Almost Live from Riviera

[ORV]

Some more. 

[ORV]

A couple more. 

[techteach]

@njhorseman There were many posts saying the Hollandaise wasn’t very good. I pointed out that if it wasn’t up to par I would say something. I never suggested saying anything without tasting it, you are correct, that would be rude. I was eating at one of our favorite restaurants and was served a dish that was wayyyyy too salty. I didn’t say anything. I short time later two other diners sent the dish back. I should have said something so the kitchen could change the pasta water and not serve the dish. As a regular I could have done that and saved a couple of poor ratings on Yelp. 

[HaveDogWillTravel]

This is my first Oceania sailing. I’ve sailed just under 300 days with over half of them since the restart. Mostly Princess but also Cunard and Celebrity. 

 

We boarded in Nassau (medical emergency delayed our travel by 36 hours) and the streets near the port were so crowded our driver had to beep, beep, beep the horn to get thru. Six ships in port equals madness on shore. The port and Oceania did an absolutely standup job taking two very tired passengers thru the gates, onto the ship and up to our cabin with all our luggage. 

 

I’m just now reading this live from and have been making notes as I read thru so forgive the seemingly scattered format. Thanks @ORV for creating it. I’ll pipe in with our experiences in regards to some earlier comments. Of course this is just what we’ve seen and others could have different experiences.  

 

We have eaten in GDR, terrace cafe, terrace grill, Toscana, red ginger and room service. We’ve had our water glasses kept constantly full in all venues. In fact when a server in terrace grill saw me get up with my vero bottle to fill it they insisted on taking care of it for me. We don’t have a drink package but I’ve noticed that those around us at lunch and dinner never have an empty glass. We purchased a couple of bottles of wine on board and our glasses have been refilled always prior to being empty. 

 

We were disappointed about missing Nassau. But I took another bite of my lollipop lamb chop at breakfast and felt much better. 😉 Stirrup caye would have been great as we’ve never been to one of these ship island resorts. An overnight in Jacksonville allowed us to rent a car (used points so it was “free”) and drive to St Augustine, a lovely historic city with amazing architecture.  The Lightner Museum was well worth the visit. Flagler College was gorgeous. The marching band of bagpipes, drums and such thru the historic district for St Patrick’s day was a fun surprise.  

 

Having the rental car allowed us to get to a Publix and a liquor store to get the beverages that we prefer that the ship does not stock. I really appreciate being able to bring on all the alcohol, wine and beer I want without question. 

 

Our deck 7 aft starboard cabin has a walk-in shower big enough for 2. The bathroom is spectacular with so much storage!  Rest of the cabin’s storage is a bit lacking and awkward (the closet is so close to the bed), but we’re managing just fine. 

 

The HS ice cream (in fact all of the ice cream is lovely) has been a standout. The strawberry corn today …..yummmmm. I have her slice some banana in the bottom of my waffle cone first then layer in two flavors and off I go into my daily ice cream coma.  

 

@ORV Oceania has definitely made converts out of these first timers!  Port changes due to weather and problems tendering due to sea conditions are not something we hold the ship responsible for. When we booked our two new sailings on board the sales lady was a bit surprised by our tactic of choosing cruises primarily based on 3 criteria: 

1. Start and end ports. While not a complete guarantee, odds are excellent that you will embark where they say and get off where they say. The stuff in the middle?  That can and will change based on all sorts of issues out of anyone’s control.  
2. Ship. I need a big deep balcony with nice padded chairs and loungers. 
3. Availability of said special cabins on said ship. 

I will always sail Princess out of my home port of SF.  If I’m traveling internationally or to the east coast then I will look at other cruise lines. Oceania will definitely be on the short list. 

 

DH had eggs Benedict in MDR but did say the hollandaise was not flavorful.  I usually do not cook with salt or very little when I do, preferring to add it at the end. So when I say that some (not all by any stretch) of the food (including the beautiful breads) is a bit bland due to no salt it’s just weird!  That’s just never happened before. Unfortunately the salt shaker in GDR and in terrace cafe has only one hole and it is pretty hard to get salt out. I noticed new (at least I am pretty sure they weren’t there previously) salt and pepper grinders up in terrace grill today at lunch. 

 

@BWV yes we’ve noticed the unfortunate peeling wallpaper. I’m sure they will start fixing it soon. 

 

@ORV how did I miss the free drinks on St Patrick’s day?  So disappointed in myself!  

 

We received an invitation to the first timers party in our cabin. It was an open bar for the duration 5:30-7:00 and a few officers were there. There was no drawing or prizes or really much said at all except that we had 348 new cruisers. I think it’s new and they simply haven’t thought it out all the way yet.  

 

@ORVwe were surprised by the pizzeria set up in the Grill too. But when I looked back at my currents I saw this listed: 

 

pizzeria | waves grill (12) 6:30-9:30.

 

I’m from NY and like my fire roasted pizza. I asked for it “crispy” and they got it mostly right. They didn’t blink an eye when I asked for shaved parm and mushrooms on my Margherita pizza.   

 

Now for a few impressions so far. 

 

The food is simply outstanding overall. Real poached eggs, the Toscana head chef making fresh fettuccini in the buffet and chatting us up. He actually gave me a tip regarding an issue I’ve struggled with when cutting my pasta. Those little lollipop lamb chops at breakfast, all the pancakes, my goodness the smoothies and juices on deck 12, the blueberry bowl in GDR at breakfast, everything at red ginger (we went twice), the barista on deck 14, the fillet and lobster at the grill, the fresh berries and melons, the fresh salads, there is an enormous array of super healthy options everywhere we’ve eaten. 

 

It is so incredibly nice to finally sail on a ship with a sufficient number of crew to properly take care the number of passengers on board. The service has been quick, professional and attentive.  Even during the captain’s reception (which was the only time the ship seemed crowded) in Horizons the bartenders and servers were super busy but they kept up. I was amazed when Ivan not only remembered us the next night but exactly what we had ordered!  Seriously? We only had one drink each!  

I do wish dinner started earlier and that there was a 7:30 show. Then you could go to dinner first then a show OR go to the show and have a late dinner.  We finished dinner last night at 8 and there was nothing happing on deck 6 at all. I think deck 12 in horizons had a guess of the tune thing at 8:30. But we don’t know trivia at all of any kind. Especially not music, movies or anything to do with entertainment industry.  We really wanted to stay up for the 9:30 show but it was dead and we were bored so we didn’t. No big deal for us. We tried to watch a movie in our cabin but the tv kept pixelating and loading……loading….loading. Since we were in port we could use our iPads. But fell asleep by 10 anyway! 
 

I filled out the mid ship comment card and was shocked that it was read and acted upon. I said 3 things:

1. They need to stock decent vermouth. Martini and Rossi (only vermouth on board I checked every bar and not a supply issue it’s just what they use) ruins a cocktail as soon as you put it in. I listed a few options as suggestions.
2. They need to stock decent bourbon. I listed a half dozen easily available mainstream popular choices. They only stock High 10 ($10.99 for 1.75 liter) and JD (while might be good for some it’s really not in my wheelhouse). That’s it. (Other than ultra premium $25 a shot ones that you would never, ever, ever put martini and Rossi in!). Again not a supply chain issue all the bars said that’s just what they use. It’s weird that a line that curates it’s food so well pays little to no attention to their cocktail ingredients. 
3. It’d be nice to have a proper throw blanket for the balcony. 

 

Lo and behold a day later I have 2 proper throw blankets for the balcony (fyi I did ask my steward but was given a blanket that might be used in the sofa bed?) 

Lo and behold 2 days later the bar supervisor calls to talk about the vermouth and Bourbon comments. I’m not sure if anything will actually come of it but if all y’all on future sailings all of a sudden have Makers, Bullit, Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek……..I’m claiming credit! Lol. I didn’t mention that they should also stock luxardo cherries. 

 

Since Oceania lets you bring on anything, my cabin is now stocked with all the fixings for my one evening cocktail with all my preferred ingredients. 

 

Now it’s time for said evening cocktail.

[SophieM]

47 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

This is my first Oceania sailing. I’ve sailed just under 300 days with over half of them since the restart. Mostly Princess but also Cunard and Celebrity. 

 

We boarded in Nassau (medical emergency delayed our travel by 36 hours) and the streets near the port were so crowded our driver had to beep, beep, beep the horn to get thru. Six ships in port equals madness on shore. The port and Oceania did an absolutely standup job taking two very tired passengers thru the gates, onto the ship and up to our cabin with all our luggage. 

 

I’m just now reading this live from and have been making notes as I read thru so forgive the seemingly scattered format. Thanks @ORV for creating it. I’ll pipe in with our experiences in regards to some earlier comments. Of course this is just what we’ve seen and others could have different experiences.  

 

We have eaten in GDR, terrace cafe, terrace grill, Toscana, red ginger and room service. We’ve had our water glasses kept constantly full in all venues. In fact when a server in terrace grill saw me get up with my vero bottle to fill it they insisted on taking care of it for me. We don’t have a drink package but I’ve noticed that those around us at lunch and dinner never have an empty glass. We purchased a couple of bottles of wine on board and our glasses have been refilled always prior to being empty. 

 

We were disappointed about missing Nassau. But I took another bite of my lollipop lamb chop at breakfast and felt much better. 😉 Stirrup caye would have been great as we’ve never been to one of these ship island resorts. An overnight in Jacksonville allowed us to rent a car (used points so it was “free”) and drive to St Augustine, a lovely historic city with amazing architecture.  The Lightner Museum was well worth the visit. Flagler College was gorgeous. The marching band of bagpipes, drums and such thru the historic district for St Patrick’s day was a fun surprise.  

 

Having the rental car allowed us to get to a Publix and a liquor store to get the beverages that we prefer that the ship does not stock. I really appreciate being able to bring on all the alcohol, wine and beer I want without question. 

 

Our deck 7 aft starboard cabin has a walk-in shower big enough for 2. The bathroom is spectacular with so much storage!  Rest of the cabin’s storage is a bit lacking and awkward (the closet is so close to the bed), but we’re managing just fine. 

 

The HS ice cream (in fact all of the ice cream is lovely) has been a standout. The strawberry corn today …..yummmmm. I have her slice some banana in the bottom of my waffle cone first then layer in two flavors and off I go into my daily ice cream coma.  

 

@ORV Oceania has definitely made converts out of these first timers!  Port changes due to weather and problems tendering due to sea conditions are not something we hold the ship responsible for. When we booked our two new sailings on board the sales lady was a bit surprised by our tactic of choosing cruises primarily based on 3 criteria: 

1. Start and end ports. While not a complete guarantee, odds are excellent that you will embark where they say and get off where they say. The stuff in the middle?  That can and will change based on all sorts of issues out of anyone’s control.  
2. Ship. I need a big deep balcony with nice padded chairs and loungers. 
3. Availability of said special cabins on said ship. 

I will always sail Princess out of my home port of SF.  If I’m traveling internationally or to the east coast then I will look at other cruise lines. Oceania will definitely be on the short list. 

 

DH had eggs Benedict in MDR but did say the hollandaise was not flavorful.  I usually do not cook with salt or very little when I do, preferring to add it at the end. So when I say that some (not all by any stretch) of the food (including the beautiful breads) is a bit bland due to no salt it’s just weird!  That’s just never happened before. Unfortunately the salt shaker in GDR and in terrace cafe has only one hole and it is pretty hard to get salt out. I noticed new (at least I am pretty sure they weren’t there previously) salt and pepper grinders up in terrace grill today at lunch. 

 

@BWV yes we’ve noticed the unfortunate peeling wallpaper. I’m sure they will start fixing it soon. 

 

@ORV how did I miss the free drinks on St Patrick’s day?  So disappointed in myself!  

 

We received an invitation to the first timers party in our cabin. It was an open bar for the duration 5:30-7:00 and a few officers were there. There was no drawing or prizes or really much said at all except that we had 348 new cruisers. I think it’s new and they simply haven’t thought it out all the way yet.  

 

@ORVwe were surprised by the pizzeria set up in the Grill too. But when I looked back at my currents I saw this listed: 

 

pizzeria | waves grill (12) 6:30-9:30.

 

I’m from NY and like my fire roasted pizza. I asked for it “crispy” and they got it mostly right. They didn’t blink an eye when I asked for shaved parm and mushrooms on my Margherita pizza.   

 

Now for a few impressions so far. 

 

The food is simply outstanding overall. Real poached eggs, the Toscana head chef making fresh fettuccini in the buffet and chatting us up. He actually gave me a tip regarding an issue I’ve struggled with when cutting my pasta. Those little lollipop lamb chops at breakfast, all the pancakes, my goodness the smoothies and juices on deck 12, the blueberry bowl in GDR at breakfast, everything at red ginger (we went twice), the barista on deck 14, the fillet and lobster at the grill, the fresh berries and melons, the fresh salads, there is an enormous array of super healthy options everywhere we’ve eaten. 

 

It is so incredibly nice to finally sail on a ship with a sufficient number of crew to properly take care the number of passengers on board. The service has been quick, professional and attentive.  Even during the captain’s reception (which was the only time the ship seemed crowded) in Horizons the bartenders and servers were super busy but they kept up. I was amazed when Ivan not only remembered us the next night but exactly what we had ordered!  Seriously? We only had one drink each!  

I do wish dinner started earlier and that there was a 7:30 show. Then you could go to dinner first then a show OR go to the show and have a late dinner.  We finished dinner last night at 8 and there was nothing happing on deck 6 at all. I think deck 12 in horizons had a guess of the tune thing at 8:30. But we don’t know trivia at all of any kind. Especially not music, movies or anything to do with entertainment industry.  We really wanted to stay up for the 9:30 show but it was dead and we were bored so we didn’t. No big deal for us. We tried to watch a movie in our cabin but the tv kept pixelating and loading……loading….loading. Since we were in port we could use our iPads. But fell asleep by 10 anyway! 
 

I filled out the mid ship comment card and was shocked that it was read and acted upon. I said 3 things:

1. They need to stock decent vermouth. Martini and Rossi (only vermouth on board I checked every bar and not a supply issue it’s just what they use) ruins a cocktail as soon as you put it in. I listed a few options as suggestions.
2. They need to stock decent bourbon. I listed a half dozen easily available mainstream popular choices. They only stock High 10 ($10.99 for 1.75 liter) and JD (while might be good for some it’s really not in my wheelhouse). That’s it. (Other than ultra premium $25 a shot ones that you would never, ever, ever put martini and Rossi in!). Again not a supply chain issue all the bars said that’s just what they use. It’s weird that a line that curates it’s food so well pays little to no attention to their cocktail ingredients. 
3. It’d be nice to have a proper throw blanket for the balcony. 

 

Lo and behold a day later I have 2 proper throw blankets for the balcony (fyi I did ask my steward but was given a blanket that might be used in the sofa bed?) 

Lo and behold 2 days later the bar supervisor calls to talk about the vermouth and Bourbon comments. I’m not sure if anything will actually come of it but if all y’all on future sailings all of a sudden have Makers, Bullit, Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek……..I’m claiming credit! Lol. I didn’t mention that they should also stock luxardo cherries. 

 

Since Oceania lets you bring on anything, my cabin is now stocked with all the fixings for my one evening cocktail with all my preferred ingredients. 

 

Now it’s time for said evening cocktail.

We were on the Riviera in January, and your comments closely match what we thought, too. Both The casino bar and Horizons had Woodford Reserve, and if you like a classic Manhattan, Ivan is definitely your man! Your mention of the lamb lollipops nearly made me swoon. We’ll be on the Marina in April for its repositioning cruise. I’m just going to say they better have them. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. You, too, ORV. 😊

[DENIE]

HaveDogWillTravel - loved your post!  Thanks!  We sailed Riviera last June (2022) and had a grand time!

[HaveDogWillTravel]

Some of my favorite foods so far. The only real miss so far was the onion soup we ordered from room service. It was just without any flavor, had one baby crouton and the tiniest bit of some unknown cheese. As you can see from the following photos there is so much that is excellent I really could care less that the onion soup was less then. I’ll try to post captions. My apologies if I can’t. 

room service dinner last night 

 

Toscana filet 

 

toscana lamb

 

toscana red pepper flan 

 

toscana stuffed artichoke 

 

toscana bread basket. Needed some crunchy sea salt but the olive oil and vinegar helped. 

 

toscana menu 

 

GDR breakfast 

 

terrace cafe lunch 

 

GDR breakfast 

 

terrace cafe breakfast 

 

GDR dessert 

 

Ted curry chicken GDR

 

GDR breakfast 

 

GDR stir fry 

GDR roasted herbed chicken 

GDR grilled salmon

 

red ginger menus 

 

GDR breakfast yes lollipop lamb chops go with everything. 

more menus 

 

seriously addictive super tasty (lemony, creamy, graham cracker goodness) NY cheesecake.  

 

GDR Cancun power bowl 

 

red ginger tea menu 

 

GDR Lebanon lunch special 

 

GDR May I please have a green salad with any veggies you have? Here you go 

 

GDR shrimp ap

 

breakfast terrace cafe 

 

no bourbon on this sailing but lots of jam. 

 

Red ginger scallops 

 

Red ginger Sea bass 

 

Red ginger Forgot what it’s called but delicious. 

 

Red ginger Forgot what it’s called but delicious. 

 

red ginger lamb 

 

red ginger steak

 

red ginger tempura 

 

red ginger tuna and ? 

 

red ginger shrimp 

 

red ginger calamari 

 

red ginger 

Edited March 20, 2023 by HaveDogWillTravel

[ORV]

54 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

Some of my favorite foods so far. The only real miss so far was the onion soup we ordered from room service. It was just without any flavor, had one baby crouton and the tiniest bit of some unknown cheese. As you can see from the following photos there is so much that is excellent I really could care less that the onion soup was less then. I’ll try to post captions. My apologies if I can’t. 

room service dinner last night 

 

Toscana filet 

 

toscana lamb

 

toscana red pepper flan 

 

toscana stuffed artichoke 

 

toscana bread basket. Needed some crunchy sea salt but the olive oil and vinegar helped. 

 

toscana menu 

 

GDR breakfast 

 

terrace cafe lunch 

 

GDR breakfast 

 

terrace cafe breakfast 

 

GDR dessert 

 

Ted curry chicken GDR

 

GDR breakfast 

 

GDR stir fry 

GDR roasted herbed chicken 

GDR grilled salmon

 

red ginger menus 

 

GDR breakfast yes lollipop lamb chops go with everything. 

more menus 

 

seriously addictive super tasty (lemony, creamy, graham cracker goodness) NY cheesecake.  

 

GDR Cancun power bowl 

 

red ginger tea menu 

 

GDR Lebanon lunch special 

 

GDR May I please have a green salad with any veggies you have? Here you go 

 

GDR shrimp ap

 

breakfast terrace cafe 

 

no bourbon on this sailing but lots of jam. 

 

Red ginger scallops 

 

Red ginger Sea bass 

 

Red ginger Forgot what it’s called but delicious. 

 

Red ginger Forgot what it’s called but delicious. 

 

red ginger lamb 

 

red ginger steak

 

red ginger tempura 

 

red ginger tuna and ? 

 

red ginger shrimp 

 

red ginger calamari 

 

red ginger 

Thanks for filling in pictures of food as I know many people are definitely interested in these. I had that one potato with glass noodles in Red Ginger app you showed. It’s one of my favorites along with the Tempura and the Tiger Shrimp. 

[ORV]

I also encourage anyone on this cruise to jump in with any of their ideas, experiences or observations. I know there are a lot of things I’m sure I’ve missed. Such as shows, excursions, bands or other activities and events. 

[techteach]

@HaveDogWillTravel Thank you for posting so many great pictures of the food. We have yet to sail on Oceania, but are booked based upon the reports of great food. I hope everything tasted as good as it looks.

[artlee]

Looks amazing. We board Riviera for our TA in 2 days and can't wait. Thanks for the great post with such positive comments.

[HaveDogWillTravel]

4 hours ago, techteach said:

I hope everything tasted as good as it looks.

Yes we thought so. A couple of things needed a bit more salt. Food is subjective though. 
 

I think the ship is very pretty. Here’s some pictures of my deck 7 aft starboard balcony and some of favorite places on the ship. 
 

outside the theater

 

outside the theater

 

outside the theater

 

outside the theater

 

outside the theater

still haven’t seen a show and probably won’t. 9:30 is far too late for us.  We think the theater looks lovely and those masks are gorgeous. 

 

horizens. Remarkably , we have not smelled the smoke up here at all. I was worried as the smoking room has no door. 

 

waves grill at night transformed into a pizzeria at night. Funny thing is that the smoke from the smoking section on the same side but forward wafts back. Especially when someone is smoking a cigar. 

 

casino or grand bar. Not sure which is the correct name for this deck 6 aft bar. 

 

Deck 5 atrium? Piazza? Idk what it’s called on O yet 

 

upper aft track. 

 

more

 

more 

 

more 

 

more 

 

Baristas deck 14 

 

best shower! our cabin 

 

 

 

 

 

 

great balcony with amazing furniture. 

 

 

 

a really lovely library. There’s a game room with games too. 

 

 

the blue night light in the bathroom. It doesn’t photograph well. It’s not annoying at all. 

 

sanctuary area open to all. Nice and quiet.   

 

live the public bathrooms. Took me a while to stop looking for paper towels. Lol. 

 

 

Upper decks 

 

Buffet eating area 

 

upper sports deck. 

 

baristas 

 

looking down on the special aqua spa suite area. 

 

upper decks 

 

GDR

 

library 

 

officer board  

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by HaveDogWillTravel

[HaveDogWillTravel]

For the person who asked about sticky buns. DH said they didn’t have b]nearly enough cinnamon so he did not finish it.
So that’s it for me. we are getting ready to leave Charleston.  The internet on the ship is ok for texting but not much else. Tomorrow is a busy day taking a rental car out to the Kennedy center and the wildlife refuge. Then packing and cocktails and dinner oh my!  
 

 

[schmerl]

That miso glazed sea bass in Red Ginger was one of the best pieces of fish I've ever had. The tempura shrimp was also fantastic. 

[ColoradoCruiser88]

@ORV and @HaveDogWillTravel  thanks so much for taking the time to post pictures and thoughts!!  So very much appreciated!

 

We will be on the Riviera in Nov.   Do you know if any of the balcony class cabin walls are magnetic?

 

Thanks!

Edited March 20, 2023 by ColoradoCruiser88

[KS&JW]

14 minutes ago, ColoradoCruiser88 said:

@ORV and @HaveDogWillTravel  thanks so much for taking the time to post pictures and thoughts!!  So very much appreciated!

 

We will be on the Riviera in Nov.   Do you know if any of the balcony class cabin walls are magnetic?

 

Thanks!

Not anymore.  They all used to be but when they refurb the ships the new coverings impact that. 

[ColoradoCruiser88]

Thanks!

[ORV]

I noticed recently someone mentioned the “plastic” card holders. I hope they weren’t referring to these new ones as I think they’re much better than the gray ones we’ve had for the last 10 years or so. 

[ORV]

We’re at Cape Canaveral today. Beautiful sunny day. We’ve been packing but need to get outside and enjoy some sunshine. 

[LHT28]

4 minutes ago, ORV said:

I noticed recently someone mentioned the “plastic” card holders. I hope they weren’t referring to these new ones as I think they’re much better than the gray ones we’ve had for the last 10 years or so. 

Are they plastic ?

The look like the old leather ones I have

[ORV]

1 minute ago, LHT28 said:

Are they plastic ?

The look like the old leather ones I have

We’ll they’re not leather, but a nice approximation of it. 

[LHT28]

1 hour ago, ORV said:

We’ll they’re not leather, but a nice approximation of it. 

Thanks  maybe mine are not leather  but leather like

Better than the brown ones they had for  a short time

 

 One went through  the wash & survived

I have a bunch  we use them for DL & CC  easy to find in my pocket or purse 😉

 

Safe travels

[ORV]

Here’s the beach. 

[ORV]

The waiting is the hardest part. 
 

All ready to go and waiting for them to announce time to disembark. 

[ORV]

Disembarkation was a breeze. We were in the first group off at 7:30. Picked up our 1 bag and were in an Uber by 7:45. Through security and at our airport gate by 8:30. So for those that are always asking “can I make a -:$ flight?, this was my experience today, disembarking from J Terminal. Your mileage may vary.
 

FWIW our flight is not until 11:55, I’m sitting in the Priority Pass lounge (Amex card perk) having free food and mimosas. I have a 5 hour layover in CLT, hope they have one of these lounges there.