On Friday, we enjoyed the 7 course lunch on board the Oceania Marina. Oceania is the sister company to Regent and the Marina has been voted by Berlitz guides as one of the best companies to cruise with. Great attention to detail has been made on board the ship with the best ultra luxury furnishings and fittings and with the use of wood throughout giving the feeling of being in a country house hotel. In September of this year, they will be introducing fly-cruises and since introducing the sale in stirling, their business has trebled. They offer open seating and speciality dining in some of their restaurants which has been popular. They have a relaxed and homely feel and have been likened to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. They do not offer full all inclusive like the rival brands of Seabourn, Crystal and Regent but all soft drinks/mixers and water are included in addition to meals.
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| One of the lounges on board |
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| Pool deck |
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| Bathroom in owners suite |
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| Owners suite bedroom |
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| Owners lounge area opening onto extensive balcony |
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| Bar area with piano |
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| Standard balcony room also on concierge level (concierge extras include priority check-in of luggage, upgraded toiletries, garment pressing on first night) |
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| Bathrooms are generally larger than average with most having separate shower and bath |
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| Penthouse suite - Penthouse and above have the use of a Butler - service charge added to bill is $13.50 per person per day generally and $5.00 per person per day additional charge for butler service |
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| There are relaxing chill out areas with heated stone beds |
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| There is a Beauty salon offering many treatments |
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| Every passenger is given a personal password to use the computers on board and there are several computer course available from $49 |
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| There is a well stocked library |
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| This is Toscanas (one of the speciality restaurants) Everyone is able to eat at this Italian restaurant at least once in their stay. They offer 7 different types of bread and 8 different olive oils! |
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| This is Prive restaurant seating 8 and can be hired for $250 from end of August and you can chose to eat food from the restaurant of your choice. All meals are 7 course. The furnishings are exquisite and the table for example is solid Onyx and a predominently white theme |
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| This is La Reserva which is a cost of $79 per person to eat here and there is a choice of 2 x 7 course meals but everyone has to agree on the same that eat here. This restaurant is used also for Tapas and wine tasting at a cost of $20 per person |
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| This is the terrace cafe (Lido type) buffet style but staff plate your food up for you and tapas are offered here at night time |
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| This is Jacques french restaurant |
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| The fittings include Murano glass, top quality marble and wood fittings throughout and chandeliers worth $500,000 for a single unit made of lalique crystal, original Picassos etc. |
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| This is Red Ginger which is a very popular speciality restaurant and would be advisable to book to save disappointment |
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| One of the bar areas |
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| One of the original Picassos |
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| Pleasant lounge area |
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| Another bar and casino tables |
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| Grand Dining room - menu changes 7 days a week |
There is also a speciality steak house called Polo Grill. For all speciality restaurants, all passengers up to concierge are at least allowed one dining in their stay but can request more and are offered 7 courses in the evening. Courses are offered such as photography, art and cookery ranging from $49-$150 and are advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This company would be considered 5 star as does Holland America Line.
At the Expo, the ultra luxury 6 star cruising companies were also represented Seabourn, Silverseas, Regent, Seadream and Crystal. These companies are different in that they are all inclusive where wine, drinks etc. are all included, as as port charges, service charges and often excursions too. When you consider the cost of everything included on a cruise, cruising is extremely good value for money.
