Oceania Cruises has launched a multi-million dollar initiative to update and enhance its fleet. The “Pillars of Distinction” program centers on the three hallmarks of the Oceania experience: comfort, cuisine and service. The 684-guest Nautica, the first Oceania ship to undergo the update, re-entered service June 4. Sister ship Insignia will incorporate Pillars of Distinction in November and Regatta in January. All work will occur during regularly scheduled dry-docks.

Pillars of Distinction amenities and design highlights will be incorporated on Oceania’s two new ships, currently under construction in Italy. The 1,258-guest Marina joins the fleet in January and a sister ship, Riviera, is scheduled for delivery in April 2012.

Under the new program, Oceania staterooms and Penthouse Suites will be enhanced with more luxurious amenities and new décor highlights. The focal point will be custom tufted headboards with nail-head trim mounted on floor-to-ceiling Wenge walnut panels. The new Prestige Tranquility Beds are composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones that are covered by two inches of memory foam, a two-inch-thick cushion filled with gel and chamomile-infused fiber tops. In addition, all beds will be dressed with 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, duvets and a down comforter. All accommodations will be outfitted with refrigerated mini bars, wall sconces and bedside reading lamps, as well as updated furnishings and bath amenities.

Oceania will add new décor in Polo Grill, enhance menus in Terrace Café and Toscana, and introduce Canyon Ranch Spa Cuisine. Polo Grill is Oceania’s most popular alternative restaurant, which offers dry-aged prime beef, chops and poultry, plus seafood, including Maine lobster. Pillars of Distinction enhancements include new leather chairs and carpeting and drapes in hues of crimson, claret, gold and hunter.

Terrace Café, a casual venue with indoor and outdoor seating, will expand its breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Sushi, sashimi and made-to-order pasta dishes will be complemented with regional delicacies in select destinations. Toscana, the upscale Italian venue, will add a gourmet olive oil menu and favorite family recipes from staff and crew.

In the second phase of its partnership with Canyon Ranch, breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in both the Grand Dining Room and Terrace Café will feature “Spa Cuisine” selections developed by the culinary team at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts. Canyon Ranch opened the onboard spas in 2009.

Oceania also will expand its onboard enrichment program as part of the Pillars of Distinction initiative. On select sailings, Canyon Ranch Healthy Living Experts will offer classes and workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress management and a variety of other topics. Oceania also will enhance its shore experiences in many ports. New tours and excursions include visits to the pope’s private place of worship at the Vatican, an Alaskan Chef’s Table and photo safaris in Kenya, among others. Pillars of Distinction is an ongoing initiative, with more updates and enhancements to be announced. For more information, call 800-531-5658 or visit Oceania Cruises - Home.