Stepping Aboard An Oceania Riviera Cruise, Small Ship Luxury, Big Heart - By Karlene Barkley

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of stepping aboard Oceania Riviera in Lyttelton, joining Dani from Oceania Cruises for an in-depth site inspection. While I didn’t sail on this voyage, spending time exploring the ship from bow to stern gave me a wonderful feel for the experience our future Travel the World & World Travellers clients can expect.

From the moment you step on board, Riviera feels less like a ship and more like an elegant boutique hotel at sea - calm, beautifully designed, and quietly luxurious.

A Ship Designed to Feel Like Home (A Very Stylish One)

Oceania Riviera is a mid-sized ship, carrying around 1,250 guests, which immediately sets the tone. There’s space to breathe, no rushing, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere throughout.

The design is refined without being formal. Rich fabrics, designer furnishings and thoughtful details give the ship a residential feel, the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable. One standout feature is the Lalique Grand Staircase, which is as stunning in real life as it is in photographs and really sets the scene for the elegance found on board.

A Dream for Food Lovers

If food is high on your travel wish list, Riviera will feel like paradise.

Oceania Cruises are renowned for their culinary focus, and Riviera showcases this beautifully with multiple complimentary specialty restaurants, a real rarity at sea.

• Jacques: classic French cuisine with timeless flair

• Red Ginger: vibrant Asian-inspired dishes

• Toscana: authentic Italian flavours inspired by Tuscany

There’s also La Reserve, offering exclusive wine pairing experiences for those wanting something extra special.

One of the ship’s most unique features is the Culinary Centre, a hands-on cooking school at sea. Guests can take part in immersive cooking classes inspired by the destinations they’re visiting, making it perfect for travellers who love learning as much as relaxing.

Enrichment, Relaxation & Elegant Spaces

Riviera is very much designed for adults who enjoy a more enriching style of travel. During my inspection, it was easy to imagine days spent drifting between experiences:

• Artist Loft for creative workshops

• Informative lectures and talks

• Wine tastings and cultural enrichment

• A beautifully stocked library for quiet moments

For wellness lovers, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre offers fitness classes, treatments and calm spaces to truly unwind - ideal for sea days or post-exploration relaxation.

Small Ship Luxury with Big Benefits

With fewer guests on board, Riviera can access smaller ports that larger ships simply can’t, a huge advantage for travellers wanting more immersive itineraries and less crowded destinations.

The overall vibe is best described as “casually elegant”. There’s no need for formal nights or stuffy dress codes, just relaxed sophistication, open-seating dining, live music, lounges to linger in, and thoughtful service throughout.

Is Oceania Riviera Right for You?

Oceania Riviera is perfect for travellers who:

• Appreciate exceptional food and wine

• Prefer smaller ships with a relaxed atmosphere

• Enjoy enrichment, culture and learning

• Want luxury without feeling over-the-top

• Are looking for an adult-focused cruise experience

Our Take at Travel the World

After spending time on board, I can confidently say that Oceania Riviera delivers on its promise of small ship luxury. It’s a ship that invites you to slow down, savour the journey, and enjoy travel in a beautifully curated way.

If you’re curious about whether Oceania Riviera - or Oceania Cruises more broadly - might be the right fit for your next adventure, we’d love to chat. At Travel the World & World Travellers, we believe the right ship makes all the difference, and Riviera is certainly one worth knowing.