Puffins and gastronomic perfection onboard Oceania Marina

Oceania Marina is designed for ‘the ultimate epicurean,’ say Oceania, for ‘culinary and travel connoisseurs.’ Featuring an array of complimentary specialty restaurants and unique dining experiences, this ship really aspires to create moments to savour long after your cruise ends. Michaela from our Framlingham shop was lucky enough to step onboard Oceania Marina for a 6-night cruise from Iceland to Belfast, and sinking her teeth into the sumptuous dining was just of one her personal trip highlights!

“Onboard Oceania Marina is very glamorous. The food is the best of the best, such as lobster and filet mignon. With eight restaurants on such a small ship, you certainly get lots of choice, and even the buffet restaurant is not your standard buffet – obviously the food is great, but it still manages to maintain an intimate dining atmosphere. Each of the gourmet restaurants serves a distinct set of dishes, the main Grand Dining Room features a daily menu of international flavours and a new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu, the Terrace Cafe is a buffet with café-casual classics and a lunchtime pizzeria. Then you can literally tour the globe with authentic Italian at Toscana, Parisian bistro flavours in Jacques, Asian classics in Red Ginger, all American favourites in Waves Grill, a taste of the Mediterranean at Aquamar Kitchen and a classic steak in The Polo Grill. Not to mention traditional afternoon tea, served daily in Horizons, and a coffee or pastry at Baristas! And for a special occasion La Reserve offer two Culinary Experiences - The Dom Perignon six-course indulgence that pairs each course with a Dom Pérignon vintage, or The Odyssey where seven exquisite dishes are paired are with premium wines. The culinary highlight of my trip was Jacques’ Lobster Thermidor, which was totally amazing.

Oceania Marina is a beautiful, modern, classy ship with designer touches everywhere, such as the Lalique Grand Staircase, that give an air of sophistication throughout. Accommodating just 1250 guests, and with a staff of 800, the service is exemplary, everyone is very friendly and helpful in every way. Facilities include a spa, theatre, casino, shops, laundry rooms, cookery school, art classes, library, mini golf, plus a gym, racket court and running track for wearing off all those indulgent meals! There are plenty of luxurious sunbeds for everyone, the pool is a good size, and the hot tubs are lovely and warm.

My cabin was a Veranda Stateroom, which was a great size, with a bath and walk in shower, dressing gowns and slippers provided, and plenty of storage space. I was allowed a peek at a Penthouse Suite too, which is absolutely gorgeous!

There are several areas to relax in, such as Martinis for cocktails, Baristas coffee lounge and Horizons for the Captain’s Cocktail night, live music in the evenings and guest speakers in the day. Marina Lounge hosts the evening shows, and we saw two during our trip, which were both brilliant - it’s worth arriving early to get seats towards the front for the best views.

My 6-night journey was sailing from Reykjavik in Iceland to Belfast. Our first port of call was Heimaey, a small Icelandic island of just over 5 square miles. A volcanic eruption in 1973 reshaped the island and cooled lava fields and the Eldfall Crater tell of its explosive history. Here I joined a hop on hop off bus tour that visited a Puffin colony and volcano. The puffins were one of my trip highlights - they were so lovely to watch, and surprisingly quick flyers.

Streymoy was our next stop, and we disembarked and walked to Torshavn, translating literally as Thor’s Harbour, and capital of the Faroe Islands. The old part of the town, Tinganes, is still made up of small wooden houses covered with turf roofs, the oldest one dating back 500 years.

Kirkwall is the largest town on the Orkney Islands, and here we took the tender ashore to explore the town, visiting St Magnus Cathedral, the ruins of Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace and finishing the day off with a pint of locally brewed lager.

My cruise with Oceania was fantastic. I can understand why they are a luxury cruise line, with absolutely the best hospitality and an elegant, contemporary style. They offer the finest gourmet food cooked to order and cater for all any food allergies with ease. I would recommend Oceania for ages from 30 – 70, whether they are travelling solo, as a couple or a group of friends. It’s total luxury from start to finish, with amazing, friendly and helpful staff, and I absolutely loved my time onboard Oceania Marina.”

You can chat with Michaela at our Framlingham shop, or find your local branch here.‍