Riviera has a vibrant nightlife. A string quartet perform pre-dinner recitals and there is also a friendly pianist. Later, you can see production shows in the theatre, or enjoy the house band or the resident DJ.
Nightlife ratings
| Live venues | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bar(s) | (3.5) |
| Night club | (3.5) |
| Lounge(s) | (3.0) |
| Live shows | (2.5) |
| Electronic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Movies | (3.0) |
| TV channels | (4.0) |
| Internet | (3.0) |
Martinis
Martinis is a signature Oceania Riviera bar. As the name suggests, it showcases a unique collection of martinis.
The bar has echoes of the Beaufort Bar in the Savoy Hotel in London. There is a sophisticated ambiance, plush sofas and a pianist tinkling the ivories. On my voyage it was a popular place for pre-dinner cocktails.
There are 25 different martinis on the menu, including the Classic, the Dirty and the Monneypenny which is served with Absolut Citron, Chambord and Cranberry Juice. It has to be said that some of the martinis were better than others, but the good martinis are very good!
There is also a great selection of other cocktails too, as well as wine and champagne.
The Riviera Lounge
The Riviera Lounge is the theatre on Oceania Riviera. It has production shows, as well as enrichment lectures and even movie screenings.
Most nights the resident cast or guest entertainers perform in the Riviera Lounge. There is usually just one show at 9:30pm which is advertised in the daily Currents newsletter.
The cast shows include productions like “Broadway In Concert”, “What the World Needs Now” and “Lights, Camera, Music”. Sadly, they do have a hint of cruise ship cliche about them. Indeed, the cast shows were not well received by passengers I spoke with on my voyage.
That said, the guest entertainers were exceptional. It’s also worth noting that there is attentive bar service in the Riviera Lounge at show times.
Horizons Lounge
Horizons is Oceania Riviera’s observation lounge. It is a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over the bow.
It is a popular bar at sailout and sunset. Later, Horizons takes on a party atmosphere with live music and a DJ.
On my voyage the service in Horizons was somewhat patchy, though it has to be said these things have a habit of quickly correcting themselves.
The Grand Bar
The Grand Bar is located in the hall outside the Grand Dining Room. It is not a bar per se, but rather a plushly furnished space with bar service.
Indeed, it is a nice place for a pre-dinner glass of champagne or a cocktail, especially when the string quartet are playing.
That said, the Grand Bar doesn’t have the convivial atmosphere of its namesakes on the smaller ships in the fleet.
The Casino Bar
The Casino Bar is one of the smallest Oceania Riviera bars. It has a chic Moulin Rouge-style decor and an ebullient atmosphere.
Baristas
With sweeping views over the pool deck, Baristas is the place for coffee on Riviera. In fact, I think Baristas serves some of the best coffee at sea.
You can enjoy your coffee Italian style, standing up at the bar, or relaxing in the lounge.
In the evening Baristas continues the Italian theme with aperitivo – a range of classic Italian pre-dinner drinks.
The Library
The Library is a relaxing retreat where you can find a good book or read the latest international newspapers.
It has quiet nooks with deep leather armchairs as well as ottomans. The shelves are filled with fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as a large selection of travel guides.
It’s worth noting that the Library can be busy on sea days.
Waves Bar
Enjoy gentle sea breezes by the pool at Waves Bar. The Waves Bar has a wide variety of refreshing libations, including poolside cocktails like Piña coladas and Mojitos as well as wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Read the Wellness section of this Oceania Riviera review by clicking the image below.
The author sailed as a guest of Oceania Cruises.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
Hallo Jason,
I’ve read your comments about the beverage packages on Oceania.
We choose mostly the House select. We also did upgrades to Premium select.
Now my question; what is the difference between House and Premium, beside the fact that House is only at dinner and lunch time and Premium is allways and everywhere on the ship available? The menu at Oceania is for booth packages the same. Only they tell that with Premium you can also order Premium spirits. What are these premium spirits? Can you please answer me by email and you may also ad this answer to your intresting Q&A . We sail end of this month on the Riviera.
Thanks for your answer and lots of succes with your website, Michel Verdonck.
Dear Michel
Thank you for your question and kinds words. There are two main differences between the House Select package and Prestige Select package:
1. The House Select package only allows you to order beverages during lunch and dinner at dining venues (including in-room dining), whereas the Prestige Select package enables you to order beverages at any time, from any venue serving beverages.
2. The House Select package only offers champagne, wine and beer by-the-glass, while the Prestige Select package also offers premium spirits and cocktails.
The premium spirits served on Oceania usually include brands like Grey Goose Vodka and Tanqueray Gin – in other words, quality spirits.
You can learn more by reading our expert guide to Oceania Beverage Packages. I hope this helps answer your questions.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor