Sea Day an update and visit to the Various areas of Oceania Riviera.
This is the first opportunity to wander around this beautiful ship and then post photos. We are very fortunate to cruise on Riviera with Oceania.
Sea Day sailing from Sultan of Brunei to Philippines
We had enjoyed our day in Brunei and came away with far different perceptions of that small wealthy nation on our doorsteps.
We had all known of the wealth of the Rulersand the Sultan of Brunei ,but had little or no appreciation of the unequal distribution of the oil-wealth and how the average Brunei resident lives a modest life, but has no involvement or engagement with those who manage and distribute the oil wealth.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner and excellent show in the theatre and then a drink with new friends before turning in the for the night.
Tomorrow is a Sea-day as we sail to the Philippines.
We will update you on the ship and show several photos.
This is a beautiful ship with 1196 guests and some 800 plus staff all committed to making sure we enjoy the cruise, the ship and everything on offer.
This is our first visit back on Riviera since she underwent a full makeover and upgrade, with refurbishment and updating of all furnishing and decorations.
Here we are with Jeanette and Ken at Breakfast in the Grand dining room looking out a window and enjoying a heart breakfast.
Then there are several photos of our Suite with our Queen size slumber bed and lounge area.
Will also include a couple of photos of our Walk in Robe with plenty of Storage.
We used our Butler to serve drinks and food to guests who joined us for a drink and nibbles in our Suite prior to dinner in Red Ginger and / or Jacques, which are two of the specialty restaurants
Further photos of our Suite and then the general entertainment areas of Oceania Riviera.
On a Sea Day after breakfast we would return to our Suite 11071 and then choose activities which will entertain and provide various opportunities.
On this morning Ken took a walking tour throughout the ship. They started on Level 5 with a venture to the Grand dining room just after it was closed following breakfast. This is a superb dining room. We then walked through Deck 5 and 6 and the other Bars and sitting areas. The hub of the Ship is the beautiful Foyer with its Grand Staircase and Chandelier. Then late morning the String Quartet play a variety of string pieces from Vivaldi to some Strauss. There is also a morning cooking demonstration from several of the Ship’s Chefs. Really interesting and enjoyable.
From here we caught the lifts to the upper decks where there is the Horizon Lounge and many activities from Needle-work to Singers and Dancers, morning tea and then a lecture. Enjoyed a coffee from the Barista at the Coffee Lounge Area. Some enjoyed the superb cakes and nibbles.
Then down to the Theatre where there is an outstanding guest speaker who details excursions and Cities and points of interest that the Cruise will visit. Today is an hour covering 2 of the 3 ports which Riviera will visit in the Philippines. Very enjoyable. some 400-500 people visited the Riviera Theatre and enjoyed the photos and the various commentaries.
Ken then went up to the putting green and played with 2 other people for about an hour.
Jeanette also visits some of the shops and checks out Jewellery and perfume to use her Cruise Credits , (which are like Cash).
Then back to the floor with Waves outside Dining area, where we have a delightful burger and salad and fries for lunch, followed by an ice cream and walk back to our Suite. We sit by ourselves with a beautiful Sea-breeze. We spend about an hour. Ken has a surf and turf burger with a lobster tail on a lamb burger with a delightful mixed salad.
There is a film at 2.45pm in the Riviera Theatre. It lasts about 1 hour 40 minutes and is a first release. Really enjoyable, didn’t doze off.
At 3.30pm there is the famed afternoon Tea in horizons lounge on 15th Deck. We visit ,but don’t partake as we have dinner in Red Ginger this evening. That is Jeanette’s favourite restaurant on the Ship. We do attend drinks in the Marble Bar at 6.15pm for “Happy Hour.”
Dinner is in Red Ginger Restaurant and is simply stunning. It is a combination of Asian fusion and in particular Vietnamese food. The Restaurant is beautifully presented with a Red, black and Grey decor with a range of exhibits.
The food in our view is outstanding , but it is matched by the theatrical presentation in how we are served and the manner and style of the servers, makes it a memorable experience.
We are seated at 7.15pm and spend over 2 hours enjoying an excellent meal, before adjourning to the Theatre for the first of the main Production show featuring some 4-6 singers and 10 dancers. It is bright and entertaining and after this we have a coffee with friends and listen to the music at the Piano Bar.
An excellent day full of busy activities,
