Love food and fine dining? Then you will be beyond excited to hear about the offerings of Oceania’s new ship, the Marina, which debuts later this month. This gorgeous new vessel, the first of it’s kind, will have no less than six no-charge, gourmet restaurants!
The Marina was designed specifically with the epicurean in mind; meals are cooked to order with the intent of serving cuisine that rivals the best that it’s land-based counterparts has to offer.
Oceania brings us these descriptions of their 10 restaurants, eight of which are no-charge:
- The Grand Dining Room – 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.
- Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savory specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
- 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.
- Jacques – The first-ever restaurant at sea for its renowned namesake, Jacques Pépin, draws inspiration from fabled brasseries of Paris and his hometown of Lyon. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
- Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavors are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddhas carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centerpiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
- 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.
- Waves – This relaxed, open-air bistro serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch, weather permitting.
- Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place throughout the day to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake.
The remaining two restaurants do incur additional charges, but provide the ultimate “chef’s table” experience:
- La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines; reservations required.
- Privée – This posh private dining room offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalized menu featuring such specialties as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings, reservations required.
The new Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Center, where would-be chefs can work in a hands-on culinary studio at sea. Here are some details on this fabulous addition:
- The Bon Appétit Culinary Center was created in conjunction with fine food and wine publication Bon Appétit.
- The culinary center offers 24 individual cooking stations, with one guest per station.
- It is the only cooking school at sea to offer hands-on instruction…guests can expand their culinary knowledge like never before…perfect for every aspiring chef.
- Expert Master Chefs provide instruction in a professional kitchen atmosphere – sharing the secrets of everything from great regional cuisines to homemade pasta.
A food lover’ dream!! The Oceania Marina’s maiden voyage is a 13-day Barcelona to Miami trip, sailing January 22, 2011.
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
