Marina Review

4.5 / 5.0
811 reviews

14 Fantastic Days Aboard Marina!

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Marina
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JulieinLondon
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Aug 2013
Cabin: Concierge Level

Although we are experienced independent travellers, this was only our second cruise (the first was the inaugural cruise of Oceania's Insignia about ten years ago). We were initially concerned that the size of Marina (1200 compared to 650 passengers on Insignia) would feel too large, but we were quickly convinced otherwise.

Embarkation was extremely efficient. We arrived at about 1:30 for a 6:00 PM sailing. Our luggage was whisked away and our stateroom was already ready. Lunch was offered at either the Terrace Cafe or the Grand Dining Room and by the time we returned to our stateroom, our luggage was there waiting for us. The stateroom was lovely with plenty of space for clothes and suitcases (under the bed) and supplied with every possible amenity from cashmere lap robes to ward off the chill while sitting on the veranda to a well-stocked mini bar (non-alcoholic beverages) to a laptop computer (which we didn't use due to the high cost of internet access on the ship) and a bottle of iced champagne.

The public spaces of the ship were absolutely spotless for every minute of the 14 day cruise. They are elegant and classy without the gaudiness we have seen represented on other ships. We loved the pool deck with lovely (and numerous) loungers and the spa deck forward (available to Concierge level staterooms and above), Baristas (serving up some seriously good coffees and teas) and the Horizons lounge, a huge but comfy space with floor to ceiling windows and a great happy hour. The well-stocked library was a nice refuge from all of the activities, although the ship never felt crowded or too busy. Overall, a major strength of the Marina is the number of outdoor places to go to beyond the stateroom veranda. Compared to other similar size ships we docked next to on the cruise, this is a huge plus.We pre-booked four of the specialty restaurants 60 days ahead, along with La Reserve (the Wine Spectator experience with three tasting menus, accompanied by wine pairings). Once on board, we were able to book two more evenings in these restaurants. We especially enjoyed Toscana, Jacques, and La Reserve, although every meal we had on board was excellent to outstanding. Even the burgers and sandwiches at the Waves Grill (where we also had breakfast several mornings) were very good. The flexibility to either book a table for two or to be at a sharing table offered us the chance to meet fellow travellers or to dine alone.

Cabin Review

Concierge Level

Cabin A3

Our cabin, 9105 (an A3 Concierge level stateroom) was in an excellent location. Nothing to impede the wonderful views from our veranda, quiet and only a few doors from the aft elevators and stairs. Luxurious well-planned bathroom and excellent lighting throughout (including very good bedside reading lights, makeup lights in both bathroom and at vanity). Oceania really thinks of everything in terms of equipping the staterooms. The bed was designed to accommodate storage of suitcases, plenty of hangers, cashmere lap robes for the veranda, etc.

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