Upper premium cruise line Oceania Cruises has recently announced that its three R-class ships are all set to undergo a transformation, which will begin next year and will be the most extensive refurbishment in the history of the line.
Regatta, Insignia and Nautica are set to receive a $50 million makeover over the course of six weeks, when a number of public areas and the ships’ suites and staterooms will be extensively redecorated to make them more in keeping with Marina and Riviera; Oceania’s newest vessels. Owner and Vista suites on all vessels are set to receive new bathrooms, which will be fitted with oversized showers.
Oceania Cruises’ president Kunal S Kamlani said of the plans: “This refurbishment program is an incredible undertaking but we are excited by the opportunity to bring some of the best features of our O-Class ships to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. We will preserve the personality, elegance and comfort of these vessels while furnishing certain areas with the updated décor and amenities that are found on Marina and Riviera. This will ensure a consistent experience across the fleet that we know our guests will love and appreciate.”
Other improvements set to take place during the vessels’ refurbishment include a complete makeover for the Terrace Café, which will include the addition of a brand new grill, and the introduction of the gourmet specialty Baristas Coffee Bar, previously only a feature on the line’s newest ships. Signaling more dining options for couples, The Grand Dining Room on each vessel will also be expanded to offer more tables for two.
There’s also some good news for smokers. As well as receiving a complete makeover, the ships’ Horizons lounge will have its smoking area completely enclosed and kitted out with a state-of-the-art air filtration system.
The ships are set to enter dry dock between April 24 and June 6 2014, with the new-look Insignia debuting on May 8, Nautica on May 16 and Regatta on June 7.
By Simon Brotherton
Google