By Karissa Perry
Leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, has revealed the new enhancements to their Riviera ship during its dry-dock in Marseille, France. Coupled with changes to sister-ship Marina in May 2020, these enhancements are part of the brand’s OceaniaNEXT program.
“With the evolution of OceaniaNEXT, this was a great opportunity to not just enhance the guest experience aboard Riviera, but to elevate it through the addition of surprising new elements,” said Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.
The Riviera boasts a reimagined coffee bar area with a brand-new silver Victoria Arduino espresso machine, as well as a new lounge with sweeping sea views on Deck 14. Backed by silvery greys and sea greens and accented with gold, high-gloss ebony and white marble, the new Baristas lounge is the perfect place to relax or enjoy lively conversation over a bespoke illy coffee creation.
The updated vessel’s 200 Concierge and 244 Veranda staterooms, along with the 124 Penthouse Suites, showcase a stylish new air inspired by their Insignia and Sirena ships. Walnut panelling and upholstered headboards are now offset with tones of espresso, caramel and ivory in the new carpeting and fabrics.
Designed by the Los Angeles-based Trevor R. Howells Interior Design, the Owner’s Suites are furnished exclusively with the Ralph Lauren Home Collection and reflect Ralph Lauren’s appreciation for sailing, Hollywood glamour and timeless, classical beauty.
The stylish onboard suites allow guests to pass through a breathtaking foyer and marvel at the cabochon-inset floor, walls of Georgian-wood panelling and a mahogany-and-quartzite bar. This grand room features dramatic sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a self-playing ebony piano that provides the perfect interlude for in-suite entertaining.
An elegant living room is anchored by a deep-navy sectional with saddle-suede accents and a mahogany Lounge Moderne chair. However, the real attention-seeker is the dining room, with it Mayfair dining table and new Barrett Knurled chandelier overhead.
Guests will additionally be treated to a lavish master suite, which is arguably an entire retreat unto itself.
A new Cote D’Azure king-size bed, along with elegant Mayfair Bergere side chairs and nickel-trimmed lighting accents fill the remastered space.
Finally, the bonus wraparound-teak verandas let guests enjoy the open air and fresh sea breezes. The additions feature stylish pieces that were custom crafted by Ralph Lauren Home for Oceania Cruises.