Oceania Cruises Sets Marina Drydock for October 2026 Overhaul
With rivals pouring money into new ships, Oceania is using a shipwide rethink to keep an older favorite feeling current and differentiated in the premium cruise market.
Oceania Cruises has scheduled the Oceania Marina to enter drydock in October 2026 for what the line describes as an extensive, shipwide refurbishment, positioning it as the first overhaul under its OceaniaNEXT program. The roughly 1,250-guest, 66,000-ton ship has been in service since early 2011 and is set for changes spanning accommodations, public areas, and culinary venues.
OceaniaNEXT debut: a shipwide redesign planned for October 2026
Oceania Cruises is framing the 2026 project as a comprehensive transformation rather than a limited refresh, with work expected to touch nearly every part of the onboard experience. Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, described the effort as part of a broader philosophy of continuous improvement.
“At Oceania Cruises, raising the bar is not an initiative, it is our mindset,” Montague said. He added that the line is “constantly refining the guest experience,” including the food offering and how guests engage with destinations.
- Accommodations: Oceania Cruises said every stateroom is slated for a full redesign, including new layouts and new furnishings, along with completely new bathrooms.
- Bathrooms: The new bathrooms are set to include marble finishes and rainforest-style showers.
- Public spaces: Bars and lounges are expected to receive new furnishings, refreshed carpeting, and lighting updates intended to change the overall ambience.
- Grand Lounge changes: The line plans to expand the Grand Lounge and introduce a new venue, the Founders Bar.
- Culinary and programming: A new Chef’s Studio is planned in place of the former Artist Loft, intended to broaden culinary programming with demonstrations and food-and-wine tasting experiences.
- Coffee-and-pastry concept: A new concept called The Bakery will be integrated into Baristas, with Oceania Cruises saying it will offer French and Italian pastries and other freshly baked items served throughout the day.
Specialty dining venues also included in the overhaul
Oceania Cruises said several of Marina’s signature specialty restaurants will receive design refreshes and galley-related improvements. The restaurants named by the line include Polo Grill, Red Ginger, Toscana, and Jacques, though the company has not detailed specific changes for each venue.
Refurbishment follows a major modernization completed in mid-2024
The upcoming drydock comes after the ship completed a significant modernization project in mid-2024. Oceania Cruises said those updates introduced new dining venues, including Aquamar Kitchen and an open-air pizzeria, alongside refreshed public spaces and staterooms.
With the October 2026 work, the line is signaling a broader scope, including full stateroom redesigns with new bathrooms, additional lounge changes, and new onboard concepts such as the Founders Bar, Chef’s Studio, and The Bakery within Baristas.
From first-in-class newbuild to 15-year milestone
Marina recently marked 15 years since joining Oceania Cruises, after being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. The vessel was the first newbuild ever ordered for the brand when Oceania was part of Prestige Cruise Holdings.
The ship was christened at PortMiami on February 5, 2011, with television host Mary Hart serving as its godmother. Marina’s maiden voyage followed on February 8, 2011, sailing from Miami to the U.S. West Coast via the Panama Canal.
During its inaugural season, the ship introduced itineraries in North America, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Europe. Oceania Cruises has also highlighted Marina’s role in reinforcing the brand’s premium positioning, including an onboard focus on culinary experiences and destination-oriented itineraries.
Published deployments before the shipyard period
Before entering drydock in October 2026, Marina is scheduled to continue operating a mix of European and Americas itineraries. The ship is set to sail a spring season in the Western Mediterranean before moving north for summer operations.
Beginning in mid-May, Marina is scheduled to offer Northern Europe cruises with departures that include Southampton, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik. The ship is then set to return to Miami in December, offering seven- to 12-night itineraries focused on the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, before the planned 2026 shipyard period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Oceania Marina scheduled to enter drydock?
Oceania Cruises has scheduled Marina to enter drydock in October 2026 for an extensive refurbishment that it is positioning as the first overhaul under its OceaniaNEXT program.
What is changing in Oceania Marina’s staterooms during the 2026 refurbishment?
Oceania Cruises said every stateroom will be fully redesigned with new layouts and furnishings. The plan also calls for completely new bathrooms, including marble finishes and rainforest-style showers.
What new venues are planned for Oceania Marina?
Planned additions include the Founders Bar (introduced as part of an expanded Grand Lounge), a new Chef’s Studio replacing the former Artist Loft, and The Bakery integrated into the ship’s coffee venue, Baristas.
Where is Oceania Marina scheduled to sail before the October 2026 drydock?
Oceania Cruises has published a schedule that includes a spring season in the Western Mediterranean, followed by Northern Europe cruises beginning in mid-May with departures including Southampton, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik. The ship is set to return to Miami in December for seven- to 12-night Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages before the planned 2026 shipyard period.
