Fincantieri. The ceremony included welding a U.S. silver dollar and a pre-Castro silver Cuban peso into the keel of the new ship. The welding of the coins into the keel is long-standing maritime tradition which is believed to solicit good fortune for the ship, its crew and its passengers during its seagoing life. After the coins were welded into the keel, the first of the 55 steel blocks which comprise Marina was lowered into the building dock thus marking the official start of the construction of the ship.

Marina, the first of the new Oceania-Class, represents an evolution of the line’s Regatta-Class ships. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20 percent faster than the Regatta-Class.

The new ships will feature rich woods, Italian marble, granite, wool carpets and leather.

The new ships will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites who will be served by more than 780 staff members. Ninety-six percent of all accommodations will feature private teak verandas and guests will dine in their choice of six open seating restaurants.

Additional details on the Marina’s suites and staterooms, restaurants, guest facilities and itineraries will be released in the coming months.