We were in the opening of the new Oceania Cruises ship in the port of Barcelona, ​​the Riviera, of 66,172 gross registered tons and able to accommodate 1,250 passengers in its 11 business covered. This means an excellent passenger space ratio, coupled with refined service and the quality and variety of cuisine offered on board, we might consider a boat that stands out from those identified as “premium ships” and stands, without excuses the luxury segment but at prices barely above even, which offer some of the popular carriers.

Its decor is incredible elegance, decorated with style and taste, with ornamental details that captivate passengers. It is the sister ship of the Navy (opened in 2011) but with 720 decorative small differences (barely perceptible). It also offers an extensive art gallery on board, with extensive collection with a nod to the Cuban heritage of Frank Del Rio, the founder of the shipping and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings sister company.

With a care beyond his passions of collectors, Del Rio has made great efforts to ensure that every inch of the ship was designed to exhibit paintings, sculptures and decorative light up the admiration of passengers, and encourage contemplation and conversation. And no wonder, as the Riviera also comes as a floating art museum.

Fine dining in the Riviera Cruise

One of the highlights of the Riviera is its wide range of cuisine, with up to seven options to savor its excellent and varied cuisine, based on international cuisine, Asian, French and flashes typical of America.

The restaurants (local and gastronomic), all without allocation of tables or seats, and has two private dining and two casual dining, décor of each of the different spaces, although there is a common design using wood , marble and granite and how wool rugs of the highest quality and fine leather.

The areas included in the price plus two additional exclusive options:

1 -. The Great Hall (The Grand Dining Room) – Waiters in tuxedos serves a six-course meal in a room that mimics the five-star restaurant of one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2 -. Tuscany – Three illuminated etched glass panels serve as backdrop for the delicious specialties served here. Many of these recipes have been provided by family members and crew of Oceania Cruises. Open for dinner. Reservations are recommended.

3 -. Polo Grill – Plush Tapestries and fine leather, rich ranges of crimson, gold and green and mahogany paneling topped gold evoke the glamor of a typical Hollywood grill. It serves excellent fine cuts of steak and chops and fresh seafood. Open for dinner. Reservations are recommended.

4 -. Jacques – The first restaurant named himself aboard a ship dedicated to renowned chef Jacques Pépin. It is inspired by the famous brasseries of Paris and his hometown, Lyon. Open for dinner. Booking is recommended.

5 -. Red Ginger – Thai Flavors, Japanese and Vietnamese can be tasted at this stage on which stands a sculpture of three Buddhas carved from a single piece of glass backlight.

6 -. Terrace Café – Hints of burgundy, burnt orange, gold and lemon create a bright and pleasant environment for passengers to dine al fresco. It serves local delicacies and sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

7 -. Waves – This relaxed outdoor bistro serves quality burgers and how swordfish, chicken and other grilled foods. It also offers a salad bar and homemade ice cream. Open for lunch, if time permits, and beside the elegant pool, informal meals and refreshing …

8 -. Baristas – This coffee bar next to the library is the ideal place to enjoy an espresso or cappuccino, homemade biscuits, assorted sandwiches and coffee cake all day.

The two restaurants for dinner pairing optional and chef’s specialties:

9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – The Reserve is an intimate space where passengers can taste different wines in addition to seven-course tasting dinners with fine wine pairings chosen by the editors of Wine Spectator magazine. The wines are included in the price. Reservations are required.

10. Priveé – An exclusive private dining room that offers the most exquisite specialties of the chef. Only eight lucky passengers can create a custom menu that makes available to the client how Kobe beef specialties, Brittany lobster, foie gras, caviar and truffles. The high price is $ 1000. Open only on special nights. Reservations are required.

The Riviera of Oceania Cruises also has the gastronomic center and a club Bon Appétit fully equipped spa, Canyon Ranch SpaClub ® (the same company that has the Cunard Line) Inside are items such as large reception designed by Lalique, the luxurious suites designed by Dakota Jackson and Owner’s Suites fitted only with Ralph Lauren Home furniture.

Riviera staterooms

Clearly, the Riviera is a boat that invites you to enjoy the sea at all hours, since 97% of the Riviera are cabins with ocean views. Of the 625 rooms offered by the ship, only 14 are interior. There are 20 foreign and the rest are cabins with balconies and different and varied categories of suites, which include especially the 3 Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites at 8 and 12 Oceania Suites, all impressive. Owner Suite Suite, for example, is 60% larger than that of vessels Insignia, Regatta and Nautical. Almost anything …

All cabins, irrespective of rank, offer beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, plasma TV, internet access, mini bar, safe, desk, telephone with direct satellite service cabins 2 times a day (in the suites Butler service 24 hours) and toiletries from a prestigious French firm.

Exclusive areas of the Riviera Cruise

We emphasize the bright and spacious Riviera Lounge, able to accommodate 700 spectators, which offers musical productions, magic shows, folk performances of humor (in English) … This space becomes a theater, producing classic films.

To liven up the nights on board recommend the Martini Bar, ideal to make the best cocktails on board in very chic, private yacht, with piano every night. It’s a very nice corner. Bright Horizons also located on the uppermost deck of the ship, prow observatory is a large room and day becomes night, in a lively disco / karaoke, with dance floor, bar, small buffet with savory and sweets and a corner smoking port.

The Grand Bar-restaurant opposite the main-, small and very fashionable Casino Bar-installed at the entrance of a discrete-casino, the refreshing Waves Barel, located in the pool, and the Artist Loft-themed art-are others emphasize that more spaces for a drink in the company.

But the passenger also has other areas to relax, as the library, intimate nooks, serene and classic exterior views-on top of the ship, and as the large bow sundeck with outdoor jacuzzi, and port- -with comfortable hammocks.

On board, as on all ships of this size, there is also a large gym, aerobics room and a full spa managed by the prestigious CanyonRanch Spa ® (the same spa manages ships of Cunard Line) which provides card with 16 different types of massage, thalassotherapy pool, plus sauna, beauticians, etc..

An area of ​​shops and an internet room complete the areas highlighted in this floating beauty.

Undoubtedly, to sail aboard one of the newest ships, Oceania Cruises Marina and Riviera, is a privilege. Thousand details await the passengers, starting with the refined service of his crew and ending with the excellent and varied selection of food, one of the best on the high seas, arguably … When I write, just 24 hours after the opening ceremony of the Riviera in Barcelona, ​​offers on the market to sail with this ship in the Mediterranean and Adriatic are today, irresistible. A boat that we can consider it as a luxury-above many companies “Premium” – shipping prices of popular style. Do not hesitate, if they have no problem with the language and want to travel without children, but want to experience true luxury at an introductory price, take note: it is a most excellent choice.