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Classical Mediterranean

Aboard Marina with Oceania Cruises

Departure Date

18 May 2024

Duration

14 Nights

Fly Cruise From

£4,779pp

Cruise Reference

ART-5CLOC15

Cruise Overview

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention.

The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.

A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city.

Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too.

Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Valencia, Spain's third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out.

During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship.

Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions.

Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks.

El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat.

In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238.

Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s.

Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification.

The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean.

If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.
If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement.

Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century.

The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals.

By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season.

In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls.

Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course.

The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park.

Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond.

Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular.

The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls.

From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace.

Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building).

From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere.

Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura.

Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard Marina

Launch Year: 2011 Length: 236.7 Width: 32.1 Currency: USD Capacity: 1238 Crew Count: 776 Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 591

Timelessly sophisticated, Marina was designed for the ultimate epicurean. She embraces the elegant ambiance of our renowned 1,238-guest ships while also offering an array of amenities and choices. In addition to multiple open-seating gourmet restaurants, Marina features memorable food and wine experiences at La Reserve by Wine Spectator as well as the opportunity for private dining at exclusive Privée. From the sparkling Lalique Grand Staircase to the Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.Yet remarkably, with so many additions, the onboard ambiance and experience remains comfortably familiar. We have retained everything our guests adore about our ships and raised the bar even higher. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Small Ship Luxury

Marina blends sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant ambiance. From the sparkling Lalique Grand Staircase to the stunning Owner's Suites furnished with Ralph Lauren Home, designer touches are everywhere, highlighting the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina personifies the Oceania Cruises experience.

Marina Facilities

Marina Includes

Cabin Details

The avowed crème de la crème of accommodations, our Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites, Oceania Suites and Penthouse Suites are studies in perfection. Their grandeur and spaciousness are truly astonishing. Guests who desire only the best need not look further than these extravagant suites. Simply ring the Butler for exclusive services that include garment pressing and serving your dinner in-suite and revel in the fact that the Oceania Cruises’ Marina suite experience has no peer.

Upgrade Your Experience

Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer an unrivalled combination of luxury, privilege and value. A wealth of benefits, such as room service from The Grand Dining Room and free laundry services, elevates the experience to the sublime. On board Marina, you will also have the services of a dedicated Concierge and Private Concierge Lounge access. Located in the most desired of locations, each Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom is much more than simply a stateroom – it’s an experience.

Exquisitely Elegant Staterooms

Space is perhaps the ultimate luxury, and that is something all our accommodations provide in lavish excess. Defined by their elegance, our staterooms feature tasteful furnishings and a serene ambiance. Many staterooms feature an oversized marble and granite-clad bathroom with a tub and separate shower. You will appreciate the refrigerated mini-bar, copious closet and drawer space and our revolutionary Tranquility Bed, a luxury our guests consistently describe as heavenly.

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