We started cruising with O five years ago. This was our eight O cruise, and fourth on the Riviera. As embarkation day approached, optimism was turning to apprehension after a flurry of negative CC posts about a prior Riviera cruise, lamenting service lapses and poor communication over a gastro virus outbreak. As a Celebrity expat (loyal over 15 years until their own decline), it was hard to wrap my head around O suffering a similar fate. But I approached the cruise with an open mind.

The good news is that O's high level of service and culinary pleasure still exists. Embarkation was quick and efficient, and our cabin steward did his job diligently. As with several past cruises, our Deluxe Oceanview was upgraded (free) to a Veranda. While we no longer dine in Polo Grill or Toscana (both subpar), we had great dinners at Jacques and Red Ginger (and were able to snag a second night at Jacques). I love the glazed sea bass at RG!!

Breakfast in the MDR (on mornings when we awoke early enough) was a delight. From flakey, buttery croissants to pancakes to smoked salmon - all were wonderful and the coffee just right. We never had breakfast in the Terrace Cafe; plan B was the Waves Grill for late breakfast, which provided nice omelettes, and one morning, a huevos rancheros special. Read more