Live From Riviera - Barcelona to Istanbul

Beginning our 2 week journey across the Med from Spain to Turkey! We are past Regent and Celebrity cruisers on our first Oceania cruise. I will try to post our observations during the cruise and perhaps add some insight for those considering O or those concerned about the pending merger. Here's Day 1, so far:

As we are in an Oceania Suite, we were able to board at 11AM. Boarding was quick and efficient without the "chaos" we've experienced at times on Celebrity. Appreciated the fact that the top Suites were called first for boarding as opposed to X where, although there was a separate line for Suite Guests, you were still part of the herd. Once on board, another surprise. Our cabin was ready for occupancy! Went immediately to our cabin to drop our carry-ons and within 10 minutes, our luggage also showed up! Double kudos, O. We've never experienced such excellent service on a cruise, not even on Regent. Should note that Penthouse and Concierge cabins were called very shortly after us. Our Suite is in tip-top shape and quite elegant.

Had lunch in Waves which was very relaxed and not as crowded as the Terrace. Based on recommends from some of this Forum's most prolific posters, we ordered the "double surf, no turf, no bun":D Thanks Lyn, Mura, and Larraine. Not sure who first posted this idea but it was spot on. Mine went straight up with a little sauce and my wife made a lobster salad with some balsamic vinaigrette from Terrace.

All the staff we have encountered so far have been very polite and upbeat. No sign of any discord over the merger.

Sail away at 6 PM followed by dinner in Jacques. More tomorrow.

Well, score one for jet lag. Meant to post this on the main O forum. Mods, please delete as I have restarted the thread on the O forum.

Had lunch in Waves which was very relaxed and not as crowded as the Terrace. Based on recommends from some of this Forum's most prolific posters, we ordered the "double surf, no turf, no bun" Thanks Lyn, Mura, and Larraine. Not sure who first posted this idea but it was spot on. Mine went straight up with a little sauce and my wife made a lobster salad with some balsamic vinaigrette from Terrace.

All the staff we have encountered so far have been very polite and upbeat. No sign of any discord over the merger.

Sail away at 6 PM followed by dinner in Jacques. More tomorrow.

Sailaway from Barcelona was short and sweet. We bid farewell to Insignia which docked nearby around Noon. Dinner at Jacques was superb. DW and DS had the Dover Sole and I managed to sneak a taste. The hallmark of a chef on their game is how they cook fish and this fish was cooked perfectly. The crab salad starter was excellent. I went with the mussels which, although very tasty, were slightly disturbing as only half of them had opened. I was surprised they would serve the dish with that many defectives. My entree of Coquilles St. Jacque was done just right. A nice albarino to accompany, a little signature apple tart, and life was good!

After dinner, the casino beckoned but as others have mentioned the traffic was, shall we say nonexistent. Spent a brief period there then retired back to our suite. Tomorrow is a Sea Day on our way to Malta.

A comment on the ship: Riviera has a very good layout, wonderful open spaces and a lot of nooks and crannies to tuck your self in with a good book. DW was very impressed with the library. She's an avid mystery reader and found at least 6 books on her to read list. We have a nice mix of ages ranging from late 30's to mid 80's with the average around 60. Only saw a handful of kids so far but very well mannered.

Dinner last night was at Polo. Seems on this board you either love Polo or hate it. Here's my take. My wife is not really a red meat eater and was disappointed there weren't fish offerings other than Salmon or Swordfish ( both on the more meaty side). She ended up with the Lobster which, although good, wasn't much different than our lunches at Waves. My Son and I both ordered the fillet medium. His came perfect, mine came out medium rare. Accompaniments of mushrooms, onion rings, and potatoes rounded out the meal. Final take, it was OK. Nothing special and I've had better at Ruth's Chris or Mastros in Chicago or L.A. We're canceling our planned second visit. Attended the Captain's Reception prior to dinner. Captain Luca Manzi is the very image of a Venetian Doge and with a sense of humor to boot. As he introduced his crew, he made a comment, "you are probably wondering who is driving the ship right now. We have this thing called an Autopilot which generally works. We should be at Malta in 2 days...or somewhere near it. Don't worry, there is plenty of food on board.":)

Breakfasts in the Terrace Cafe have been spot on. Wonderful omelets and such. And praise be, CRISPY BACON!! No soft, undercooked, fatty meat. A very nice selection of diabolical pastries , several juice selections including V8.

30 for now.

Thank you for doing this! We are sailing on Riviera for the first time in late October (Athens to Monte Carlo). I really appreciate your honest comments about the ship and its restaurants! Hope you find the time to keep it up!