Work has started on Oceania Cruises’ new 1,252-passenger ship Marina, its first custom-built cruise liner.
The new ship is set to debut in September 2010, with a sister ship scheduled to launch on July 30, 2011.
The cruise line said Marina will provide luxurious accommodation, with leather, wood and marble interiors in 626 staterooms and suites, 96% of them featuring private teak verandas
Wheelchair-accessible staterooms will be available in every category and, for the first time, Owner’s and Vista Suites will feature outdoor whirlpools.
Passengers will be looked after by more than 780 staff members and can dine in one of six open-seating restaurants.
The 65,000-ton Marina is over twice the size of the line’s current three mid-sized, Regatta-class vessels – Insignia, Regatta and Nautica, each 30,277 tons with capacity for 684 passengers.
By Bev Fearis
