Jul/Aug 2023 Riviera Impressions

[dszrew]

It's been a few weeks now since our 30 days on Riviera through Scandinavia and Greenland/Iceland. We had cruised mostly Celebrity in the past, and upgraded to O pre-pandemic to try a bit more upscale and potentially better food and service. We do three things on a ship: sleep, eat, and get off to see ports. We've had a version of this cruise booked for 4 years, and finally was able to get onboard.

 

Positives:

 

• I was immediately impressed with the crew. Well trained to greet you in the hallway, as you got off and on the ship, and it seemed many genuinely wanted to be there and were happy with their work (not so much on our HAL cruise a few months back). 
• I thought the ship in good repair and pleasant . 
• PH2 was a nice size. Comfortable beds, liked the room for table and chairs. 
• We didn't know what to do with a butler so much, but his main job was to keep our fridge stocked with sugar-free soda. He excelled in this. Very good cabin stewards, again very friendly. 
• We started to really take advantage of having the butler bring us what we wanted from the specialty restaraunts (see more below). 
• Ordered from the room service menu a few times. Limited selection but we liked the quality of the food that arrived. Kind of odd you have to talk to a butler for room service. I really liked the cheese plate, that became my preference as a warm up to dinner. (their pre-dinner canapes weren't really that good and often cold)
• We had OLife shore excursions (8 of them each). They were all as expected, even though a few were a pretty basic city tour. I'm starting to dislike the hassle (and worry) of planning my own things for every port, and also to the point where I can't be as adventuresome as I used to be (although I still try). Most of the bus tours had enough open seats my wife and I could take our own rows. We ended up taking 7 shore excursions through O (more on that below). All our O excursions were on the first half of the trip mostly in Norway.
• I probably had a Reuben sandwich about 8 times in the 30 days--lots of meat, especially when you ask for extra!
• Service in specialty restaraunts was great. Best items: lobster mac & cheese in Polo, my wife liked the tempura sole in Ginger. Jacques was a bit too French for us, but did like the mushroom lobster. 
• Overall food quality was above average. Nice quality rib eye (not prime, but still good). Yes, lobster is frozen as I've seen them dump many still stuck together out of a bag. Still, had no problem with it. 
• Ice cream was good. Henry Slocombe ice cream mostly wasn't our thing except fudge fernet and peanut butter. Although often they'd be out of both when they were on the menu! Terrace often did not serve the flavor they said they would. Mostly had chocolate ice cream, but dulce de leche and a few other flavors were good (not really a sorbet person).

 

Below expectations:

 

• Missed 4 ports with 1 substitution. I won't comment on whether this was justified or not, just disappointing, especially missing our ATV trip at the North Cape--one of the main reasons for booking this cruise. 
• Limited and unpredictable meal times. Often we'd get back onboard after 2pm in port. Only thing open then is Waves (until 4) or room service. Terrace cafe hours were 12-2, although sometimes they'd open at 11:30 and other times stay open past 2. We didn't know how to predict it. Great when they had the extended hours (unless you just got on when 3 other O tours ended at the same time).
• Service in the main dining room was mostly sloooooow. We often skip appetizer and might only do main + dessert = still an experience over 90 minutes (well over 90 minutes for a lunch!). Gave up after our third try. 
• As we gave up on MDR, we spent more time in Terrace cafe for dinner. I like that most things on the MDR menu are also served there, albiet under heat lamps. However, Terrace became a very frustrating part of our cruise, and I vacation to avoid frustrations. People would line up at 11:45 for lunch. There would soon be no open tables. If you came in later, it would be impossible to tell if a table were empty. Often they would clear off the tables or leave a few dishes and not reset the service. Wait staff were just as confused as we were. A few times had to specifically push aside the dirty dishes (not mine!) or the dirty tablecloth that wasn't changed. I would eat rib eye every night as it looks better than many things they serve, but there was often a long line to order and a large group of people waiting for their orders. Wish they would give you a number and bring out your food like Waves did. Terrace seemed understaffed, and sometimes it took patience to get someone's attention, and then remind the server who really was next. Some nights Terrace would almost be empty, and others it would be packed. Seems the staff couldn't predict it any better than I could. Sometimes it seemed as if the managers were doing more clearing of plates than the staff, and other times they were absent (and maybe that's when service dropped?). 
• If you get the OLife excursions (or whatever they call it now), if a port is skipped and your excursion is canceled, all you can do is book something else. Our first skipped port day I scrambled to cancel a private tour and replace it with an O tour just to use the excursion. Later in the day they did decide to give $100 credit for each missed excursion. However, later in the cruise they went back to the old policy, unless perhaps you were lucky enough to talk to one specific person at the destination desk. In the end we did get one credit for one missed excursion. That should just be O policy--if the excursion is canceled, you get $100 room credit. AND, why not let us apply that $100 to a more expensive excursion?
• On the second half of the cruise we were in small ports with few excursions available. I overheard many complain that they got the "included" excursions, but then there was nothing available, or mostly nothing that was interesting that the credit could be used for. There seemed to be many first-time O travelers, and they didn't understand how the excursions worked. In the end, O began running as many as 5 or more of some excursions in these ports. That also meant the experience for some was poor. Heard many comments that their guides told them nothing, or they left halfway through, etc. These were mostly in Greenland ports where there were not established tour companies. 
• While the food quality was good, we ended up having a hard time finding something we wanted (except for ice cream and any chocolate dessert). I overheard one person describe it as "bland". Menus mostly repeated after 15 days (not unexpected). While we originally cruised O for better food, we've now determined that cruising for food is a poor choice for us. Part of it is trying to eat healthier (even on vacation), part is the food wasn't overly exciting. Asia, Mexican, ethnic, and even Pizza were pretty bland. 
• Towards the end of the cruise we warned our butler we were going to order more from the specialty restaraunts in our cabin. I didn't necessarily ever feel comfortable doing that, but at least we could find something we liked and avoid the frustration of the possible crowds and the long waits.
• Internet was the worst. In port, you might as well just turn your phone on. 2am in the morning seemed to be the best time, although that was still painfully slow. Overheard one gentleman tell me he had paid for 2 connections, which just gave them 2 connections that neither of them could use (btw, suites should automatically come with 2 connections, not just 1). Much of the internet problem was the location at the top of the world--either in the open sea with no satellite overhead or in port with the fjords blocking the line of sight to the signal?). I did still manage to buy a car from the middle of the ocean--a first for me!

 

Overall, we enjoyed the cruise, especially the destinations and having 30 full days to relax and enjoy being together. While frustrating, the "crowding" we experienced at times would not prevent us from sailing O again. However, we chose O and paid a premium for the food, which we are finding is less important to us. We have one more O cruise coming up, but in the future we will probably choose more on price than on reputation of food (destination is always the first choice of who we sail with). Our opinions, for what they're worth. 

[LHT28]

Not sure if you were in a top suite why you did not get  2 internet accounts  it is part of the suite  perks?

 

Thanks for the review

 

[babydrum]

Thanks for your review. You said they cancelled 4 ports and only replaced one, were you given at least 24 hours notice?  Also, how many ports were there total in your original booking?

[pinotlover]

Nothing unusual about your food descriptions. Our experience is some meals are excellent, some good, many mediocre, and a few occasionally poor. 
 

The issue of bland food will not be overcome. Many O passengers, including posters on this Forum, only want bland. Since bland is less expensive than enthralling seasoned, the bland crowd unfortunately will win.

[dszrew]

26 minutes ago, babydrum said:

Thanks for your review. You said they cancelled 4 ports and only replaced one, were you given at least 24 hours notice?  Also, how many ports were there total in your original booking?

30 day cruise, about 22 ports? 2 ports were canceled one morning with the replacement the following day. North Cape canceled as we got there in the morning. Nuuk canceled the afternoon before.

[dszrew]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Not sure if you were in a top suite why you did not get  2 internet accounts  it is part of the suite  perks?

 

Thanks for the review

 

Only one shared connection. Ph1-ph3 I think. If you go higher you might get 2? 

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, dszrew said:

Only one shared connection. Ph1-ph3 I think. If you go higher you might get 2? 

yes Top suites get 2  (OS OC VS)

PH  & below get  1  account

 

Oct 1st  with Simply More  all cabins get 2 

[Tranquility Base]

5 hours ago, dszrew said:

• Internet was the worst. 

Was there any word when Riviera might get Starlink ?

 

We are currently on another cruise line travelling through a relatively remote area of the South Pacific. Starlink has been great.

Good speed and stable.

[MEFIowa]

Though just for this one comment--"Limited and unpredictable meal times."-- the daily Currents has the list of hours for each upcoming day.

 

If you need to eat from 2-4 pm Waves is quite nice. I eat there for breakfast each day on our O cruises. Usually having a large breakfast to fortify for an excursion. We cruise for destinations, excursions, ports.

 

We've spent 20 nights--10 nights each on Riviera & Sirena--and we've never eaten in the MDR. No desire. We always prefer the TC, eating under the stars. Can't wait to be back on Riviera in the Med for 20 nights starting in late Oct!

[YourWorldWithBill]

8 hours ago, Tranquility Base said:

Was there any word when Riviera might get Starlink ?

 

We are currently on another cruise line travelling through a relatively remote area of the South Pacific. Starlink has been great.

Good speed and stable.

On their website O says that Riviera will get Starlink by the end of the year. Someone at O I spoke with over the phone said that she had the impression it might be much sooner. I'm hoping for the best, before our November cruise.

[YourWorldWithBill]

14 hours ago, dszrew said:

However, we chose O and paid a premium for the food, which we are finding is less important to us. We have one more O cruise coming up, but in the future we will probably choose more on price than on reputation of food (destination is always the first choice of who we sail with). Our opinions, for what they're worth. 

Thanks for your really informative, objective review. We thought the food on Viking was excellent, and on HAL sometimes passable and occasionally really good, so we're hoping for better on O. But we also focus more on destination and price, and we found the Neptune suites on HAL comparable in price to a lesser cabin on O. So on our November cruise on Riviera, the food might be the factor that keeps us with O or moves us back to HAL.

[Tranquility Base]

2 hours ago, YourWorldWithBill said:

On their website O says that Riviera will get Starlink by the end of the year. Someone at O I spoke with over the phone said that she had the impression it might be much sooner. I'm hoping for the best, before our November cruise.

Thanks.

Indeed, we are also hoping for “much sooner” also.

[QuestionEverything]

OP, thank you for your review. 

The loss of ports is a Big issue - were you given any explanation for why?

[pinotlover]

4 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

Though just for this one comment--"Limited and unpredictable meal times."-- the daily Currents has the list of hours for each upcoming day.

 

If you need to eat from 2-4 pm Waves is quite nice. I eat there for breakfast each day on our O cruises. Usually having a large breakfast to fortify for an excursion. We cruise for destinations, excursions, ports.

 

We've spent 20 nights--10 nights each on Riviera & Sirena--and we've never eaten in the MDR. No desire. We always prefer the TC, eating under the stars. Can't wait to be back on Riviera in the Med for 20 nights starting in late Oct!

Just as a reminder for you, with the new A Class ships there is no more “ dining under the stars”. The patio is now completely covered. 
 

As much as I really enjoyed the new vista design, this is one change I didn’t like. On pleasant evenings, I loved sitting outside looking at the stars while enjoying our meal. No longer possible. The restaurant manager told me this change was done because passengers wanting to eat lunch aboard, typically while docked in port, complained so much about the noon time heat and sun, so the entire area was covered. 😩

[susiesan]

45 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Just as a reminder for you, with the new A Class ships there is no more “ dining under the stars”. The patio is now completely covered. 
 

As much as I really enjoyed the new vista design, this is one change I didn’t like. On pleasant evenings, I loved sitting outside looking at the stars while enjoying our meal. No longer possible. The restaurant manager told me this change was done because passengers wanting to eat lunch aboard, typically while docked in port, complained so much about the noon time heat and sun, so the entire area was covered. 😩

Is it enclosed or just completely covered?

[LHT28]

11 minutes ago, susiesan said:

Is it enclosed or just completely covered?

covered

https://www-cruisediary-de.translate.goog/vista-restaurants-an-bord/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[dszrew]

4 hours ago, QuestionEverything said:

OP, thank you for your review. 

The loss of ports is a Big issue - were you given any explanation for why?

Weather. "Gale force swells" was common. In one port, we delayed leaving by 3 hrs or so because of weather. It didn't seem that bad, but I guess they didn't want a rogue wind to blow us back into the dock. There was a break in the rain and we took off. Once we got into the fjord it was calm. Someone said the captain seems cautious. 

 

I think the Nuuk cancellation was justified. I wonder too if they cancel a port not because the weather is bad right now but because the weather might get bad before they leave port?

 

[dszrew]

6 hours ago, YourWorldWithBill said:

Thanks for your really informative, objective review. We thought the food on Viking was excellent, and on HAL sometimes passable and occasionally really good, so we're hoping for better on O. But we also focus more on destination and price, and we found the Neptune suites on HAL comparable in price to a lesser cabin on O. So on our November cruise on Riviera, the food might be the factor that keeps us with O or moves us back to HAL.

We have only done HAL once this spring. We thought the MDR food was good. We also cruised with relatives so if it took a while to eat we didn't even notice. Buffet area was unimpressive--often we'd roam and shrug our shoulders. Most everything we got there was cold (if it was supposed to be hot). Terrace cafe is far above HAL buffet, and the options for fresh grilled lobster or steak can't be beat.

[MEFIowa]

15 hours ago, pinotlover said:

Just as a reminder for you, with the new A Class ships there is no more “ dining under the stars”. The patio is now completely covered....

Given the price increases from "cruise only" to "Simply More" and the price differential between the new A-class and older O- and R-class ships, I have NO doubt that I will NOT sail on Vista or Allura for many, many years. I could care less about sailing on "new" ships when the price doesn't make it worth it for us. When you cruise for destinations, the ship is mainly a means to get you around. And I enjoy even 20+-year-old R-class ships.

[pinotlover]

4 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

Given the price increases from "cruise only" to "Simply More" and the price differential between the new A-class and older O- and R-class ships, I have NO doubt that I will NOT sail on Vista or Allura for many, many years. I could care less about sailing on "new" ships when the price doesn't make it worth it for us. When you cruise for destinations, the ship is mainly a means to get you around. And I enjoy even 20+-year-old R-class ships.

Although I have sympathy for your cause, I wouldn’t make comments or speculate on prices until Oceania releases the remains new 2025-26 Simply More cruises and prices next month. My guess is the price differential will be nil.

 

 

[MEFIowa]

19 hours ago, pinotlover said:

... My guess is the price differential will be nil.

The price differential for Vista has been substantial. Ever since she first started cruising and continuing till today. I suspect O will maintain same for Allura. That's not unexpected, that they charge more for the privilege of sailing on the newest ship. Yes, I suspect over time it will lessen, but only time will tell. 

[pinotlover]

8 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

The price differential for Vista has been substantial. Ever since she first started cruising and continuing till today. I suspect O will maintain same for Allura. That's not unexpected, that they charge more for the privilege of sailing on the newest ship. Yes, I suspect over time it will lessen, but only time will tell. 

Personally, I’m not sure what the initial pricing means anymore. We were on the Vista in June and the ship wasn’t full, plus the cruise had been included in various sales. We’re looking at a GV (B2B) on Allura. The cruise is two years out and one segment is a Trans A. We’re not one of those that absolutely have to have a particular cabin, so with Oceania’s practice of constantly running sales, I see zero reason to book right now. Perhaps a four (4) Category upgrade sale will come along, or maybe something more interesting will appear next month when the remaining 2025 cruises are released.

 

I clearly see the current pricing as a first offer for a cruise on a new ship. Historically, the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th offer has been a better deal. Therefore I’m mostly ignoring prices on the 1st offer and examining itineraries.

[cruisemom42]

On 9/9/2023 at 7:56 PM, dszrew said:

I think the Nuuk cancellation was justified. I wonder too if they cancel a port not because the weather is bad right now but because the weather might get bad before they leave port?

 

Greenland weather is notoriously unpredictable. I've followed cruises there on various lines for many years and more often than not at least one port gets canceled due to weather issues. That's one reason why I chose the Insignia itinerary with 4 Greenland ports, figuring I had a fighting chance. 

 

Nuuk was canceled for us too, around the same time. We got a taste of the coming weather as we were leaving the port before it, and it was pretty windy and rocky (not as much as we experienced a couple of days later, but still rough....) until we pulled into the protected fjord.

 

[MEFIowa]

15 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Personally, I’m not sure what the initial pricing means anymore. ... Therefore I’m mostly ignoring prices on the 1st offer and examining itineraries.

Yes, I agree. Given the deluge of sales in 2023 so far alone, the only advantage to booking a cruise when the itinerary first opens is to guarantee you'll be on that cruise. Then watch for the future sales and make the cabin changes. I did that for both our late 2023 cruise and our late 2024. Booked these cruises when the itineraries opened in 2022 and then changed cabins using sales. No problem for us going G to C to B to A, if that works out with constant sales.

 

O seems to be delaying the 2025 release, as least compared to how early they released the 2024 cruises.

[FeliciaLee]

39 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

The price differential for Vista has been substantial. Ever since she first started cruising and continuing till today. I suspect O will maintain same for Allura. That's not unexpected, that they charge more for the privilege of sailing on the newest ship. Yes, I suspect over time it will lessen, but only time will tell. 

We splurged for a Vista cruise in Dec '24. It cost more than our Regent cruise! It was $5500 pp. But we did get $1200 obc and it is also for PH3 instead of the lowest cabin category that we booked on Regent.

 

In comparison, on our other two Oceania cruises, we paid 1k and $1699.