An Elegant Alaska Escape: Oceania Riviera Review

August 2025 – 10-Night Alaska Cruise, Roundtrip Seattle

This past August, our travel advisor Jennifer Hicks sailed on Oceania’s Riviera for a 10-night Alaska cruise, roundtrip from Seattle. She came back with wonderful insights and recommendations to share.

Easy Start in Seattle

Embarkation in Seattle couldn’t have been simpler. The port is right in the heart of the city, so guests can step out of a cab and walk right in. Jennifer described it as one of the easiest boarding processes she’s experienced—no long lines, no stress.

First Impressions of the Ship

The Riviera has been recently refreshed, and it truly shows. The entire ship feels fresh, elegant, and elevated. Jennifer stayed in a Verandah Estate Stateroom, which she found gorgeous and thoughtfully designed. Most rooms now feature full-size showers, while some still offer bathtubs as well. She especially loved the private verandah, the perfect spot for taking in Alaska’s dramatic scenery.

Dining: A Food Lover’s Dream

Oceania is known for having the “finest cuisine at sea,” and Riviera lived up to the reputation. Jennifer tried all of the dining venues on board and found every meal outstanding:

• Main Dining Room – Elegant, though a bit noisy at times.

• Red Ginger – Delicious Asian flavors.

• Tuscan Steak – Italian favorites with flair.

• Jacques – Classic French cuisine by Jacques Pépin.

• Polo Grill – A traditional steakhouse experience.

• Waves Grill - Casual buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

She felt the quality of the food and ambiance in each venue showed why Oceania is so focused on being recognized as the top culinary cruise line.

Life Onboard

Jennifer loved the thoughtful touches throughout the sailing. Afternoon Tea in Horizons Lounge was a daily highlight, followed by Happy Hour, and another late-night Happy Hour at 10 p.m. The pool deck was spacious with plenty of chairs, and the spa received rave reviews from guests.

One of the biggest highlights for her was the Culinary Center. She joined a hands-on cooking class led by a chef who had once worked with Julia Child. Each class has a different theme and fills quickly, so she recommends reserving early. For those who prefer watching, culinary demonstrations are also offered.

Smooth Sailing & Shore Excursions

Disembarkation at each port was seamless—no confusion and no long waits. Excursions were well organized, many with a foodie focus that tied perfectly into Oceania’s culinary identity.

An itinerary change meant missing one glacier, but Oceania handled it smoothly by arranging a visit to another, ensuring the experience remained special.

What’s Included

Jennifer also appreciated Oceania’s inclusions, which add extra value to the journey:

• Gratuities included

• Beer and wine with dinner

• Wi-Fi included

• Optional upgrade to a fully all-inclusive drink package

Insider Tips

• From the Seattle airport (SEA), taxis are often less expensive than rideshares to the cruise port.

• With around 900 guests, Riviera is ideally sized—big enough to offer variety, but intimate enough to avoid the crowds of a mega-ship.

Final Thoughts

Jennifer returned impressed by the Riviera’s elegance, service, and especially its dining. For clients looking for a refined way to explore Alaska—where food, service, and ease of travel are all top priorities—this ship is a fantastic choice.