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**Ally** · 02-28-2008, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Six open-seating restaurants, a Culinary Arts Center and 96% veranda accommodations are features of the 66,000gt Oceania Cruises newbuilds at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard.

Interior design is by Yran & Storbraaten with Gunnar Aaserud, a Y&S partner and executive architect, leading the design team.

Oceania said the ships, scheduled for delivery in fall 2010 and summer 2011, will provide signature elements of the existing fleet such as Martinis, the observation lounge/nightclub Horizons, The Patio and a grand staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Also reprised are the Polo Grill for steaks, Toscana for Italian gourmet dining and the Grand Dining Room for Continental cuisine.

Deck 12 of the 15-deck ship will house a new feature, the Culinary Arts Center, along with an Enrichment Center, private dining rooms, a wine cellar and the Veranda. Also new, and located on Deck 5, are a French restaurant and an Asian fusion restaurant.

With the new ships, the company aims to continue a refined yet relaxed atmosphere and an intimate ambiance, said Oceania president Bob Binder. A higher staff to passenger ratio will provide even more personalized service, he added. Each vessel will accommodate 1,252 passengers in 626 staterooms and suites, served by more than 780 crew.

The color palette includes earth and jewel tone accents, and materials like dark woods, Italian marble, granite and leather will be found throughout.

Frank Del Rio, chairman and ceo of Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent of Oceania, described the newbuilds as ‘a very personal expression of this brand’ as many members of the team are involved in the selection of furnishings, fabrics and artwork.

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