Here we go…
I’m a novice when it comes to ship cruises (in case you were wondering, in this instance we can’t call it a boat, because it is a ship – a boat is what you sail with on the Vaal River!). The idea of my own Love Boat vacation like on TV in the 1980s did not really appeal to me until now… But I am a curious and adventurous traveller.
After a 12-hour flight to Nice, France, I take a train to Monte Carlo in Monaco, playground of the rich and famous – and the home of South Africa’s own Princess Charlene.
Ship ahoy
The harbour at Monte Carlo resembles a postcard – luxury yachts, big and shiny, and a host of ships from around the world. I won’t lie: your average tourist plays second fiddle in this city. It is a very expensive destination, and the luxurious Italian sports cars and lavish German vehicles that can be seen everywhere are intimidating. As Joe Soap, one doesn’t really feel very welcome.
But the Riviera is a different story… After a quick and easily understandable process, we sailed through customs without any trouble and made our way to the ship. You can hardly believe what awaits you inside when you ascend the steep steps and go on board through a tiny door.
The Riviera was built in 2012 and renovated in 2022. It can accommodate 1 238 passengers and measures 784,95 feet in length (for context, the biggest ship in use in the world today is the Wonder of the Seas, with room for nearly 7 000 passengers and a length of 1 188 feet.)
But don’t be fooled by the size of the Riviera: this lady has all the luxury and comfort you need. In fact, a smaller vessel with fewer passengers ensures a more intimate experience.
My morning kicks off with breakfast in my luxurious cabin with its own balcony. You order breakfast before you go to bed, and in the morning a tray awaits you, laden with everything your heart desires