Editor's Note: In Part One of a two-part photo tour, we show some public spaces onboard Oceania Cruises' Sirena, including the pool deck area, atrium, theater, card room, fitness area and spa. Part Two of this series, coming soon, will show the top suites on the ship.
Travel Agent magazine boarded Oceania Cruises' 30,277-grt Sirena for a brief day visit this month at PortMiami. Before the ship set sail on a 16-day transatlantic voyage to Civitavecchia (Rome), we checked out some of the ship's public spaces.
The 684-passenger Sirena, a sister ship to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, joined the Oceania fleet in spring 2016 following a 35-day, $40 million refurbishment. In essence, it was a keel-to-mast rebuilding that almost created a completely new vessel.
Overall, Sirena is a bit lighter and brighter than those three ships as Oceania incorporated some decorative effects and colors from the larger Marina and Riviera. But it's not dramatically different otherwise from its trio of sister ships, except for the larger suites and two new specialty dining options.
We found the ship fresh and ship-shape. Here's a photo tour from our all-too-short visit to this lovely mid-sized cruise ship.
Sirena's atrium is a grand staircase, showing that even a ship the size of Sirena can "go regal." We liked the red, black and gold decor and the fresh flowers. Shown below is the adjacent top level area off the atrium, which has shops and seating.
It's also home to the Oceania Club Ambassador, who will assist guests with future cruise bookings. Agents will receive commission and can service those bookings if their client chooses to make a future cruise reservation here.
One of the classic features of the storied ocean liners of the past was the "card room." Sirena offers its own version of that card room (shown above) with tables for playing bridge, Scrabble or other card or board games.
During our visit, one table displayed the outer border of jigsaw puzzle with pieces strewn about, just waiting for guests to play.
The center of nightly entertainment onboard Sirena is the Lounge, shown above. It's a classy theater venue outfitted in grey, blue and gold decor. Comedians, magicians, singers, headline acts and jazz ensembles entertain guests here.
In addition to the venue's fixed theater seating, including long couch-like seating, there are living-room-style chairs (movable), which give the space flexibility for events. The lounge also has a bar.
For those who prefer outdoor activities, the ship has a top-deck shuffleboard area, shown above, as well as an adjacent putt-putt course, shown below.
Sun worshippers will likely appreciate the padded loungers on the top deck. It's just a short stairway down to the pool deck below, which has two whirlpools, a bar and outdoor dining area.
Oceania's guests like fine dining, but many are also partial to healthy choices and fitness activities. We saw a robust fitness room with state-of-the-art machines, as well as this separate area below with spinning machines and colorful Pilates balls.
The Canyon Ranch SpaClub's ladies' room locker area is shown above, and the men's locker area is similar. Both have shower and steam room facilities.
Outside, spa guests also can head for the spa's private relaxation area including this thalassotherapy pool, shown below.
Related Stories
Cuba Cruise Feedback: Group IST, a Variety Cruises Partner, Says "No Change"
The Art of Cruise Upselling: Top Tips From Avoya Travel's Tammie Richie
Mobility Challenges? Want to Cruise? "Welcome Aboard," Say Agents
Spanish Shipyard to Build First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Vessel