Oceania Cruises undertakes multi-million dollar investment

• New one of a kind on-shore experiences
• New Canyon Ranch Spa healthy lifestyle menus
• New stateroom décor and chamomile-infused beds
• New menu enhancements and new restaurant décor
• New lifestyle classes and workshops

Oceania Cruises has launched a multi-million dollar initiative to update and enhance its award-winning fleet, currently comprising of three mid-sized luxury cruise ships, Regatta, Nautica and Insignia.

The comprehensive “Pillars of Distinction” programme – the most significant product investment in the company’s history – is intended to upgrade the ships to a further level of luxury, focusing on the three hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises experience: comfort, cuisine and service.

The 684-guest Nautica, the first Oceania Cruises ship to undergo its Pillars of Distinction update, re-entered service on June 4 after the enhancements. Sister ship Insignia will incorporate Pillars of Distinction this November and Regatta in January 2011. All work will occur during regularly scheduled dry-docks.

Pillars of Distinction amenities and design highlights will also be incorporated on Oceania’s two new ships, currently under construction in Italy. The 1,258-guest Marina joins the fleet in January 2011 and a sister ship, Riviera, is scheduled for delivery in April 2012.

"Oceania Cruises has set new industry standards since we launched the line nearly eight years ago," said Frank Del Rio, the line’s founder and chairman/CEO of parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings. “With our new Pillars of Distinction initiative we have raised the bar in upper-premium cruising to ensure that the Oceania Cruises experience remains unmatched."

Stylish Staterooms and Suites
Under the new programme, Oceania Cruises’ elegant and well-appointed staterooms and Penthouse Suites will be enhanced with even more luxurious amenities and stylish new décor highlights. Custom, tufted headboards with nail-head trim mounted on floor-to-ceiling Wenge walnut panels provide the dramatic focal point.

Oceania Cruises pioneered the luxury bedding trend at sea in 2003 and the new Prestige “Tranquility Beds” raise the standard even higher. The bed is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones that are covered by two inches of memory foam; a two-inch thick cushion filled with gel and wrapped in Chamomile-infused fibre tops the mattress. In addition, all beds will be dressed with 1,000-thread-count, Egyptian cotton linens and duvets and a plush down comforter.

Accommodation will be completed with refrigerated mini bars, wall sconces and bedside reading lamps, as well as updated furnishings and bath amenities.

Sophisticated Steakhouse, Spa Cuisine
Acclaimed for its gourmet cuisine and no-charge specialty restaurants, Oceania Cruises will refine its culinary offerings with new décor in the grill restaurant Polo Grill, enhanced menus in the Terrace Café and in the Italian restaurant Toscana, and the introduction of sublime Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine for health-conscious guests.

Polo Grill is Oceania Cruises’ most popular alternative restaurant. Here, guests enjoy the finest dry-aged prime beef, grilled meats and poultry and succulent seafood, including Maine lobster. Pillars of Distinction enhancements include new leather chairs, carpeting and drapes in hues of crimson, claret, gold and hunter, which evoke the glamour of a sophisticated, yet classic American steakhouse.

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

Toscana, the line’s upscale Italian venue, will enhance its menu with the addition of a gourmet olive oil menu and new favourite family recipes from staff and crew.

In the second phase of the cruise company’s partnership with Canyon Ranch Spa, breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café will feature “Spa Cuisine” selections developed by the culinary team at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, the world’s number one healthy living company. Canyon Ranch opened the onboard spas in 2009.

Enrichment – Aboard and Ashore
In order to provide guests with new and unique experiences, Oceania Cruises will also expand its onboard enrichment programme. On select sailings Canyon Ranch Healthy Living Experts will offer classes and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics.

To maintain its leadership position in destination cruising, Oceania Cruises’ award-winning itineraries will be enhanced with one-of-a-kind shore experiences in many ports. 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.

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

Oceania Cruises® is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivalled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 300 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the luxurious Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and brand new Marina. Riviera, a sister ship to Marina, is scheduled to join the fleet in April 2012.