on finishing her magnificent interiors.”

The ship’s inaugural schedule includes a 13-day Maiden Voyage Jan. 22 from Barcelona to Miami , where inaugural activities are planned. On Feb. 8, Marina departs on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

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Oceania Cruises Previews Accomodation On Board the New Marina

When she debuts in January 2011, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will offer elegantly appointed and custom-crafted accommodations that are reminiscent of a luxurious private estate. The ship’s 629 staterooms and suites – among the most spacious at sea – are destined to set new cruise industry standards.

Standard veranda staterooms on Marina are 282 square feet – the largest standard veranda staterooms in the cruise industry. Both Veranda- and Concierge-level accommodations feature a sitting area and private teak balcony furnished with a chaise lounge, armchair and occasional table.

“Marina is the first-ever vessel purpose-built for the upper-premium segment of the leisure market,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “She is also the first ship we have designed from scratch to deliver the award-winning Oceania Cruises Experience.”

Savor the Suite Life

Penthouse Suites measure an industry-leading 420 square feet with living/dining room separate from the sleeping area, walk-in closet and bathrooms with a double vanity.

Oceania Suites, a new category of accommodations for Oceania Cruises, are 1,030 square feet of luxurious living area. The layout is comprised of a large living and dining area, media room and separate bedroom. As a highlight, a large veranda features a hot tub.

Vista Suites range in size from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and offer the same features as Oceania Suites but with the added benefit of floor-to-ceiling windows affording sweeping views over the ship’s bow.

Owner’s Suites offer 2,000+ square feet of palatial luxury. Unlike any luxury suites at sea, Marina is the first ship to offer suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection. New York-based Tocar, Inc. penned a design that exudes a rich, clubby and refined sophistication.

In addition to the standard stateroom amenities, suite guests enjoy the added luxury of Champagne upon arrival, 1,000-thread-count linens, 42” plasma TV, Hermès and Clarins bath amenities, butler service, and en-suite delivery from any of the ship’s restaurants.

Guests Influence Design

Binder, along with Oceania Cruises Founder Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings, sought counsel and direction from past guests and travel agents prior to approving the final design of accommodations. The pair escorted the select group to the Italian shipyard to view full-scale mock-ups of staterooms and suites. There, they had the opportunity to see the layout, sit on the furniture, feel the bed linens, even walk into the stall shower. Suitcases full of clothes were on hand so guests could test whether storage space was sufficient.

According to Del Rio , “The staterooms and suites were universally described as glamorous. Our guests said ‘wow’ the moment they opened the door.” Upon entering they were awed by the upholstered floor-to-ceiling headboard, which serves as a dramatic backdrop for the line’s exclusive Tranquility Beds.

Other stateroom amenities include a flat-panel TV, lap-top computer with wireless access, refrigerated mini bar, security safe, writing desk, plush terry robes, bed slippers, and marble and granite bathroom.

Standard bathrooms on Marina are the largest of any vessel in its class. In fact, Del Rio was resolute that each should have a tub and shower, an industry first among upper-premium cruise ships. Moreover, he tasked the design team to fabricate an oversized vanity with drawers so toiletries can be hidden from view.

Casual Elegance Meets High Style

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed to carry 1,258 guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Oceania Cruises Unveils 2011 Cruise Line up

March 10, 2010 — Oceania Cruises has unveiled its 2011 European Collection, which opened for reservations today. With voyages to more than 125 ports on three elegant, mid-sized ships, including the magnificent new Marina , the line’s 2011 Europe itineraries are unrivaled in their scope and diversity.

Featuring 21 new itineraries, Insignia, Nautica and Marina will cover the continent in its entirety. In addition to its award-winning destination experience, Oceania Cruises offers the finest dining at sea and an entirely new level of value with unlimited and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks for all guests.

With 32 unique itineraries to choose from, more than any other premium or deluxe brand, Oceania Cruises offers new and unique opportunities to travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations in Greece, Turkey, Sweden and Denmark along with the continent’s perennial favorites in France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and Russia. With a keen focus on providing the most unique and enriching destination experience, every aspect of the 2011 European Collection has been meticulously crafted with the discerning traveler in mind.

Marina’s Inaugural European Season

Marina, the line’s new $600 million flagship, sets sail on her inaugural season of Europe voyages. From the tony yacht harbors of the western Mediterranean and ancient splendors of Israel , to the majesty of Russia and rugged wilderness of Iceland , Marina offers 20 unique and scintillating voyages to choose from. Travelers may choose from alluring choice of voyages which range from the ancient sands of Egypt and Israel to the rugged lands of Iceland and the Polar Ice Barrier.

“The sophisticated travel er wants in-depth, enriching travel experiences. We have not only created a intriguing blend of itineraries, we have sought out the premier ports interspersed with hidden gems to present our guests with the most rewarding vacation possible,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president.

Highlights of the 2010 European Collection

• The introduction of Marina , the first ship designed specifically for lovers of fine food and wine
• 125 intriguing ports of call and 65 overnight port stays
• 21 brand new itineraries
• Itineraries range from the Polar Ice Barrier to the desert sands of Egypt and Israel
• A unique selection of western European itineraries that focus on the extraordinary wine producing regions and local cuisines of Italy , Spain , Portugal and France
• An array of off-the-beaten-path, boutique ports such as Zakinthos, Greece; Rønne, Denmark; Murmansk, Russia; Marmaris, Turkey; and Portree, Scotland – just to name a few

2-for-1 Cruise Fares with Free Air Begin at $1,799 per Guest

With free air transportation from 20 North American gateway cities and two-for-one cruise fares, these extraordinary voyages are the pinnacle of value and start at just $1,799 per guest. Travelers are urged to make their reservations as early as possible to ensure that they take advantage of the free airfare and receive the accommodations of choice on their preferred voyage.

High Style on the High Seas

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina features a total of 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including one by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities also include a full-service Canyon Ranch^® SpaClub and fitness center, Bon Appétit Culinary Center , swimming pool and hot tubs. Interior design highlights include the Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home .

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivaled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 300 ports in Europe, Australia , New Zealand , Asia, and the Americas aboard the luxurious Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and brand new Marina . Riviera , a sister ship to Marina , is scheduled to join the fleet in April 2012.

Oceania Cruise Marina Floated Out

March 1, 2010 – Oceania Cruises celebrated two milestones on Friday, February 26, at the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa . The building dock for its new 1,258-guest, flagship Marina began filling with water and the first steel was cut for Riviera , a sister ship. Marina is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage on January 22, 2011; plans call for Riviera to debut in April 2012.

To celebrate the occasion, more than 50 US and UK travel agents, Oceania Cruises past guests and journalists were invited to don hard hats and preview Marina . Guests even had the chance to partake in the first meal served in “Jacques” – the eponymous restaurant of Master Chef Jacques Pepin – which is one of six, open-seating gourmet restaurants on the new vessels.

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. “They have done everything right, Marina is already awesome, and will be fabulous,” according to past guests, Don and Betsy Horner. Travel agents were equally astounded. “Frank, Bob and the rest of the team have personally selected unique interior design elements down to the smallest detail – all making the vision of Oceania Cruises come alive,” stated Terri Burke of Cruise Planners.

Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Riviera will offer 629 elegantly appointed and custom-crafted accommodations that are among the largest at sea, ranging from 174 to a palatial 2,000+ square feet. Their top suites, destined to set new industry standards, will feature furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and designs by Dakota Jackson and Tocar New York .

The sister ships will also feature a Lalique-designed grand lobby, 10 dining venues and several elegant bars and lounges. Facilities will include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, innovative Bon Appetit Culinary Center , swimming pool and hot tubs.

During the festivities, a bottle of prosecco wine was smashed on the hull of Marina by the shipyard “madrina” in a nod to Italian maritime tradition. The official naming ceremony for Marina will take place in Miami ; her godmother has not yet been announced.

In her inaugural year, Marina will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal twice, visit ports in Mexico , as well as Los Angeles and San Francisco , and call at a host of Caribbean island gems, sailing round-trip from Miami . Marina will sail along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and call at Bermuda before repositioning to Europe for summer 2011.

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New Marina Breaks Pooking Record For Oceania Cruises

February 9. 2010 -Oceania Cruises reported record single day bookings on Wednesday when its new flagship Marina went on sale for the first time exclusively to the line’s past guests. Reservations for the day exceeded the line’s previous record by 26%. In its booking debut, nearly 50% of Marina ’s released inventory covering 5 inaugural winter season sailings sold in less than 12 hours. On January 18, reservations for Marina ’s inaugural season open to the general public.

“The response to Marina ’s five inaugural sailings has surpassed our greatest expectations,” stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “The demand from our loyal past guests underscores the quality and value of the Oceania Cruises brand and is a testament that we are building exactly what our guests want.”

Scheduled to debut in January 2011, the 1,258-guest Marina will boast an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants – including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Other highlights include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, Bon Appétit Culinary Center , Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home and a grand stairway custom-crafted by renowned French glass master, Lalique.

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Renown Chef Named for Oceania Cruises Marina

July 22 2009 – World-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin will open Jacques – his first ever restaurant at sea – onboard Oceania Cruises’ new 1,258-guest Marina , scheduled to launch in late 2010.

Pépin’s namesake restaurant will draw inspiration from bistros in his home town of Lyon and the fabled bistros of Paris . “The cornerstone of any great dining experience is freshly prepared, simple dishes that are as visually pleasing on the plate as they are on the palate,” according to Pépin.

Guests entering the restaurant will be greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted chicken, duck and lamb wafting from the grand rotisserie. Custom Jacques Pépin signature china, antique flatware and Lalique glassware adorn the tables while chandeliers fashioned from crystal decanters add a whimsical shimmer to the room. An art collection comprised of some of Pépin’s favorite personal pieces and original works Pépin created especially for Marina , grace the room and adds a warm, personal touch.

“As we designed the culinary experience aboard Marina , a restaurant by Jacques Pépin was at the top of our guests’ wish lists,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Jacques will present a traditional French dining experience in a casually elegant fashion.”

Jacques Pépin is the host of award-winning cooking shows, author of more than 20 cookbooks and has served as personal chef to numerous heads of state. As the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, Pepin has brought his legendary cuisine and unique artistry to the gourmet restaurants onboard Marina’s sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

“Jacques Pépin has been a member of our team since the line’s inception and we are honored that he is debuting his signature restaurant aboard our magnificent new Marina ,” added Binder

A Dining Experience to Be Savored

Dining in Jacques will be reminiscent of dining in a favorite bistro that is run by a long-time friend. The service, while professional and polished, is friendly and endearing and in the tradition of fine French dining, a leisurely pace is de rigueur, thus ensuring a relaxing dining experience.

Upon arrival at the table, guests are greeted with a bread basket of “Les Trois Baguettes” with three different freshly baked French baguettes along with Country Petit Pâté with gherkins and traditional Rillettes of salmon and foie de volaille.

Highlights of the menu include an appetizer of homemade Pumpkin Soup á l’Anglaise served in a pumpkin shell, fresh Mussels Marinière, freshly roasted free range chicken, duck, lamb and other specialty cuts of fine meat.

In addition, the chef’s “specialités de la maison” are presented each day, having been hand-selected from local markets in the ports that Marina visits.

To cap off the evening, a choice of nine classic French desserts and a cheese tray with 12 AOC French cheeses that locally procured in the regions they are produced serve as a fitting finale to an unforgettable dining experience.

A Ship for Food Lovers

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line’s three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities. Featuring a total of 10 dining venues, Marina guests may choose to dine in any of six distinctly different gourmet restaurants, including Jacques and Red Ginger, all at no additional charge. Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, a CanyonRanch SpaClub®, state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

Additional information about Jacques – including sample menus – will be uploaded to Oceania Cruises’ Web site in the coming months. Reservations for Marina are scheduled to open in late 2009. For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com or call Oceania Cruises at 800-531-5658.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivaled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 200 ports in Europe, Australia , New Zealand , Asia, and the Americas aboard three luxurious, 684-guest ships: Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

Oceania Cruises New Marina to Have Renoun Canyon Ranch SPAClub

June 26, 2009 - The world famous Canyon Ranch®, leading operator of destination health resorts, will design and operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board Marina, which is set to debut in late 2010, announced Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises.
"We are delighted with our new partnership with Canyon Ranch as their unique approach to lifestyle perfectly complements the Oceania Cruises brand," stated Binder.

According to Binder, the facility will be a Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division. Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will feature a visually stunning state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full-service beauty salon. SpaClub will offer the most desirable spa amenities available: there will be 16 massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, a gym and weight room with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight training equipment, a juice bar, men's and women's locker rooms, thalassotherapy pool, two whirlpools and Thermal Suite.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub will debut fleet-wide on Marina's sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica by September 1st of this year. "We wanted to bring this world-renowned experience to the guests on our existing ships as soon as possible as it presented us with the perfect opportunity to enhance our acclaimed product and further the evolution of our brand," added Binder.

Oceania Cruises will also feature a full range of culinary offerings from Canyon Ranch's incomparable Spa Cuisine which is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards. This array of healthy cuisine will be available at breakfast, lunch and dinner in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café. Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine will debut aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in April and May, 2010 and aboard Marina in late 2010.
"Canyon Ranch shares our passion for fine cuisine and our Executive Chefs will be working with their culinary team to create a unique and diverse array of healthy, gourmet meals," added Binder.

More Than a Spa, a Lifestyle

Canyon Ranch certified fitness instructors will conduct daily group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes for guests. In addition, on select voyages Canyon Ranch healthy living experts will offer on-board presentations and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics.

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub beauty salon will offer complete beauty services for women and men. The extensive Salon menu will feature hair design and nail care treatments, including luxurious spa manicures and pedicures, makeup consultations and makeovers.
Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Marina will incorporate unique water features throughout, emphasizing the healing and therapeutic benefits of water and heat. A thalassotherapy pool will feature airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches. The pool area also will have a whirlpool.

Adjacent to the pool will be an extensive co-ed Thermal Suite featuring an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room. Also on board will be the exotic Rasul Ceremony, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub signature treatment. This medicinal mud and steam treatment, which takes place in an ornately tiled steam chamber, is derived from an ancient cleansing ritual.

SpaClub's array of rejuvenating spa treatments also will include massages and therapeutic bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons.

"Canyon Ranch is thrilled to be expanding its 'at Sea' division aboard Oceania Cruises' Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Marina," stated Chief Operating Officer Peter Smith. "We share Oceania Cruises' passion for unparalleled service and look forward to bringing our highly acclaimed amenities to our mutual guests in a state-of-the-art facility."

A Ship for Food Lovers

Oceania Cruises' new Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line's three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities. Accommodations are comprised of 629 state-rooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

About Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch pioneered the evolution of wellness lifestyle and has been an industry leader for nearly 30 years. Operating the world's most celebrated collection of life-enhancement properties, Canyon Ranch has destination health resorts in Tucson, Ariz. and Lenox, Mass., and SpaClubs (spa, wellness and fitness facilities designed to give guests a taste of the more intensive resort experiences) at The Venetian/The Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas, Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., and onboard cruise ships. In addition, the company recently opened Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, the nation's first luxury wellness hotel and residential community. Canyon Ranch has been named the "Healthiest Spa in America" by Health magazine as well as the "Best Spa for Food" by Gourmet magazine.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® is the world's only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivaled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 180 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard three luxurious, 684-guest ships: Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. The 1,258-guest Marina joins the fleet in winter 2010.

Fincantieri Lays Keel For Oceania Cruises' New Marina

March 7, 2009 - A ceremony marking the Keel Laying for Oceania Cruises’ Marina was held yesterday at the Sestri Ponente shipyard of Fincantieri near Genoa, Italy. During the age-old ceremony which was attended by members of both Oceania Cruises’ and Fincantieri’s management teams, Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings and founder of Oceania Cruises, welded a US Silver Dollar and a pre-Castro Silver Cuban Peso into the keel of the new ship. The welding of the coins into the keel is long-standing maritime tradition which is believed to solicit good fortune for the ship, its crew and its passengers during its seagoing life. After the coins were welded into the keel, the first of the 55 steel blocks which comprise Marina was lowered into the building dock thus marking the official start of the construction of Oceania Cruises’ first purpose-built ship.

“This is a momentous day in the history of Oceania Cruises, one which will only be eclipsed on the day we take delivery of Marina in 2010. We want to express our sincere thanks to our loyal guests, travel partners and the entire Oceania Cruises team for all their dedication and hard work in making this new ship become a reality,” stated Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings.

Marina, the first of the new Oceania-Class, represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships, retaining all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities the line is renowned for while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the Regatta-Class.

The new ships will be awash in rich woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather. No detail is being overlooked to create an array of spacious, yet intimate public spaces and luxurious staterooms and suites. They will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites who will be served by more than 780 staff members. 96% of all accommodations will feature private teak verandas and guests will dine in their choice of six open seating restaurants.

Additional details on the Marina’s suites and staterooms, restaurants, guest facilities and itineraries will be released in the coming months.