Design Time
Discover the grand style aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera.
Discover the grand style aboard Oceania Cruises’ Riviera.
I DON’T PRETEND TO BE A DESIGN aficionado. I wouldn’t know the difference between mid-century modern and French provincial if I sat on it. However, I do know what I like when I see it, and I LOVE what I see on Oceania Cruises’ Riviera.
Cruising with class and sailing in style sum up a recent 14- day trans-Atlantic cruise originating in Barcelona. Although the port calls are more than enough to attract avid cruisers, the most resplendent destination of all is the ship itself. Riviera is a juxtaposition of the tried and true, generously blended with imaginative and contemporary touches.
ELEGANT AMBIANCE _ I could easily chronicle the exceptional cuisine or the square footage of the idyllic staterooms. It would be equally appropriate to extol the virtues of the exquisite linens gracing the sumptuous bed or wax poetic on the origins of the glittering chandeliers, but it is the stunning blend of elegance and design throughout the ship that is the star attraction.
The 1,258-guest Riviera showcases its intriguing style through the use of crystal, granite, rich leather, and classic furnishings. An opulent designer touch is boastfully displayed in every square inch of public room décor, but the glitz and glamor of the ship is underscored by the cruise line’s iconic Grand Staircase, which is on all of Oceania’s ships, but Riviera (and sister ship, Marina) step it up another notch.
OOH L A L A LA L IQUE _ While museumworthy glass, ceramic, and crystal accessories radiate from sav v y positioning throughout Riviera, all eyes eventually gravitate to its lavish staircase centerpiece. That’s because, through close coordination with the gifted minds of Lalique, this artful masterstroke features dozens of trademark Lalique cr ystal medallions interspersed throughout the staircase’s ornate railings. The creation of the Grand Staircase involved months of handcrafting more than 4,500 pounds of pure Lalique crystal by the company’s skilled French artisans.
“The Grand Staircase is an icon aboard all the ships of Oceania Cruises and a signature element of our brand,” said
The creation of the Grand Staircase involved months of handcrafting more than 4,500 pounds of pure Lalique crystal by the company’s skilled French artisans.
Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “It is only fitting that Marina and
Riviera, being the design masterpiece they are, will welcome their guests with this magnificent two-story display of the world’s finest artistry and craftsmanship.”
Over 100 years ago, founder René Lalique mastered the medium of glass by creating Art Nouveau jewelry. The company eventually diversified into the sphere of interior design with decorative and limited-edition sculptures. Today, Lalique has established its brand as a standard bearer for exquisite crystal design, and Riviera is the beneficiary of its storied legacy.
The gracious oval stairs frame the dramatic Cactus Table, which is adorned with a posh Lalique vase that produces a striking visual impact. A walk down the stairway culminates in the remarkably spacious main reception area, flanked on both sides by exquisite sitting rooms further complemented by discriminating furnishings.
MORE TO EXPLORE_ As troll through the public rooms is no less inspiring. Furniture styles diverge, yet seamlessly meld together, creating an overall ambiance of swank elegance. Lounge appointments drift between an Art Deco–style of simplicity blended with plush luxury.
Coupled with decadent cuisine, the design characteristic of each dining venue remains true to their respective genre. The Polo Grill features a typical steakhouse vibe with its generous inclusion of dark wood and butter smooth leather furniture. The décor of Toscana implies an upscale Italian restaurant aura, while the Asian adornment in Red Ginger parallels the influence of its inventive menu. The authentic design of Jacques is inspired by a classic French Bistro look.
Spacious staterooms and balconied suites infuse ultra comfort with elegant functionality and design. Out on deck, meticulously designed public areas sport deluxe padded chaise lounges as well as double sun beds that facilitate a personalized rendezvous with high seas travel. For bookworms, an impressive library is bedecked with lavish leather chairs, cozily tucked aside classic fireplaces and full-length glass views of the ocean’s splendor.
It’s clear that the element of design throughout the ship was intended to create the feeling of being at home, albeit a multimillion-dollar mansion. While at times I imagined being imbedded with Robin Leach in an episode of Lifestyles
of the Rich and Famous, adapting to the stylish aura of Riviera is effortless. Oceania has launched the bar for class and elegance into the stratosphere and is not only a visual feast for the eyes, but serves up the main entrée of luxury cruising on a grand scale.