Aboard Oceania Riviera – Review

The Riviera is one of Oceania’s newer and larger ships. With just over 66,000 tons it’s a relatively small ship compared to the bigger ones of Royal Caribbean, Princess or Celebrity Cruises. The size of the ship is perfect- not too big and easy to get around.

It’s the second time that we sail on this ship and are still impressed by the classy interior and design. It has a real opulent feel throughout.

Service on the ship was superb as always, the staff were all really friendly and they made us feel very welcome.

Cruise Ship Oceania Riviera
Oceania Riviera – Photo: ©Nancy Pauwels

Pool Area

We really love the pool area on the Riviera. It looks very fancy and pretty. The lounge chairs and balinese beds are very comfortable and one of the best we ever had on a cruise ship.

A reasonable sized swimming pool (saltwater chlorinated) and two Jacuzzis are available for you to enjoy.

Pool Oceania Riviera
Pool Area

There is plenty of good seating around the pool, which was available most of the time.

comfortable balinese beds
Comfortable Beds

In the front of the pool area there are two very nice shaded areas called the Patio and Sanctuary. Both contain comfortable lounge chairs and beds, and are loved by many guests for reading a book or taking a nap.

The Sanctuary Oceania Riviera
The Sanctuary
Canyon Ranch SpaClub private Spa Terrace
Canyon Ranch SpaClub® private Spa Terrace
Poolside fountain
Poolside Fountain

Room

We stayed in cabin number 8042, a regular veranda stateroom cat. B1 on deck 8. The location was excellent close to the elevators and self-serve launderette.

The beautiful room is very spacious, measuring 282 square feet. Storage throughout the cabin is great with ample hanging and storage space for clothing and luggage. We always travel with two large suitcases and they did fit under the large bed with ease. If it’s not possible, you can always ask your steward to store it for you.

There a two fluffy white robes in the wardrobe/closet which has plenty of wooden hangers as well, but you can always ask for some extra if you want.

Oceania Riviera Balcony Cabin
Verandah Stateroom

Bed is fantastic and one of the most comfortable ones we’ve slept in on a cruise ship.

There is also a fairly large flatscreen TV on the wall with all necessary information about the ship, weather and excursions. Our stateroom had a nice size balcony with 2 very comfortable chairs and a table.

Oceania Riviera Verandah Room
Verandah Stateroom

The Marble Bathroom comes with a bath and seperate shower. The only downside is that the shower is a bit small. It works well for me, but for some it might be a little tight.

Oceania Riviera bathroom
Bathroom
Shower and Bath Tub
Bathroom shower and bath

Loved having Bulgari products in the room, and even bath salts.

Bulgari bath products
Bulgari Products

Food

The food on Riviera is superb and one of the highlights of cruising with Oceania Cruises. We dined in all four specialty restaurants as well as the Terrace Grill and the Grand Dining Room and were not disappointed at all.

Grand Dining Room

The ship’s main dining room. You can eat whenever you want, as there are no fixed seating times. Impressive is the large circular crystal chandelier in the center of this elegant restaurant.

Oceania Riviera Grand Dining Room
Grand Dining Room
silverware grand dining room
Silverware

Specialty Restaurants

Dining venues on the Riviera include 4 specialty restaurants, each has it’s own identity. The food is excellent as is the service in all venues. Not only are they superb, best is there is no extra charge. Though, you have to make reservations.

We enjoyed the specialty restaurants. My favourites were Jacques, which serves typical French food, and Red Ginger serving Asian fusion cuisine.

Jacques is a lovely French restaurant, designed as a Parisian bistro. It’s named after Jacques Pépin which is Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director. Really loved the Chliean Sea Bass Salad, Poached Scallop Gnocchi with Lobster and Filet Steak with Truffle Sauce. They were delicious.

Sea Bass salad with capers, chess, croutons and boiled egg
Chliean Sea Bass Salad with Capers, Micro Chess, Garlic Croutons and Soft Boiled Egg
Poached Scallop Gnocchi with Lobster
Poached Scallop Gnocchi with Lobster in a Light Savennières White Wine Sauce
Filet Steak with Truffle Sauce
Filet Steak with Seared Foie Gras and Truffle Sauce

Red Ginger serves sushi, Japanese, Indonesian and thai dishes. You should try the Miso Glazed Seabass, one of my favourites.

Miso Glazed Seabass
Miso Glazed Seabass

Other restaurants include Polo Grill, an opulent steak house speciality restaurant and Toscana, the Italian restaurant. A classic at Polo Grill is Surf and Turf, featuring a grilled Florida Lobster Tail and tender Filet Mignon.

Both Jacques and Red Ginger are located on deck 5 near the boutiques. Polo Grill and Toscana are located on the top deck, opposite from each other.

Terrace Café (Buffet Restaurant)

Informal Buffet restaurant located on deck 12 aft at the top of the ship. Venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Loved the breakfast on Riviera, their bakery and croissants are delicious. In addition there is daily fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blue and blackberries, mango, etc.

In the evening the Terrace Café is transformed into a lovely dining area. Sushi, steaks and lobsters are available every night. The lobster on the grill is hard to resist.

It’s one of the best self-service restaurants on any ship that we have experienced.

Terrace Cafe
Terrace Café

A nice feature onboard is the outdoor seating section of the Terrace Café. We really enjoyed sitting here outside for breakfast or lunch.

Outdoor Seating area
Outdoor Seating

Waves Grill

Waves Grill is a favourite by many guests for lunch. If you love hot dogs, sandwiches and burgers, this is the place to be. There is the ice cream bar too, which was great for shakes, smoothies and ice creams at no extra charge.

Waves Grill
Waves Grill

Classy Design

The Riviera is elegantly decorated with a color scheme of beige, brown, gold and black accents. The ship itself is very well maintained and clean.

Oceania Riviera Atrium
Atrium

There are two lovely sitting areas on both sides of the atrium. On one side there is a large picture of celebrity chef Cat Cora, Riviera’s Godmother.

Atrium sitting area
Atrium Sitting Area

Shops located on deck 5.

Boutiques
Boutiques
Casino Bar
Casino Bar

Horizons is the largest lounge on the ship. Located in front and on top of the vessel at deck 15 it offers superb views.

Horizons lounge on Deck 15 turns into the afternoon tea venue at 4.00 p.m. We loved having afternoon tea here while enjoying the magnificent ocean views and the accompaniment of the String quartet. Versace china is laid on the perfect white linen table cloths.

Quality of food was excellent. You should try the scrumptious desserts, colorful petits fours, sandwiches and scones with clotted cream.

Horizons
Horizons

Show Lounge

Riviera Lounge
Riviera Lounge
Oceania Riviera theatre
Theatre

Conclusion

We really loved Oceania and had a wonderful cruise.

It’s truly a cruise for foodies who want quality, great service and to travel in luxury.

Author of allcruisehotels, Stefan DP

Stefan, Editor-in-Chief of “I Love 2 Cruise” at www.allcruisehotels.com, discovered his passion for cruising in 1999 with his wife on a Carnival Cruise. Since then, he’s been hooked, reveling in the unique atmosphere, entertainment, and culinary delights of cruise travel. With voyages on 15 different cruise lines, including Azamara and Royal Caribbean, Stefan has sailed to all 7 continents, visited 67 countries, and spent 480 days at sea. He shares his extensive experience and love for cruising through tips, reviews, and port information to help others plan their perfect cruise vacation.

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