My wife and I have just returned from a 28 day back to back, grand voyage on Marina from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia and it was a really fantastic experience from all points of view.
It’s a long way to Tahiti via Los Angeles but well worth it.
It was our second cruise on Marina, and it was just as good as the first one around the Eastern Mediterranean.
The ship carries about 1200 passengers (Oceania prefers Guests), and we were pampered by nearly 800 crew members.
We had a balcony cabin, which at 282 sq.ft.
is quite a bit larger than average, and it was very comfortable.
The bed , pillows and bed linen really made for a great nights sleep.
Anna, our cabin steward kept it very clean and tidy, and it was a bonus to have a fridge filled with complimentary soft drinks.
Oceania majors on the food experiences, and with six restaurants to enjoy, all at no extra charge, it has to be some of the best food we have enjoyed anywhere, on land or sea! The staff are everywhere, nothing seems too much trouble, and they are always smiling and happy to help.
The entertainment on this ship is perhaps average, but the on board lectures during the sea days were well attended and mostly very interesting.
This cruise visited a number of islands across the Pacific before finally docking in Sydney – a memorable, early morning arrival.
Hard to believe the so called 6 star lines can be much better than the Oceania experience.
We would only comment on the very expensive shore excursions which we avoid and do our own thing, and also the cost of the on board internet – deals can be done if you’re lucky! Would have no hesitation in recommending Oceania – we have booked with them again in 2015.
