The Renovated Oceania Riviera Ship

As a seasoned traveler with Oceania, I eagerly anticipated my fifth voyage with the renowned cruise line. This particular embarkation held an extra layer of anticipation as the Riviera had undergone a comprehensive refurbishment during its dry dock in 2022. Although they didn’t update as many things as they originally anticipated doing, we knew it would be still be interesting to see the differences.

We decided to reserve the luxurious Penthouse Suite, which was almost fully refurbished during the renovation.

Penthouse Suite

The suite's ambiance had undergone a remarkable change. It featured warm hues of earthy tones, replacing the previous darker color scheme. The once outdated décor had been replaced with sleek, modern furnishings that effortlessly blended elegance with comfort. The attention to detail was evident at every corner, as if every element had been carefully selected to harmonize with the overall renovation concept.

The queen bed was just as comfortable as we remember it being previously. It boasted a new ensemble of linens that matched the room’s decor. But it wasn't merely the bed that had undergone a transformation. On either side of the bed, there were new end tables, their polished white marble surfaces reflected the soft glow of the modern lighting above. Gone were the table and chairs that once stood at the end of the bed. In their place were two sleek, minimalist stools.

During turn down each night, your cabin attendant leaves you with chocolates and the Currents newsletter that has information about the cruise, the port you are heading to, the events on board, as well as operating hours for the various venues on the ship.

As we continued exploring, we discovered the new sitting area nestled by the window. The area features a new contemporary chair, a dark green velour sofa, and a white marble coffee table. The carpet beneath our feet was also new and complemented the overall modern aesthetic.

The dining area in our cabin underwent a stylish transformation. Previously tucked away at the end of the bed, it found a new spot near the sliding glass door, providing a scenic view out the window. The sleek chairs, modern black marble table blended seamlessly with the rest of the cabin. Nestled on the table was a vibrant orchid plant, which was a delightful addition to the room.

The vanity and entertainment area was completely transformed with new outlets, white marble countertops, lighter cabinets, more drawer space, a vanity with elegant lighting fixtures, a sleek oval mirror, a stylish camel colored leather chair, and a flat screen TV.

One of the most profound transformations in the Penthouse suite was the bathroom. Upon entering the bathroom, one is immediately struck by the breathtaking display of white marble and intricate tiling. The walls and floors glisten, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. What sets these newly revamped bathrooms apart is the inclusion of a very convenient blue light, strategically placed to guide guests during the night. The vanity features marble countertops and sleek gray drawers, offering a seamless and sophisticated storage solution for personal belongings. Above the vanity, a LED-lit mirror adds a touch of contemporary flair while providing an excellent source of illumination for guests to prepare themselves for the day ahead. As always, premium Bulgari toiletries are provided throughout the duration of one's stay. In a nod to modern preferences, the bathtubs have been replaced with spacious showers. These showers boast rain shower heads, handheld shower wands, and ample shelving. Across from the shower, a beautifully designed and functional corner cabinet graces the space, offering even more counter space and storage.

The walk-in closet of our suite had undergone a remarkable transformation. Once much darker, it now exuded an inviting aura, thanks to the modern touch of light cabinetry and walls. The hanging bar provided ample space for clothing with strategic placement of LED lighting. The built-in drawers offered the perfect place for smaller garments. Oceania provides robes, slippers, and extra blankets as well.

And our favorite feature of all was our veranda. I know some people don't think that verandas are worth it, but we felt that we got a lot of use out of ours throughout the voyage. It's a great place to walk out to in the morning as you come into port.

Oceania Suite (Back of ship)

Adding to the already delightful occasion, my parents, whom I rarely have the opportunity to see, joined us on this voyage. They chose to book the beautiful Oceania Suite, located on the back of the ship. The Oceania suite features a large living room with a sofa and 2 chairs, perfect for gatherings. The dining room seats four people, and can be used to dine in your suite from any of the restaurants on board. The wet bar is where you can keep 5 bottles of complementary liquor to use throughout your stay. There is a desk and chair for those wanting to catch up on work.

In the master bedroom there is a full length mirror, television, vanity, window looking out to the sea, and a plush king size bed. The en suite features a shower, large jacuzzi tub, and 2-sink vanity. All Oceania suites come with a full Bulgari gift set along with other Bulgari products.

The walk-in closet is spacious offering plenty of room for both hanging and drawer storage. There is an additional room and half bathroom in the Oceania suite which can be used as a small living space or extra bedroom.

Perhaps the best part of this suite is the balcony. Unlike most ships, the suites on the stern of Oceania Riviera and Marina feature a wrap around balcony. This means you can have views out the back of the back and sides of the ship! It’s extremely spacious with a lounge chair, 2 large wicker chairs, and even a jacuzzi tub!!

Dining on Board

There are multiple reservation only dining options on board Riviera along with a full buffet, main dining room, and a few casual dining options. All of the restaurants on board come at no additional cost, and can be booked before your cruise to ensure you have a spot. We have dined at a few of these restaurants in the past, however this time we chose the casual options so we didn’t have to be on a schedule.

Polo Grill is the American dining option featuring steaks, seafood, and other classic dishes. Toscana is a beautiful Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes and delightful desserts. Jacques is a Bistro with elevated French inspired dishes and decor. Red Ginger is perhaps are favorite restaurant onboard with their amazing Asian inspired dishes including handmade sushi and green tea ice cream!

The main dining room is option for breakfast and dinner, and can be a nice get away when you prefer a more formal atmosphere compared to the buffet. Terrace Cafe is the buffet on board, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here you will find a wide array of foods including a full grill where you can have fresh steak, seafood, and chicken made while you wait. Waves is the casual dining option located on the pool deck. Here you can get breakfast or lunch. They are even open for dinner now, making fresh from the oven Italian pizzas!

Waves has a few other quick dining options including a food cart with a dish of the day and a pool-side cafe with freshly made juices and smoothies in the morning and gelato and milkshakes during the day.

There is a bar pool-side where you can get cocktails and drinks (if you have a beverage package). Baristas is located upstairs. Here you can get custom espresso drinks throughout the day. Horizons features a coffee bar in the mornings, afternoon tea, and other events depending on the day.

Some suites offer the use of the onboard lounges. If you are in concierge level suites, you can use the concierge lounge. If you are in penthouse suites and above, you can use the executive lounge. These lounges offer an espresso machine, soft drinks, snacks, orange juice, tea, and more.

Finally, you can get in-room dining with a limited menu. The menu can be found on your television. We tried some of these options last time we cruised, and we can confirm they aren’t as good as dining at the restaurants, but it’s a good choice if you aren’t feeling up to leaving your room.

Indulgence at Sea

As we continue our journey through the Oceania Riviera, we encounted an oasis of relaxation and serenity: the luxurious Aquamar Spa. Here, guests can pamper themselves with rejuvenating treatments ranging from massages to facials, leaving every stress and worry behind. The state-of-the-art fitness center offers a wide array of equipment for those who wish to keep up with their fitness routines while enjoying the magnificent views of the ocean. There is even a full locker room, steam room, sauna, relaxation chairs, and deck you can use if you are getting a treatment or are staying in concierge level and above. The back deck features lounge chairs and two hot tubs.

Entertainment

When the sun sets and the night comes alive, the Oceania Riviera truly shines with its exceptional entertainment options. The ship's theater presents mesmerizing performances and occasional movies. For those looking for a bit of excitement, the lively casino provides endless opportunities for gameplay and maybe even a stroke of good luck! There is a piano bar on board along with a lounge where you will often find live music. Horizons has various entertainment options depending on the evening.

If you are looking for something more low-key you can enjoy the pool deck with a large pool, two hot tubs, a ping-pong table, a running track, mini golf, tennis, and more! Inside, there’s a lounge, library, and game room.

There are classes on board including art classes and cooking classes. The art classes are complementary, and vary depending on who is currently on board as the art teacher. The cooking classes come at an additional fee, and are taught by professional chefs.

What Makes Oceania Special

When it comes to cruising, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Some opt for the grandeur of larger ships like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, while others seek a more intimate and unique experience. Having sailed on both types of ships, we discovered that Oceania offers a completely different cruise experience that suits our preferences perfectly.
One of the standout features that sets Oceania apart is the size of their ships. Unlike the massive vessels of other cruise lines, Oceania's fleet consists of small and mid-sized ships. This allows them to dock at ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. For example, during our voyage, we were thrilled to dock directly in the enchanting city of Kotor, while most other ships had to anchor and tender ashore.

Of course, the Oceania experience might not be for everyone. If you're seeking a cruise filled with non-stop activities, water slides, and bustling entertainment, then perhaps a larger ship would be more suitable for you. However, if you appreciate intimate settings, unique ports of call, elevated cuisine, exceptional service, and a refined ambiance, Oceania is a fantastic choice.

For the full tour of the newly renovated Oceania Riviera, check out our YouTube video!