My wife and I did a 10 day cruise on the Riviera, celebrating our 11th anniversary. We had 4 wonderful sea days and 5 islands - Tortola, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados and St. Barts. We had done a similar cruise on Oceania's Regatta in 2007 and it was extremely disappointing. Hence our reluctance to try Oceania again, but after 7 years and many other cruises on other cruise lines, we decided to give them another chance. They did not disappoint this time.

The Riviera is the nicest ship we have ever been on. It has the best food, the best cabins and the best service we have ever encountered in over 20 cruises. Of course, being less than 2 years old, you would expect it to be in tip-top condition, but it is simply the most spacious and elegant ship in its price category. No doubt its sister ship Marina is also equally fantastic. Our cabin on the Concierge deck was just aft of the Concierge Lounge and self service laundry and just ahead of the forward elevators, so it was very conveniently located. Our room stewardess, Dayana, was terrific, responding to all requests, and the bed was the most comfortable we have ever encountered at sea. The bathroom was larger than normal, all marble and granite, with a full tub and shower combination, and there was a separate shower stall as well.

We ate at all 4 speciality restaurants (no charge) and found them all excellent. My favourite was Polo Grill, but many people think Red Ginger is the best. Red Ginger and Jacques have very unique and beautiful decors, and you can easily forget you are at sea. The Grand Dining Room is also a beautiful room, with more tables for 2 than I have ever seen on any ship, and the food there was excellent as well. We did not eat much in the Terrace Café, but on those occasions when we did, it was also very good. Read more