Riviera Reviews

Just returned from 10 wonderful days on Riviera. All transfers and pre-cruise hotel arranged by Iglu and we cannot fault any aspect of their service. We found the ship to be well appointed and the service was excellent. The entertainment may not have been frenetic enough for some but was perfect for our tastes. As good as Regent Seven Seas? We have not finally made our minds up.

I have recently returned from a cruise on the Oceania Riviera. Before going I had done the maths and thought that the bottom line price would probably not work out much more than a cruise on Royal Caribbean or P&O. Thankfully I proved myself right. Oceania are classed as a 5* Ultra Luxury brand, and personally I would say that they are just as good as any 6* cruise line. They have the reputation for having the best cuisine at sea and I can fully endorse this. Whilst onboard we ate in the main dining room, the buffet restaurant, the Waves Terrace Grill and all four speciality restauarnts - non of which incur a surcharge - and could not fault any of the meals. The service and quality was second to non. In the Italian restaurant, Toscana, when they bring the selection of Italian breads at the beginning of the meal they even bring a menu with loads of different infused olive oils for you to choose for dipping, this was definitely a first for me. As far as the cabins are concerned, there was plenty of space and they have a full sized bath as well as a shower cubicle in the bathrooms which are all done out lovely in marble and have complimentary luxury toiletries provided and non of the "cling to you shower curtains " on these ships! In the basic cost of the cruise all your soft drinks, bottled water and speciality teas and coffees are included and, as most of their cruises have some on board credit included, this will normally cover the cost of your gratuities and alcoholic drinks. You can buy drinks packages and they are the only cruiseline that I can think of that does not insist that everyone in the cabin pays for the same package. I am now hooked on theis type of cruise and will be hoping to do another one next year.