January 27, 2011 9:54 PM - Oceania Cruises’ new 1,250-guest Marina arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Jan. 27, the last call on its inaugural cruise before crossing the Atlantic for Miami. “Marina has been handling great since leaving Barcelona,” said Capt. Dimitrios Flokos, the ship’s master. “She is running very well, which is exactly what we expected.”

Marina left Barcelona on Jan. 22 and called at Morocco, where many guests took a tour of Casablanca. Guests have also discovered Marina’s onboard amenities including participating in the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center class making frittatas and scones.

“We are so impressed,” said guest Leslie Deemer, who booked his stateroom on the maiden voyage over a year ago. “When I walked into the Grand Dining Room, it felt like I was in a movie.” Guest Doug Moreland added, “Marina is beautifully finished, which is what you expect from Oceania Cruises. She is truly first-class and the artwork is exceptional.”

Marina will arrive in Miami for christening festivities, beginning Feb. 4. To celebrate the historic voyage, guests are receiving complimentary wine and spirits and gala shipboard celebrations hosted by senior management.

“The last few days onboard Marina have been moments I will never forget, and it is an honor to share them with our loyal guests,” said Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises’ founder and CEO and chairman of parent company Prestige Cruise holdings, who disembarked in Casablanca. “I look forward to welcoming the guests and crew to my hometown of Miami in a few short days and hearing all about their experiences onboard our new gem.”

Marina is Oceania Cruises’ first newbuild, measuring 66,000 tons. The vessel features the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program, a Lalique grand stairway and Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Moreover, Marina has 10 dining venues.