Almost perfect!

With the mainstream ships getting bigger and bigger, we decided to think small and are very happy we did!

The Riviera's the perfect size, food is exceptional, service is outstanding.

And we like what it doesn't have - no screaming kids, hairy-man contests, climbing walls and so on.

The ship's decor is low-key, elegant rather than glitzy with some very unusual works of art. Come to think of it, the passengers are also low-key and elegant, rather than glitzy, and also very friendly.

Riviera allows you to bring on @ 6 bottles of wine when you embark.(though not for the dining room unless you pay a corkage fee). Their own wine list is pretty pricey but all non-alcoholic drinks are included.

I prefer low-sodium dishes when cruising and they are available by request. They were excellent. My husband, on the other hand, felt a few dishes on the regular menu were too salty.

Somewhat disappointed in our cabin (see below) and the limited choice of shore excursions. (we booked some on our own)

Entertainment was good and Dottie, the cruise director, was great fun

All in all, a very pleasant experience.

Slightly cramped. Enough storage space. Nice balcony.
Two large and two small suitcases fit under the bed without a problem
Difficult to use half of the closet as night table in the way.
Would have preferred a tub with shower rather than a tub and a separate shower which was a tiny wedge in the corner!
Queen bed rounded upward where two singles were joined which felt awkward.
Quilt rather heavy - had to keep a/c colder than we prefer.