Oceania lived up to my expectations….

After spending a week on Oceania Cruises I can certainly say the Marina certainly lived up to my expectations. I’ve always sold Oceania as the cruise line for foodies, and it certainly did not disappoint, so that’s where I’m going to start.

Speciality dining at its best. Whatever your favourite cuisine, you are sure to find a restaurant on board you will want to visit again and again and further more want to take home with you.

As a vegetarian of 40 years, colleagues on board were concerned I wouldn’t experience the full benefits of everything on offer, however after crowning the ‘Pollo Grill’ as my favourite how wrong could they be. The Cajun Style Blackened Salmon with Peach-Saffron Chutney was simply to die for.

We were lucky enough to sample all four Specialty restaurants on board, Pollo Grill (Steak), Red Ginger (Pan Asian), Toscana (Italian), and Jacques (French). Our party of 9 all had a different favourite.

Whilst our table tucked into Fillet mignon with a melted gorgonzola crust and Maine Lobster, I was enjoying the delights of fresh Mediterranean sea bass, sauteed dover sole and thoroughly enjoyed the balsamic pairing service in the Itallian with a fine coice of breads on offer too, topped off with the best Tiramisu at sea I’ve ever had.

During the daytime I headed straight for Aquamar Kitchen, a deck restaurant offering lighter, healthier options. Every lunchtime I opted for the compose your own poke bowl, with the large variety of greens, proteins (Salmon every time for me), grains, succulent vegetables, cheese’s, nuts and seeds topped off with a wide variety of dressings.

This option suited me perfectly, I enjoyed a different combination of favourites everyday throwing in some new tastes here and there. Aquamar Kitchen was always busy and a great place to pick up a light bite with waiter service.

The buffet was exquisite with a diverse range of cuisine to choose from, and the main dining room was stunning with a fabulous centre glass lighting display combined with a relaxed waiter style table service, nothing was too much trouble.

The ship itself has a really relaxed, spacious feel to it, finished with interesting art work including original Picasso’s (you can take your own Art tour to understand in more detail). You even have the opportunity to try out your own painting skills on board with classes available everyday with their own Art Tutor. 

If you enjoy learning more skills the chef school is a must, giving you the chance to learn various new cooking skill, creating international dishes to impress you friends with back home.

As it was my Birthday on board I treated myself to a pedicure, why not I say! The views from the spa whilst enjoying the ocean is an opportunity not to be missed. 

The pool area was one of the finest I’ve seen. My favourite memory being lounging by the pool whilst setting sail from Saint Marlo in the sunshine leaving the picturesque walled city behind, As the jacuzzi bubbled away, glass of Savignon blanc in hand, sun warming my face. surrounded by pretty sail boats and jet skis bobbing on the ocean. By far the best memory on a ship in the last 20 years.

Entertainment was pretty low key, most passengers made the most of the ports of call and cuisine on board, wide selection of bar menus, there was always something going on whether a quiz, table tennis, early doors show.

After a busy day exploring the ports of call, many passengers loved heading up to the Horizon Lounge to take the weight off their feet whilst enjoying afternoon tea. This also gave them opportunity to take in the vista from the floor to ceiling glass windows  and reminisce on their day out in port.

Our cabin was spacious and had everything you would require, even the shoe horn and wide selection of films to choose from if wishing to relax after a busy day.

If you are looking for a refined cruise line with exceptional dining experiences, a spacious and luxurious feel, combined with a relaxed atmosphere Oceania Is definitely the line for you.

Take a look at our website to view all Oceania Cruises itineraries and get in touch with our team for more information.