Oceania Cruises has announced that its new ship, Riviera, will be christened in Monte Carlo on April 19, 2012.

An exclusive gala ceremony will take place at Monaco’s Port Hercules, with trellises of local flowers, plants and columns dressing up the ship’s pier in the manner of the famous Princess Grace Rose Garden.

“We are delighted that Oceania Cruises has chosen Port Hercules as the spot to launch its new Riviera,” said Maguy Maccario, consul general and director, North America, Monaco Government Tourist Office. “We look forward to welcoming Riviera and her invited guests to the Principality of Monaco for what will surely be an exciting event, set against the backdrop of one of the most glamorous destinations in the world.”

Riviera’s maiden voyage will depart Athens on April 24, 2012. The 12-day  ‘Ancient Granduer’ itinerary includes port calls in Alexandria, Egypt; Haifa, Israel; Rhodes, Greece; and Istanbul, Turkey.