Oceania Cruises ship Marina returns to service following major refit and refurbishment

Oceania Cruises has welcomed its 1,250-guest ship, Marina, back into service after completing a major bow-to-stern refit and refurbishment, which included the addition of three new dining options. 

The new dining experiences include Aquamar Kitchen, a new wellness-focused dining venue, which debuted to great acclaim on Vista last year; a poolside ice cream parlour serving milkshakes and smoothies; and a new al fresco Pizzeria offering Italian cuisine.

Marina is the most recent vessel in the Oceania Cruises’ fleet to be refurbished, bringing the older vessels in the fleet up to the same standards as the new Allura class, the first of which, Vista was delivered in 2023. The class leader Allura, is set to set sail in July 2025.

“Marina is the first – the original – ship designed by foodies, built by foodies, for foodies,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “We are renowned for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, and this is not just a tagline, it is a mantra which we have built the business around.” 

“Food is the foundation of what we do on board each of our ships, and globally, in the destinations we visit,” he added. “The addition of these three relaxed, yet refined, eateries to Marina is the perfect way to spotlight that The Finest Cuisine at Sea does not always mean a white linen tablecloth and starched napkins at one of our award-winning specialty restaurants.”

Oceania Cruises’ newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, and their team are also taking a fresh look at menus across all venues on all ships.

New dining experiences aboard Marina

Aquamar Kitchen, a new Oceania Cruises signature restaurant, which debuted on Vista, presents wellness-inspired menus, with a hint of indulgence, sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. 

At breakfast, the smoothies, cold-pressed juices and energy bowls shine; while at lunch, guests can enjoy avocado toast selections and globally inspired salads and wraps. Heartier options include an Impossible burger, yellowfin tuna tacos and a crunchy chicken sandwich among several others. 

Its beverage menu features a selection of premium, award-winning non-alcoholic wines, Pierre Zero from France, as well as a refreshing collection of mocktails crafted with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits. 

Aquamar Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch and does not require reservations, and as with all other onboard restaurants, is complimentary for guests.

Waves Grill transforms in the evening into an al fresco Pizzeria featuring freshly made pizzas, succulently grilled Italian specialties, tantalizing salads, rosemary focaccia with lush burrata and indulgent desserts, including a Nutella pizza.

An all-day ice cream parlor has been added to the pool deck. The new addition is filled with favorite flavors, including options from award-winning artisan ice cream company Humphry Slocombe, plus milkshakes and smoothies.

Accommodation upgrades aboard Marina

The 124 Penthouse Suites have been completely re-designed, with custom-crafted furniture as well as new closets and cabinetry to increase guest storage space, plus new carpets and upholstery, updated modern lighting and thoughtful details such as more outlets and USB ports. 

Each Penthouse Suite has a sleek restyled bathroom, with distinctive Italian marble throughout, abundant drawer space, and generous oversized showers, offering the elegant residential luxury for which Oceania Cruises is renowned.

Refreshed public rooms aboard Marina

Favourite public spaces including Martinis, Horizons, The Grand Dining Room and Library have been elegantly updated with plush new carpets and refreshed upholstery; and specialty steakhouse Polo Grill boasts a fresh new look with new carpeting, stylish window treatments and sleek, pillowed-leather dining chairs.

Due to the addition of Aquamar Kitchen, Oceania Cruises’ signature pairing dinners featured in La Reserve will now be showcased in Privée, Marina’s glamorous and exclusive private dining venue.

Marina and her sister Riviera, joined now by Vista in 2023, and Allura in 2025, were the first ships ever to have an onboard cooking school. They have more galley space and more fresh food storage than any other ship, and they were built around the galleys in the shipyard.Oceania Cruises also has the highest percentage of culinary personnel devoted to the dining experience than any other cruise company. The line has one chef for every ten guests; half of the crew on board is dedicated to the cooking or serving of food.