Oceania’s cutting edge

Oceania Cruises have celebrated the official start of their first purpose-built new-build at the Fincatieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy, and revealed the name of the vessel – Marina.

The gala steel-cutting ceremony was presided over by Frank Del Rio, chairman of Prestige Cruise Holdings, Oceania’s parent company, and attended by some of the line’s most loyal past guests.

The Oceania-class vessel – the first of two – will weigh in at around 66,000 tons, almost twice the tonnage of their existing Regatta-class trio, and the new accommodations will be 50 per larger, on average, than the current fleet.

Veranda Staterooms, at 312sq ft, will incorporate larger sitting areas, marble-clad bathrooms with separate tub and shower, generous closet space and extra-large private verandas. At 429 sq ft, the Penthouse Suites feature a large living area, space for in-suite dining, separate sleeping area, extra-large bathrooms, walk-in closets and a host of other amenities.

Del Rio insisted: “Marina will not be just a ship, she will be a place of beauty that offers our guests unparalleled comfort, amenities and a culinary experience that is beyond compare. Marina, along with her sister, will be the most beautiful ships to sail the seven seas.”

In addition to greater speed, the new ships will also have a greater range, enabling them to undertake the itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide. Interior design will be characterised by rich, dark woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather.

The duo will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites, served by more than 780 crew. Additional details on the ships’ public spaces, suites and dining venues will be revealed in the comings months.

OCEANIA – CLASS FACTFILE

Marina: Debuts September 2010
Oceania Class II: Debuts July 2011
Guest Capacity: 1,252 (Double Occupancy)
Tonnage: 66,000 – estimated
Builder: Fincantieri; Sestre Ponente, Italy
Length: 782ft
Width: 105ft
Draft: 24ft
Cruising Speed: 20 knots
Propulsion: Diesel Electric, 2 controllable pitch propellers
Restaurants: Six Open Seating Restaurants
Accommodation: 626 Staterooms and Suites – 3 Owner’s Suites,
6 Vista Suites, 10 Oceania Suites, 121
Penthouse Suites, 440 Veranda Staterooms, 20
Ocean View Staterooms, 26 Inside Staterooms