Oceania Cruises Floats Out Marina, Cuts Steel on New Riviera

Oceania Cruises celebrated the float-out of the 65,000-ton Marina on Feb. 26 by starting construction on its sister ship, named Riviera, the same day at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

The Marina is due to enter service in January 2011, while Riviera will follow in April 2012. “The only thing better than one new ship is two new ships,” said Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Oceania parent Prestige Cruise Holdings. “They say great things come in threes, so who knows.”

The Marina is the first newbuild for Oceania and promises some exciting new features. The vessel will offer 10 dining venues, including six open-seating restaurants, for its 1,258 passengers. No surcharges will be levied for any of the restaurants, although four will require reservations.

The eateries include a new Thai and Vietnamese restaurant, Red Ginger; the signature Polo Grill with 28-day dry-aged beef; Jacques, a bistro operated by the line’s culinary consultant, Jacques Pepin; and Toscana, which will serve seven-course Italian meals that will start off with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar cart.