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Oceania outlines comprehensive fleet update initiativeOceania outlines comprehensive fleet update initiative

Oceania Cruises described its multimillion-dollar initiative to update and enhance its fleet under the ‘Pillars of Distinction’ program as the most significant product investment in company history.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

June 9, 2010

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

It revolves around three Oceania hallmarks: comfort, cuisine and service.

The 684-passenger Nautica, the first ship to undergo its ‘Pillars of Distinction’ update, re-entered service June 4. Sister Insignia will incorporate the changes in November and Regatta in January. All work is occurring during regularly scheduled drydocks.

Pillars of Distinction amenities and design highlights will be incorporated on newbuilds Marina and Riviera, as well.

Oceania founder Frank Del Rio, chairman and ceo of Prestige Cruise Holdings, said the initiative is to ensure an ‘unmatched’ experience in the upper premium category.

Penthouse Suites will be enhanced with more luxurious amenities and new décor highlights. Custom, tufted headboards with nail-head trim mounted on floor-to-ceiling Wenge walnut panels provide a dramatic focal point.

Oceania said the new Prestige Tranquility Beds raise the standard it set in 2003 by sparking the luxury bedding trend at sea. The bed is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by two inches of memory foam; a two-inch thick cushion filled with gel and wrapped in Chamomile-infused fiber tops the mattress. Beds will be dressed with 1,000-thread-count, Egyptian cotton linens and duvets and a plush down comforter.

All accommodations will be outfitted with refrigerated mini bars, sconces and bedside reading lamps, as well as updated furnishings and bath amenities.

The Polo Grill steak house will get new décor, menus will be enhanced in Terrace Café and Toscana, and Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine is being introduced.

Polo Grill enhancements include new leather chairs, carpeting and drapes in crimson, claret, gold and hunter.

The casual Terrace Café with both indoor and al fresco seating will expand its breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Sushi, sashimi and made-to-order pasta dishes will be complemented with regional delicacies in certain destinations.

Toscana, the Italian venue, will enhance its menu with a gourmet olive oil menu and new favorite family recipes from staff and crew.

In the second phase of Oceania’s Canyon Ranch partnership, breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café will add ‘Spa Cuisine’ selections developed by the culinary team at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts.

Enrichment programs are expanding with new destination experiences and, on select sailings, Canyon Ranch Healthy Living Experts will offer classes and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and other topics.

Many ports will add special shore experiences. New tours and excursions include visits to the pope’s private place of worship at the Vatican, an ‘Alaskan Chef’s Table’ and photo safaris in Kenya, among others.

Oceania said ‘Pillars of Distinction’ is an ongoing initiative, with more updates and enhancements to be announced.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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