Sunday, March 31, 2024

Riviera is introducing a new generation of European river ships: Travel Weekly

cruise riviera

Explore the galleries and boho-chic shops of Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta. You’ll absorb Mexico’s colorful culture in the street food, tequila, music, and craft markets everywhere you go. My cruise sailed from Venice to Istanbul, with visits to Athens, Mykonos and Croatia’s Split and Rovinj. It’s a fairly common route with competition from other premium and luxury lines.

WEST COAST ISLAND VIBES

cruise riviera

Following hot on the heels of Oceania’s Marina that debuted in 2011, sibling Riviera launched in May 2012 and was quickly established as one of cruising’s most elegant options for the upscale audience. With menus overseen by chef Jacques Pépin, a Canyon Ranch spa, sumptuous bedding and tasteful cabin décor, Riviera caters to a discerning crowd that expects deferential service and a refined atmosphere. All cabins have a bathroom with rain shower, desk and chair, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, coffee machine, tea kettle, hair dryer and safe.

Night History And Art Of The Rhône - Ms Lord Byron

We’d rank the art collection alone as the best we’ve seen at sea—mostly early- and mid-20th century paintings from Cuban and other Latin American artists, with a few provocative, edgy pieces mixed in for good measure. My 440 square feet included a dining table, spacious veranda and access to the Executive Lounge with its concierge and coffee, soft drinks and snacks. I only used the lounge once, but I really appreciated Penthouse amenities, like welcome Champagne, priority restaurant reservations and laundry service. I didn’t interact with my butler other than for breakfast room service, but I liked the idea of  having one. The biggest, fanciest suites are dubbed Oceania, Vista and Owner’s and grouped behind an etched glass door. Those lucky occupants wallow in more than 1,000 square feet and up, with media rooms, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas and other luxurious appointments.

Riviera Special Offers

cruise riviera

Next to the drawers was the minibar and ice bucket, and above these were a couple slender shelves for glasses. Tastefully appointed with a generous use of dark walnut wood hues, our Veranda cabin was slightly larger than a typical balcony cabin on a mainstream cruise line (more on that below). With a bathroom featuring a full tub and a balcony decked in teak flooring—a rarity on newer ships—it was a very comfortable space to reside in. Speaking of contented, our bed was sumptuous, engulfed by quality linens that left us snug as a bug in a rug.

The big adjacent fitness center offers the typical TechnoGym equipment like stair climbers, weight machines and treadmills. This spa also offers specific shore excursions dubbed Wellness Discovery Tours, like visiting hammams in port. No, but a lot is, including most excursions, travel (choice of air or rail for European cruises, and departures from regional U.K. airports), all meals and self-service tea and coffee. Extra costs include beverages, gratuities, select excursion choices, spa and beauty treatments, laundry and retail shop purchases. Accommodating 1,250 passengers, Riviera is the right size with the right amenities to provide an upscale cruise into ports that are difficult for larger cruise ships to reach. The ship includes a wide range of cabins, which all feel luxurious thanks to premium fabrics and materials such as Italian marble.

Sails To

Riviera Radiance will debut an all-new interior design which will set it apart from other vessels in the fleet, and the majority of other European riverboats. It will be the first in a new generation of Riviera vessels to have a split-level lounge bar, with a standalone bar separate from the lounge, and an airy restaurant with a partial open plan design. Bustling Nice exudes opulence, its grand mansions painted in bright hues of ocher and terracotta. The wide Promenade des Anglais sweeps around the bay while just behind, the Cours Saleya is famed for its market, dazzling with flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and lined with inviting brasseries.

Riviera River Cruises Announces Flight, Hotel Packages - Open Jaw

Riviera River Cruises Announces Flight, Hotel Packages.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:37:27 GMT [source]

During the day this spot was largely empty except when various activities transpired on sea days, announced in the ship’s newsletter. This included martini and vodka tastings (with a $15 add-on), presentations from the spa (culminating in a product pitch), social gatherings and, most entertainingly, lively Spanish lessons. Oceania’s Riviera is an undeniably beautiful ship, and it’s the newest vessel at sea designed for the upscale crowd. Only one other upmarket line, Crystal Cruises, has ships (almost) the size of Riviera (though both of Crystal’s ships are now more than a decade old). For this reason it’s difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons about whether Riviera provides good value. But just prior to publication we reviewed per-day rates for cabins on comparable itineraries for the upcoming year, for ships that offer an experience that is a notch above the Oceania product.

Canyon Ranch Spa Club

Unexpectedly, it was at dinner where Terrace Grill really showed its strength, and a few of the dishes mirrored the offerings at the main dining room. There was a carving station nightly, which included beef Wellington one night, veal rack loin another. For lunch, the hot buffet station included such fare as grilled king clip fillet with vegetable aioli, veal scaloppini saltimbocca, and the grill had various meats cooked to order.

We asked our waiter to replace it, and a hot portion arrived seven or eight minutes later. For entrée we ordered the Dover sole, which was deboned at the table—the classic preparation with lemon and caper butter was enhanced with croutons that sopped up the juice. A cheese trolley was wheeled over and the selection of AOC French offerings was mouth-watering.

We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most relaxing and legendary destinations to travel to in Europe. There's more to a European cruise vacation than just packing your bags! Plan the perfect trip on your travel getaway to visit the best places in Europe. Enjoy these Pablo Picasso facts for your vacation travels and save your favorite destinations. Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

This guide will help you discover the most glorious and influential abbeys in England. Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Loch Ness on Scotland vacations, including its history, how to get there, and the best things to do. Cruises from Venice can be a gateway to discovery — and not just of the places you sail to.

Standard cabins will be 172 square feet and will have a seating area with lounge chair and small table. Upper- and middle-deck standard cabins will have a balcony with sliding doors, while lower-deck standard cabins will have a smaller fixed window. Such as her sister ship Marina, Riviera cruise liner sports some of cruising's most palatial rooms, featuring furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home and layouts by Dakota Jackson of New York and S.B. The cruise liner also has a Lalique-designed grand lobby, ten restaurants and many bars and lounges. Amenities include a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Bon Appetit Culinary Center (for demos and cooking classes), and the La Reserve by Wine Spectator wine bar lounge. Since September 2014, Oceania and the sister company RSSC-Regent are owned by NCLH - acquired at a total cost of USD 3 billion.

Yet for the most part, an easy-going atmosphere prevails, akin to that of an upscale resort geared to retirees. We busted out our piggy bank for the splurge, eagerly anticipating smart service and fine dining. Corsica’s enchanting capital is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée Fesch, housing the world’s largest private collection of Italian art, assembled by Napoleon’s uncle, while foodies will love the produce market near the waterfront. Outside the city, there are pebble and sand beaches lapped by turquoise water, hiking trails, and the red-rock Iles Sanguinaires to explore, as well as dense forests and plunging gorges. On cruises to France and the French Riviera, you'll uncover a rich landscape and culture that has inspired some of the world's most renowned artists, architects, writers, and chefs.

Best Mexican Riviera Cruises 2023 & 2024

cruise riviera

Our fifth course was the 72-hour braised short rib, cooked sous vide and enticingly pink. The miso-glazed sea bass was excellent, the tender fish beautifully presented in what appeared to be a ginger leaf. Lobster pad Thai was a fine twist on a well-traveled road, with generous hunks of lobster flesh bursting from the silky noodles. Various sides were available—brown or jasmine rice, stir-fried udon noodles, broccoli and shitake mushrooms, and a meager portion of asparagus.

Casino Bar

On a cruise to France, you'll have the opportunity to explore enchanting villages seemingly untouched by time. Visit quaint medieval towns like Les Baux-de-Provence and St. Paul-de-Vence, where you'll find winding streets, colorful open-air markets, and art galleries. In mountaintop Eze, wander the exotic gardens and visit the Fragonard Perfumery to see how exquisite fragrances are made. Pretty Saint-Emilion, near Bordeaux, is one of the best places in France to taste award-winning wines. French Riviera cruises are the perfect opportunity to discover chic resort towns, charming old villages, and unforgettable Mediterranean beaches.

Visiting Historic Abbeys in England Royal Caribbean Cruises

Oceania's 3 new extended cruises on a premium ship to Africa, Asia - Business Insider

Oceania's 3 new extended cruises on a premium ship to Africa, Asia.

Posted: Sat, 06 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You could also explore more northerly ports along the West Coast on a cruise that calls at Ensenada as well as San Francisco and Monterey. Or opt for a Panama Canal voyage between San Diego and San Juan, Puerto Rico, stopping at Puerto Vallarta as well as the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. Finally, a long voyage between Valparaiso, Chile, and Los Angeles will bring you to exciting ports in Peru and Costa Rica as well as Cabo San Lucas. Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class.

How to Get Travel Tuesday Cruise Deals Royal Caribbean Cruises

Our most disappointing meal on Riviera was undoubtedly Polo Grill, and that sentiment was shared by all four of us at our table, as well as other passengers we spoke with. A steakhouse on a cruise ship shouldn’t require reinventing the wheel, but we find it amazing how often cruise lines deliver a subpar steakhouse experience (and usually with an up-charge—not the case on Riviera). The room is fine, located on Deck 14 aft, tricked out with masculine dark wood paneling, contemporary art and padded leather chairs—it certainly looks the part. Inside cabins, the most economical option, are located on decks 8 through 10.

Riviera draws an active crowd of repeat guests, mostly American, who indulge well onboard and explore energetically ashore. While 55+ might cover the age range, I saw plenty of couples and groups of friends who looked younger. These cruisers are a friendly bunch and engage with other passengers in bars and lounges. Passengers definitely utilize the fitness center, although I always found a treadmill or free weights when needed. The jogging track draws many cruisers, too, if not to run, then leisurely walk at sunset. I packed casual-to-elegant country-club-ish attire, and fit right in.

Marvel at the ocean’s power at La Bufadora, Ensenada’s famous rock blowhole. Soak up the Hollywood glamor of Playa de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. Staterooms and suites were gutted during the recent redo, receiving a more modern design in tasteful neutral-driven brown and grey hues.

Decks

Experience the country’s unique character the second you step on the ship with traditional Mexican cuisine, events and activities. Riviera River Cruises is launching a new generation ships, and the first two are expected to debut in 2025 in Europe. The Suite's wraparound balcony is premium teak-floored and fitted with custom-made (by Ralph Lauren) outdoor lounge furniture. A modified version of this design is Oceania's new ALLURA-Class represented by the ships Vista (2023) and Allura (2025). Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. There’s traditional Carnival fun too, and these fan-favorites are great news for everybody!

ITALIAN FOOD, FRENCH AIR

Our Mexican Riviera cruises are the perfect vacation for days of sights to see. And don't forget about the beaches and underwater scenery of Cabo San Lucas. Cruise to the Mexican Riviera and you don’t have to choose just one vacation experience — you can try them all. If you’re longing for a vacation that’s equal parts beautiful scenery, rich culture and thrills the whole family will love, nothing beats Mexico cruises from Los Angeles. Bordered by the Pacific, the Mexican Riviera checks all the boxes — great cuisine, quaint historic towns, top-rated beaches and even a wine country that rivals Napa. What’s more, you’ll have just as much to look forward to in between shoreside discoveries as you sail onboard the Amplified fleet-favorite, Navigator of the Seas®.

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Even if you’ve never visited Mexico, chances are you’ve tried shrimp or fish tacos before. Locals in the region typically serve tacos with grilled or fried seafood topped with lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo and a sour cream or citrus mayonnaise. Mexican cuisine is beloved around the world, and the food you’ll find along the Mexican Riviera has a flavor all its own. From Sonoran specialties like machaca stew to Baja beach-day classics like shrimp and fish tacos, you’ll find plenty of crave-worthy flavors to savor during your Mexico cruise. Explore 9 cool things to do on short cruises from Los Angeles with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Top-rated vacation destinations in the Baja Coast, including Catalina Island and Ensenada.

Riviera River Cruises waives single supplement on 500-plus cabins - Travel Weekly

Riviera River Cruises waives single supplement on 500-plus cabins.

Posted: Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Carpaccio of beef tenderloin with shaved parmesan and arugula was presented in classic style, as was the Caesar salad, prepared tableside. Sautéed jumbo shrimp was wrapped in prosciutto, while spinach salad was graced by Sardinian goat cheese and Kalamata olives. For our starter we tried the baked French onion soup, which was capped with a crusty ceiling of Gruyère. We also sampled the pumpkin soup, which was impressively presented in a terrine made from a real pumpkin.

If you're craving more time at sea, find a French captain to take you afloat. Just head down to the docks of cities like Cannes or Nice, and inquire about hourly boat rental. Set sail on Marseille's cliff-strewn Calanque des Goudes, or head out to secluded Ile Sainte-Marguerite off the coast of Cannes. Passengers on Riviera are older -- expect most to fall into the 65-plus category, though the age skews younger when itineraries are shorter. Most of them are American, with Canadians, Brits and Australians rounding out the mix, but passengers from many other countries often sail. You'll also find a few families onboard during the summer and around the holidays, when kids are free from the shackles of school.

The decadent room, cast in bold red and white tones, can be reserved for the evening for $250. Guests may order off the menu of either Polo Grill or Toscana while relaxing on throne chairs upholstered in supple, white baby crocodile leather. The menu promised USDA prime, but for a main we ordered the Colorado rack of lamb, a quartet of plump, if petite chops. Off-the-shelf mint jelly was spooned on the side; we would have preferred a savory mint sauce. A side dish of potatoes au gratin was good, a smallish portion suited for one. We also sampled the prime rib—available in a 16-ounce queen’s cut or a 32-ounce, bone-in king’s cut—we found it mediocre.

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