Oceania is a premium luxury cruise line appealing to the discerning traveller, the foodie and the art lover.  The ambience is casual, elegant luxury.  There are no formal nights.

Oceania has a fleet of 6 ships, with a 7th, “Vista” to be added in 2023 and an 8th due in 2025.

Marina, along with sister ship Riviera, are the largest ships in the fleet, with a guest capacity of 1238 and serviced by a crew of 800.  This outstanding crew to guest ratio being an indicator of the premium service offered.

First Impressions

Tilbury was easy to reach, the cruise terminal well sign posted and parking conveniently close to the terminal.  The terminal building is an attractive historical brick building dating back to 1930, it is pleasant and all of the port staff were friendly and helpful.

Boarding onto deck 5 atrium, where the reception, concierge services and destination services are located.  A sweeping double staircase takes you up to deck 6 and the second level of the atrium.  We were immediately struck by the artwork that is throughout the ship and the calm, relaxing atmosphere onboard.

We were greeted in the Horizon lounge on Deck 15.  This large space has a bar, a dance floor with a set up for live music.  It is comfortably furnished with opulent sofas and tables and chairs and affords panoramic views forward of the ship. Here, guests can relax throughout the day and watch the world go by, enjoy a white glove afternoon tea service accompanied by a string quartet, and enjoy a pre-dinner drink at 5.30pm happy hour. Then stay late for an after-dinner drink and entertainment.

Facilities

There are all of the facilities you would expect onboard, a running track, deck games, a putting green, a small casino, shopping, a games room and a single deck theatre to the fore end of deck 5.

On deck 14 is the wellness area.  A well-equipped gym, beauty salon and the Aquamar Spa.  Forward of this is the spa terrace with 2 whirlpools and large sumptuous sunbeds.  This area is extra unless guests are staying in Concierge or above and they have unlimited access to this area.  A worthwhile upgrade from a Veranda Stateroom.

The Artists loft on Deck 13 hosts complimentary art classes with a professional artist.

The Culinary School (additional cost) is also on Deck 13.

Pool Deck

On deck 12, the pool deck is uncrowded and features comfortable padded loungers, a small pool with a decorative water feature to one end and 2 whirlpools at the other. Stage and screen are to the aft of the pool. Served by the Waves Deck Bar and Grill along with an ice cream parlour.

Also on Deck 12 is the Terrace Café where there is a changing buffet menu daily and al fresco dining option.

Lounge Areas and Dining

As well as Horizons on Deck 15, there are numerous places to lounge along the length of Deck 6, comfortable small reading rooms where you can relax surrounded by books.  To the fore of deck 6 is the martini bar with its grand piano.

To the aft of deck 6 is the Grand Dining Room, a splendid light room that has wonderful picture windows to the aft of the ship and this forms the main dining restaurant onboard.

There are numerous specialty dining options including Toscana (Italian served on Versace China), Polo Grill (US Steakhouse and seafood), Red Ginger (Asian Fusion), Jacques (French Bistro inspired by executive chef Jaques Pepin).  All of these are included in the fare and are bookable prior to departure and onboard.

Only La Reserve, the gastronomic tasting and wine pairing experience is an additional charge.  Housing only 24 guests, this restaurant is home to the Dom Pérignon experience.

Oceania is known for food, and we were treated to a Gala Lunch in the Grand Dining Room and it was incredible from the medium rare beef tenderloin supplied by Oceania’s own farm in Colorado to the sumptuous chocolate and caramel Charlotte Cecile to finish.  A food lovers delight.

Accommodation

All staterooms from inside and up are spacious, comfortable and luxurious.  With Bulgari toiletries, 1000 thread Egyptian cotton Tranquility bed, robes and slippers and a turndown service with Belgian chocolates.  The small details are what set Oceania apart such as mattresses that are infused with chamomile to aid the most comfortable nights’ sleep.

Concierge level staterooms are the same as Veranda staterooms, but with added extras such as access to the Spa Terrace, free laundry, bottle of champagne, early embarkation and more.

Penthouse suites and above enjoy further benefits such as a butler service, an in-suite bar with choice of wines and more.

Overall

If you love food and art, and look to travel and see the world in luxurious yet incredibly relaxed surroundings, then Oceania Cruises and Marina is for you.

If you are looking for Broadway style shows and an abundance of onboard entertainment and activities, this is probably not the best suited to you.

There is $4m of artwork around the ship and art tours take place for guests.  As we were walking round, we spotted an area with 6 Joan Miro pieces.  There is also apparently a Damien Hirst piece onboard.

Marina is due a refit and refresh late 2023.  The décor will be lightened and given a fresher feel similar to that of the new Vista due out in 2023.

This is the first ship visit for the Oceania UK team since the pandemic and we would like to thank them for their hospitality and enthusiasm for their product.