Oceania Releases Design Details of New Ships (02/28/08)

Oceania Cruises unveiled the first design details of its new Oceania-class ships, which are scheduled for delivery in fall 2010 and summer 2011. The ships, to be constructed in Fincantieri's Sestre Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, have been designed by Y&S Architecture and Interior Design of Oslo, Norway. Y&S will design the public spaces, suites and staterooms. Gunnar Aaserud, a partner and executive architect at Y&S who has done extensive work on the line's Regatta-class ships, is leading the design team for the Oceania class. Signature public spaces will include Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a grand staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. The color palette will feature earthen and jewel tones, while furnishings and accent pieces will create an atmosphere designed to resemble that of a fine home or manor.
"One of the hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises experience is the refined yet relaxed atmosphere onboard and that is something that will continue with our new ships," said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. "Guests will experience the same intimate ambience as our current ships, and the staff-to-guest ratio will be even greater, resulting in an even higher level of personalized service onboard."
The new ships will feature dark woods, Italian marble, granite, wool carpets and leather. They will accommodate 1,252 guests in 626 staterooms and suites, and will be served by more than 780 staff members. Ninety-six percent of all accommodations will feature private teak verandas. Guests will dine in their choice of six open-seating restaurants. Deck 15 will feature Horizons, an observation lounge and nightclub, and a sports deck. On Deck 14, there will be a spa and fitness center, The Patio, a library, Polo Grill steakhouse and Toscana, a gourmet Italian restaurant.
Plans for Deck 12 are to feature guest suites, a Culinary Arts Center, an enrichment center, Waves Bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzis, Waves Grill & Milkshake Bar, private dining rooms, wine cellar and the Terrace Café buffet restaurant. Decks 7 through 11 will feature guest staterooms and suites. Overall, there will be four Owner's Suites, six Vista Suites, 10 Oceania Suites, 120 Penthouse Suites, 440 veranda staterooms, 20 ocean-view staterooms and 26 inside staterooms. Deck 6 will be home to the Upper Hall, Martinis, a casino, a card room, the Grand Bar and Grand Dining Room with continental cuisine. The main lounge, reception hall and lounge will be located on Deck 5, along with a country French restaurant and an Asian fusion restaurant. The new ships will boast a cruising speed of 20 knots, which is 20 percent faster than the Regatta class. In addition to their greater speed, the new ships will have a greater range that enables them to undertake the itineraries to destinations worldwide.