Oceania Cruises' Marina to Feature Lalique Grand Stairway

Oceania Cruises has only recently begun to unveil the design details about their new ship Marina, still under construction in Italy, and what we've seen and heard so far is truly exquisite. In addition to palatial Owner's Suites completely appointed with furniture, fabrics, lighting, and bedding from the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection (see our earlier story), Oceania has commissioned Lalique, the fabled French artists of jewelry and crystal to design a grand stairway for the reception area.

The stunning Lalique Grand Staircase will feature double curved staircases and balcony with balustrades of crystal medallions and scrolled iron. Six crystal pillars rising from the landing adorn the two-story, glass elevator surround. A brass banister is complemented by a mahogany handrail. At the base–as a dramatic centerpiece–is Lalique’s highly prestigious Cactus table surrounded by etched crystal screens and flanked by newels capped with prominent crystal finials. An exquisite and striking Lalique vase, with fresh flower display, will sit atop the table.

“The Grand Staircase is an icon aboard all the ships of Oceania Cruises and a signature element of our brand. It is only fitting that Marina, being the design masterpiece that she is, will welcome her guests with this magnificent two-story display of the world’s finest artistry and craftsmanship,” stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. He added, “We have designed Marina with the same superior craftsmanship and finite attention to detail that you would find in the finest designer homes and Lalique has been a fixture of timeless, elegant design for over a century.”

Lalique sculptures and crystal accessories will also be displayed throughout the ship as part of its multi-million dollar art collection. The 1,258-guest Marina has been purposefully designed to carry discerning travelers to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Crystal, rich woods, marble and granite, wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues–six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Additional design elements will be unveiled over the next month.

Where will Marina take you? Inaugural itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks and reservations open in Jan 2010. For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit Oceania Cruises web site, or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.