Recently returned from a Caribbean cruise on Oceania's Riviera. We chose Oceania mainly on the basis of its reputation for food and Riviera because of the relatively small size (about 1250 passengers). We had a stateroom with veranda. We are fairly experienced cruisers, having been on about a dozen or so cruises in the past on various-sized ships ( 600 to 2000+ passengers). This was our first Oceania cruise. We travelled as a party of four.

Embarkation at Miami was a breeze. However, Oceania requested we surrender our passports for the duration of the cruise, something that we have never had to do on any cruise before. We had to ask for receipts for our passports. There was no welcome reception that we have become accustomed to with other cruise lines (Also, no sail-away party!). We were simply directed to the Waves buffet to await the readying of our stateroom. We found our own way there. Not an encouraging start, and first impressions are important!

The Riviera is a beautiful ship, featuring walnut panelling with brass accents, compact fluorescent lighting with halogen highlighting and lovely LED/crystal centrepieces in public areas, with a particularly magnificent example in the Grand Dining Room. There are only a few shops on board and there is no duty-free store. Strangely, there is no promenade deck. Read more