By
Rebecca Gibson |
Oceania Cruises’ three R-class ships are to debut in early summer 2014 after undergoing a US$50 million investment, the largest in the line’s history.
Regatta, Insignia and Nautica are scheduled to undergo renovation work between 24 April to 6 June.
Debuting on 8 May after a drydock in Marseille, France, Insignia is to mark her first cruise since her two-year charter by sailing a seven-day ‘Jewels of Europe’ inaugural cruise from Barcelona, Spain. Nautica, which will also enter drydock in Marseille, is scheduled to launch on 16 May in Civitavecchia (Rome) for a ten-day ‘Cliffs & Coves’ cruise. Following a drydock in Vancouver, British Columbia, Regatta will sail a ten-day ‘Majesty of Alaska’ trip on 7 June.
Bernard Carter, managing director of UK and Europe at Oceania Cruises, said: “This exciting refurbishment project provides the opportunity to bring some of the best features of our newer `O’ Class ships – Marina and Riviera – to the smaller ships, to give our guests a consistent experience across the fleet.”
He continued “In the last three years Oceania Cruises has launched two new ships, brought flight-inclusive pricing to the UK market and celebrated ten years since the line was launched in 2003 and now, we have another land mark to celebrate as we bring the styling and amenities of the five ships in the fleet into line.”
Each ship will feature refreshed décor in all staterooms, new furnishings and upholstery in the Penthouse suites, and new bathrooms with oversized showers and marble and granite vanity units in the Owner’s and Vista Suites.
The line has overhauled the ships’ public areas, adding a Baristas complimentary coffee bar, renovating the steam and changing rooms and mosaic work in the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, and installing a grill in the Terrace Café, which has also been redecorated with new furnishings, flooring, wall-coverings, and lighting.
In addition, the Main Lounge will have updated décor, furniture, upholstery and carpets, while Horizons and Martinis will both feature refreshed colour palettes and new furnishings.
Changes have also been made to the ships’ outer decks, with new furniture and tile work on the pool decks, as well as mini-golf courses – which replace Cabanas – shuffleboard courts and deck games on the Sports Decks.
Insignia will also feature an Artist Loft on Deck 11.