New ships for Australia: Four things that will be different about Oceania Marina

• Oceania Marina will come to Australia in 2028 and 2029, replacing Oceania Riviera.
• While they are sister ships and extremely similar, they have some differences, and Marina will receive a significant refurbishment later this year.
• Read on to see what will be new for Aussies on the Marina.

Oceania Marina will replace Oceania Riviera as the Oceania ship on Australian shores for the 28/29 season after to successfull “quiet season” sailings.

Riviera, built in 2012 and extensively refurbished in 2022/2024 and accommodating 1,250 guests with an 800-person crew, has become a favourite for Aussie cruisers.

Oceania took out the number one spot in Cruise Passenger‘s readers choice awards, as the best cruise line in Australia. Its foodie focus, adult-oriented travel experience and luxury but value-laden proposition makes it perfect for the Australian market.

The good news for Aussie cruisers who may have been initially disappointed to hear Riviera won’t be sailing here is that the two ships are extremely similar.

Marina and Riviera are sister ships, built one year apart, and many cruisers would describe them as essentially identical. Therefore, Aussies who are already fans of Riviera have absolutely nothing to worry about, as Marina will provide a very similar experience. 

Marina may be a year older than Riviera but it saw significant refurbishments in 2024, and will undergo another big refurbishment in October this year. 

There will be suite upgrades, new restaurants, reimagined venues and new sun loungers by the pool.

There will be a number of features on Marina that will be new to Aussies, particularly after the dry dock changes. Here’s what will be new for Aussies on Oceania Marina.

Aquamar Cafe

Aquamar Cafe is a health-focused eatery which can be found on deck 12. It’s a common stop for breakfast and lunch and you can expect to find lots of light protein and plant-based dishes that have a focus on wellness and nutrition.

Picture fresh juices, poke bowls, health wraps, energy bowls, acai bowls and so on. At lunchtime you can also find dishes like yellowfin tuna tacos, veggie burgers and more. 

Aquamar cafe is also known for having mocktails and non-alcoholic wine, offering a chance to indulge while remaining focused on health and wellness. 

The Bakery

Another exciting venue which you can’t find on Riviera is The Bakery. Here the smell of freshly baked pastries fill the halls and it’s the perfect place for your morning coffee stop. Expect European pastries like ricotta-filled sfogliatella and French canneles.

The Bakery is definitely a staple for an early morning stop, but it’s also worth noting that they keep baking throughout the day, so if you stop by later in the afternoon you might find some new treats to be had. 

Founders Bar

Founders Bar will come to Marina after the next dry dock, with the exclusive bar currently only on two other Oceania ships. At Founders Bar you should expect high level mixology and innovation, and the bartenders will prepare your drinks right in front of you, often offering fun facts or insight about the process.

It’s worth noting that drinks here are not included in your cruise fare, it’s more so a place to indulge and go for something extra. If you do choose to have a drink here you can enjoy anything from a negroni poured directly from a barrel, aged bourbons, the Earl Grey drink Not So Sure and other innovative cocktails and spirits. 

Chef’s studio 

Another upcoming dry dock addition is the Chef’s Studio, which will go where the Artist Loft is currently. This is a place not just to dine, but rather to partake in a series of culinary-based experiences. 

Think of cooking demonstrations and classes, talks from expert chefs, specialised food and wine tasting and more. 

Oceania designs its dining experience to often coincide with the region where you’re travelling, so you’ll get insights into local cuisine and culture through the demonstrations here.