KIWP Posted May 11, 2012 #1 Share Posted May 11, 2012 As always Oceania does everything with style and grace. So it was today under a sunny blue sky in Barcelona. Well done!!!!!!!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted May 11, 2012 #2 Share Posted May 11, 2012 As always Oceania does everything with style and grace. So it was today under a sunny blue sky in Barcelona. Well done!!!!!!!:) The Christening was beautiful and very moving, after FDR's speach , there was not a dry eye on the pier (he even made Cat Cora cry). The theme of the day was that after creating a masterpiece like Marina last year, the Riviera's edge would be in offering a new level of Oceania service. I have to tell you that in my opinion, that goal has already been accomplished, and even superceded. The staff on this ship STARTED OUT at an extremely high level, and because things are running so smoothly the graciousness factor has expanded tenfold. I personally have never felt better served anywhere (and I sailed Royal Viking!). Viva Riviera! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickey 88 Posted May 11, 2012 #3 Share Posted May 11, 2012 The Christening was beautiful and very moving, after FDR's speach , there was not a dry eye on the pier (he even made Cat Cora cry). The theme of the day was that after creating a masterpiece like Marina last year, the Riviera's edge would be in offering a new level of Oceania service. I have to tell you that in my opinion, that goal has already been accomplished, and even superceded. The staff on this ship STARTED OUT at an extremely high level, and because things are running so smoothly the graciousness factor has expanded tenfold. I personally have never felt better served anywhere (and I sailed Royal Viking!). Viva Riviera! Jim, a most moving moment, at least for us, was the piece about Andre Aere, whom we met some years ago on the Insignia. Shortly thereafter, he suffered that terrible stroke, and was bedridden for years. Shani Reay kept us advised on his progress - but it didn't look too promising. Over the years, we lost track, and until this Riviera christening production, we hadn't heard anything new. To read that he was able to walk, albeit "slowly" across the platform, and I misted up again. I don't know if he is still on board, but if so and if you can, tell him that Dick and Vivian remember him with the fondest memories and send our blessings!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indigosails Posted May 11, 2012 #4 Share Posted May 11, 2012 As always Oceania does everything with style and grace. So it was today under a sunny blue sky in Barcelona. Well done!!!!!!!:) Sniff...now you've made me cry... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted May 11, 2012 #5 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Jim, a most moving moment, at least for us, was the piece about Andre Aere, whom we met some years ago on the Insignia. Shortly thereafter, he suffered that terrible stroke, and was bedridden for years. Shani Reay kept us advised on his progress - but it didn't look too promising. We met Andre & Shania on another cruise line then heard about his stroke but good to hear he is doing OK Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted May 11, 2012 #6 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Karen and Jim's posts were so appropriate, there's little left for me to say. The ceremony brought joy and tears, especially when Andre was named the 4th honorary Commodore of Oceania, and when Cat Cora choked up when she mentioned her late father, Spiro. The joy was in the ceremony, watching Cat dance with a member of the flamenco troupe, the moving speeches by Kunal and Frank, the blessing, and the actual naming ceremony. Here are some pictures, starting with Andre Aere... The pre-ceremony festivities included flamenco dancers... guitar players... and acrobats... Frank Del Rio and his wife, Marcia, waiting for the cermony to begin... Captain Luca Manzi, Prestige Cruise Vice Chairman Bob Binder, and Oceania President Kunal Kamlani... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted May 11, 2012 #7 Share Posted May 11, 2012 The Christening champagne bottle is suspended beside the ship... Cruise Director Leslie Jon was Mater of Ceremonies... President Kamlani offered a stirring introduction to Riviera... Then Frank Del Rio, after conferring Commodore status on Andre Aere, talked about the vision of building Riviera, saying that it was almost impossible to build a better ship than the one just name Ship of the YUear (Marina), but Riviera was that better ship... The crew filled the balcony above the ceremony... Deacon Ricardo Rodriguez-Martos, Apostolado del Mar, Barcelona, offered a blessing of Riviera... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted May 12, 2012 #8 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Riviera Godmother Cat Cora... The champagne bottle smases into the side... and the celebration begins... The infamous four, Don (me), Betsy, Jim and Stan after the celebration... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanct Posted May 12, 2012 #9 Share Posted May 12, 2012 What wonderful photos of a wonderful day!! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us who wish we could have been there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spindrift Posted May 12, 2012 #10 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful photos with comments. How lucky you are, and what a wonderful ceremony. We are so happy to have the Riviera in addition to the Marina which we already love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globevest Posted May 12, 2012 #11 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Don, thank you so much for the photos and previous commentry about the Riviera. Can't wait to sail on her. Barry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted May 12, 2012 #12 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Hello Don & Betsy, I wanted to say thank you for posting the terrific photos, and for sharing your insights of Riviera on your other thread. The Ceremony looked beautiful, and I wish you a wonderful voyage. Cruise Critic has posted a slideshow of the Ceremony : http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=346&photo=1&StartRow=1 To everyone at Oceania, congratulations on Riviera's Christening ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIWP Posted May 12, 2012 Author #13 Share Posted May 12, 2012 He was our first GM in 2003. It was a great pleasure and a special moment when this morning I had a chance to speak with him. He looks and is doing well. It was most fitting that he become the fourth Commodore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loum140 Posted May 12, 2012 #14 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Don and Betsy: Thank you so much for the wonderful photos and vivid descriptions of the event as it unfolded. Congrats to everyone who had a hand in the creation of this beautiful ship and in planning the ceremony. Can hardly wait until our July cruise on Riviera to see it for ourselves! Best regards, Marsha and Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benita Posted May 12, 2012 #15 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Glad it was not a bris. I would hate to have them cut off my cabin-LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaudiaF Posted May 12, 2012 #16 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Jim, a most moving moment, at least for us, was the piece about Andre Aere, whom we met some years ago on the Insignia. Shortly thereafter, he suffered that terrible stroke, and was bedridden for years. Shani Reay kept us advised on his progress - but it didn't look too promising. Over the years, we lost track, and until this Riviera christening production, we hadn't heard anything new. To read that he was able to walk, albeit "slowly" across the platform, and I misted up again. I don't know if he is still on board, but if so and if you can, tell him that Dick and Vivian remember him with the fondest memories and send our blessings!! That is excellent news..had often wondered how he was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shorton Posted May 12, 2012 #17 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Don, just wanted to add my thanks. Until my next Oceania cruise, I'm living vicariously through you. Riviera looks truly wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare msn123 Posted May 13, 2012 #18 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Loving all the news and pictures from Riviera...and counting the days until we get on board in mid June. Oceania is really a class act!!! Margie and Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH123 Posted May 13, 2012 #19 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Thanks so much for sharing these emotional moments with us. Their choice of commodore speaks volume about the Oceania culture. Very much a class act! Please keep the commentary and pictures coming of the beautiful Riviera--we're all vicariously cruising with you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted April 27, 2013 #20 Share Posted April 27, 2013 I wonder if they can "turn" Jacques as well? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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