Now we are six – Oceania adds another ship to its fleet

Name-changer: Ocean Princess, soon to become Oceania Cruises' Sirena

Oceania Cruises is to grow again – with the addition of a ship bought from Princess Cruises for $82 million (£52 million). The vessel, currently sailing as Ocean Princess, is virtually identical to Oceania’s Insignia, Nautica, and Regatta – all were originally built for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises.

The 684-passenger ship joins Oceania in March 2016 when it will be given a $40m (£25.5 million) refurbishment in dry dock at Marseille before being re-named Sirena.

The work includes fitting Oceania’s trademark speciality restaurants, Toscana and the Polo Grill, along with a coffee shop and cook-to-order grill at the Gerrace Café.

Sirena is expected to carry her first Oceania passengers in late April 2016.

The announcement of the deal came from Oceania’s new owners, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, who completed the takeover just days ago. Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian, said it was his company’s belief in the Oceania brand and its commitment to the “growing base of loyal guests” that were the rationale behind the decision.

Kunal S Kamlamni, president of Oceania, said Sirena “opens up an entire array of new itinerary options.”

In addition to the former Renaissance ships, Oceania also operates two larger newbuilds, Riviera and Marina, carrying 1,250 passengers each. The line’s total capacity will grow to 5,236. The newly-enlarged Norwegian group, which also includes Regent Seven Seas, now totals 21 ships with a combined capacity of approximately 40,000.

Princess still operates another ex-Renaissance ship, Pacific Princess, which is also believed to be for sale. P&O’s Adonia is almost identical, and the other two – all built between 1998 and 2001 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard in France – are sailing as Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey.

Azamara is likely to be making its own announcement about expansion very soon, but insiders believe the line – owned by Royal Caribbean International – is going for a newbuild rather than buying a “pre-owned” vessel.

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Oceania Cruises audio tour of its onboard art collections

Oceania Cruises has produced a new Art Collection Audio Tour for guests on board  Marina and Riviera. Available from tomorrow 1 November,the complimentary tour provides stories and descriptions behind many of the 2000+ original artworks. 

The audio devices for the Oceania Cruises’ Art Collection Audio Tour are available to guests as a complimentary amenity and include recorded insights on more than 25 signature pieces of art on each ship. The pieces of art included in the tour have a placard with a number and an audio device symbol and guests can simply enter the number into the player keypad to hear the story behind the piece.   

The Oceania Cruises Art Collection book is available on Amazon.co.uk and at OceaniaBookCollection.com. Guests can visit the purser’s desk for an audio device upon boarding Marina and Riviera.

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Oceania Cruises to offer complimentary internet access

Oceania Cruises will provide complimentary Internet access to guests booked in either a suite or Concierge level stateroom on its mid-size ships. This is the first time the cruise line has offered a free Internet programme, with the new benefit commencing during the 2015 winter season.

Guests booked in Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites will receive unlimited complimentary Internet access to enjoy throughout their voyage.  Guests booked in Penthouse suites or Concierge Level staterooms will receive blocks of complimentary Internet time based on cruise length, starting with 200 minutes for a seven-night cruise and extending to 500 minutes for voyages over 16 nights.  (Pictured, the Owner's Suite on board Riviera)

The complimentary Internet rollout will be staggered across the fleet, tied to the official start of each ship’s winter schedule.  The first sailings will be Nautica on 25 October  2015, followed by Marina on 3 November, Regatta on 4 November, Riviera on 2 December, and Insignia on 4 January 2016, when it begins its third 180-day Around the World voyage.

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Oceania's New Culinary Discovery Tours

With the debut of its new luxury cruise ship Riviera this May, Oceania Cruises is expanding and enhancing its culinary enrichment programme with the introduction of Culinary Discovery Tours to more than 25 ports worldwide.

Uniquely designed for each port, the new tours provide guests with the opportunity to explore local food markets in small groups, alongside an expert chef. Guests will have the opportunity to visit an artisanal cheese maker, a chocolatier, a wine vineyard or a fish market. Tours also incorporate mini-lectures, demonstrations or lunch before returning to the ship’s Bon Appétit Culinary Centre for a hands-on cooking class, drawing inspiration from the local market. The Culinary Centres feature 24 fully-equipped work stations with induction cook-tops and convection ovens to provide participants with the opportunity to gain a hands-on cooking experience. Classes cater to all levels of aptitude, from beginner to master-chef level.

The Culinary Discovery Tours will launch this spring aboard the 1,250-guest sister ships Riviera and Marina and can be booked prior to departure.

The programme will roll out in Asia, South America and the Caribbean in winter 2012-13. Prices start at $175 per person, including the escorted market tour and cooking class. On Oceania's smaller, 650-guest ships – Regatta and Nautica – the new tours will combine excursions to local markets with hands-on cooking experiences at a shore-side cooking school or a well-known restaurant kitchen. In Istanbul, for example, guests will follow their tour with a cooking class at Cooking Alaturka.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Summer Bargains from Oceania

Cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on a 12-night cruise on board Oceania Cruises’ Nautica and save up to £1,179 per person this summer.

Departing on May 22, the ‘Jewels of the Aegean’ voyage can now be booked from £1,199 per person for an Inside Stateroom, based on two sharing, with a $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom. The luxury mid-sized ship sails from Istanbul and continues into the Aegean Sea cruising the Greek Islands, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia before disembarking in Venice.

Or try the 'Gems of Europe' cruise, 15 nights from £1,499 (saving up to £1,379pp) PLUS $1,000 onboard credit. This voyage sails from Rome to Greenwich, via Florence, Marseille, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, La Coruna, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Lorient on sister ship Insignia, departing May 27.

The 'Greek Isles Odyssey' is a 12-night sailing from £1,499pp (saving up to £1,235pp), plus the $1,000 on board credit. Departing on July 9, Insignia sails from Istanbul to Athens through some of the Greece’s most beautiful and historic islands.

Then there is 'Treasures of the Continent', with 12 nights from £2,099 (saving up to £1,572pp) departing from Dover on July 29 and cruising the English Channel to Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Guernsey, Saint-Malo, Port-Aven, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Biarritz and Santander. This cruise is on the brand new 1,250-guest luxury ship Marina. The price is again based on two sharing, including $1,000 onboard credit/stateroom, all meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

For more info, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Oceania's New European Itineraries For 2012

Oceania Cruises has announced its 2012 European cruise collection and, following the launch of two new ships in 2011 and '12, for the first time the company will operate four ships in Europe including Marina (above), which launched in January and sister Riviera, due to debut in April next year.

The 2012 European season includes more than 72 sailings from April through to December. Other exciting firsts include a complimentary hotel stay before every voyage, an overnight stay on every itinerary, more late-night departures and the addition of three seven-night voyages.

Featuring 41 distinct itineraries, Regatta, Nautica, Marina and Riviera will cover the entire continent, calling at 145 different ports of call, 12 of which are new for 2012.

Marina, Oceania's first new-build, will spend most of the summer sailing the Mediterranean visiting classic port like St Tropez and Monte Carlo. From May 12-22, Jacques Pépin, Oceania’s executive culinary director, will join her 10-day Tuscan Artistry itinerary to host cooking demonstrations, lead on-shore market tours and oversee the operations in his namesake onboard restaurant, Jacques. Beginning in June, Marina will join Nautica in Northern Europe, visiting Dublin, Reykjavik, Oslo and Copenhagen.

The 12 new ports of call include Akureyri, Iceland; Cephalonia for Argostoli, Greece; Batumi, Georgia; Cartagena, Spain; Cherbourg, France; Motril for Granada, Spain; Horta, Azores; Qaqortoq, Greenland; La Palma, Canary Islands; Vigo for Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Tasiilaq for Ammassalik Island, Greenland; and Trapani, Sicily.

For more information about the new 2012 European collection, visit Oceania Cruises at www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or call the luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Oceania Cruises Achieves Record Sales

Oceania Cruises exceeded its previous record of single day bookings on Wednesday 16th March by nearly 25 percent as reservations opened for the first cruises on board Riviera, the line’s new 1250-guest luxury cruise ship, due to debut in April 2012.

Riviera will be a sister ship to the recent Marina, Oceania’s first new-build, which launched in January. The two ships join the existing fleet of three mid-sized, 685-guest upper premium cruise ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

The record bookings coincided with the simultaneous launch of the line’s 2012 European Collection of sailings, operating April through December.

The 2012 highlights include the first sailings on Riviera, a free deluxe hotel stay before every Europe voyage, an overnight stay on every itinerary, more late-night departures, the addition of the line’s first seven-night voyages and 12 new ports of call.

Oceania president Bob Binder explained: “The tremendous response we received from our travel agent partners and loyal guests was outstanding. They demand quality and value and we strive to exceed their expectations, so they, in turn, surpass ours with their support.”

For more information, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Big Spring Savings With Oceania

Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 50% off selected departures this spring, including sailings on new ship Marina (above), and an onboard credit of $1,000 per stateroom. All prices include meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, but exclude flights.

Wonders of the Ancients, 14 nights from £1,399, save up to £1,835pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit:

Departing on April 23, Oceania has a magnificent 14-night sailing through some of Europe’s most picturesque and historical regions on the mid-sized Insignia, now £1,399 per person, based on two sharing, and including a $1,000/stateroom credit. The ship embarks in Rome, sailing down Italy’s west coast to Taormina, Sicily, to the Greek island of Zakynthos, cruising the Mediterranean Sea to Alexandria, Egypt, the ancient cities of Jerusalem, Israel and Alanya, Turkey, returning to port in Athens, Greece.

Grecian Glory, 10 nights from £999, save up to £1,816pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit:

Departing on May 6 on new ship Marina from Venice to Athens, the cruise now costs from £999 per person, based on two sharing, including all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, but excluding flights.

Jewels of the Aegean, 12 nights from £1,199, save up to £1,854pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit:

Cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on mid-sized Nautica and save up to £1,854pp. Departing on May 22, the sailing departs from Istanbul and continues into the Aegean Sea cruising the Greek Islands, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia before disembarking in Venice.

For more details, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the specialist luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line on 0800 008 6677.

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Oceania Cruises adds South Pacific and Hawaii

New for Oceania Cruises’ 2011/12 winter collection are 27 unique itineraries, of which 16 are totally new, along with new destinations that include Hawaii and South Pacific, including Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and American Samoa, as well as a return to Australia and New Zealand. Cruise-only fares start from £499 per person (Marina, January 3, 2012, 10-night Caribbean Islands in the Sun voyage).

Oceania Cruises specialises in exceptional cruise experiences with a focus on cuisine, comfort and service, with a wide choice of fine dining restaurants – including speciality dining at no extra charge - on each of their four ships. The brand new (in January) 1,250-guest Marina also adds two speciality restaurants and two private dining venues.

New itineraries include an 11-night sailing around the spectacular and exotic islands of French Polynesia on the 684-passenger mid-sized luxury cruise ship, Regatta. The `Tahitian Breeze’ itinerary departs from Papeete on January 6, 2012, and costs from £1,061pp, including all meals, no supplement for specialtiy dining, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks (excluding flights).

Other highlights include a new Dubai to Cape Town cruise, showcasing Arabia and Africa; popular Amazon River cruise to depart from New York City; a new 16-day South America cruise round-trip from Valparaiso, offering the opportunity to discover rarely-visited Nazca Lines, plus Machu Picchu; and a grand 35-day Hong Kong to Athens adventure via the Suez Canal.

For more information, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line.

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Sail ex-UK with Oceania Cruises in 2011

Following her debut in January, Oceania Cruises’ first new-build luxury cruise ship Marina will offer two ex-UK cruises in summer 2011 as part of her inaugural European cruise season, before returning to her current winter destination of the Caribbean for winter 2011/12. The company will offer a further three ex-UK cruises, from Dover and Greenwich, on board their two mid-sized luxury cruise ships Regatta and Insignia.

Regatta will cruise a 12-night sailing from Greenwich through the North Sea to call into ports along Norway’s west coast and down to Copenhagen, with fares from £2,421pp, departing on June 11.

Insignia sails from Dover on July 11 and August 8, offering cruises to ports in Belgium, Holland, the Baltic States, Russia and Scandinavia, with fares from £2,790pp.

The beautifully appointed 1,250-guest Marina will sail from Dover on July 15 on her 14-night 'Northern Knights' round-trip cruise off the coast of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, also calling into Norway, the Shetland Islands and the Isle of Man, with fares from £3,102pp.

Marina's second ex-UK ‘no-fly’ departure, on July 29, leaves Dover for Amsterdam, Bruges and a cruise of France's Atlantic west coast, down to Santander in Spain and returning to Dover 12 nights later. Fares are currently on special offer from just £1,199pp, including a saving of up to 50%, PLUS $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom.

Oceania Cruises voyages include all meals (including speciality restaurants), complimentary soft drinks and bottled water.

To find out more, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Oceania Cruises' New Ship Marina Christened In Miami

Oceania Cruises’new upper-premium cruise ship Marina was Christened in Miami last Saturday. The ship’s godmother, Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart, named the ship at a lavish, invitation-only gala ceremony, which culminated with a 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, crashing against the hull. Among the ceremony highlights were inspirational performances by the Marina Choir, assembled for the event, and the appointment of Master Chef Jacques Pépin as honorary commodore of the Oceania Cruises’ fleet.

Marina is a ship of firsts, featuring the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program and a Lalique grand stairway.

The new vessel arrived in Miami after her maiden voyage from Barcelona. Following a short preview cruise, she departed 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.

Marina has been purposefully designed to carry guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. She is full of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers which adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness centre, swimming pool and hot tubs.

She joins current fleet-mates Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, which have taken guests around the world since 2002. Her sister ship Riviera will be christened in April 2012. A leader in destination cruising and defining the upper-premium market, Oceania Cruises offers gourmet cuisine, gracious service and award-winning itineraries at an exceptional value.

For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.com/ or the uxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Oceania's Great Spring Offers

Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 43 per cent off selected cruise departures in April, including a sailing on the company’s brand new cruise ship, Marina (above), and an onboard credit of $1,000 per stateroom (all prices exclude flights).

Current offers from Oceania Cruises include a 14-night sailing on the mid-sized Regatta, departing on April 12, now from just £1399 per guest (a saving of up to £1,697), PLUS a $1,000 onboard credit. Regatta departs from Miami to cruise up the east coast of the US, across to Hamilton, Bermuda, and on to Turks & Caicos islands and Dominican Republic, before returning to Miami. Prices include all meals, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.

Or, departing on April 13, Oceania has a magnificent 10-night sailing through some of Europe’s most picturesque and historical regions on Insignia, now from just £1249 per person (saving up to £1,447 pp), based on two sharing, and including a $1,000/stateroom onboard credit. The ship embarks in Athens, sailing to Kusadasi, Turkey, through the Greek islands to Sicily, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Monte Carlo, returning to Livorno and Civitivecchia (Rome).

Or, cruise from Rome to Venice, via Monte Carlo, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Corfu, Montenegro and Croatia on board Oceania's new Marina, departing on April 26. This 10-night 'Grandeur of Rome' sailing now costs £1,249 per person (again saving up to £1,447 pp), with a $1,000 onboard credit. Guests are treated to a choice of 10 dining venues on this magnificent new ship, with no charges for dining in its six speciality restaurants. Complimentary bottled water & soft drinks are also available throughout the ship.

Other European sailings currently with a $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit include sailings on board Marina on May 6 from Venice to Athens (from £1,877pp) and a 12-night cruise ex-UK on July 29 (from £2269 pp), including all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, but excluding flights.

To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit www.OceaniaCruises.co.uk or contact luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Looking ahead - Chance to check on Celebrity Eclipse

We will be sailing on the Celebrity Eclipse (the third of Celebrity's eye-catching Solstice-class vessels in 2010) from Miami this weekend, which will be the ideal opportunity to report back on the latest updates on Celebrity's popular and award-winning ship.

More than any other recent class of cruise ship (with the possible exception of the luxury-orientated Odyssey-class of Seabourn and the brand new Marina of Oceania Cruises), this is one that has really captured the public imagination and provided almost faultless word-of-mouth feedback from the people who matter most - the passengers.

It will be my first chance to see the Solstice class on a regular cruise and see just how she performs under normal circumstances, instead of the usual media previews.

So expect 'live' reports from the Caribbean next week (Internet permitting!) and a host of photos from our itinerary, which includes San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Maarten and St Kitts.

Stay tuned, now...!

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Oceania's Marina: The first ship built for Epicureans

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, which makes its debut later this month, looks poised to set new standards for culinary excellence at sea with no less than TEN dining venues, six of which are gourmet restaurants and offer culinary excellence at no supplement.

The 1,250-guest ship has been designed for food and wine lovers, with the aim of offering dining experiences comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.

Oceania’s president Bob Binder explained: “Marina is the first ship purpose-built for epicureans. Unlike many lines, all of our meals are cooked to order, a la minute. We are committed to serving cuisine that rivals some of the world’s very best restaurants.”

Here's how this phenomenal array of deluxe dining choice will be offered.

Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favourites

Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. There will be no less than eight no-charge dining venues and two exclusive additional options:

1. The Grand Dining Room (above)– Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a classic setting reminiscent of a five-star restaurant at one of Europe’s grandest hotels. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. Toscana – Three illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savoury specialities, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner; reservations suggested.

3. Polo Grill – Plush and supple leather upholstery, a rich palette of crimson, gold and green, and gold-edged mahogany wall panels evoke the glamour of a vintage Hollywood steakhouse. Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. Open for dinner; reservations suggested.

4. Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its namesake, internationally renowned chef Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner; reservations suggested.

5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centrepiece. Open for dinner; reservations suggested.

6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant ambiance, or guests may dine al fresco. Regional delicacies and sumptuous buffets are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items and features a salad bar and home-made ice cream bar. Open for lunch (weather permitting).

8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the Library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, homemade biscotti and coffee cake.

Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table

9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – La Reserve is an intimate venue that hosts wine tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.

10. Privée – An exclusive private dining room that offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalised menu featuring such specialities as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings; reservations required.

Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre and full-service Canyon Ranch® SpaClub. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand lobby, luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson as well as Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

To find out more about Oceania Cruises, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Vote for your 'Most Anticipated' ship in 2011!

There are eight all-new ships due to join the world's cruise fleet this year, from the latest ship for Disney Cruise Line to the boutique little Sea Cloud Hussar of Sea Cloud Cruises.

And we are having our own little Poll here at Time Spent At Sea to see which ship people are most looking forward to. Just scroll to the foot of our Home Page and you will see the voting options.

The eight ships are as follows:

Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line; due Jan 2011 - 128,000 tons, 2,500 passengers

Marina, Oceania Cruises (above); due Jan 2011 - 65,000 tons, 1,260 passengers

Costa Favolosa, Costa Cruises; due Apr 2011 - 114,000 tons, 3,012 passengers

Carnival Magic, Carnival Cruises; due Apr 2011; 130,000 tons, 3,652 passengers

L'Austral, Ponant Cruises; due May 2011; 10,600 tons, 264 passengers

Seabourn Quest, Seabourn; due June 2011; 32,000 tons, 450 passengers

Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Cruises; due Aug 2011; 122,000 tons, 2084 passengers

Sea Cloud Hussar, Sea Cloud Cruise; due Sep 2011; 136 passengers

PS: Disney Dream is the early leader after just 1 day with 100% of the vote!

PPS: Just go to the bottom of our home page http://timespentatsea.blogspot.com to see the poll in full.

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New Luxury Ship, New Luxury Spa

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Oceania Cruises and Canyon Ranch have announced signature spa offerings on board their new, 1,250-guest luxury ship Marina, which is scheduled to debut in January 2011.

Highlights of the 10,000sq ft Canyon Ranch SpaClub® include more than 50 innovative and harmonious spa treatments and therapies, a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and fitness centre, and Spa Cuisine menu choices in the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café that are both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards.

Signature services include:

When guests are not training on their own, they can utilise Canyon Ranch fitness experts who will lead daily group and private fitness sessions and provide assessment for basic fitness and nutrition counselling. Specialised wellness services include Yamuna® Foot Fitness class offering simple techniques that improve the alignment and flexibility of hard-working feet. The SpaClub's Performance Orthotics Assessment is a computerised assessment of the way a person walks, followed by a fitting of custom-designed orthotics.

Canyon Ranch chefs also worked with Oceania's award-winning culinary team to create Spa Cuisine selections for the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café that fit with the theme of wellness, but also with Oceania's trademark high cuisine standards.

At 66,000 tons - twice as large as her three sisters - and carrying 1,250 guests, Marina also features an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 dining venues - six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants, including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for Chef Jacques Pépin. Other highlights include a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre, Owner's Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home, and a grand stairway custom-crafted by renowned French glass master, Lalique.

To find out more, visit OceaniaCruises.co.uk or call the specialist luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Sea Trials for Oceania's Marina

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Scheduled to launch in January 2011, Oceania Cruises’ new 1,250-guest Marina successfully completed her sea trials on September 26, including three days of sailing the Mediterranean for the first time.

During the trials, technicians and engineers from the Fincantieri shipyard and Oceania's own marine and technical teams evaluated the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, among many other aspects of the ship’s performance.

“She is a beautiful ship. Marina was extremely maneuverable with virtually no vibration to be felt, even at high speeds,” stated Captain Dimitrios Flokos, the ship’s master. “Marina exceeded all expectations. In fact, shipyard representatives commented this was the most successful sea trial in recent history for technical performance.” A second and final round of trials will be run just prior to the ship’s delivery. The 65,000-ton ship – being built at Fincantieri in Sestre Ponente, Italy – is scheduled for delivery January 17.

“Her first foray at sea was a resounding success. Marina exhibited exceptional sea-keeping abilities, is amazingly agile and cruised at more than 22 knots with plenty of power in reserve,” said Robin Lindsay, the line’s executive vice president of vessel operations, who was on board during the test run. “Now that sea trials are successfully concluded, we will focus on finishing her magnificent interiors.”

The ship’s inaugural schedule includes a 13-day Maiden Voyage departing January 22 from Barcelona to Miami, where inaugural activities are planned. On February 8, Marina departs on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or 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.

To learn more about Marina, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ and, for great deals, check out www.cruiseline.co.uk/oceania-cruises/.

Don’t forget, too, that you can find out more in person at the wonderful CRUISE Show, which will be held in Birmingham on October 16-17 and in London next March (26-27).

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Winter Collection from Oceania

By guest blogger Steve Newman


Winter blues starting already? If so, upmarket Oceania Cruises has announced its 2011-12 winter line-up of 27 exotic itineraries in Asia, South America and the Caribbean, including new sailings to ports in Hawaii, the South Pacific and Australia/New Zealand.

The line’s Winter Collection also includes special introductory fares, which means 10-day cruise-only fares begin at just £499 per guest.

Winter Collection Highlights:

* 27 unique itineraries, 16 of which are all new
* 33 new ports of call
* New Hawaii and South Pacific voyages, including Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and American Samoa
* A return to Australia and New Zealand
* Diverse and distinctive voyages in Asia
* A new Dubai-to-Cape Town cruise, showcasing Arabia and Africa
* New ship Marina (above) debuts on her first full season of voyages to the Caribbean
* Popular Amazon River cruise to depart from New York City
* New 16-day South America cruise round-trip from Valparaiso, which offers the opportunity to discover rarely visited Nazca Lines, plus Machu Picchu
* A grand 35-day Hong Kong-to-Athens adventure via the Suez Canal

For more information, contact Oceania Cruises on 0845 505 1920 or http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/

Oceania Cruises are exhibiting at The Cruise Show in Birmingham on October 16-17 and at London's Olympia March 26-27, 2011.

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Happy Cruise New Year!

We all look forward to a New Year in one way or another but 2010 promises to be better than most, and not just because the financial and economic scene shows signs of getting back on a healthier, even keel.

As I have already written, there is an amazing variety of new ships to anticipate, with several that should be genuinely ground-breaking (notably Oceania's Marina and NCL's Norwegian Epic).

There should also be plenty of good deals to be had, too, as cruise lines look to tempt people back to sea-going holidays after the recession-hit days of 2008/09 (so be sure to check with our sister company The Cruise Line Ltd for all the best offers - and look early and often in January as many lines are already flagging up their New Year 'Sails'!).

There is also more focus than ever before on attracting first-time cruisers to this holiday style, with companies big (like Royal Caribbean, NCL and P&O) and small (the likes of Compagnie du Ponant, Pandaw Cruises and Hurtigruten) putting out some tempting campaigns to lure newcomers.

In fact, the appeal of the small, deluxe, niche operators like Ponant and Pandaw should be uppermost in the minds of those looking for that 'something new' factor in 2010.

One I am especially looking forward to investigating for the terrific feedback they have already generated in a relatively short time is Chilean specialist Nomads of the Seas and their unique ship the Atmosphere (pictured above).

The appeal of touring the majestic Chilean fjords in the company of this ship's purpose-built style is immensely appealing and should be one of the highlights of the year for us at World of Cruising, so stay tuned for our report in due course.

I would especially recommend taking a look at their website, http://www.nomadsoftheseas.com/, for those who really want to get off the beaten cruise track, enjoy some of the world's most spectacular scenery and wildlife, sample the tastes and culture of a truly unique region and do it all in some of the highest quality possible in the 'soft' adventure-cruising category.

Can you tell I'm looking forward to 2010?!

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Ralph Lauren Takes To The Seas!

Taking a new approach to interior design, Oceania Cruises will be the first line to offer their top suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics from the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection when their Marina makes her debut next year.

In a smart industry first, Oceania tapped New York-based Tocar Interior Design because of the award-winning partners’ familiarity with the Polo Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Susan Bednar Long, co-founder and president, previously oversaw the decoration of flagship retail stores for Polo across North America while Christina Sullivan, co-founder and vice president, began her career at Polo in the store design department, where she launched Double RL Collection Shops across the US.

Oceania president Bob Binder explains: “To appeal to discerning travellers, we wanted the best suites on Marina to feel like a luxurious estate home. We thought out-of-the box, insisted on the finest craftsmanship and sought out the most talented residential designers. Tocar has designed the first suites at sea exclusively using furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home.”

So here's what we can expect, taking the details from Oceania's full press release this week (and, if they are only half as good as they sound, this will among the most premium accommodations anywhere at sea):

The three Owner’s Suites on board Marina are unlike any luxury suites at sea. Upon entering the foyer, guests will be struck with a sense of awe, as though they have entered an opulent estate home. Walls of inset Georgian wood panelling are finished in an ivory gloss. Art niches on either side are framed with polished stone and mirrored to reflect the statuary. An ivory marble entryway with a David Hicks inspired black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, stately burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean vistas. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

Guests will spend most of their time in the spacious living and dining room, which exudes the rich, clubby and refined elegance of a world-class yacht. Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux Zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords uninterrupted aft views.

A camel-coloured, suede L-shaped Modern penthouse sectional is prominently positioned in the corner. To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized Mayfair-tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet; the Planar-brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centres the seating area. A 42-inch flatscreen TV mounted atop a striking nickel and mahogany entertainment centre is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère.

An elegant mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six, topped with a classic candelabra chandelier finished in nickel that completes the dramatic dining area.

Wraparound teak-covered verandas feature stylish pieces custom-crafted from Ralph Lauren in white marine lacquer suitable for outdoor living.

For restful nights at sea, the Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and plush silvery grey carpeting to set the stage for the high-style and luxurious bedrooms of the Owner’s Suites. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a shimmering, silk/cotton blend.
The bedroom’s centrepiece is the distinctive, Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany – its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. To its left and right are City Modern bedside chests with stainless trim and hardware, finished in rosewood mahogany. Night-stands are topped with Faceted Crystal Prism lamps with white silk shades. A custom ceiling fixture in polished nickel with teardrop glass balls provides overhead boudoir lighting.

A Mayfair mirror with a burnished silver-leaf frame and bevelled glass adorns one wall, framed by polished nickel sconces with white-pleated silk shades. Across the room is the Ralph Lauren Highbridge desk featuring stainless steel sawhorse base with glass top and Noble Estate side chair upholstered in camel wool seat base with contrasting ivory ribbed seat back and polished nickel nail heads. A Noble Estate settee upholstered in taupe leather with polished nickel sabos and two Hasley slipper-chairs upholstered in a light gray cashmere wool blend provide additional seating.

Throw pillows upholstered in both silver textured fabric with contrasting ivory cord and ivory brocade pattern with contrasting blue double-fringe trim add to the elegance.

The finishing touch on this grand boudoir is a marble, six-fixture master bathroom with both a separate shower and large soaking tub. The whimsical mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors and Ralph Lauren’s classic small sconces with silk fabric shades.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

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