Oceania Cruises to Debut First-Ever Culinary Studio at Sea

Guests on Oceania Cruises' Marina, set to debut in 2010, will be their own personal executive chef at sea. When the cruise line launches the 1,258-guest Marina, it will be the first ship to include a state-of-the-art culinary studio that is fully equipped with individual work stations.

“Many ships offer cooking demonstrations," said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruise. "Our goal when designing Marina was to be the first to let guests actually cook for themselves as opposed to passively watching from the audience."

Oceania Cruises’ cooking curriculum, designed in part by Bon Appétit magazine, will appeal to a wide range of tastes and incorporate regional cultures and cuisines. Depending on the itinerary, classes may range from 45 minutes to three hours, and cater to all levels of aptitude, from beginner to master-chef level. The culinary experience will also be brought ashore with market tours where guests will shop for local ingredients with the chef. Additionally, guest chefs may arrange for students to have private tastings at wineries and access to famous shore-side kitchens.

The Marina has been purposefully designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants. Accommodations include 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, a full-service spa, spacious fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

Additional information about the Marina's culinary center, including participating chefs, will be released in the coming months. Reservations for Marina are scheduled to open during the fourth quarter of 2009. Visit www.oceaniacruises.com.