PRESS RELEASE
New cruise ship for Epicureans
Oceania Cruises will raise the bar once again on culinary excellence when it launches Riviera in April 2012. Purposely built for epicureans, the 1,250-guest ship offers 10 dining venues comparable to the very best shore-side restaurants.
“Our guests are in for a true epicurean odyssey with Riviera,” states Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “Riviera offers diverse dining experiences that cater to the palates of inquisitive travellers. Best of all, regardless of which gourmet restaurant they choose to enjoy, there are no additional dining charges.”
Continental Cuisine, Asian Fusion & American Favorites
Riviera offers six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather. Below is an outline of the ship’s dining venues:
1. The Grand Dining Room – Tuxedo-clad wait staff serve a six-course menu in a setting reminiscent of a grand European hotel. Menus include Continental and American dishes plus spa cuisine from Canyon Ranch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2. Toscana – Three, illuminated etched-glass panels provide a dramatic backdrop to savoury Italian specialties, many of them family recipes handed down from Oceania Cruises’ staff and crew. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
3. Polo Grill – Fine cuts of Prime, dry-aged beef, as well as chops and fresh seafood, are featured. The décor evokes a classic steakhouse with leather upholstery, mahogany wall panels and rich crimson, gold and green colours. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
4. Jacques – One of only two restaurants by the world-renowned chef Jacques Pépin, this French bistro is exquisitely decorated with antiques, pickled wood furnishings and rough-hewn wood floors. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
5. Red Ginger – Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese flavours are showcased in a contemporary setting that features three Buddha’s carved from a single piece of backlit glass as a dramatic centrepiece. Open for dinner, reservations suggested.
6. Terrace Café – Shades of burgundy, rust, gold and yellow create a bright and pleasant indoor ambiance or guests may dine al fresco. Lunch and dinner buffets feature carved meats and regional delicacies. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
7. Waves – This relaxed, open-air brasserie serves gourmet burgers, swordfish, chicken and other grilled items, and features a salad bar and homemade ice cream bar. Open for lunch.
8. Baristas – This coffee bar adjoining the library is the place to enjoy Illy espresso and cappuccino, plus homemade biscotti and coffee cake. Open throughout the day.
Optional Wine Dinners & Private Dining
9. La Reserve by Wine Spectator – This intimate venue hosts tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. This venue is also home to wine-tastings during the day. Per guest charge for premium wines applies. Reservations required.
10. Privée – This elegant private dining room can accommodate up to 10 guests. Selections from the Polo Grill and Toscana menus are served with great flair. Room charge applies. Reservations required.
Oceania Cruises’ Riviera also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre, which offers hands-on cooking classes with a changing curriculum. In select ports guests can accompany the chef to shore-side markets to purchase fresh, local ingredients, which they later learn how to prepare in the culinary centre.
