European Cruise on Riviera

Riviera Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5
Verified Review
Riviera

10 Night Adriatic & Aegean Wonders (Venice To Athens)

Sail date: October 30, 2023

Ship: Riviera

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11055

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 11 months ago

Review summary

We will always probably cruise on Oceania, but it definitely felt less high end this time around vs. our last cruise in 2022. The cruise ship director didn't seem as engaged, the entertainment was subpar, the art classes were not appealing at all (the artist made the classes nearly impossible to attend), the butlers weren't as attentive, and especially the staff was all around less helpful and keen to be there.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
It was fast, just a little chaotic. We didn't know we weren't supposed to go to our rooms right away, and there was little info as to what we should do when we boarded.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
I wish there was a little more variety. We don't need a pasta station every night, the salad bar had odd offerings sometimes (just a nice variety of good ingredients is fine, we don't need to mix in poke), the grill station was extremely chaotic and employees seemed frustrated, and the employees overall seemed more disgruntled in the buffet than in the past.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
We loved the ping pong, game board offerings, and the spa is always nice.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
The magician on board was great, and super nice. The performers however were probably the worst we've ever seen.

Children's Programs

There were no children on board nor does the ship cater to children.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Our room steward was super nice and helpful. Our butler was nice, and helped when we asked - he just never really offered anything extra such as what type of sodas we like or what snacks we could possibly order, etc.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Very clean for the most part.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We love the new design, we were just disappointed that the travel agent didn't book us on the side where we could see things (we asked for this). The room was always very clean.

Ship tip

Make sure you're on the side where you will see the most when coming into port, and don't stay up too late as you will wear yourself out.

Ports of call

TRIESTE (VENICE), ITALY

5 out of 5

Split, Croatia

4 out of 5

Bari, Italy

5 out of 5

Kotor, Montenegro

5 out of 5

Kavala, Greece

3 out of 5

Istanbul, Turkey

3 out of 5

Izmir, Turkey

1 out of 5

HERAKLION, CRETE, GREECE

4 out of 5

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
It is always a little chaotic on disembarkation day, so that's understood, however it would be nice if there was a little more care given to those leaving so people leave with good thoughts. On a side note, the speakers announcing group #s to leave was so extremely loud in the piano bar!
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6 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     4 months ago

Thanks for sharing

shipmateone     11 months ago

Just for future travelers: Usually side of ship matters little for viewing anything.

Gwbigdog     11 months ago

Thanks for sharing

bubbles60     11 months ago

Sounds like a good trip

cruising2004     11 months ago

Sorry this cruise was not up to par.

javawoody     11 months ago

Thanks for sharing your experience