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New Entertainment Series Brings Original Annie Onboard Oceania

posted April 2, 2014

Today, Oceania Cruises announced a new “Life in the Theater” series for select sailings, starting with a voyage aboard Riviera on October 29, 2014, featuring stage legend Andrea McArdle – the original namesake character in “Annie” on Broadway.

“We’re known industry-wide for our exquisite culinary offerings and impeccable service, but our passion for delivering an upscale cruise experience for our guests is embodied in all that we do,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “That’s why we’re excited about this special series. It provides our guests with the unique opportunity to enjoy up-close and intimate encounters with notable Broadway icons, and we are thrilled to host Andrea McArdle as our first star.”

Ticket holders will have access to eight special events including one cocktail party, five events of song and stories, and one private full-performance. During the sailing, there will be one performance open to all guests, but those who purchased tickets will receive preferred seating access. The package is priced at $375 per person, with limited availability, and can be purchased up until the first day of the cruise. The events will take place during the ship’s Enchanting Riviera itinerary, which is a 10-day sailing departing from Athens on October 29, 2014, and calling on ports in Santorini, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; and the Italian cities of Taormina, Amalfi, Rome and Florence before visiting Provence, France, and concluding in Monte Carlo.

“I’ve always loved the sea. The allure, romance, adventure, everything about it makes me feel excited and free, almost like performing on stage,” shared McArdle. “So, I jumped at the chance to partner with Oceania Cruises and raise the curtain on this new creative adventure.”

Andrea McArdle rocketed to stardom as Broadway’s original “Annie,” for which she was the youngest performer ever nominated for the Tony Award® for Best Actress in a Musical, winning both the Theatre World and Outer Critics’ Circle awards for her performance. On Broadway she originated the roles of Ashley in “Starlight Express” and Margy in “State Fair” and was seen as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” and as Fantine in “Les Misérables.” On tour she starred in “Jerry's Girls,” “Les Misérables,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Peter Pan.” Andrea has performed in venues from Carnegie Hall to the best showrooms in Las Vegas to the MET Opera House as well as the White House.

Oceania Re-Christens Insignia

posted Dec. 6, 2013

Oceania Cruises announced that Virginia Watters, wife of the line's Founding Chairman, Joseph A. Watters, and the original Godmother of the ship, will rechristen Insignia in Istanbul on June 11, 2014. The ceremony will herald the return of the ship to the Oceania Cruises fleet after a two-year hiatus.

Virginia Watters first christened Insignia in March 2004 in the presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Since then, the ship has carried tens of thousands of guests on hundreds of voyages around the globe. Ten years later, Virginia Watters will rechristen "her ship" and welcome the 684-guest vessel back in true Oceania Cruises style.

"Virginia and I are both honored and delighted to return to Insignia for her rechristening and to host our guests for this voyage. We look forward to rekindling fond memories, making new ones and celebrating the wonders of friendship with the Oceania Cruises family that separates the brand from all others," stated Joseph A. Watters, Founding Chairman of Oceania Cruises.

Prior to the start of her 2014 European season and her rechristening , the ship will undergo a multi-million dollar transformation that will result in a sophisticated new ambiance that imbues her old-world charm with the best elements of the line's newest ships, Marina and Riviera.

Rechristening Voyage Highlights

Immediately following the ceremony, Insignia will depart Istanbul on a 10-day celebration cruise that sails to Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Greece. The cruise will feature many special amenities and exclusive events hosted by the Watters - a gala Christening Brunch; a post-ceremony Sail Away Cocktail Party as the ship cruises the Dardanelles; special Chairman's Choice Shore Excursions; commemorative gifts and mementos, and exclusive Oceania Club parties and hosted dinners.

Source: Press Release

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