$100m initiative to 're-inspire' Oceania's R-class ships

Regatta, Insignia, Sirena and Nautica will emerge with 342 new designer suites and staterooms, and new décor in the restaurants, lounges and bars.

Insignia to debut in December

Insignia will be the first to debut on Dec. 7, followed by Sirena in May 2019, Regatta in September 2019 and Nautica in June 2020.

'OceaniaNEXT will be the most extensive and comprehensive suite of product and guest service enhancements that we have ever undertaken,' said Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. He added that ships like those of the R-class aren't built anymore, which is why this project is such an important milestone in the brand's 15-year history.

'We are maintaining the intimate surroundings and personal attention that our guests love, while at the same time setting a new standard of style and elegance for small ship cruising,' Binder said.

Studio DADO leads the redesign

At the helm of this dramatic refurbishment is Studio DADO, a Miami-based firm specializing in luxury residential and hospitality design.

'The Studio DADO team was initially commissioned to completely redesign just the public rooms on board the Insignia,' Binder said. 'They blew us away during our first meeting. Experiencing their energy and passion was delightful, and exactly what we needed for OceaniaNEXT. We immediately enlisted them to also design 342 staterooms and suites that were stripped down to the steel. They nailed the designs within the first shot, and in only two weeks.'

'The moment we stepped on board, we were impressed by the ambiance and attention to detail,' said Yohandel Ruiz, founding partner of Studio DADO. 'The guests we spoke with kept telling us how dearly they loved the ships, so it was important that we kept the intimacy and warmth in the redesign. What we landed on provides a modern and airy atmosphere, similar to what you would find in an elegant estate home.'

Marina and Riviera the muses

With Oceania's Marina and Riviera as their muses, Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena will feature richly appointed and stylish new interiors. Furnishings from Baker and Donghia, and fabrics from Rubelli and Kravet, will adorn the public spaces, along with new richly hued, custom-milled carpets.

Effortless style in an elegant atmosphere will be the defining characteristics of the Reception Hall and Upper Hall, with a new grand staircase framed by intricate railings and balustrades inset with crystal accents. The space will be crowned with a grand chandelier adorned with smoked and hand-painted glass.

The Grand Dining Room will feature buttery soft, cream leather chairs accented with metallic bronze threading to catch the light from the new crystal chandelier, the room’s defining centerpiece.

Martinis becomes new with a palette inspired by Santorini, featuring hues of deep Grecian blue, sienna and chocolate browns, along with pewter. Silver-white marble and tobacco quartz will accent the bar with its trademark walnut paneling.

Stateroom redesign the most dramatic aspect

The staterooms and suites will be lighter, brighter and more spacious. Stripped down to their studs, the accommodations will be modernized with custom furnishings, exotic stone, polished wood finishes and designer accessories.

'The staterooms and suites are the most dramatic of the transformation,' Ruiz said. 'They now feature a very clean design with a sophisticated air. Enhanced by nuanced shades of the sea and sky, the tones are warm and soothing, incorporating silvery greys and greens alongside vivid sapphires and taupes.'

USB ports will be incorporated into the accommodations, as well as the latest television system with movies on demand in multiple-languages, live stations and a program guide, plus itinerary information and weather updates.

New bathrooms

Every fixture and surface of the bathrooms will be new, with designer features, lighting, lavish vanities and glass shower enclosures. Penthouse, Vista and Owner’s Suites bathrooms become true luxury retreats, offering more space outfitted with Carrara marble, granite and onyx.

Oceania Cruises said the R-class 're-inspiration' is the first in a line of announcements and enhancements to come in 2018, 2019 and beyond.

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