We recently returned from three back to back cruises on Oceania's Riviera. We have sailed on their smaller ships before, so this was our first sailing on one of their larger ships. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We have already booked the Riviera for our next cruise for 2014. Our prior cruise with another company went from good, to bad to worse when the crew was reduced by 25% midway through the cruise. It was great to be back with Oceania and to experience the Riviera.

We took the ship's transportation from the airport to the ship in Istanbul. Embarkation was very quick and easy. We went straight to our cabin and our luggage was already outside our cabin door. We brought them inside and then went up to the Terrace Café for lunch. Note: If you are on a back to back cruise, continuing guests are invited to a special lunch in the Grand Dining Room, away from the newly boarding guests in the Terrace Café.

Our cabin, #7131, had an extended veranda with a 6 foot overhang above it. This provided us a choice of shade as well as sunshine. We have suggested that a chaise lounge be provided on these verandas. The cabin size was sufficient for this long of a cruise, and we enjoyed the larger bathroom than those on their smaller ships. The closets were a bit smaller, but they did have lights inside to better see your clothes. Another plus was the night light in the bathroom. Oceania listened to its customers when designing the Marina and Riviera. Our cabin stewards were very friendly and they kept our cabin spotless! We always had fresh towels. Read more