The year isn’t even two months old and already our colleague Phil Reimer of Ports and Bows has been on four cruise ships, but we’re planning to catch up. Meanwhile, this week Phil is willing to share his point-by-point assessment of the four ships with our readers.
Today:Oceania’s Marina
Brand of ship: Deluxe-plus.
Number of passengers: 1,200.
Food: Good to excellent. All the restaurants are unique, and they make for a good rotation on a cruise, especially if it’s a longer one.
Food extra: A culinary school with 24 stations, each containing a single burner and a sink. You can spend a couple of hours taking cooking lessons and it’s not “look and listen.” You really do get to participate.
Be prepared: Wine and gratuities are on top of the cruise price. However, the specialty restaurants are part of your package. You’re assured of eating at all of them on any cruise.
Poolside: There are loungers for everyone. The pool is in the centre of the ship, which cuts down on any wave action when encountering not-so-calm seas. The level above it is surrounded with loungers, and seems more than enough when the ship is full.
Staterooms: At 242 square feet, large and comfortable, with the exception of a desk that I felt was a bit small, given the size of the room. The shower is small but there’s also a shower in the bath tub of verandah rooms. Beds are comfy with a capital C.
Surprises: Of all places, the library. In the shape of four boxed-in areas, it’s an extremely comfortable surrounding in which to sit and read.
My favorite spot: Outside the Terrace buffet. Lots of tables right to the railing, where you could read, contemplate and — yes — enjoy writing Blogs in the sunshine or just sit back and relax. It’s not the sexiest part of the ship, just one that I enjoyed.
Conclusion: Good lines, from the bow to the stern. While the cruise line has its own designation for this ship, I’ve always thought of Oceania as deluxe, right behind luxury. After spending this time on Marina, she deserves to be deluxe-plus.