Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, which makes its debut later this month, looks poised to set new standards for culinary excellence at sea with no less than TEN dining venues, six of which are gourmet restaurants and offer culinary excellence at no supplement.The 1,250-guest ship has been designed for food and wine lovers, with the aim of offering dining experiences comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.
Oceania’s president Bob Binder explained: “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many 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.”
Here's how this phenomenal array of deluxe dining choice will be offered.
Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favourites
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. There will be no less than eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive additional options:
1. The Grand Dining Room (above)– 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 savoury specialities, 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 namesake, internationally renowned chef 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 flavours are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centrepiece. 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 home-made 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, homemade biscotti and coffee cake.
Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table
9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – La Reserve is an intimate venue that hosts wine tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.
10. Privée – An exclusive private dining room that offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalised menu featuring such specialities as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings; reservations required.
Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre 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.
To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.
