|
 On
May 11, Diana and I had the pleasure of attending the naming ceremony for
Oceania’s newest ship, the Riviera, in Barcelona and then cruising for a few
days to Venice. I must say that the City of Barcelona and Oceania pulled out
all the stops in providing a great show for a great new ship.
There are really two big pieces
of news in this review. Firstly is that Oceania is now finally actively
pursuing the Charter and Incentive Group Business, which is new to them. While
Oceania has become wildly popular in the retail market, in a relatively short
time, it is a new product to the incentive world due to their longer cruises.
This is changing for the better for our industry! Secondly in my opinion and
others as well, this is not an Ultra Premium ship or some other hybrid term for
a ship in the upper end of the premium market. This is a 5 star ship in the
new contemporary world of cruising. To learn why read more! If you want to
learn even more see us at the AIBTM Show in Baltimore June 21-22.
The Riviera and her one year old
sister, Marina, are true twins with only slightly different décor touches and
colors. Both ships carry 1,250 guests (based on double occupancy) in 625
staterooms and suites served by a very experienced and well trained crew of
800. These ships tend to travel the world so you really need to inquire about
their location when you might need them.
Cabins and Suites (Images)
Of most interest to the typical
incentive group would be the 282 sq ft Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms, 200
in total and the 244 Veranda Staterooms of the same size. These staterooms both
offer: Oceania’s Tranquility Bed (twin or queen in each stateroom), 1,000 thread
count linens, private teak veranda with table and 2 nice chairs, mini bar with
free soft drinks and waters, full size bathtub with shower as well as separate
show stall, 24 room service, twice daily maid service, thick cotton robes and
slippers, safe, writing desk and stationary, large flat screen TV with DVD, wifi,
a very good make-up mirror and nightly Belgian Chocolates. The Concierge Level
staterooms also get these amenities: access to private concierge lounge, welcome
bottle of champagne, laptop computer with wifi access, Bulgari toiletries,
cashmere lap blanket, complimentary Logo Tote bag, priority embark and debark,
priority individual reservations in the alternative restaurants, full room
service breakfast, shoe shine service, complimentary pressing of garments on
embarkation. All cabins and suites have a light and airy feel with a Boutique
luxury hotel decor and sense to them.
There are 124 Penthouse suites of
420 sq ft with Living and dining area. These are really large and generous
suites for a special VIP’s or for a group of really top people. These suites
are larger than most 5 star all suite ships and there are 120 of them! All of
the amenities listed above are included PLUS Butler service which includes:
course by course evening dining in your suite ordered from any restaurant,
packing and unpacking service on request, comp in room bar set-up, 24 hr butler
service, priority check-in and luggage delivery, customized entertainment and
sound system, even canapés served in suite and access to the executive lounge.
There are three other levels of
suites ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft. Needless to say each one is
better than the last and topped off by the 3 2,000 sq ft owners suites. The
owner’s suites expand the entire width of the ship, very unique, and have been
furnished by Ralph Lauren Home. You have to see it to believe it. Simply the
best suite at sea I have seen!
Thankfully there are a total of
30 outside ocean view and inside cabins to handle staff without having to pay
the higher veranda stateroom rates or suite rates, as is common for groups on
other 5 star ships. A very sensible idea for our market.
Public areas
Normal entrance for embarkation
is in the Grand Reception with the Grand Staircase inspired by Lalique crystal.
This is your first taste of your 5 star ship. For group leaders, don’t even
think of using one the numerous custom Lalique solid glass tables for your
hospitality desk!
From the pictures we have
included I think you will agree that the décor is very pleasing and what I would
call contemporary timeless elegance. This ship does have a theme, doesn’t have
the whim of a gone wild interior decorator but does have a warm and elegant feel
of a fine private club. This ship won’t HAVE to have a new interior for many
years as some ships find they have to do.
The ship has these sort of
Standard features, casino and casino bar, a Canyon Ranch fully equipped SpaClub
with Thalassotherapy whirlpool, gym, Large heated pool (which is unique as most
pools are not heated on ships), a very English style Club library, 9 bars and
lounges, a coffee shop featuring Illy coffee with pastries and snacks throughout
the day with ocean views near the library and internet center and the main
showroom and of course numerous up market shops. Every room is tastefully done
and high lighted by a great mutli-million dollar display of art personally
selected by the owners. Due to popular trade requests the ship will be
organizing tours or similar to explain all of the art as it is that good.
Of special note there are 2 very
unique offerings the Riviera has. The Bon Appetit Culinary Center is the only
hands on cooking center at sea with 24 fully equipped cooking stations. I have
also been told it is the largest such cooking studio in hotels or ships. You
have to see this it is most interesting and already a big hit on the older
sister. There is a charge for these classes but I am told worth every penny.
The second room is the Artist
Loft. This facility is again for 24 guests who receive hands on instruction
from a trained and talented rotating artist in residence. They do instruction
in numerous mediums of art and crafts from needlepoint to all types of painting.
Again there is an additional charge for these lessons.
Entertainment in the main show
lounge are Cabaret Style Performances and Musical reviews produced by the well
known Jean-Ann Ryan organization. They carry an 8 piece orchestra, classical
string quartet, Flamenco guitarist and piano player. Watch for the Jazz nights,
very good indeed. Disco and Karaoke are also available.
Horizons is the largest venue on
the ship for a standard cocktail reception for up to 280 guests seated, and more
if cocktail fashion style. Easily divided into separate private sections for
small groups with the latest in A/V equipment and staging. There are numerous
other areas inside and out to consider for your group functions. The ship does
have a great house band that plays nightly in this room as well.
I have saved the best for last,
DINING!
I have read numerous reviews both
passenger and critics about the food on the Marina all of which can’t say enough
about the food experience on her. Our sampling of the restaurants, of which
there are 6 at no charge, and the other outlets, leads me to say, and many
others, that without question this is some of the best food in the world. If
you are “foodie” you are going to love this ship. There are two private dining
areas that do carry an additional charge which we didn’t get to sample but I can
assure you they will be great as well. You can host a group of 8 or 24 in these
exclusive dining rooms.
Jacques, Master Chef Jacques
Pepins first restaurant at sea, has a casual Parisian ambiance with wood floors
and classic antiques. In Diana’s and my opinion one of the best French meals we
have had in years. When was the last time you dinned in a fine restaurant that
had a full page of cold starters, a full page of hot starters and then two pages
of main courses followed by an outrageous dessert menu. The biggest problem
here is actually making a choice. Food and service absolutely the best. 126
guests
Polo Grill is your typical
classic steak house. Club like atmosphere, leather chairs and dark woods. What
is not common, on a ship at least, is to be serving only USDA Prime meats and
the freshest of seafood available and a table side prepared Caesar salad. Again
a very large selection on this menu as well. On the same level as any of your
famous land based steak houses. 136 guests.
Another new dining favorite is
Red Ginger, a contemporary Asian restaurant that really pleases. You start with
a chop stick presentation which allows guests to select the style of stick they
prefer for the evening, not to worry silverware still available. Next up is the
tea menu. There are so many tempting dishes it is hard to know where to begin
or end. Let me just say again making a selection is difficult here as well.
Many of the dishes can be tailored to your taste if you like hot, spicy or mild
no problem. My favorite was a tempura soft shell crab that was simply the
lightest and best tempura I have ever had. 137 guests
Toscana gourmet Italian features
an 8 course menu featuring Tuscan specialties. Your meal starts with a menu of
olive oils and Balsamic Vinegars to accompany an outstanding presentation of
breads. Again an extensive menu that makes dining a pleasure. Here we go with
another dessert menu that is out of this world. 138 guests.
We had the opportunity to meet
with the head of hotel ops who explained in detail how we can use these great
options for private events as well as group dining. Very flexible and logical.
Again no additional charge for either a take over or group dining.
The Grand Dining Room is
available on an open seating basis for breakfast, lunch and dinner. European
inspired fine cuisine along with Canyon Ranch selections. A very elegant room
and some nice semi private areas for small groups. Again an extensive selection
each day on the various menus and is certainly not a second class restaurant
compared to the ones above. 536 guests.
Terrace Café is your buffet style
option for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great lunch buffets that are very
different each day. Never had a chance to sample dinner here. Indoor and
outdoor seating.
Waves Grill is your outdoor pool
bar and grill but with fine china and tableside service. A much more extensive
menu than most pool bars and grills.
A Special Treat, on Mothers day
they produced a spectacular Seafood Buffet in the main Dining which I am told is
produced on most cruises during a sea day. WOW! This was seafood to die for!
Oysters, clams, caviar, lobster, tiger prawns, shrimp, sushi, fresh raw Tuna
from a 300 lb fish, bouillabaisse station, a spaghetti and clam station, salmon
in puff pastry are just a few of the treats that awaited us.
The food on this ship is
incredible and along with the service, staterooms and décor gets my 5 Star
rating.
Soft drinks, coffees and waters
are included in the price. Wines and liquor are not, however you can purchase
wine and or open bar packages for any number of your group or charter you
desire. That’s correct you can pick and chose who gets these features.
If you want further details
please call me at 954 452 8800 or visit us at AIBTM in Balitmore. |
