We Found a Real Treasure on the High Seas
I have to admit that I did think I knew there was all to know about the cruise industry after 25 very successful years of making holiday dreams come true for my clients. I have been lucky enough to sail on most and discovered that each ship has its own personality and charm, some cosy, some grand, some glitzy and some old world. Even vessels of the same build class and only differ by name create their own personality and charm, the hardware is identical, but the ambience and feel can vary so much, is it the Captain, the crew or the seas in which it sails ? I believe it’s all of this and more and taking it to another level is not rocket science as I have discovered.
It is no secret that my first true ‘sea love’ is Celebrity Cruises as I have been proud to be part of it’s amazing success and seen it go from strength to strength, I still love it to bits. Then I fell for Azamara Club Cruises as well, same family as Celebrity but this two sister brand has truly found a much needed niche in the ever-changing industry. Most went with a ‘Go Large and Max It’ theory on new builds but those at the sharp end discover two gems in the Journey & Quest and their success speaks for itself.
Now, I now have a confession to make, I have also found another that simply amazed me from the moment I stepped on board, her name is Oceania Marina, simply perfection on the high seas. I have no idea why I had not tried the product before, but a visit to quaint Fowey on a rare sunny June morning seemed perfect for my first rendezvous with Marina, she wowed me from start to finish and left me buzzing to tell all my clients about her. This is cruising at yet another level, not stuffy, not over the top and not flash, it is just affordable perfection in detail, service and style and if you watch the video presentation you will understand how and why the product is so special.
Oceania Marina is one of a family fleet of four, she is the sister of Riviera at 67,000 gross tonnage with only 1250 guests and with two smaller siblings in Regatta and Nautica weighing in at 30,000 with only 684 guests. The passenger to guest ratio is one of the best at sea and it never feels full nor too busy, the on board feel is just perfect, but if needed, a crew member is only seconds away at any time, observant but never intrusive. Their ever-growing smile is big and their attention to detail is second to none and the minute you step on board, you do feel that they are part of a big happy family.
Now on to the best bit for me, the amazing dining options and apart from a very special wine pairing gourmet experience, there is no extra charge to eat in the other wonderful speciality restaurants. Not that you need to try elsewhere, the Grand Dining room offers an ambience that will match any land based 5* hotel restaurant in Europe. So you fancy a change, well, what do you fancy, take a stroll to various locations on this fine vessel to find a culinary heaven. There’s the Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse that offer the finest USDA prime beef that is dry-aged for 28 days to enhance the tenderness and flavour, they even do a 16 oz fillet and 32 oz ribeye in case you feel peckish as we say.
Now lets go Italian then and off to the splendid Toscana (which means Tuscan in Italian,) a region renowned for its fine cuisine with recipe’s passed down from generation to generation, this venue oozes romance and is perfect for any special occasion or a romantic night and that’s always a special occasion.
Off to Jacques place then for a little French number, I am underselling this, Jacques is a wonderful restaurant where luscious aromas waft from the gleaming show rotisserie, where chicken, duck, pork, rib and veal roasts slowly turn. Every dish ingeniously interpreted by Master Chef Pepin, a legend in the culinary world who was head chef for no less than three heads of state in France.
Still can’t make your mind up ? Red Ginger it is then and if you are a feng shui type then this will sit well with you as the minute you walk in you warmed by a radiation of harmony and tranquillity (now I do sound damn clever.) Asian classics from most regions will once again offer far too much choice, this will not be a one visit I promise, you will want to return.
Ok, we are in port and I want to dine and take in the quaint port we have enjoyed for the day, so hit the Terrace Cafe on deck 12. Breakfast, lunch or dinner this is a very relaxed option with ever-changing views to die for and a vast choice of fine food and always complimented by that big smile from the crew.
By the way, fancy a burger, hit the Waves Grill, these are made with Kobe beef, wicked.
Need I say anymore, call me and book what you truly deserve, affordable laid-back luxury with an ever-present smile. We have some wonderful rates with free flights and on board credit, but be warned, this is addictive.
