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Del Rio, Binder narrate audio tour of their Oceania Cruises art collection

Oceania Cruises
Frank Del Rio and Bob Binder personally selected all the art on board
Oceania Cruises is debuting an Art Collection Audio Tour on board Marina and Riviera that is narrated by founder, chairman and ceo Frank Del Rio and co-founder and vice chairman Bob Binder.

The free tour provides stories and descriptions behind many of the more than 2,000 original works adorning the ships. The collection was personally acquired by Del Rio and Binder over a period of years.

As they stroll around the ship, passengers can listen to Del Rio and Binder’s recorded commentary with behind-the-scenes tales of their art acquisitions. While the two executives have a great appreciation for the arts, their light-hearted and often comical commentary implies they do not consider themselves professional art curators, yet conveys their passion and enthusiasm.

The tour includes insights about more than 25 artworks on each ship.

'We hope the tour will enhance the guests' appreciation of the collection by sharing what inspired the artist, and what attracted us to the piece, but in a lighthearted way that will have anyone that knows us saying, "Here they go again,"' Del Rio said.

While most cruise lines hire a third party to curate decorative art for their ships, the two Oceania executives traveled the globe to select every piece themselves. From the masters Picasso and Miró to the modern art of Robert Mars and Damien Hirst, to emerging artists such as Li Domíguez Fong and Carlos Luna, the diverse collection spans a number of eras and genres. In a nod to Del Rio’s Cuban heritage, the collection features celebrated Cuban artists, including Wifredo Lam, Cundo Bermúdez and René Portocarrero.

'Frank and I decided to personally choose each piece of artwork for the ships, which led to frequent debates over which of us has better taste in art,' Binder said. 'We selected pieces that are bold and interesting, that make a statement, provoke conversation and inspire emotion, much like the ships themselves. We hope everyone will enjoy a glimpse into our selection process.'

In addition a book, 'The Oceania Cruises Art Collection,' is available at Amazon.com and OceaniaBookCollection.com.