Oceania Cruises taps Mary Hart as godmother for Marina

The 1,250-passenger Oceania Marina will debut in February, 2011. Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart will serve as godmother.
Image courtesy Oceania Cruises

By Michael Coleman

Entertainment Tonight (ET) host Mary Hart has been named godmother for the unveiling of Oceania Cruises’ new 1,200-passenger vessel, the Marina.

Hart will name the ship in Miami at a lavish christening ceremony February 5, 2011 culminating with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, commemoratively crashing against the hull.
 
A beloved television personality, this year marks Hart’s final season as host of ET – the number one syndicated entertainment newsmagazine show in the world. Hart joined the popular show as a correspondent in June 1982, and within weeks was named co-anchor.
 
In her personal life, Hart has been involved with philanthropic causes devoted to children. A member of the board of trustees for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, she currently serves as Leadership Chair of the New Hospital Campaign. Hart is also an ambassador for Childhelp USA, which combats child abuse. For many years she served on the board of directors for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation and continues her affiliation with the Children’s Miracle Network, for which she was telethon co-host for 15 years.

Hart is the recipient of the Samaritan Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation for her work on behalf of several children’s charities. In 2001, she was honored with the first-ever Children’s Miracle Achievement Award for her “long-standing commitment to children and contributing in many ways to bettering the lives of children everywhere.”
 
“Mary Hart personifies elegance and style, just like our magnificent Marina,” said Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, the line’s parent company. “We especially salute her philanthropic work devoted to children’s causes and we are proud to welcome her to the Oceania Cruises family.”

“It’s very exciting, and a bit humbling,” said Hart in a statement. “I’m truly honored to serve as the Godmother for Marina — she will be a very special ship. And, I look forward to smashing a great bottle of champagne as we let the celebration begin!”
 
After christening festivities in Miami, Marina sets sail Feb. 8 on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.
 
At 66,000 tons and carrying 1,250 guests, Marina features an array of stylish bars and lounges and 10 dining venues — six of which are open-seating, gourmet restaurants — including Jacques, the first restaurant at sea for Chef Jacques Pépin.

Other highlights include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home, and a grand stairway custom-crafted by renowned French glass master, Lalique.

Oceania presently operates a three-ship fleet. Each carrying 700-passengers, Regatta, Nautica and Insignia offer global itineraries.

On the web: oceaniacruises.com