Now that’s a great way to check out penguins, whales, and ice glaciers in Alaska
Oceania Riviera is a classic Oceania Cruises ship, and for a long time, it remained one of the best vessels in the entire fleet - over a decade, in fact. Launched in 2012 as part of the Oceania-class, Riviera held the spotlight until 2023, when Oceania Vista debuted and kicked off a new era of Allura-class ships, followed by Oceania Allura in 2025. Oceania Cruises isn’t done yet either, with an entirely new class, the Sonata Class, set to launch in 2027.
But does Oceania Riviera still leave a strong impression now that Vista and Allura are stealing the show? Let’s check it out.
What we like about Oceania Riviera
Oceania Riviera might not have some of the features of the Allura-class ships, but it’s still a top-notch vessel.
Riviera has fewer restaurants compared to Oceania Vista, sure, but it still manages to feature the best dining venues in the entire fleet: Red Ginger, Toscana, and Jacques. You could seriously alternate between them during an entire 7-day cruise and love every second of it. Plus, you also get access to Polo Grill and several different snack stations. Food has always been a highlight of Oceania Cruises, and Oceania Riviera helped build that reputation.
Another highlight is that Oceania Riviera is now the main Oceania ship sailing to Alaska. In fact, out of their 65 itineraries, 20 are dedicated to the Last Frontier, with cruises departing from both Vancouver and Seattle. Not a single Allura-class ship sails to Alaska, so Riviera is your best option. It also features some truly unique itineraries in Asia and Oceania, making this a fantastic ship if you want to explore some of the most beautiful places in the world in complete luxury.
Oceania Riviera is a slightly smaller ship compared to Oceania Vista, but it carries 50 more passengers. That doesn’t mean it feels crowded, oh no. The vibe onboard is peaceful, with most guests in their 60s looking to relax. It also helps that this ship focuses on more unique itineraries, and since it doesn’t typically sail in Europe or the Caribbean, it rarely feels busy.
Rooms onboard are also pretty solid, thanks to a 2022 refurbishment that made them feel more spacious, added extra storage, and introduced rainforest showers. They’re about the same size as what you’d find on the newer Celebrity Cruises ships, but they feel even more chic.
What we don’t like about Oceania Riviera
Honestly, there’s not much to dislike about Oceania Riviera. Sure, it doesn’t offer as many restaurants, bars, or the amazing new staterooms you’ll find on the Allura-Class ships, but the rooms did go through a big refurbishment a couple of years ago and still look great.
I guess the main issue with this cruise is also the same one found on Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura: the entertainment. Yes, you do get cooking and crafting classes and some small shows, but that’s about it.
There’s no big-time musical, the main swimming pool is on the smaller side, and most entertainment wraps up before midnight. This is definitely a ship that’s more about the destination than throwing a big party onboard… and that’s fine, especially considering it’s a luxury ship designed for an older crowd. Still, I’d love to see more piano bars and musical acts that are a little more than just a nice distraction. But, hey, there is a cool mini-golf course onboard if you want to practice.
Conclusion
Want to go to Alaska in style? Oceania Riviera is a great choice. This is a ship with excellent dining options and a cozy atmosphere, offering some really unique and fun itineraries. Sure, it doesn’t have as many features as the Allura-Class ships, but the recent refurbishment did wonders, making Riviera one of the best options for anyone wanting to check out Oceania Cruises.
Oceania Riviera FAQ
How much does a cruise on Oceania Riviera cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares typically start at around $2,600 for a 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
What are the main destinations for Oceania Riviera?
Oceania Allura focuses on itineraries in Alaska, Asia and Oceania.
Is Oceania Riviera good for children?
Not really. This ship doesn’t have a Kids Club, and there isn’t much entertainment geared toward younger travelers.
What’s the difference between Oceania Riviera and the new Allura-Class ships?
Oceania Riviera launched in 2012, while the newer Allura-class ships debuted in 2023. Oceania Riviera offers traditional staterooms that range from inside cabins to suites, while Allura-class ships feature all-balcony staterooms. The newer ships also have more dining options and generally offer more open space to move around.
