Marina Review
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Marina is a beautiful ship and the public areas are not only amazingly gorgeous in their decor but the entire ship is just a joy to behold. All the public areas have amazing and interesting furniture, works of art, soft furnishings, fabrics etc. The ports of call on this cruise were so interesting. We visited Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bari Italy, Corfu Greece, Zakynthos Greece, Valetta Malta, Catania Siciliy, Naples/Pompei and the cruise disembarked in Rome.
The veranda stateroom on level 8 was very acceptable with a comfortable bed and it was clean and well presented. All of the staff were lovely as usual and did an excellent job. Shore excursions were all wonderful and very interesting and 'destination services' staff who organise the booking of on shore excursions did an excellent job. Entertainment was fairly tame but we had chef Jacques Pepin on board which was enough entertainment on its own and we so enjoyed seeing his face around the ship and at the book signing.
Cruise Director and his male assistant were average and could have been more helpful with the following issue but I suspect he may have been unwell. Much to our disappointment this cruise was ruined by a mystery virus or food poisoning, which was reported the CDC. The captain made an announcement some days after the problem surfaced advising '...anyone who feels ill should remain in their room and notify the medical centre and the doctor would visit them in their room and the service would be complimentary (free)'. We soon discovered this was incorrect advice, the same incorrect advice was repeated a couple of days later in another announcement from the captain to our astonishment. The medical service was not free but was charged and the rates were quoted over the phone by a the nurse who would not send the doctor unless we agreed to be charged fees and reported certain symptoms. I had an extensive conversation with the general manager about the inconsistent advice from the captain. I was so glad that I had my own medical knowledge and carried medications with me for such events as I found the medical services on board rude and of no help at all. Obviously the hypocratic oath has a dollar value with the medical staff on this ship.
Cabin Review
Verandah Stateroom
Beautiful cabin. Comfortable bed. Maintained in excellent condition. Safe was a bit on the blink with sticky buttons. No complaints about the cabin.
Port Reviews
Venice
Embarkation port. Beautiful port - cannot fault Venice itself. Stayed at Hilton hotel Oceania recommend. Refused transfer to port from Oceania staff as not booked through Oceania. Lengthy walk at port with no assistance from Oceania staff.
Kotor
One of the prettiest approaches to a port that you will experience every. Beautiful sail into Kotor. Honey coloured houses tumbling down the hillsides to the sea. Green water reflecting the mountains and hills beyond. Still waters, Sun shining. Wonderful tour on very winding narrow Serpentine Road through ragged mountains which was a little bit scary due to enormous heights and narrow hairpin turns.
Bari
So disappointed. There is no point touring the caves unless you do the longer tour. Very friendly shop owners around entrance to caves. Only given 1/2 hour to look around Polignano A Mare and most of that was spent walking in and out from the bus.
Malta (Valletta)
Medina is gorgeous and I would love to return to stay a few nights. Walking tour of Medina was relatively easy and so enjoyable. A very comprehensive tour which included the church at Mosta which I had visited on another trip and the Dingli Cliffs which I had also previously visited - very windy there! Lovely guide and tour.