Oceania Riviera Gala Christening Cruise
May 06-15 2012

In May I was among a selected group of travel agents, Industry Executives and Investors, to be present for the Christening Cruise on board the new Oceania Riviera. I was very excited because being present for the Christening of a brand new ship was a bucket list item
for me.

The Riviera is the second ship designed by Oceania Cruises. She is the sister ship to the Marina, but also has her own distinctive style.

Oceania is a cruise line for Epicureans, claiming to offer the finest cuisine at sea. One of the hallmark features on the Marina and Riviera is the Bon Appetite Culinary Centre.

It was only fitting that they chose Cat Cora to be Godmother of the ship. Cat Cora is the first ever woman to win Iron Chef as well as being an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a mother to four boys.
We embarked the Riviera in Monte Carlo to start our nine day cruise, with ports of call in Marseille, Valencia, Barcelona where the ship was to be christened and finally Venice.

 Riviera in Monte Carlo May 06 2012

Marseille – Vieux Port or old harbor is the gem of Marseille. Marseille is France’s second largest city and largest port.

Vieux Port – Marseille

Valencia – Mercado Central is one of the oldest markets in Europe, in continuous operation. The market features over 1000 stores and market stalls.

Barcelona – was host to the 1992 Olympics. Las Ramblas stretching from the waterfront to Placa de Catalunya is a tree lined boulevard with shop, flower stalls and cafes.

Christening in Barcelona: Our day began with a Gala Christening Brunch in the Grand Dining Room followed by the Christening Ceremony pierside

A 15 Litre bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne weighing 114 lbs. breaks on the bow of the new Riviera

Enroute to Venice – time to explore the ships amazing pieces of art, take a culinary cooking class and of course try the wonderful food in the optional restaurants.

Venice – is one of the most beautiful, romantic and best loved cities in the world. Piazzo San Marco is the centre of life in Venice. It is a meeting place with a spot to listen to music while sipping a coffee or glass of wine and watching the children feed the hundreds of pigeons.

 St. Marks Square Venice

After spending nine days on the beautiful Riviera it was a little sad to be leaving her,

but the memories of the journey and the christening will always be a highlight for me.