Reviewer:
Gerard Murphy – Sailed May 2016
Style:
Classical style with modern twists and luxury touches like Versace china. Lots of art and rich fabrics but still relaxed.
Fellow passengers:
Mainly North American, British and Australasian couples 50+.
Dress code:
Smart casual, people dress well. Oceania call it ‘elegant casual’. Men may like a jacket for dinner, with chinos. No formal nights!
Food & beverage:
Oceania’s marketing boast the “Finest Cuisine at Sea”. They partner with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin and I can say he has worked his magic across all the ship's dining venues! Most meals are in the Grand Dining Room which lives up to its name, and offer two speciality restaurants Tuscan Steak and Red Ginger Asian Fusion – no cover charges!
Dining tips:
Don’t miss Red Ginger – it is bold Asian flavours with Versace china style – even a designer chop-stick selection. Outstanding! Jacques Bistro (lunchtimes only) offers family recipe French and is great too! And breakfast al fresco on the Deck 9 terrace anchored off Monaco or alongside a small walled town/port is superb!
Entertainment:
Think string quartet, a piano man for Jazz and your favourites. A small show lounge has nightly entertainment, but no big shows!
And for drinks:
Horizons lounge on the top deck is perfect for sail aways and pre-dinner drinks (and a quiet relaxing spot on port days). Martinis is good for pre-post dinner and evening piano bar style. Don’t miss the Baristas outside the dining room on deck who know how to make the big brass espresso machine work!
On-deck:
Being a small ship there is one pool. It’s a reasonable size with two good spas. Plenty of loungers, a handy bar and excellent bar/snack service. Tip: One deck up on Sun deck finds a quiet spot, more loungers and great views.
Summary:
With just under 700 passengers but at over 30,000 tons, Sirena, while compact still feels spacious and has a touch of luxury. Oceania’s boast of ‘finest cuisine at sea’ is pretty close to the mark! The service is excellent and we were on first name terms with some of the crew within a few days. Highly recommended!
Quick facts:
| Category | Small ship |
| Commissioned | 1999 |
| Passengers | 684 |
| Gross tonnage | 30,277 |
| Crew | 406 |
| Length | 181m |
| Eating Venues | 5 |
| Beam/Draft | 525.4m/5.8m |
| Bars | 6 |
| Top speed | 20 knots |
| Pools | 1 |
| History | Sirena was originally built for Renaissance Cruises then later sailed as Ocean Princess for Princess Cruises. In 2016 after a US$25m refit for Oceania Cruises she was christened in Barcelona as Sirena. |