ST. TROPEZ, France -- Eager for a glimpse of Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Sirena? USA TODAY this week is among the first on board the 684-passenger vessel as it sails on its inaugural voyage, and we're posting photos in the carousel above and at our Twitter page and Facebook page.
Click HERE to see the photos above in larger format.
Christened in Barcelona on Wednesday, Sirena is a former Princess ship that Oceania acquired earlier this year and extensively renovated in a $50 million overhaul.
Originally built in 1999 for now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, Sirena is a sister to three other Renaissance vessels already in the Oceania fleet: Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. It had been sailing for Princess for more than a decade, first as Tahitian Princess and later as Ocean Princess.
As can be seen in the tour, Sirena offers many of the same amenities as Regatta, Insignia and Nautica including a Canyon Ranch SpaClub; deck-top pool area; six lounges and bars; and a small casino. But it's not a carbon copy of the other ships.
The makeover of Sirena brought a new Asian eatery, Red Ginger, and a new Italian steakhouse called Tuscan Steak. Sirena's forward-facing observation lounge, Horizons, also was revamped as were the vessel's Owner's and Vista suites. All cabins received new bedding and other soft goods.
