TRAVEL

Photo tour: Inside Oceania Cruises' stylish Riviera

Christened in Barcelona on May 11, 2012, the 1,250-passenger Riviera is upscale Oceania Cruises' second new ship in just over a year. What's it like on board the vessel? USA TODAY's Gene Sloan sailed on a preview voyage and offers a photo tour.
Christened in Barcelona on May 11, 2012, the 1,250-passenger Riviera is upscale Oceania Cruises' second new ship in just over a year. What's it like on board the vessel? USA TODAY's Gene Sloan sailed on a preview voyage and offers a photo tour.
Oceania Cruises
Riviera's pool deck features a heated saltwater swimming pool, two freshwater whirlpools and plush lounge chairs.
Riviera's pool deck features a heated saltwater swimming pool, two freshwater whirlpools and plush lounge chairs.
Gene Sloan
A close-up view of one of the two hot tubs on Riviera's pool deck.
A close-up view of one of the two hot tubs on Riviera's pool deck.
Gene Sloan
Lounge chairs around the ship's pool are covered in plush towels.
Lounge chairs around the ship's pool are covered in plush towels.
Gene Sloan
A shaded area called The Sanctuary, near the pool deck, offers a quiet retreat.
A shaded area called The Sanctuary, near the pool deck, offers a quiet retreat.
Gene Sloan
Another covered deck-top area for lounging is called The Patio.
Another covered deck-top area for lounging is called The Patio.
Gene Sloan
Among the diversions on the top decks of the ship is an 18-hole putting green and a paddle tennis court.
Among the diversions on the top decks of the ship is an 18-hole putting green and a paddle tennis court.
Gene Sloan
A close-up of the paddle tennis court, which is located at the front of the vessel.
A close-up of the paddle tennis court, which is located at the front of the vessel.
Gene Sloan
Riviera also has a golf driving cage, located adjacent to the ship's putting green.
Riviera also has a golf driving cage, located adjacent to the ship's putting green.
Gene Sloan
The top deck of the ship also offers a shuffleboard area, located toward the back of the ship on what's known as the Sports Deck.
The top deck of the ship also offers a shuffleboard area, located toward the back of the ship on what's known as the Sports Deck.
Gene Sloan
The Sports Deck also features a croquet court.
The Sports Deck also features a croquet court.
Gene Sloan
A small jogging track surrounds the Riviera's funnel.
A small jogging track surrounds the Riviera's funnel.
Gene Sloan
Cuisine is a major focus aboard Riviera, which features 10 different dining venues. Among them: Toscana, an Italian eatery that's open for dinner by reservation.
Cuisine is a major focus aboard Riviera, which features 10 different dining venues. Among them: Toscana, an Italian eatery that's open for dinner by reservation.
Gene Sloan
The 538-seat Grand Dining Room is the main restaurant on the ship and serves Continental cuisine.
The 538-seat Grand Dining Room is the main restaurant on the ship and serves Continental cuisine.
Gene Sloan
Privee, a posh private dining room overlooking the back of the ship, can be booked for dinner for a flat fee of $250. It seats up to 10 people.
Privee, a posh private dining room overlooking the back of the ship, can be booked for dinner for a flat fee of $250. It seats up to 10 people.
Gene Sloan
Jacques, a 124-seat restaurant serving French cuisine, was created by noted French chef Jacques Pepin. It's his second restaurant at sea (the first is on Riviera's one-year-old sister ship, Marina).
Jacques, a 124-seat restaurant serving French cuisine, was created by noted French chef Jacques Pepin. It's his second restaurant at sea (the first is on Riviera's one-year-old sister ship, Marina).
Gene Sloan
Another eatery on Riviera is Polo Grill, a steakhouse that is a signature of Oceania vessels.
Another eatery on Riviera is Polo Grill, a steakhouse that is a signature of Oceania vessels.
Gene Sloan
Oceania's Asian eatery, Red Ginger, is open nightly for dinner by reservation. Like other Oceania specialty restaurants, it is available to passengers at no extra charge.
Oceania's Asian eatery, Red Ginger, is open nightly for dinner by reservation. Like other Oceania specialty restaurants, it is available to passengers at no extra charge.
Gene Sloan
The Terrace Café is Riviera's casual buffet eatery, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the back of the ship.
The Terrace Café is Riviera's casual buffet eatery, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the back of the ship.
Gene Sloan
The outdoor seating area of the Terrace Cafe overlooks the back of the ship.
The outdoor seating area of the Terrace Cafe overlooks the back of the ship.
Gene Sloan
The food serving area of the Terrace Cafe.
The food serving area of the Terrace Cafe.
Gene Sloan
Waves Grill, an open-air eatery near the pool, serves grilled items such as burgers, and has a salad bar.
Waves Grill, an open-air eatery near the pool, serves grilled items such as burgers, and has a salad bar.
Gene Sloan
The grill area at Waves Grill. Passengers place orders at the counter and the dishes then are delivered to tables by waiters.
The grill area at Waves Grill. Passengers place orders at the counter and the dishes then are delivered to tables by waiters.
Gene Sloan
Adjacent to Waves Grill is an ice cream outlet serving more than half a dozen flavors.
Adjacent to Waves Grill is an ice cream outlet serving more than half a dozen flavors.
Gene Sloan
The 24-seat La Reserve by Wine Spectator dining room offers seven-course meals paired with fine wines for $95 per person.
The 24-seat La Reserve by Wine Spectator dining room offers seven-course meals paired with fine wines for $95 per person.
Gene Sloan
Passengers can create an ice cream sundae at the ice cream outlet with a variety of toppings.
Passengers can create an ice cream sundae at the ice cream outlet with a variety of toppings.
Gene Sloan
Marina has an elegant, boutique hotel-like feel with rich wood paneling and hand-picked art. Here, a stairwell featuring a glass art piece.
Marina has an elegant, boutique hotel-like feel with rich wood paneling and hand-picked art. Here, a stairwell featuring a glass art piece.
Gene Sloan
A seating area in the ship's main entryway.
A seating area in the ship's main entryway.
Gene Sloan
Passengers enter the Riviera into an elegant two-deck-high space that contains the ship's reception and destination-services desks.
Passengers enter the Riviera into an elegant two-deck-high space that contains the ship's reception and destination-services desks.
Gene Sloan
The reception area of the Marina features the Grand Staircase, a double stairway with crystal medallions commissioned from Lalique.
The reception area of the Marina features the Grand Staircase, a double stairway with crystal medallions commissioned from Lalique.
Gene Sloan
The base of the Grand Staircase has a Lalique signature Cactus Table surrounded by etched crystal screens and flanked by newels capped with prominent crystal finials.
The base of the Grand Staircase has a Lalique signature Cactus Table surrounded by etched crystal screens and flanked by newels capped with prominent crystal finials.
Gene Sloan
The ship's reception desk.
The ship's reception desk.
Gene Sloan
The destination services desk, where passengers can make arrangements for shore excursions.
The destination services desk, where passengers can make arrangements for shore excursions.
Gene Sloan
The Horizons observation lounge is located at the front top of the ship and offers sweeping views of the sea.
The Horizons observation lounge is located at the front top of the ship and offers sweeping views of the sea.
Gene Sloan
The Horizons lounge also features a dance floor and is a hotspot for nighttime entertainment on the ship.
The Horizons lounge also features a dance floor and is a hotspot for nighttime entertainment on the ship.
Gene Sloan
Located on Deck 6, Martinis is a central gathering place for passengers in the evenings.
Located on Deck 6, Martinis is a central gathering place for passengers in the evenings.
Gene Sloan
Martinis features live piano music nightly.
Martinis features live piano music nightly.
Gene Sloan
The Grand Bar, a long, narrow lounge area located adjacent to the Grand Dining Room, is another prime location for pre-dinner drinks.
The Grand Bar, a long, narrow lounge area located adjacent to the Grand Dining Room, is another prime location for pre-dinner drinks.
Gene Sloan
The Riviera offers a small casino with a handful of table games and slot machines.
The Riviera offers a small casino with a handful of table games and slot machines.
Gene Sloan
A row of slot machines in the Riviera's casino.
A row of slot machines in the Riviera's casino.
Gene Sloan
The Casino Bar, just off the ship's casino, has a modern vibe and a purple glow.
The Casino Bar, just off the ship's casino, has a modern vibe and a purple glow.
Gene Sloan
A sitting area in the Casino Bar.
A sitting area in the Casino Bar.
Gene Sloan
Located at the top of the ship overlooking the pool area, Baristas is a small coffee bar serving Italian espressos and cappuccinos.
Located at the top of the ship overlooking the pool area, Baristas is a small coffee bar serving Italian espressos and cappuccinos.
Gene Sloan
A close-up of the elegant Italian coffee maker used at Baristas.
A close-up of the elegant Italian coffee maker used at Baristas.
Gene Sloan
The ship's cozy Library features rich, wood-paneled walls and bookcases, and leather seating.
The ship's cozy Library features rich, wood-paneled walls and bookcases, and leather seating.
Gene Sloan
A seating area in the ship's Library.
A seating area in the ship's Library.
Gene Sloan
The standard balcony cabins on Riviera, known as Veranda Staterooms, are billed as the largest in the industry at 282 square feet. They feature a sitting area, large bathroom and teak-floored deck with faux-wicker furnishings.
The standard balcony cabins on Riviera, known as Veranda Staterooms, are billed as the largest in the industry at 282 square feet. They feature a sitting area, large bathroom and teak-floored deck with faux-wicker furnishings.
Gene Sloan
Bathrooms in Veranda Staterooms contain both a tub and shower.
Bathrooms in Veranda Staterooms contain both a tub and shower.
Gene Sloan
Balconies in Veranda Staterooms have two chairs and a small table.
Balconies in Veranda Staterooms have two chairs and a small table.
Gene Sloan
At 420 square feet, Riviera's Penthouse Suites are about 50% larger than Veranda Staterooms with bigger bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies.
At 420 square feet, Riviera's Penthouse Suites are about 50% larger than Veranda Staterooms with bigger bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies.
Gene Sloan
Penthouse Suites have long built-in cabinetry containing storage for clothing and a mini-bar.
Penthouse Suites have long built-in cabinetry containing storage for clothing and a mini-bar.
Gene Sloan
The desk area of Penthouse Suites come with a laptop to use during the cruise.
The desk area of Penthouse Suites come with a laptop to use during the cruise.
Gene Sloan
Amenities in Penthouse Suites include Oceania Cruises' own brand of mineral water.
Amenities in Penthouse Suites include Oceania Cruises' own brand of mineral water.
Gene Sloan
Balconies in Penthouse Suites have two chairs and a small side table.
Balconies in Penthouse Suites have two chairs and a small side table.
Gene Sloan
Penthouse Suites and other cabins feature multiple outlets for U.S.-style plugs and separate outlets for European-style plugs.
Penthouse Suites and other cabins feature multiple outlets for U.S.-style plugs and separate outlets for European-style plugs.
Gene Sloan
Penthouse Suites have large walk-in closets that contain space for hanging clothes, built-in drawers and a safe.
Penthouse Suites have large walk-in closets that contain space for hanging clothes, built-in drawers and a safe.
Gene Sloan
Bathrooms in Penthouse Suites boast large sink areas, a separate shower and tub.
Bathrooms in Penthouse Suites boast large sink areas, a separate shower and tub.
Gene Sloan
Showers in Penthouse Suites are larger than the ones in Veranda Staterooms.
Showers in Penthouse Suites are larger than the ones in Veranda Staterooms.
Gene Sloan
Penthouse Suite bathrooms feature upscale Bulgari bath products.
Penthouse Suite bathrooms feature upscale Bulgari bath products.
Gene Sloan
Miniature refrigerators are a standard feature in all cabins on Riviera.
Miniature refrigerators are a standard feature in all cabins on Riviera.
Gene Sloan
The safes found in Riviera cabins are large enough for wallets, passports and cameras but not a full-size laptop.
The safes found in Riviera cabins are large enough for wallets, passports and cameras but not a full-size laptop.
Gene Sloan
Among Riviera's largest accommodations are its eight Vista Suites, created by noted designer Dakota Jackson. Ranging in size from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, they all are located at the front of the ship and offer sweeping views over the bow.
Among Riviera's largest accommodations are its eight Vista Suites, created by noted designer Dakota Jackson. Ranging in size from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, they all are located at the front of the ship and offer sweeping views over the bow.
Gene Sloan
The master bathroom of a Vista Suite.
The master bathroom of a Vista Suite.
Gene Sloan
Vista Suites include a large living room separated from the bedroom.
Vista Suites include a large living room separated from the bedroom.
Gene Sloan
Each of the ship's eight Vista Suites also include a personal workout room.
Each of the ship's eight Vista Suites also include a personal workout room.
Gene Sloan