Far East Adventure

Riviera Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 19

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Riviera

15 Night Exalted East Asia (Tokyo To Singapore)

Sail date: April 13, 2024

Ship: Riviera

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10074

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

Overall, an excellent cruise offering a unique itinerary exemplified by diverse cultural experience and supported by superb onboard hospitality. Do take note of the need for advance planning when coursing distant seas, as communications are limited and at times - unavailable. Therefore, it is advisable to have all visas, entry permits and personal finances in order prior to sailing.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Well executed.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Buffets of exceptional quality and diverse fare. Specialty restaurants very good but not exceptional.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Very nice Spa facility with caring & attentative personnel. Well equipped & maintained Fitness center. Artist studio a huge plus for budding artists.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Excellent lecture series. Stage shows just ok.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Very professional, polite and friendly stewards, waiters, staff & crew.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Well designed and impeccably maintained vessel.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Commodious & clean. Minor design/layout flaw is the closet access is partially impeded by bedside wall lamp.

Ship tip

Would advise early booking of cruise, excursions and dining options as availability is limited with full complement of passengers (1,250).

Ports of call

Yokohama (Tokyo), Japan

5 out of 5
No excursion but arrived early to take advantage of cultural aspects of Yokohama.

Shimizu, Japan

5 out of 5
Very interesting via "Kunozan Toshogu Shrine & Miho No Matsubara" Excursion.

Osaka, Japan

4 out of 5
Interesting visit via "Highlights of Kyoto" Excursion. Lovely evening port departure offered city lights view from rear deck.

Kochi, Japan

5 out of 5
Great city, great people with incredible visit (strenuous) to Kochi Castle.

Ishigaki, Japan

3 out of 5
Scenic drive just okey. Overall, disappointing as we had high expectations based upon prior reports from the famous resorts of the Okinawan islands.

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

4 out of 5
Pleasant visit to Shifen waterfall followed by Sky Lantern Ceremony (best enjoyed with group of friends).

Kaoshiung, Taiwan

5 out of 5
Lovely exceursion to Sacred Fokuangsahan Memorial, Shrine. Note: abundant lunch but very vegan.

Hong Kong

3 out of 5
Day1 "Highlights of Hong Kong" were minimal as Mother Nature had her way: the Peak Tram closed due to tree fall 2. heavy rains and 3. poor viewing. Day2 "Lantau Island & Monastery" Quaint fishing village offered cultural touch followed by minimal vegetarian lunch.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

5 out of 5
The highlight of "Nha Trang Ancient Civilizations" was extended visit to the Truong Son Workshop offering a wonderful display of active artisanal creations.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

5 out of 5
Day1 "The Mekong Floating Market" with sampan ride, stroll to small village and fine cuisine lunch at local resort made for a culturally rich yet difficult road trip.

Singapore

5 out of 5
No excursion but 2 day stay to take in the incredible gardens, marina and literally high lifestyle ($$$$) of Singapore.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Well managed by Oceania staff & crew considering Singapore's strict entry requirements (U$90/person for entry card; no cost to transit)

Traveler Photos

Ho Chi Minh Center Temple "Tai O" Fishing Village, Hong Kong Sunset Nha Trang, Vietnam
Was this review helpful? 19

9 Comments

bradandmonica     4 months ago

We are going for 32 days out of Capetown. I thought they had new Starlink for Internet. Did you pay for advanced internet or just the package included. Thanks for the review

SteveMBA     5 months ago

What a great trip. I’ll have to look more into Oceania’s T&C’s. I thought that they took care of all of your visa requirements for you.

javawoody     7 months ago

Thanks for the write up

HeavySeas     7 months ago

Awesome.....thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your cruise

karlgrgurich     7 months ago

Sounds amazing

lsbs     7 months ago

Thank you for the review.

Gwbigdog     7 months ago

Thanks for sharing

dixietino     7 months ago

Incredible itinerary and review, thank you

cruising2004     7 months ago

Wonderful itinerary and great advice! Thank you for your detailed review.