Riviera Live Rome to Trieste June 17-27

[thebsinmiss]

We are on board Riviera and scheduled to depart at 7 pm.  Our last O cruise was pre Covid on Marina and I thought I would post my daily observations for what they are worth
-Boarding in Civitavecchia was a snap. Booked a boarding time for 1:00-1:30 and it could not have been smoother. Took five minutes at most and all staff were friendly and helpful. 
- Our room was ready on boarding. One bag was not at the door but arrived shortly after

-room steward saw us in the hall and greeted us by name. 
- Did notice that the passenger ages seemed significantly younger than ou last sailing. Lots of 18-30 range and even some 10-15 year olds. Hopefully it will liven things up at night!

- Red Ginger tonight with friends (first time cruisers so will be interested in their observations)

 

[ORV]

Looking forward to it. Concerning the younger ages, it's Summer in the Med. The few times I've been there in the summer months we've always seen a younger crowd. 

 

Enjoy your cruise. 

[Tranquility Base]

2 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Boarding in Civitavecchia was a snap. Booked a boarding time for 1:00-1:30 and it could not have been smoother. Took five minutes at most and all staff were friendly and helpful. 

Yes, our boarding there last year at about 12:30 was also easy peasy.

Of course it does help that ours was a hop on hop off type of Mediterranean segment with many of those onboard having just a normal port day. 

 

PS: I think your cruise is the first one after the ship sailed from Dubai via Cape Town ?

If you hear any details about that how that transit was it would be great to hear.

Edited June 17 by Tranquility Base

[thebsinmiss]

I will follow up on the transit. I heard a lot of what I am guessing is Australian or New Zealand accent tonight.  Might be some extended cruisers who came from the far east

 

BTW two of our table ordered the Miso Sea Bass. Loved it and did not find it to sweet.  Everyone loved their meals so we are off to a great start

 

some minor changes to the cruise. Departure time for one port moved up by 3 hours "due to port crowding". Also two more ports changed to tenders vs docking (now 3 out of 10 are via tenders)

 

Sorrento tomorrow 7am to 6pm

Edited June 17 by thebsinmiss

[Vallesan]

7 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

I will follow up on the transit. I heard a lot of what I am guessing is Australian or New Zealand accent tonight.  Might be some extended cruisers who came from the far east

 

BTW two of our table ordered the Miso Sea Bass. Loved it and did not find it to sweet.  Everyone loved their meals so we are off to a great start

 

some minor changes to the cruise. Departure time for one port moved up by 3 hours "due to port crowding". Also two more ports changed to tenders vs docking (now 3 out of 10 are via tenders)

 

Sorrento tomorrow 7am to 6pm

Just read an article in Cruise Hive where the president of Greece is now looking at limiting the number and size of cruise ships in the Islands specifically Santorini and Mykonos. Looks like there will be more and more tender ports in the future.

Wonder what all the ‘behemoths’ will do!! Maybe smaller ships will become the norm?

[thebsinmiss]

I think the cruise line managers might be positioning for the ship itself to become the destination along with their private island stops.  They make more money with people on the ship then off in town (discounting their cut of the shore excursion cost!)

[thebsinmiss]

Sorrento today... it's HOT here.

 

Tendering went fine and was well run and fast but I really prefer docking

 

Had lunch at waves and tried the surf and turf burger (in a flatbread bun). Very tasty but not to die for.  Spouse had the special which was a blackened mahi mahi burrito which was fantastic. Tasted amazing and we highly recommend it to anyone

 

Our first time cruising friends made and observation about the concierge lounge.  Very unimpressed and don't see any value in this specific perk.  Felt the coffee there was not even a match to coffee at the terrace cafe (know there is another thread on this specific topic)

 

We are off to the culinary centre for a cooking class on Lemons.  This class is one of our most anticipated on board events

 

Finally the younger demographic hasn't significantly changed the night life. We closed down Martinis and went up to horizons when they kicked us out. Closed down Horizons around 1 am and all the young pups were apparently in bed by then

 

 

[ronrick1943]

Wishing you a wonderful cruise, I look forward to reading your post.  Thank you for taking the time for doing this.  Safe and fun travels.🛳️

[ORV]

2 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Our first time cruising friends made and observation about the concierge lounge.  Very unimpressed and don't see any value in this specific perk.

I've said this ever since the first time I stepped in one of them. But some people like them. There is nothing there that you can't get anywhere else on the ship, and I never have understood it being in an inside room. 

[MEFIowa]

3 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

... Our first time cruising friends made and observation about the concierge lounge.  Very unimpressed and don't see any value in this specific perk.  Felt the coffee there was not even a match to coffee at the terrace cafe (know there is another thread on this specific topic)....

14 minutes ago, ORV said:

I've said this ever since the first time I stepped in one of them. But some people like them. There is nothing there that you can't get anywhere else on the ship, and I never have understood it being in an inside room. 

 

IF you enjoy NEWSPAPERS, as I do, then READING the various American, Canadian and UK newspapers in the Concierge Lounge is appreciated. As for the food and beverages there, they are what they are and you either use and enjoy them. Or not. Have also pulled out some port tourist books in this lounge, too. And once the Concierge helped look something up specific to a particular brand of Mexican wine I had purchased. So make of it what you want. If at all.

 

[thebsinmiss]

Just back from on board cooking class. Fantastic time, learned a lot and we are stuffed and glad we didn't make dinner reservations.  Lemon risotto, pan fried chicken breast in lemon caper sauce plus lemoncella syrup soaked cake. If you are interested in cooking this is money and time well spent. Way more enjoyable than most excursions

 

a word of warning about insurance. Another friend is on this sailing with their elderly in laws. Mother slipped and fell on their excursion today. X-rays on board (surprised they have one) show a shoulder fracture. The ships doctor has arranged a consultation with a specialist/surgeon in our next port.  Sounds like all 4 of them will be packing up and flying home on the 3 day of the ten day cruise.  Medical bill on board is at 1000.00 and rising.  Thank god they have full medical/interruption insurance.   Major bummer

[redraider1966]

3 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Our first time cruising friends made and observation about the concierge lounge.  Very unimpressed and don't see any value in this specific perk.  Felt the coffee there was not even a match to coffee at the terrace cafe (know there is another thread on this specific topic)

 

For most of our 18 O cruises, our default cabin choice has been an A or Concierge level.  We agree that the Concierge Lounge is far down on the list of "benefits" one gets at that level on the larger ships as the R ships do not even have the Lounge.  For us, it's more about a better stateroom location, the three bags of free laundry (more valuable on the R ships where there is only one self-service laundromat), being able to make specialty restaurant reservations 15 days earlier than B category staterooms, early boarding (though not always), and having staterooms ready often earlier.  Those amenities are easily worth the $150-$200 pp cost difference in most cases for the cruises we've taken or have booked.  

[ORV]

7 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

F you enjoy NEWSPAPERS, as I do, then READING the various American, Canadian and UK newspapers in the Concierge Lounge is appreciated. As for the food and beverages there, they are what they are and you either use and enjoy them. Or not. Have also pulled out some port tourist books in this lounge, too. And once the Concierge helped look something up specific to a particular brand of Mexican wine I had purchased. So make of it what you want. If at all.

Except for the newspapers everything is available elsewhere on the ship. There is a main concierge available to all on either deck 4, 5 or 6 depending on the ship. Although newspapers other than the daily thing they give you with Currents are not available, the internet is. Pretty much any news you want, except those behind a paywall. Tourist books are generally available in the library, but then again, there's the internet.

 

For me it's much like the Spa Terrace, the times I've had access to them I really didn't use it, so I certainly wouldn't put any value in it when deciding whether to pay extra for the Concierge or higher level. Obviously your experience is different. To each their own. 

[MEFIowa]

22 minutes ago, ORV said:

Except for the newspapers everything is available elsewhere on the ship. ... the internet is. Pretty much any news you want, except those behind a paywall. Tourist books are generally available in the library, but then again, there's the internet.

 

For me it's much like the Spa Terrace, the times I've had access to them I really didn't use it, so I certainly wouldn't put any value in it when deciding whether to pay extra for the Concierge or higher level...

I enjoy physically reading a good daily newspaper. So at home that's the Wall Street Journal for me. Don't get my serious news from the Internet and don't waste my precious vacation time on the Internet. I love scanning a physical newspaper to quickly see and read the exact stories I'm interested in. And I enjoy sampling the Canadian and UK papers. Too bad they didn't have the Times (of London). Thinking last Nov it was Daily Mail and Telegraph.

 

And have done A4 and A3 concierge only on RIVIERA. The BIG therapy pool there makes that quite wonderful on a day filled with excursions. Love to use it around 5-6 pm. Trust me, after walking 10,000 steps to the St. John's Fortress in Kotor, that big therapy pool was worth its weight in water that evening. And on any evening my wife wanted to take her sweet time doing her make up and getting dressed without being bugged. (Never have sailed on Marina)

[goletans]

2 hours ago, ORV said:

I've said this ever since the first time I stepped in one of them. But some people like them. There is nothing there that you can't get anywhere else on the ship, and I never have understood it being in an inside room. 

On our last cruise, DH lost his phone on an excursion. The concierge in the concierge lounge went way beyond over and above and was instrumental in getting that phone back. The ship's concierge refused to even try to help. The computer and printer in the lounge have also been super helpful when we had an awful experience on an O excursion when the guide and his company refused to follow the advertised itinerary even after showing him a copy of the itinerary and telling us that these certain sites were open. After printing out several copies of the itinerary with a detailed description of what had happened, and personally handing them to all the crew and staff responsible, we were refunded the total cost of the excursion. (We were not able to accomplish this at the ship's internet lounge.)

[thebsinmiss]

Stayed on board today (Catania ) and relaxed on loungers by pool and the heated tile beds in spa.  Steam room was also great

- did not see any chair hogs except for a couple front row at the pool. No problem finding chairs anywhere

- lunch at terrace cafe. Seafood stir fry was great with lots of scallops and large shrimp. Meatballs were also a big hit.  Had a scoop of Humphrey Slowcome ice cream. Good but not outstanding

- dinner in Toscana and all four would order everything again!  Lasagna in appetizer size was a definite A+.   Fried calamarie was very tasty but it needed hotter oil as a bit oily and batter had a hint of flour to it.  Dover Sole was great. Deboned it at table side so we got a bit of a show. Overall a solid A 

 

Up in Horizons watching house band do a BeeGees montage.  Not bad/not ready for Broadway!  Entertaining way to have a few before bed drinks

 

Quick stop in Valetta Malta tomorrow  dock at 7 am. Sail at 2 pm.  Doing a self directed tour. Want to pick up some beers and local wine for the room

[thebsinmiss]

Just leaving Malta . Interesting port and was never on our radar. Walked around the old town by the dock. Thank god for the elevator up to the Main Street level. One euro for up+down is a deal

 

got our mid cruise feedback form today. We are all searching for anything that we feel needs to be addressed and don't really have any complaints so all good so far

 

i know there are numerous threads on O's bookkeeping and computer system.  Looked at the on tv account and found multiple issues.  Wife has preferred drink package but got charged for several regular/included drinks.  Our credits remaining on account doesn't come close to my math even with outrageous exchange rates.  Talked to the front desk twice and they agree it is wrong and promised to call once it's been corrected.  No rush...,,yet

 

Pollo grill tonight which might be a mistake as we all are still full from the great meal at Toscana last night.  Might just do shrimp cocktail and onion soup

 

Trivia in martinis at 4:45 and we have a strong Canadian team.  I'm amazed how serious some groups are.  Almost like taking a card playing blackjack in Vegas and ticking off all the "pros" by taking "their card". Helmets on and elbows up!!!

[NCHPcruiser]

We are looking forward to more of your daily observations!  Thank you! We will be aboard the Riviera in September for our first O cruise.  

[ORV]

2 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Almost like taking a card playing blackjack in Vegas and ticking off all the "pros" by taking "their card".

I'm no pro but it's not about taking their card, it's about taking a card when you shouldn't, which sometimes might be the dealer's bust card. Some people actually get annoyed if you don't take a card when they think you should. 

 

Thanks for your observations. 

[Iamthesea]

18 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Stayed on board today (Catania ) and relaxed on loungers by pool and the heated tile beds in spa.  

 

Quick stop in Valetta Malta tomorrow  dock at 7 am. Sail at 2 pm.  Doing a self directed tour. Want to pick up some beers and local wine for the room

 

Can I assume that you have visited Catania before?  One of our favorite tours was near Catania.  A winery with a full tableside tasting, including a loaded charcuterie board.  Next stop was Mt. Etna with a walk up a portion of the volcano.  Finally, a stop in town for some honey tasting and a bee keeping lesson. 

 

On a precious stop we took a private tour to The Sicilian Villages of Godfather in Savoca, Forza D'Agrò, Castelmola &Taormina.

 

2 hours ago, thebsinmiss said:

Just leaving Malta . Interesting port and was never on our radar. Walked around the old town by the dock. Thank god for the elevator up to the Main Street level. One euro for up+down is a deal

 

 

We would not have been happy to be in Malta for those limited hours.    Been there 3 times and each trip we see something new.  It's one of our top stops and the most beautiful sail-in!  The Blue Grotto boat trip around the caverns is a must, as well as having lunch along the docks.  Yes, that elevator is a nice sight to see after having a full stomach of fish and grappa. 😃

Edited June 20 by Iamthesea

[Vallesan]

1 hour ago, Iamthesea said:

 

Can I assume that you have visited Catania before?  One of our favorite tours was near Catania.  A winery with a full tableside tasting, including a loaded charcuterie board.  Next stop was Mt. Etna with a walk up a portion of the volcano.  Finally, a stop in town for some honey tasting and a bee keeping lesson. 

 

On a precious stop we took a private tour to The Sicilian Villages of Godfather in Savoca, Forza D'Agrò, Castelmola &Taormina.

 

 

We would not have been happy to be in Malta for those limited hours.    Been there 3 times and each trip we see something new.  It's one of our top stops and the most beautiful sail-in!  The Blue Grotto boat trip around the caverns is a must, as well as having lunch along the docks.  Yes, that elevator is a nice sight to see after having a full stomach of fish and grappa. 😃

We sailed into Malta on the Marina in May and it wasn’t into the main town area it was into an ‘industrial’ dock and it was a huge disappointment!

Edited June 20 by Vallesan

[Tranquility Base]

1 hour ago, Vallesan said:

We sailed into Malta on the Marina in May and it wasn’t into the main town area it was into an ‘industrial’ dock and it was a huge disappointment!

On Riviera last year the normal berths were occupied and we docked on the other side of the harbour at Boilers Wharf.

Independents had to take an organised  ferry shuttle each way across the harbour.

 

It didn't affect us much as we had an all day ship's tour to Gozo Island.

Buses picked us up from the ship, but returned us to the normal terminal for the ferry ride back across to the ship.

 

Of course the great sail in and back out were unaffected.

[thebsinmiss]

Just leaving Malta . Interesting port and was never on our radar. Walked around the old town by the dock. Thank god for the elevator up to the Main Street level. One euro for up+down is a deal

 

got our mid cruise feedback form today. We are all searching for anything that we feel needs to be addressed and don't really have any complaints so all good so far

 

i know there are numerous threads on O's bookkeeping and computer system.  Looked at the on tv account and found multiple issues.  Wife has preferred drink package but got charged for several regular/included drinks.  Our credits remaining on account doesn't come close to my math even with outrageous exchange rates.  Talked to the front desk twice and they agree it is wrong and promised to call once it's been corrected.  No rush...,,yet

 

Pollo grill tonight which might be a mistake as we all are still full from the great meal at Toscana last night.  Might just do shrimp cocktail and onion soup

 

Trivia in martinis at 4:45 and we have a strong Canadian team.  I'm amazed how serious some groups are.  Almost like taking a card playing blackjack in Vegas and ticking off all the "pros" by taking "their card". Helmets on and elbows up!!!

[thebsinmiss]

Sorry about repeat. iPhone seems to be acting up

 

pollo grilll last night and absolutely fantastic.  Everyone agrees it's the best food and service we've had!  Manager obviously has his staff working as a true team and everyone from bus boys to the wine steward were veterans and top notch 

 

in no particular order food was:

shrimp cocktails.  Huge shrimp perfectly chilled, tender and tasty with great cocktail sauce. I ordered a second !

 

onion soup.  Two people had it and said it was among best they have had. Great flavour and not salty like a lot tend to be

 

foi gras.   Perfectly seared wth delicate mushrooms

 

grillled tuna steak main course with sides of mushrooms and creamed spinach. A++
 

fillets mignon.  Blue cheese crumble  and side of Bernaise .  One of our group said his steak was best fillet he's had in years   Tender perfectly cooked and great taste

 

toranto today. DW off on wine tour and I'm staying on board. It is HOT so I plan a long nap in the shade

[thebsinmiss]

We are just waiting for the entertainment to start in the theatre to wrap up our day in Toranto.  
 

My DW enjoyed her shore excursion to the winery but our abbreviated port call (reduced by 3 hours) meant they had a total of 2 hours on the bus and 1 hour at the winery.  Did not consider it to be a great excursion

 

The chair hogs were out in full force around the pool. Anything in the shade was "taken" by 10 and most remainded empty from I could see.  I heard an older couple in the hall saying they should get up by 8 and "reserve" some loungers. So it begins.....

 

Trivia in martinis is getting more popular by the day. 26 teams today and they are moving it to horizons tommorrow

 

Diner for the two of us in the Grand Dining Room.  DW loved her dinner which was the lamb.  I had free range chicken which was not very good for several reasons.  Carrot cake was a definite fail for both of us but pineapple sorbet was excellent