Construction of Oceania’s newest cruise ship appears to be proceeding at a leisurely pace. The 65,000-ton Marina – a big sister for the line’s existing trio of Insignia, Nautica and Regatta – was originally scheduled to be delivered before the end of this year but was long ago postponed until January.
The ship, which will carry 1,250 passengers and increase the line’s total capacity by 60 per cent at a stroke, is being built by Fincantieri at its Sestri Ponente yard in Genoa. It took to the sea for the first time last week for trials to test her propulsion systems and manoeuvrability.
In comparison, Royal Caribbean’s new vessel, Allure of the Seas, undertook her sea trials two weeks ago, and will be handed over in four weeks’ time, ready for a naming ceremony at the end of November.
“Marina is a beautiful ship. She was extremely manoeuvrable with virtually no vibration to be felt, even at high speeds,” said Captain Dimitrios Flokos, the ship’s master, who was on board for the trials, during which the ship achieved a top speed of 22 knots with power in reserve.
“Marina exceeded all expectations. In fact, shipyard representatives commented this was the most successful sea trial in recent history for technical performance.”
Final sea trials will take place just befpre the ship is handed over in the middle of January.
The ship’s inaugural schedule includes a 13-day maiden voyage sailing on January 22 from Barcelona to Miami, where inaugural activities are planned. On February 8, Marina departs on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits to America’s Pacific coast before a 12-day Caribbean cruise from Miami, followed by a cruise along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.
Sister ship Riviera is also under construction, and will enter service in April 2012
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