We have sailed with Oceania a number of times but this was our first on Marina, which is the largest capacity of Oceania’s fleet.
We chose our cruises by destination as opposed to a particular ship as long as it is under 1250 and offers luxury.
Sadly, the service on Marina did not compare with the smaller ships in their fleet or with our last cruise on Seabourn.
We go again in June to the Baltic again on Marina so let’s see if things improve…
I will split my review into Food / Cabin / Entertainment etc FOOD – The Terrace Restaurant (buffet) was quite disappointing quality.
Waves ( grill) was always fine.
Grand Dining room was 70% excellent.
Polo, Toscana and Jacques were excellent.
Red Ginger has a wonderful staff team but we found the Asian food too bland.
BARS – good choice of them.
plenty of places on board to relax DECK & POOL – Never had any problem getting a lounger etc.
Waiter drinks service was initially very slow but improved through cruise.
Penthouse guests have a separate entrance to a deck area with jacuzzi the front of Canyon Ranch and this is never very busy ( except when we went through the Panama Canal !) STAFF – I felt that some of the staff were unhappy.
After a few days I made my own survey on my way into breakfast at the TerraceCafeand I walked past 7 Staff before someone said ‘good morning’ and that would always be a Phillipino.
Generally, the East European staff seem to have a bit of an ‘edge’ whereas the Indian and Asian are always really polite and friendly.
CABIN – we had a Penthouse and the Butler and Maids were really excellent.
Always happy faces and welcoming – you could never pass them without an hello ! Cabin was kept spotless.
The cabin is slightly larger ( I think) than on the smaller ships at the Penthouse grade.
The walk in wardrobe was a big bonus.
ENTERTAINMENT – The Marina Lounge shows were generally poor.
But a big bonus was a fantastic guitarist named Greg.
The backing band and also the house Band were both very good.
It was the show singers and artists that disappointed us.
TALKS – were very good quality but there were no destination talks ARTISTS LOFT – this guy Frank Hyder (?) needs re-educating in his attitude and teaching techniques.
He really thought he was someone special and all he could do was talk of his previous successes ( ?) CANYON RANCH – it has good facilities and my wife had an excellent massage but its very expensive.
HEALTH – Sadly the ship had to be ‘sanitised’, as there was serious (level 3) outbreak of gastro .
There were also many people with bronchial coughs too.
ITINERARY – It was excellent ( except for Guatemala which was basically a lorry and container park) .The captain substituted Cape Kennedy for Norfolk which, although an excellent port to see the Space Centre, meant that we lost 1/2 a day in New York.
