Oceania Cruises RIVIERA

Fast Facts

Year Built: 2012

Last refurbished: 2022

Max Guest Capacity: 1250

Tonnage: 66,084    

First impressions as you board the Oceania Riviera are of smart, contemporary design, highlighted by indulgent details such as the Lalique-adorned grand staircase and expanses of gleaming Italian marble. For a cruise line that hangs its hat on a tagline of having the finest cuisine at sea, it will be no surprise to the reader that the ship features seven complimentary dining venues, utilising some of the finest ingredients available. With the aim of satisfying even the most insatiable diner, you can choose lobster or aged prime beef every night if you wish!  The main restaurant Grand Dining Room feels as classy if not more so than any top end restaurant you’d find on land.  

Wellness plays a central role, with the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre offering a spacious, well-equipped fitness centre, complimentary wellness lectures and fitness classes, and an extensive menu of spa and medi-spa treatments. Elsewhere on board, days can be as active or relaxed as you choose. Riviera offers a wide range of activities, from traditional deck games and the very popular pickleball to port enrichment lectures, while the Culinary Centre stands out with hands-on cooking classes inspired by guided by expert chef instructors at individual workstations.

For quieter moments, a cleverly designed library beckons with a diverse selection of titles and numerous private reading nooks in which to take yourself away and enjoy a peaceful indulgence. In the evenings, live classical music from a string quartet sets a refined tone in the Grand Bar, while the adjacent Martinis lounge provides a livelier pre-dinner atmosphere. After dinner, guests gravitate to the Riviera Lounge for polished musical revues performed by the ship’s singers and dancers, an area where Oceania has spent a considerable amount of time and resources to keep it more in line with other cruise lines of a similar standing.  

The ships rooms and suites were extensively refreshed during the ship’s refurbishment in 2022, emerging with a clean, contemporary aesthetic in warm browns and soft greys. Bathrooms were enlarged in all but the largest suites, replacing bathtubs with generously sized walk-in showers, while improved storage, roomier wardrobes and abundant USB ports and power points enhance everyday comfort. The only thing to be aware of is the step as you enter the bathrooms for a number of the suites, something that will reward the unwitting with a rather nasty bruise should they forget about it.  

The suggested ‘lead-in’ standard we would suggest to our clients would be the Veranda stateroom, boasting approximately 27 sqm and including furnished teak balconies and more spacious bathrooms. Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms add access to a private lounge with a dedicated concierge, complimentary laundry service (yes there are laundries onboard for guest use) and in-room dining from the Grand Dining Room menu.

Penthouse Suites mark the entry point into suite accommodation, offering around 41 sqm of space with dining areas, generous verandas and access to the Executive Lounge, where concierge service, coffee, soft drinks and light snacks are available throughout the day. Penthouse guests also enjoy welcome Champagne, priority dining reservations, complimentary laundry and butler service as required. At the top end of the scale, the Oceania, Vista and Owner’s Suites are discreetly set behind etched glass doors and offer an incredible 93 sqm or more of luxurious living space, complete with separate media rooms, expansive living areas and indoor and outdoor spas.

So who would Oceania Riviera appeal to?. Guests seeking a level of sophistication and intimacy not commonly found on some of the larger cruise lines. Foodies in particular are well catered for (no pun intended) from a cruise line that unashamedly boasts of their prowess in this regard. If you’re the type of person that likes to be active and also appreciates serene places to relax and unwind when the time is right, you should seriously consider the Oceania Riviera. All that remains is the thoughtful selection of the itinerary that’s just right for you!

STOP PRESS: At the time of writing, Oceania announce the release of their 2027 itineraries aboard their very latest ship, Sonata. A magnificent ship with some diverse and fascinating itineraries. Contact us for further information on this and all Oceania cruises.