Oceania Cruises Celebrates Christening of Sirena

Oceania Cruises officially welcomed its newest ship, Sirena, into the fleet this week on Wednesday evening with a majestic christening ceremony at the Port of Barcelona. After the ship’s godmother, Claudine Pépin, delivered the traditional blessing, a bottle of Moët & Chandon’s finest champagne shattered against ship’s hull and a flurry of confetti filled the sky in celebration of Sirena’s inaugural voyage.

Joining Pépin for the signature bottle-breaking moment were Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, Frank Del Rio; President and COO for Oceania Cruises, Jason Montague; and Claudine’s father, legendary master chef Jacques Pépin. The Pépin family and Oceania Cruises have enjoyed a long and treasured relationship, with Jacques Pépin serving as the line’s Executive Culinary Director since its inception.

“We launched Oceania Cruises with a visionary belief that we could create something special. With an unwavering commitment to serve our guests the finest cuisine at sea, we established a culinary reputation that to this day defines the Oceania Cruises brand,” said Del Rio. “That culinary tradition continues, as we welcome Sirena to the family. Sirena builds upon our epicurean heritage with new gourmet dining experiences, and in godmother Claudine Pépin who is a noted chef and member of the culinary world’s royal family.”

The 684-passenger Sirena follows the award-winning design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica, with amenities such as four gourmet restaurants, six elegant lounges and bars, the renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms. Before entering service, the ship underwent a 35-day, nearly $50 million refurbishment that renovated all public spaces and accommodations to Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance, and added several new amenities for guests to enjoy.

The ship debuts with two new specialty restaurants, providing guests with new culinary indulgences to explore. Tuscan Steak, a completely new restaurant concept, is inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana. Red Ginger, the beloved contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on Marina and Riviera, will offer culinary delights such as Miso Glazed Sea Bass and Lobster Pad Thai. Another new dining option awaits Sirena guests at the Grand Dining Room. During lunch the restaurant will transform into Jacques Bistro, offering an exclusive menu featuring some of legendary chef Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes.

“The expansion of our culinary offerings on Sirena with Tuscan Steak, Red Ginger and Jacques Bistro further exemplifies our commitment to epicurean excellence,” shared Montague. “We’ve given our guests three new gourmet dining options, and more opportunities to enjoy the finest cuisine at sea.”

In addition to the new dining options, Sirena’s most prestigious accommodations—the Owner’s and Vista Suites—debut with an elegant new design that features a crisp and modern motif. Sirena is also the first ship in the Oceania Cruises’ fleet to showcase the enhanced entertainment offerings being developed for the line. Guests will be treated to a full range of world-class musical, theatrical, and comedic productions in the Sirena Lounge.

Images Courtesy Mark Ashman, Oceania Cruises