I have some seriously great news about Oceania Cruises. Walt and I were delighted to spend 10 days on the Oceania Riviera sailing through Asia. We started in Hong Kong, worked our way to Thailand, up to Japan, and then over to Seoul, Korea. I had never sailed with Oceania before, so I was really excited to experience everything from the booking process to the end of our journey.

Booking the Drink Package

One of the interesting things I found out ahead of time was about booking the drink package. Normally, when you book a cruise, everyone in the same cabin has to purchase the drink package. But with Oceania, that’s not the case! I purchased the drink package while Walt, who doesn’t drink much but loves his coffee, didn’t need to buy it since all coffee was complimentary. This flexibility was a great feature for travelers.

My suggestion is to purchase the drink package ahead of time. There’s a significant savings when you do. The moment we got on the ship, we sat down for lunch, and a gentleman came over asking what I would like to drink. I said, “A glass of champagne,” and it was included in my package. So, definitely encourage your clients to purchase it ahead of time!

Excursions

Now, let’s talk about excursions. These should also be purchased ahead of time because some of them sell out quickly. As soon as you book, log into your Oceania account and choose the excursions you want. Some excursions are marked as “OE,” which stands for Oceania Exclusive. These offer smaller groups and buses, giving a more intimate experience with your guide.

The organization on the Riviera was outstanding. There was no waiting around; we simply went to the designated area at the right time, and our numbers were called. It was smooth and easy! However, I did notice that on some excursions we didn’t have the listening devices, which made it hard to hear the guide. If you encounter this, don’t hesitate to talk to the destination desk on the ship; they are very receptive to feedback.

What to Wear

When it comes to dressing on Oceania, you can be as casual or as dressed up as you want. The key is to be respectful of where you are. I saw some guests with very unmanaged hair in the morning, and while that’s okay, just keep in mind the vibe of the ship and destination. On board laundry makes it easy to pack lite if you want!

Our Cabin and Bathroom

We were in a B2 cabin category on Deck Eight with a veranda. I was amazed at the storage! I found drawers that I didn’t even use while packing to leave, which never happens to me. The bathroom also had fantastic storage with a cabinet that had glass doors and plenty of space for our things. The shower was huge—probably the biggest I’ve ever seen on a ship!

One thing I loved about our balcony on Deck 8, cabin 8140, was that it had a roof above it, which was perfect on rainy days. We could step out without getting drenched, while those on the lower decks had to deal with the rain unless they had an umbrella.

Activities on Board

So, what can you do on the Oceania Riviera? The hot tub was nice and hot, and the pool was warm enough to enjoy. There were lots of chairs available, and the pool deck area was very relaxing. They also had a walking track, ping pong, pickleball, and mini golf available. Walt became the champion of mini golf during our trip!

The Gym and Spa

The gym was busy, probably because some guests had been on the ship for longer segments, and they wanted to work out after enjoying the delicious food. The gym had a juice bar and energy drinks to keep you hydrated. I also took advantage of the spa services, including acupuncture, which helped with my sciatic nerve pain. The spa facilities like the steam room and sauna were available to everyone, and a private outdoor terrace area was also an option for an extra fee.

Entertainment and Activities

The entertainment was phenomenal! We had a guest speaker who talked about our destinations, making the excursions even more enriching. I found her talks to be incredibly engaging and informative.

And yes, they had Bingo! If you have the drink package, you can enjoy a Bloody Mary with a beer chaser while playing. The conversations during Bingo were entertaining, and I even learned some Bingo lingo!

The Library and Culinary Center

The library was a perfect place for solitude, with cozy seating areas and a great selection of books. If it was a rainy day, getting there early was key to snagging one of those cozy spots. Next to the library was the internet area and a coffee bar where you could grab a drink and snacks.

The Culinary Center was inviting, though I didn’t participate in any classes. It looked like a fantastic place to learn new cooking skills.

Dining Experiences

Now, let’s discuss dining. Oceania is known for its food, and my absolute favorite was the buffet. The selection was incredible—grilled lobster was available most nights! The Waves Grill was another highlight, where you could order fresh-made pizza and delicious surf and turf for lunch. They had a wonderful outdoor seating area, and the service was quick and friendly.

High tea was also a delight, held in the Horizons Bar area. It was beautifully set, with lovely sandwiches and a refined atmosphere. I enjoyed the calm and quiet it provided in the afternoon.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, the Riviera was beautiful, with art and decor that made it feel like home. I adored the staff, the amenities, and, of course, the champagne on the back deck every day. I can’t wait to sail with Oceania again. Cheers to Oceania with my delicious blackberry tea!