Riviera Cruise Reviews - Reviews

Horrible cruise/infected with norovirus from the 2nd night out. Found out Riviera has been subjected to 6 outbreaks of norovirus since Nov.: 3 reported to CDC because of percentage level and 3 unreported.  No forewarning of this situation and no apology from captain all during the 14 days of infection.  Venues (library, guest laundry, fitness center, culinary center and Artists Loft) all closed due to

contamination; however never closed casino as that is a money maker.  Ship was

negligent in not properly disinfecting the premises and not accepting responsibility for this outbreak.  Sanitation processes while onboard were a joke: crew running around with buckets of disinfectant which apparently was not working because people kept getting sick.  Over 200 "reported" cases of the virus and many more not reported because people were so disgusted with the response from crew.  Service and food quality blatantly inferior to previous cruises and attributable to new management under Prestige Holding which has also taken over NCL....and brought Oceania down to level of NCL with lousy food and inferior service/noticeable from day one.  Will never sail on Oceania again and had originally intended to book a cruise to Alaska...not with you!!

At dinner in one of the four specialty restaurants on our Oceania ship MS Riviera, the question was asked, "Why do you say Oceania is the perfect cruise line?"  I appreciated being met at the airport, driven to a hotel for an overnight, then my luggage was picked up and I was driven to the ship where boarding was spread over a period of time so that I never had to stand in a line.  Every person associated with the cruise was pleasantly helpful; the staff called me Madam and pampered me endlessly.  The cuisine was superb, the service was impeccable, and the seven dining rooms were beautiful.  Tea time with music, cocktail hour, and show-time were daily treats.  All meals, tips and beverages were included (except alcohol).  In every Port, we were tendered to shore or driven to the old-town area.  All local tours were well scheduled and final disembarkation was smoothly orderly.  Oceania's was the best organized cruise I've enjoyed.  Every detail was perfect.    

I didnt enjoy port of calls  Nothing really to see except third world countries.

Ship made up for it and the ships personnl.  Food was great as was service.

Enjoyed special restaurants with different specialities.

Upon our arrival at the pier we discovered that the ship had been quarantined due to norovirus on the previous cruise.  The departure was on time but boarding was delayed, and services were limited for the first four days due to sanitizing procedure.  Once the CDC procedures were completed things returned to normal, especially the attitude of the staff who were considerably overworked.  The communication from the administration was non-existent as we got our information from other passengers.   The only explanation came on (about) the 7th day when a cocktail evening was announced--free drinks for 2 hours. It would have been helpful if we were better informed 

WE had the noro virus on board and within us.  I had it and we were both isolated within our cabin.   My wife got it in the hotel while waiting for our return flight.  It was a very uncomfortable last days.  The first three or four were super, but the control of the disease was poorly initiated and carried out. Yes, we got a refund for the two days of shortened cruise, but no remuneration for our two days in the cabin, with the TV not able to receive, eating off plastic plates with much delayed room service.  We also got a discount on any cruise booked this year for use prior to next Feb.  I don't think anyone who had been sick is going to want to even smell the ocean for a while to come. I am sorry, but right now, this survey, which you can read and delete, was a poor thing to send out right now.  This was to have been a celebratory 50th anniversary event which was a disaster.

Before we boarded the Riviera we were notified that several guests on the previous cruise had contracted Norovirus.  But the notice stated the ship had been sanitized.  We did not see the notice because we were already in Florida and did not look at email.  But at that point there was no way to not take the cruise and get our money back. There were several people sailing back-to-back cruises that may have contributed to the problem.  The first few days were okay but soon the sanitation process began and became the MAIN OBJECT of the cruise.  Staying well was on everyone's mind. I had been looking forward to the painting classes.  They were cancelled.  ALL surfaces were constantly being wiped down, hands were sprayed, no special jewelry displayed, the library was closed but not the casino (!) and so on.  They were very diligent but guests and crew were still getting sick up to the last day on board.  We managed to stay well but those quarantined had terrible experiences. They were not happy with the management.  We returned to port three days early, missing two port stops that  we had been very interested in seeing.   In Miami, we were luckily assigned to the Trump National Doral Resort.  We had two free breakfasts and a ride to the airport.  The rest was on us.  However, we almost missed our plane because we had a early flight out of Ft. Lauderdale and our leaving the hotel was delayed because the Oceania official was late arriving and was lax in finding the other couple going with us.  We were ready, the airport limo was ready but we couldn't leave until he authorized it.  The airline held the plane for us. We got a 25% rebate on the trip and 25% on a future cruise.  Although this can happen on any cruise ship, right now we are not interested in another Oceania cruise.

Excellent staff. Incredible food. We especially enjoyed Jacques and the Polo Grill. the entertainment was variable. Most comfortable bed we've ever slept in. Nothing worth seeing at the cruise stops unless you took an excursion, with the exception of Key West. Plenty of lounge chairs even on sea days. 

This was our first cruise on Riviera .  Stayed in 11007.  All good and the exec suite was very useful.  Ruth, our 11th floor concierge, was terrific.

Service and personnel was usually very good, with great attitude.  Food was ok, but specialty restaurants were first rate, especially Red Ginger and Jacques.

I would not do the same itinerary again.  The Western carib as some uninteresting ports.

The spa is outstanding.  If you are on decks 10 or 11 or 12 go to the private sunbathing and huge hot tub on the bow. 

We liked the ship and experience enough that we have re-booked for next January doing the southern Caribe.

Biggest disappointment was the ship entertainment.  Oceania needs to get better singers/dancers/choreography.  Most shows were not well done.  Out of at least 5 we went to, only 2 would get a B , the others c-.

This cruise had several opportunities to enjoy the sun and sand. The water was magnificent, the beaches big and soft, and the sun always hot.  All of the ports on this trip were extremely enjoyable. If your a beach person, this is the itinerary for you.

This was our first ever cruise and we did not want to cruise with a large number of passengers. Oceania was highly recommended by friends so we took a chance.  We were not disappointed. Outstanding service, great accommodations, world class cuisine, friendly and helpful staff all created a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The ships facilities were first class all the way, from the library, pool, various dining areas and bars, each presented a venue in which to enjoy your activity. We have already booked another cruise with Oceania.

The cruise was as wonderful as we have come to expect from Oceania. Fabulouss food, interesting lectures,congenial staff. The weather cooperated and was unseasonably warm and the ocean was calm.

 About the middle of the crossing, we began getting announcements about careful and frequent hand washing as a virus had boarded the ship and was along for the ride. I cannot say enough about the manner in which the crew tackled the problem and due to their vigilance there were less than 100 reported cases. In fortunately, the officials in Bbermuda were not as impressed as I and refused to permit us to enter. Bermuda was a real selling point as well as numerous days at sea for us. Nothing to d but push on to Nassau,certainly no comparison to Bermuda. We spent less than an hour on shore and spent the relmainder of time on board. Unfortunately, I succumbed to the virus on mMonday night and was disembarked worth a handful of other infected persons after the ship had been completely off loaded. 

The staff and crew were fabulous in handling and. limiting the spread of the virus..I will continue to cruise with Oceania,  it is a fabulous line.

Cruise Ship and crew were the best.  Exceptional room service and courteous personnel.  Specialty restaurant foods were soooo good.  Great variety of food at the other food venues but taste not that great.

Entertainment was not as good as expected.

Disappointed after finding out that others on the cruise were given free upgrades at no additional cost, whereas we had to pay an additional $1,000 for the same type room.  This was our second cruise on the Riviera, so it didn't sit well with us after finding out that first timers got a better deal than we did.

Tours were good, but tour guides were poor.  They spoke English, but with their heavy accent, were very difficult to understand.  Out of the nine we had, only one was understandable.  Some did not use a microphone, so they lost us completely.  Also, tours were fast paced.  Would have like to have spent more time at the sites.  

Previously sailed on the Oceania Regatta.  Exceptional.  That was why we booked Oceania again. Bad decision.  DO NOT BOOK ON THIS SHIP.

Be aware if you book a cabin with a balcony, you cannot separate the beds.

First day out, I was told by the assistant cruise director 'unfortunately we don't have time for the port lectures'...and that presentations were continuous on the ship's TV.  Those turned out to be very poor power point presentations that could have been read by a 9 year old. The port presentations on the Regatta were informative and there was an expert to field questions about the area, not just sell excursions. 

We had our best meals OFF the ship. Minestrone in a local pub was better than on board.

Mediocre food and slow dining room service.  Often took 20+ minutes to get waited on, and another 30 minutes before food arrive (with only 2 exceptions). This from a cruise line that touts 'the best food on the seas'.  Don't believe it. They emphasize their four specialty dining rooms included with the price of the cruise, IF you can get reservations. When I went to the desk to make a reservation, the girl hardly acknowledge me and continued  entering information from a pile of documents. Finally got booked for 9pm Tuesday in the Polo Room (all that was available). Seated on time, but it was after 10 before we saw our food.  Steak arrive charred.  At breakfast in the main dining room, same experience. Only 20-30 people present, but an hour to get eggs Benedict without any Canadian bacon and hard boiled 'poached' eggs.  At breakfast on day 4, the waiter asked 'is that on the menu'??  At one meal, it took four people to get a glass of soda.  The appetizers in the infamous 'Red Ginger' were little more than bar food, but presented in pretty paper.

Kudos do go to our room steward. He was great.  Always friendly and smiling.  Also, the main reception desk personnel were friendly and  helpful.

Then things got bad/worse when our return flights booked by Oceania were cancelled due to the Lufthansa strike.  I understand that the strike was not Oceania's making but for a supposedly first class cruise line, the were not very accommodating.  Got the call at 3am to come to reception at 8 for further information.  At 8, we [along with 40-50 others] were told any further expenses were on us: 'That's what you bought the insurance for..."  They had one person attempting to book hotels because no flights were available until the following day. While waiting our turn, they announce everyone must exit the ship and claim luggage by 9am.  Luckily we got a hotel booked by the concierge, only to arrive and find the booking was for 2016.  Two other groups arrive after us to find the same situation.  A simple, but devastating mistake when traveling with an 80 year old with limited mobility. These are but a few of things that I can thank Oceania for.

On the flip side, the weather was great in every port but one.  Beautiful locations and friendly people.  Ignore the ship and enjoy the ports and you could have a good time, but you paid way too much to get there.

Our Oceania cruise was a memorable vacation. This was our first trip to Europe and what a way to start. The Riveria is a wonderful ship and is easy to navigate as it isn't a mega size ship like my wife and I have been on before. We noticed workers painting and cleaning on the outside of the ship which shows the upkeep that they do during the trip. The dining experience lived up to its billing and we very much enjoyed the 4 specialty restaurants. The entertainment at night was good but not great. We played trivia several nights and met some nice folks who joined our team. We also  enjoyed taking one of the cooking classes that was offered. The fitness facilities were excellent, but due to the good weather I made more use of the outside track. The port itinerary was very good. We went into every port and did 3 of the port excursions that were offered. The port excursions we picked were handled well. We had trouble understanding one of the guides but she tried her best with the language. Our favorite ports were Monte Carlo, Portofino, Livorno, and Rome where we stayed over afte r the cruise. We liked Cinque Terre but it was a rainy day which we were told is common in that area. We agreed that we didn't have a chance to enjoy more of the amenities and activities that were offered on the ship due to the time we spent at each port. 

Oceania cannot be beat! It's food is delicious and the service is top notch! The staff treats you like royalty!

The ports we visited were great! We loved every minute of our getaway!!

Oceania Lines are one of the best to cruise.  The food was wonderful,, the service was terrific and the itinerary was perfect.  I was busy the entire time using Oceania destination excursions (all were very good) but was too tired to stay up for the evening entertainment! I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone who is interested in ancient history.  We added 2 days at the end in Athens and saw the Acropolis and other classical ruins.  Just a delight.  The trip home was LONG so I would have appreciated at least a direct flight from Athens to Atlanta, which we did not get.  However, I'm resting at home now!

Oceania does a very good job of being a bit upscale without being stuffy. The specialty restaurants are just that "special".  The staff are all well trained and friendly. The cruise was on time to each port and  sail itself was very smooth.

We will choose Oceania in the future, they do it better than the cruise lines we have experienced in the past.

 In the future, I will choose to go to European cities during cooler weather.  July/Aug are too hot to fully enjoy the tours.

Friendly staff, well maintained ship with exceptional specialty restaurants. Tours ran from very good to poor. Oceania cancelled the Egypt itinerary because of unrest. Onboard entertainment varied from excellent to good. Onboard lectures were very good.  The only negative was the occasional noise from slamming doors and drawers. We complained and it seemed to reduce the frequency of the slamming. Never found this to be a problem on the other ships.

This our first ever cruise with Oceania > We enjoyed it tremendously. The ship is luxuriously and classily decorated with Lalique crystal in the main atrium. > > Our stateroom is spacious with both shower and bathtub. Our stateroom attendants are friendly and promptly responded to all our requests and needs > We were pleased to learn that there are self serve laundry facilities on board. There were no formal nights but people dressed up nicely and classily. > Food was excellent and abundant All the specialty dining restaurants are complimentary. The menu, the food selections, preparations ,and presentations made the restaurants and the main dining room worthy of five stars designation. My wife does think that some of the food was prepared a bit salty and i think the souffle desert should be available more than 2 times for the duration of the 15 nites . Food and food service had to be the hightlights of our voyage. > > The singers, dancers, musicians and orchestra on board are quite talented. The entertainment was classy and nice but we felt that it could be a bit more contemporary. Most of the songs and music were from the 60s and 70s !!! Probably because most of the passengers are fairly mature. The average age must be 65 plus. If you are younger than 50 you will definitely feel out of place. We are in our mid fifty. > > Our original itinerary includes Egypt and Tunisia but due to upheavals and security concerns those ports of call were replaced with greek Isles and Italy . While those are nice destinations we were still very much disappointed and mildly upset. > > Our disappointments were more than compensated for by the first class services we received from the staff. Everyone from the chefs to the waiters, waitresses, maitreD, spa and gym staff, the ship tenders staff, reception desk staff etc. were well groomed and attentive and made us feel important and welcome. > > To sum it up, our experiences with Oceania cruise was fantastic and tremendously satisfying. It was a classy voyage that we never before experienced. > The food, the staff, the crew, the service, the amenities, the facilities, the fellow passengers etc. provided us with many many pleasant memories and special moments. Throughout the voyage we felt comfortable and relaxed and were well taken cared of. Oceania gave us a classy cruise. We were not hustled for paid photos or paid drinks or paid extras or shopping like the other cruise lines. > > The downside now is that once we tasted this luxury experience it will be hard for us to go back to the Celebrity or Princess cruises. We are planning and saving for our next cruise with Oceania and are recruiting friends to join us. > Thank you Oceania and specifically the staff of Riviera

This was our first time on Oceania and I missed some of the aspects featured on other cruise lines; for instance, professional photographer photo-ops (not the cheesy pirate costume ones though) and dining with the same waiter each night so he can learn your personal preferences. The staff was amazing with service and friendliness and the food quality/presentation was great.

This particular route was very good and most ports had plenty to do nearby or on excursions. I typically do 50% cruise line excursion and 50% on my own. Both were successful except in St Tropez where taxis were impossible to find. I really wish there had been a sea day for rest midway through as I have a difficult time "wasting" a port day by hanging out on the ship. Most of our excursions allowed us to sleep in until 8am and meet by 9am, which was nice. There are several tender ports which are a pain as Oceania tends to prioritize disembark of their excursion guests leaving independents waiting for a tender seat (this didn't cause any major issues, just show up early). I really wish in Livorno that the port departure time was later than 8pm- Most try to do Pisa & Florence in the 12hr stop and it is a rush. I hired a taxi for the day and did the main Florence museums with plenty of time though. 

Overall, VG cruise and VG cruise line.