Titanic Belfast extends a warm welcome to the cruise ship MS Marina. The beautiful lines and elegant interiors of this 66,000-ton motor ship were designed by the Norwegian firm of Yran & Storbraaten, one of the worlds leading naval architects. The signature style of this firm is evident in many of their outstanding cruise ship designs. Marinas swept back frontal superstructure, the absence of clutter over her 782 feet length and the same slanting treatment of her stern help reduce her overall scale, giving the vessel a pleasing and balanced profile. The desel-electric motor ship Marina, belonging to Miami based Oceania Cruises, was built by Fincantieri in Italy and entered service in January 2011. Ordered in 2007 she was the first new build for the company and part of the three ship Oceania class. Her sister Riviera entered service in May 2012. The third vessel in the class was cancelled following the massive downturn in cruise bookings following-on from the financial crisis. However, in recent years the steadily improving market resulted in the company signing a deal with Fincantieri in May of this year for two additional Oceania class vessels. With accommodation for 1,252 passengers, compared with some of the new giants of the seas, Marina and her sister are small. But what they lack in scale is more than made up for by their facilities. Of the 626 luxury staterooms and suites 90% feature private verandahs and the three owners suites,each of 2,000 sq. ft. are furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. The vessel has nine dining venues ranging form casual pool side cafes to exclusive extra charge restaurants - a concept first developed by White Star over 100 years ago for the Olympic class and one which in recent years has gained in popularity once again. Marina, like Titanic and Olympic, also features a magnificent Grand Staircase. In the White Star liners the staircases were carved from the finest oak; Marinas version is adorned with stunning Lalique glass and reminiscent of the decorations in the elegant French liners of the 1930s. The double curved design with balcony above has delicate ironwork balustrades with crystal medallions. Six tall crystal pillars rise from the landing flanking the two story glass lift (elevator). At the base of the stairs is a dramatic centrepiece - Laliques classic cactus table surrounded by crystal screens and newels capped with crystal finials. A striking Lalique vase, always filled with fresh flowers, completes this impressive centre piece. Lalique sculptures and crystal pieces are displayed throughout the vessel and form part of Marinas multi-million dollar art collection.The rest of the vessel is decorated with the finest wood veneers, Italian marble, granite, leather and deep-pile wool carpeting; the emphasis of the designers has been on luxury and classic elegance. A regular caller at Belfast since her maiden season, she is currently on a cruise from London to London with calls at Newcastle, Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Belfast (in port from 8am to 10pm), Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin, Holyhead, Waterford and Portland (Dorset).
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 06:00:01 +0000
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