Laraine - your Riviera impressionS

[CintiPam]

If anyone is sailing riviera soon be sure to meet Carlos, the maitre'd in terrace

He is fabulous and adorable ( if I were 30 years younger lol)

He has a great personality and will really look out for all ur needs. Tell him I sent u. I have been on several cruises with him. He recently got promoted. Well deserved.

 

The other person you should try to meet is Lucian Ciuca, the f&b manager. He is a sweetheart of a guy. Very visible. Chats with all the passengers throughout the day. I think we have been on four or five cruises with him. He always wants to hear about the food. His stories about provisioning are fascinating. He has invited us to dinner our last 3 cruises as if we are old friends. This time he let me choose where. Going back to Jacques. He loves to invite folks to dinner. Just introduce yourself and ur bound to get an invite. Tell him I sent u too. Lol. Hope no one is irritated by this information. Lolol.

 

 

Hi, Laraine, we are sailing Riviera for the first time next month, so I will try to meet both Carlos and Lucian then. (I also have been tasked with arranging the M&G for our January 13 Caribbean Hideaways cruise so please ask Lucian how I can get in touch with him as soon as I board!:))

 

I always enjoy reading your observations. Because we have sailed on Azamara the past two cruises, this will be our first time back on Oceania since our wonderful Marina Baltics cruise in 2011. Husband loved Marina, so he is looking forward to trying out Riviera.

Edited December 19, 2013 by CintiPam

[Paulchili]

Pam,

As this an area of your expertise, I would like to hear what you think of the art on the Riviera (vs the Marina).

Enjoy your cruise,

Paul

Edited December 19, 2013 by Paulchili

[CintiPam]

Pam,

As this an area of your expertise, I would like to hear what you think of the art on the Riviera (vs the Marina).

Enjoy your cruise,

Paul

 

Thanks, Paul.

 

I am looking forward to checking out the artwork on Riviera, although not any of the paintings for sale in the newly-restored art auctions! :eek:

 

I loved the Miros hung outside the (casino?) bar on Marina.

 

Did someone post that you now can obtain a list describing the art installed on Marina and Riviera while onboard?

Edited December 19, 2013 by CintiPam

[JimandStan]

Did someone post that you now can obtain a list describing the art installed on Marina and Riviera while onboard?

 

Better than that:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Oceania-Cruises-Art-Collection/dp/061583275X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387430614&sr=8-1&keywords=oceania+cruises+art

 

Oceania Cruises' first-ever art book offers a comprehensive look at the multi-million dollar collections aboard Marina and Riviera. Personally curated by the founders of Oceania Cruises, Frank Del Rio and Bob Binder, the collections include masterpieces from renowned artists like Picasso and Miró, as well as gems from emerging artists such as Li Dominguez Fong and Carlos Luna. The Oceania Cruises Art Collection features more than 200 pages of full-color reprints and photographs of the paintings, sculptures and installations aboard the line's newest mid-size ships. Along with many expositions is an exquisitely written artist biography. The book also includes exclusive interviews with Del Rio and Binder where they share their individual experiences as they collected pieces over the course of three years.

[pacheco18]

Hi, Laraine, we are sailing Riviera for the first time next month, so I will try to meet both Carlos and Lucian then. (I also have been tasked with arranging the M&G for our January 13 Caribbean Hideaways cruise so please ask Lucian how I can get in touch with him as soon as I board!:))

 

I always enjoy reading your observations. Because we have sailed on Azamara the past two cruises, this will be our first time back on Oceania since our wonderful Marina Baltics cruise in 2011. Husband loved Marina, so he is looking forward to trying out Riviera.

 

Have the concierge or front desk find him. He is probably busy checking provisions on turnaround day but as soon as u sail he is probably available

 

I am dining with him tonite and I will tell him to find u. Lol Give me ur cabin number in private email.

[tanny18]

Better than that:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Oceania-Cruises-Art-Collection/dp/061583275X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387430614&sr=8-1&keywords=oceania+cruises+art

 

This wonderful book is now sitting on our coffee table as my holiday present from Oceania. What a collection! Arlene;)

[pacheco18]

Nice gift, Arlene

 

La romana today

Depressing place

 

A few observations

Activities are repetitive

I think they could more to vary them

Maybe it's because we spend so little time off the ship but we are not alone. Many Caribbean cruisers don't get off the ship

No cooking demos at all. I love those

Roy is going to hold a Spanish class on the last sea day. Everyone loved his classes but as cd he can't do them with frequency

 

Lunch salad choices are repetitive as well

We try to eat light and those options are limited

Not a big deal but not much variation day to day

Maybe it has always been that way. On most cruises we eat lunch off ship on port days so maybe I hadn't noticed before

 

Have not

Played trivia

Attended tea

Eaten in the GDR

Gone to the spa

 

I have slept late and relaxed. Different kind of cruise for me

 

Maria -- I gave Natalie ur regards and she sends u a big hello

[Paulchili]

This wonderful book is now sitting on our coffee table as my holiday present from Oceania. What a collection! Arlene;)

 

Ditto - a very nice gesture from Oceania - thank you :)

[Wendy The Wanderer]

...

A few observations

Activities are repetitive

I think they could more to vary them

Maybe it's because we spend so little time off the ship but we are not alone. Many Caribbean cruisers don't get off the ship

No cooking demos at all. I love those

...

Lunch salad choices are repetitive as well

We try to eat light and those options are limited

Not a big deal but not much variation day to day

...

Eaten in the GDR

Gone to the spa

 

Glad it's not me who thinks the activities are pretty humdrum--makes sense that lots of folks don't get off much on a Caribbean cruise, especially after the third or fourth. I agree about the salads at the buffets--I looked in vain every day for something interesting.

 

We loved our meals in the GDR. And I did indeed use the spa. Used our OBC for a pedicure when we boarded. But then I discovered the steam room when I developed a cold--helped a lot, and now that I've broken through my angst about doing this, I will do it in future, and loll about in the lounge afterwards. Nice showers too--they have some kind of mist shower with colored buttons for different kinds of mists--I swear one of them smelled of wintergreen or eucalyptus--never did find out what it was. Loved it.

[pacheco18]

Glad it's not me who thinks the activities are pretty humdrum--makes sense that lots of folks don't get off much on a Caribbean cruise, especially after the third or fourth. I agree about the salads at the buffets--I looked in vain every day for something interesting.

 

We loved our meals in the GDR. And I did indeed use the spa. Used our OBC for a pedicure when we boarded. But then I discovered the steam room when I developed a cold--helped a lot, and now that I've broken through my angst about doing this, I will do it in future, and loll about in the lounge afterwards. Nice showers too--they have some kind of mist shower with colored buttons for different kinds of mists--I swear one of them smelled of wintergreen or eucalyptus--never did find out what it was. Loved it.

 

I don't recall having the lunch issue on my transatlantic. Also, on that cruise we had a trivia team, a knitting group and cooking lessons. My time on board was filled completely so activities were not an issue

 

I have never enjoyed the GDR. Too slow for me. I like to sample different things. I love the o ship buffet

On this 10 night cruise I will have had 6 dinners in the specialties and 4 in the buffet. Perfect for us

 

A few other things I haven't done

Gone to a show

Bought anything on board. Thankfully there is no fabulous jewelry designer on this cruise lol

Sat on my balcony. Not once. Which is why on a short cruise I book only an outside.

 

I did put a deposit down on a fictional future cruise to get the on board booking discount. I have to wait until the winter 2016 itineraries are out in late 2014 to actually book something.

 

I have met a few folks from cc who have emailed me privately in the past. Great to put faces to screen names

 

Sea day tomorrow

[tanny18]

Nice gift, Arlene

 

La romana today

Depressing place

 

A few observations

Activities are repetitive

I think they could more to vary them

Maybe it's because we spend so little time off the ship but we are not alone. Many Caribbean cruisers don't get off the ship

No cooking demos at all. I love those

Roy is going to hold a Spanish class on the last sea day. Everyone loved his classes but as cd he can't do them with frequency

 

Lunch salad choices are repetitive as well

We try to eat light and those options are limited

Not a big deal but not much variation day to day

Maybe it has always been that way. On most cruises we eat lunch off ship on port days so maybe I hadn't noticed before

 

Have not

Played trivia

Attended tea

Eaten in the GDR

Gone to the spa

 

I have slept late and relaxed. Different kind of cruise for me

 

Maria -- I gave Natalie ur regards and she sends u a big hello

 

Hi Laraine, You really aren't having a "bad" time - you just like the "R" ships better (yes I will call them that as I sailed on all of them including the R2, R5 and R6, the Azamara Quest and all the Oceania ships for than once!! And I agree with you...we sailed on the Marina and it was beautiful and wonderful and spacious, but I kept getting lost! We'll sail on all of the Oceania ships based, as you said, on itinerary. Perhaps the Caribbean wasn't the best place to sail on Riviera. We stay away from the Caribbean also, even tho we have to go to some of the ports when we sail the Amazon next November. And yes, the Art Book was a very nice present. We can compare notes on the July cruise. Enjoy the rest of the days. All the best, Arlene

[LHT28]

This wonderful book is now sitting on our coffee table as my holiday present from Oceania. What a collection! Arlene;)

 

We did not get any presents from Oceania :(

 

I am heartbroken now

 

Lyn

[pacheco18]

Lol

Arlene. I am not having a "bad" time

I usually cruise for the itinerary. Not this time

Really taking it easy

No tours to organize

Eating too well

All good

 

The Caribbean is not for me

Like you I enjoy ports that have more to offer

We have taken 10 photos. We usually take thousands

I just find nothing of interest in this part of the world

And I love to shop-- but not in the Caribbean. There are no bargains here btw. The hype is deceptive

Now if I could get to Cuba..... That's on my bucket list.

 

We are all attracted to different things

 

Really looking forward to our viking odyssey on Nautica in July

Wonderful itinerary. We will have a ball. Ship is almost sold out

[tanny18]

We did not get any presents from Oceania :(

 

I am heartbroken now

 

Lyn

I'm sorry:( But I guess you must have a certain number of cruises to get a present. Keep sailing!! Arlene;)

[LHT28]

I'm sorry:( But I guess you must have a certain number of cruises to get a present. Keep sailing!! Arlene;)

 

I am trying :D

[A Knitter]

Hi Laraine, You really aren't having a "bad" time - you just like the "R" ships better (yes I will call them that as I sailed on all of them including the R2, R5 and R6, the Azamara Quest and all the Oceania ships for than once!! And I agree with you...we sailed on the Marina and it was beautiful and wonderful and spacious, but I kept getting lost! We'll sail on all of the Oceania ships based, as you said, on itinerary. Perhaps the Caribbean wasn't the best place to sail on Riviera. We stay away from the Caribbean also, even tho we have to go to some of the ports when we sail the Amazon next November. And yes, the Art Book was a very nice present. We can compare notes on the July cruise. Enjoy the rest of the days. All the best, Arlene

 

Thank You!

Edited December 19, 2013 by A Knitter
Wrong post

[A Knitter]

Nice gift, Arlene

 

La romana today

Depressing place

 

A few observations

Activities are repetitive

I think they could more to vary them

Maybe it's because we spend so little time off the ship but we are not alone. Many Caribbean cruisers don't get off the ship

No cooking demos at all. I love those

Roy is going to hold a Spanish class on the last sea day. Everyone loved his classes but as cd he can't do them with frequency

 

Lunch salad choices are repetitive as well

We try to eat light and those options are limited

Not a big deal but not much variation day to day

Maybe it has always been that way. On most cruises we eat lunch off ship on port days so maybe I hadn't noticed before

 

Have not

Played trivia

Attended tea

Eaten in the GDR

Gone to the spa

 

I have slept late and relaxed. Different kind of cruise for me

 

Maria -- I gave Natalie ur regards and she sends u a big hello

 

Thank You!

[pacheco18]

Second time in Jacques tonight

Superb

I see why so many call it their favorite specialty restaurant

 

Pam. Lucien is leaving the ship on jan 3 for vacation. Sorry you won't get to meet him.

 

Cooking demo tomorrow! So glad. I always learn some trick

[orchestrapal]

Second time in Jacques tonight

Superb

I see why so many call it their favorite specialty restaurant

 

Pam. Lucien is leaving the ship on jan 3 for vacation. Sorry you won't get to meet him.

 

Cooking demo tomorrow! So glad. I always learn some trick

 

The cooking demos are always a highlight for me as well and I really look forward to them on our Spring cruises.

[tanny18]

Second time in Jacques tonight

Superb

I see why so many call it their favorite specialty restaurant

 

Cooking demo tomorrow! So glad. I always learn some trick

Jacques is my favorite restaurant as well. It was just wonderful. And when we sailed, we did a b2b and on the day of the coming and going, we were invited to lunch in Jacques and the service was even better than at dinner!! Love those cooking demos. I have recipes from way back. Enjoy the rest of it. And we are going to have GREAT time in Iceland in July!!;)Arlene

[Host Jazzbeau]

Thanks Laraine for this excellent and frank review.

 

Unfortunately, you have set up a difficult choice: the R ships [note: even Cruise Critic shows that Oceania has 2 classes of ship: R and O] are more intimate, but only the O ships have Jacques. What to do, what to do!

[pacheco18]

Thanks Laraine for this excellent and frank review.

 

Unfortunately, you have set up a difficult choice: the R ships [note: even Cruise Critic shows that Oceania has 2 classes of ship: R and O] are more intimate, but only the O ships have Jacques. What to do, what to do!

 

I suggested to Lucien at dinner that polo be replaced with Jacques on the r ships lol

 

The r ship menus in the GDR do offer a sampling of menus from Jacques and red ginger

 

I would still choose the r ships in a heartbeat.

[pacheco18]

The gremlins were busy overnight

 

They just started decorating the ship for Christmas

 

Wow. Did not think there was a way to make this ship more beautiful

[orchestrapal]

The gremlins were busy overnight

 

They just started decorating the ship for Christmas

 

Wow. Did not think there was a way to make this ship more beautiful

 

Enjoy the Holidays and a very happy cruising New Year!

[A Knitter]

The gremlins were busy overnight

 

They just started decorating the ship for Christmas

 

Wow. Did not think there was a way to make this ship more beautiful

 

WOW! The Marina was decorated the first few days of December and we got to enjoy its beauty before disembarking. You and Bob enjoy. :)