There’s something special about waking up to the sight of a new port and the scent of sea air drifting through your veranda door. This may be a late post but I must say that our voyage aboard Oceania Marina was the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and comfort — a journey where every day brought a new discovery and every evening ended in understated luxury.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed yet refined Mediterranean cruise, this might just be the perfect fit.
The Itinerary
Our voyage, called “Mediterranean Portrait,” felt like a curated gallery of charming ports and breathtaking coastlines. Every stop carried its own rhythm, personality, and flavor.
The itinerary included:
• Valletta, Malta
• Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Split, Croatia
• Bari, Italy
• Corfu, Greece
• Katakolon, Greece
• Catania, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Every destination offered a beautiful mix of history, architecture, and local cuisine — with the joy of returning each evening to the calm luxury of the Marina.
The Ship
Refurbished in 2024, the Oceania Marina is a floating boutique hotel with the warmth of a private club. Designed for just 1,250 guests, it never feels crowded, and there’s a quiet elegance that runs throughout the ship — from its gleaming atrium to its cozy lounges and sunlit pool decks.
You’ll find plenty to do onboard, from art workshops and putting greens to simply enjoying a peaceful sea day on deck with a book in hand. It’s the kind of ship that encourages you to slow down and savor.
Our Home at Sea
We stayed in a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom (Category A2) — 291 square feet of comfort and thoughtful design. The veranda became our private little haven, perfect for sunrise views and quiet reflection before dinner.
The room itself felt spacious and well-appointed, with a plush seating area, a refrigerated mini-bar, and a marble-and-granite bathroom that felt straight out of a boutique hotel.
Concierge-level perks made the experience even more indulgent: priority embarkation, access to the private Concierge Lounge, complimentary laundry, welcome Champagne, and unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace. The details — like soft cashmere lap blankets and a dedicated concierge — made us feel wonderfully taken care of.
Culinary Experiences
Dining aboard the Oceania Marina was truly a highlight of our cruise — every meal felt like a carefully curated experience rather than a routine stop. Oceania’s reputation as “the cruise line for food lovers” is well deserved, and the Marina certainly lives up to it.
On Day 2, as we cruised the Mediterranean Sea toward Dubrovnik, the ship hosted a beautiful lunch buffet in The Grand Dining Room. It showcased fresh Mediterranean flavors and felt more special than the usual sea-day lunch. A string quartet played softly in the background, adding an elegant touch to the experience.
When it comes to the specialty restaurants, our absolute standouts were Jacques, Red Ginger, and Polo Grill. Each one delivered a memorable dining experience in its own distinct way.
Jacques, a French bistro inspired by the legendary Jacques Pépin, served refined comfort food that transported us straight to Paris.
Red Ginger delighted us with bold Asian flavors and flawless presentation — the miso-glazed sea bass was easily one of the best dishes I’ve ever had at sea.
At Polo Grill, we enjoyed perfectly cooked steaks and classic sides that felt timeless yet indulgent, served with exceptional attention to detail.
For breakfast, we alternated between the Grand Dining Room and the Aquamar Kitchen.
The Grand Dining Room offered a serene, elegant start to the day with fresh fruit, flaky pastries, and made-to-order omelets, while the Terrace Café provided a more relaxed atmosphere with sweeping sea views and a wide array of fresh, high-quality and nourishing flavors.
Even as non-drinkers and non-coffee people, we never felt like we were missing out. The focus here is on quality — from ingredients to service — and that consistency made every meal onboard a memorable part of our journey.
Daytime and Evening Enrichment
Days at sea were easygoing, filled with lighthearted fun and a touch of relaxation. We spent time on the mini putting greens and played ping-pong, often joining other guests for a friendly match under the sun.
One afternoon, I treated myself to a back and neck massage by the pool, which was absolute bliss — professional, soothing, and just what I needed after a day of exploring.
Evenings were just as enjoyable. We joined trivia nights after dinner, which quickly became one of our favorite social activities onboard. The energy was friendly and fun, and it was a great way to meet fellow travelers.
We didn’t miss the big stage shows you find on larger ships — the atmosphere on Marina felt more personal, more relaxed, and perfectly suited to our pace. The entertainment may be smaller in scale, but it has a genuine charm to it. The performers put their hearts into every number, and the intimate setting made it easy to connect with the music and the moment. The Farewell Show, in particular, was truly heart-warming. It wrapped up the cruise with a sense of gratitude and togetherness, leaving us with that warm, lingering feeling that we’d been part of something special.
Fellow Passengers and Atmosphere
The crowd aboard Oceania Marina tends to be mature, well-traveled, and friendly. Most guests were in their 50s to 70s, with a mix of couples, solo travelers, and a few adult families.
Conversations flowed easily — about travel, food, and the day’s adventures — and the overall vibe was warm and refined without ever feeling stuffy. It’s luxury that feels approachable, which we really appreciated.
If you’re someone who values peace, space, and quality over constant entertainment, you’ll feel right at home here.
Dress Code
The daytime dress code is casual resort wear — think shorts, polos, sundresses, and linen shirts. Evenings are elegant casual, which means slacks and nice tops or dresses.
There are no formal nights unless your cruise is longer than 16 days, so you can leave the tux and gown at home. The atmosphere is polished but never pretentious.
Inclusions and Exclusions
One of Oceania’s strong points is transparency — you know exactly what’s included and what’s extra.
What’s Included:
All specialty dining (no extra charge)
Unlimited WiFi
Non-alcoholic drinks, specialty teas, and juices
Beer and wine during lunch and dinner (if you choose that option)
Gratuities
Group fitness classes
Free laundry service (with extra perks for Concierge-level guests)
What’s Not Included:
Premium alcoholic beverages and cocktails
Spa and salon treatments
Shore excursions (unless part of your “Your World Included” package)
Premium internet upgrades
Tip: If you’re more of an explorer than a wine drinker, choose the shore excursion credit option — it adds great value to your itinerary.
Would We Sail Again with Oceania?
Absolutely. The Oceania Marina perfectly matches travelers who appreciate fine dining, gracious service, and a calm, sophisticated onboard vibe. It’s not a ship for nightlife lovers or thrill-seekers — but if you’re after a laid-back luxury experience that feels both personal and indulgent, Marina delivers beautifully.
My Rating
With world-class cuisine, a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, and destinations that inspire, Oceania Marina offers a voyage that satisfies both the palate and the soul. It’s the kind of cruise that lingers in your memory long after you’ve disembarked.
Travels by Cheryl Anne 