I was onboard Oceania Riviera before she arrived in Australia, and here’s my review

Sleek, slick and sophisticated are three words that describe Oceania Riviera and she’s set to do a second Southern Hemisphere season spoiling guests with gourmet dining and lavish surrounds. The small, luxurious ship, one of eight in the Oceania Cruises fleet, proved so popular during last year’s inaugural Australia-based season, it’s back again.

The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, with a diverse range of 14- to 35-day itineraries, with departures from multiple ports across the region.

For Australian and New Zealand cruise fans, it’s an opportunity to enjoy Oceania’s signature luxury without hopping on a plane to Europe and beyond. Expect all the glamour feels as soon as you board Riviera, where you are made to feel special from the moment you are warmly greeted by staff.

Australian and New Zealand guests generally love dining and trying new flavours and dishes and there’s plenty of that on this ship, which carries the mantra ‘the finest dining at sea’.

Oceania Riviera will also be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region to offer exclusive itineraries with a gourmet dining focus. 

With its inclusive specialty restaurants and the culinary program, it’s the perfect ship for foodies. The new Down Under Abundance is a culinary experience inspired by Australia and New Zealand’s rich ingredients. Located at The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea, it celebrates the freshest offerings from the ocean, mountains and vineyards.

One of the showstopping features, while you’re wandering around on board, includes the sparkly Lalique grand staircase. Crafted in France from two tonnes of pure crystal by 37 Lalique artisans, it took more than 1600 hours to create.

The artwork is outstanding too – how often do you come face to face with a Picasso? There are more than 20 pieces done by the great artist between 1927 and 1968. As well as paintings that stop you in your tracks, there are look-at-me sculptures and delicate glassworks from the 19th century, as well as eclectic modern pop art. 

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Accommodation and food

The intimate ship, which accommodates 1250 guests, has a generous feeling of space wherever you go and there’s plenty of room for all to move around comfortably. 

My stylish suite features Oceania’s signature Tranquility Bed, which lives up to its name – it has 1000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and an ultra-plush pillow-top mattress. It’s no wonder I want to linger. Bulgari amenities grace the Italian marble bathroom and its roomy shower. My butler, Horacio, keeps everything looking pristine and is always ready to help.

The spacious balcony is perfect for marine life spying and room service breakfasts. Quality bespoke decor gives the suite a polished, understated elegance, and it features soothing grey and blue hues. 

It’s a foodie’s dream on board Oceania Riviera, with specialty restaurants and excellent eateries. The ship offers three main venues, plus four specialty restaurants inclusive in the fare. La Reserve by Wine Spectator has multi-course degustation menus paired with premium wines, but attracts a surcharge. 

The elegant Grand Dining Room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning crystal chandelier, is the place to linger over breakfast, indulge in delicious lunches and devour multi-course dinners. Think old-world charm with crisp linen tablecloths, sparkling glasses and silverware. Classics including salmon supreme, sirloin steak and herb-crusted chicken are always available as well as exciting, themed menus. I chose the global cuisine, indulging in soft shell crab, chicken tikka salad, tamarind braised grouper fillet and a knockout mango sticky rice. The all-new Executive Chef’s Tasting Menu is also popular, while  Aquamar Vitality Cuisine is perfect for those watching
the kilograms.

The Italian-themed Toscana is a firm favourite too – it’s impossible to resist the fabulous breads and the trolley load of the world’s best olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I had delicious risotto, the best veal, and it was a toss-up between the classic tiramisu or molten dark chocolate cake.

The Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse, showcases prime beef with sides such as truffle mashed potato and steamed asparagus spears. The Maine lobster and Cajun-style salmon are excellent choices for seafood lovers.

The Asian-inspired Red Ginger is the home of bold flavours and a swish setting. The lobster pad Thai and miso-glazed sea bass has a following and there’s a chopstick ‘library’ to choose from. Love fine French dining? Jacques is a French-inspired fine-dining restaurant named after star chef Jacques Pepin, Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Advisor.

For a special occasion, Reserve by Wine Spectator and Privee serves a seven-course degustation menu and a three-hour, sommelier-led experience ideal for wine lovers. 

For casual dining, Terrace Cafe features a special destination-themed Chef’s Market Dinner, while poolside Waves Grill has excellent burgers, pizza and artisan ice cream. Baristas is my go-to for good coffee and tasty bites, drinks and pastries. 

Afternoon tea is a fun experience in the elegant Horizons Lounge where you can nibble on dainty sandwiches and enjoy rich cakes and scones topped with cream and jam daily, along with white-glove service. A talented quartet sets the scene. 

If hunger pains strike at midnight, there’s always room service. Speaking of service, I find it attentive but not intrusive. My butler, Horacio, is ready to assist with dining and spa bookings when required. 

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What to do on board

I enjoyed going to interesting lectures about Alaska on my recent cruise. Other guest speakers engaged audiences with thought-provoking lectures, post-show talkbacks and hands-on demonstrations. 

You can discover your artistic bent at the Artist’s Loft, learn computer skills, line dancing and crafts. Activities include golf, paddle tennis, pickleball, croquet, bocce ball and shuffleboard. A dip in the pool, a workout at the gym and a movie keep me busy on sea days. I also mastered the secret of a perfect crêpe Suzette and tarte Tatin with dynamic executive chef Kathryn Kelly at the impressive Culinary Center. We toasted our dessert success with a delicious berry spritz cocktail.

When it’s time for a little me-time, I head for the chic Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre. It’s the perfect place to unwind, whether it is chilling out on the heated tiled lounges with the best sea views or taking a dip in the outdoor pool. Massages, facials and treatments leave you feeling like a million dollars – just what you want when heading out for an evening of fun.

Dress in hues of blue for the new Blue Horizons Party, a stylish soirée recently launched on all ships. Polished stage productions, cultural performances, game nights, movie nights, dancing and music, themed deck parties and world-class concerts keep you entertained. Love karaoke? There’s a chance to sing your heart out in Horizons.

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Expert tips

Favourite meal on board 

Oh là là – it has to be the oh-so-stylish French-inspired restaurant, Jacques, that looks just like an elegant Parisian bistro with exquisite dining and decor to match. I dined on Carpaccio de Saint-Jacques, Homard Thermidor à ma façon, filet de boeuf Rossini and the best crêpe Suzette.

Insider tip

Bunker down in the intimate Library, near Baristas, with its small nooks and velvet gem-coloured chairs. There’s interesting reading material and intriguing model ships.

What to expect

Riviera is a slick ship with fabulous dining options and excellent staff. There’s plenty to do with fun activities by day and a chance to dance the night away. 

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