By the Caribbean Journal staff
Oceania Cruises is planning significant changes to four of its cruise ships, according to a statement from the company.
The cruise line has launched what it’s calling OceaniaNEXT, an array of ship enhancements “designed to elevate every facet of the guest experience.”
That will begin with a $100 million “re-inspiration” of four of its ships: Regatta, Insignia, Sirena and Nautica.
Each ship will add 342 new designer suites and staterooms and new decor.
A new “grand hall” on a Regatta-class ship.
Insignia will be the first ship to relaunch on Dec. 7, followed by Sirena in May 2019, Regatta in September 2019 and finally the Nautica ship in June of 2020.
“OceaniaNEXT will be the most extensive and comprehensive suite of product and guest service enhancements that we have ever undertaken,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Our Regatta-Class ships are like second homes to our loyal guests and travel partners. They don’t build ships like these anymore, which is why this re-inspiration project is such an important milestone in our company’s 15-year history. We are maintaining the intimate surroundings and personal attention that our guests love, while at the same time setting a new standard of style and elegance for small ship cruising. We have opened a new chapter, innovating in every way as we look to the future and the way our guests want to travel. We can’t wait for our ‘new’ ships to launch.”
Miami-based design firm Studio DADO will be spearheading the refurbishment.
“The moment we stepped onboard, we were impressed by the ambiance and attention to detail,” said Yohandel Ruiz, founding partner of Studio DADO. “The guests we spoke with kept telling us how dearly they loved the ships, so it was important that we kept the intimacy and warmth in the redesign. What we landed on provides a modern and airy atmosphere, similar to what you would find in an elegant estate home.”
Oceania’s worldwide sailings include the Caribbean.