Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce that it has commenced construction of its first new Oceania-Class ship during the gala steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri’s Sestre Ponente Shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
Presided over by Frank Del Rio, Chairman of Prestige Cruise Holdings, Oceania Cruises’ parent company, and attended by some of the line’s most loyal past guests, the first piece of steel was ceremoniously cut to officially begin construction of Oceania Cruises’ first brand-new ship.
During the ceremony, Del Rio also revealed the name of the first ship as Marina along with design details of the Veranda Staterooms and Penthouse Suites.
“Oceania Club members, our loyal repeat guests, are not only responsible for Oceania Cruises’ success, they have also played a great role in the design and development of these splendid new ships,” stated Del Rio.
After the ceremony, Oceania Club members, dignitaries from Fincantieri and members of the media toured the builder’s mock-ups of the Veranda Staterooms and Penthouse Suites. These accommodations, which are on average, 50% larger than those on the Regatta Class ships, will set new standards for spaciousness and comfort.
Veranda Staterooms, at 312 square feet, will incorporate larger sitting areas, marble-clad bathrooms with separate tub and shower, copious closet space and extra-large private verandas for relaxation.
The Penthouse Suites will be 429 square feet and 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.
“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-ship, will be the most beautiful ships to sail the seven seas,” added Del Rio.
The Oceania-Class represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20% faster than the Regatta-Class. In addition to their greater speed, the new ships will have a greater range that enables them to undertake the itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.
The new ships will be awash in rich, dark woods, Italian marble, lustrous granite, fine wool carpets and sumptuous leather. No detail is being overlooked to create an array of spacious, yet intimate public spaces and luxurious staterooms and suites.
They will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites who will be served by more than 780 staff members. 96% of all accommodations will feature private teak verandas and guests will dine in their choice of six open seating restaurants.
Additional details on the ships’ public spaces, suites and dining venues will be revealed in the comings months.
Oceania-Class Facts:
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:
782 feet
Width:
105 feet
Draft:
24 feet
Cruising Speed:
20 knots
Propulsion:
Diesel Electric, 2 controllable pitch propellers
Restaurants:
Six Open Seating Restaurants
Accommodations:
626 Guest 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
