Oceania Cruises' New Luxury Ship Marina Sets Off on Maiden Voyage

The 13-day passage to North America will call at Malaga, Spain; Casablanca and the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic. Seven days at sea will give guests time to explore Marina from stem to stern before she arrives in Miami for christening festivities beginning Feb. 4, 2011.

A ship of firsts, Marina features the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea, Master Chef Jacques Pépin's first namesake restaurant at sea; Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner's Suites; luxurious accommodations by designer Dakota Jackson; Wine Spectator wine program; and Lalique grand stairway. Moreover, Marina has been designed for epicureans offering an unprecedented 10 dining venues – comparable in quality to the very best shore-side restaurants.

“Marina has been so eagerly anticipated by our past guests,” stated Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises and chairman & CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. “It is exciting to now host our first guests onboard and see their reaction to her stunning facilities and amenities.”

When she arrives in Miami on Feb. 4, a celebratory welcome will commence and continue throughout the weekend. At a lavish ceremony on Feb. 5 ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT Icon Mary Hart will name Marina and christen her with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of Champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac. The festivities culminate with a gala sailaway party and fireworks display in Biscayne Bay overlooking the Miami skyline.

After the christening festivities in Miami, Marina sets sail Feb. 8 on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco and San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Oceania Cruises' new Marina has been purposefully designed to carry 1,250 guests to the world's most alluring ports in elegance and style. Rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and illustrious leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues including six open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel professional, visit Oceaniacruises.com or call Oceania Cruises toll-free at 800-531-5658.