ON THE MEDITERRANEAN — It was opening night in the theater on the new Oceania Riviera. No doubt there would be stage jitters, if not fright. The show was the music of Sir Elton John and Billy Joel and never mind that the performers wouldn't look like EJ and BJ, as long as they more… Continue reading Riviera's Entertaining Expectations
Tag: New cruise ships
Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word
VALENCIA, Spain — As we departed this port stop during the Oceania Riviera's Christening Cruise, one word seemed to cover the experience of visiting Valencia. Fascinating. When the America's Cup came to the city in 2007, the port had to be re-built. There was some controversy and, in the end, an "open vote" of… Continue reading Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word
Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow
BARCELONA — The Oceania Riviera was our christening christening, which is to say our first. If you're like us and you've never been able to enjoy the spectacle of seeing a cruise ship become official, what follows will give you a rough idea what happens… The ceremony begins with the pre-ceremony. Acrobats tie themselves… Continue reading Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow
Oceania Riviera: Big Day in Barcelona
ON THE MEDITERRANEAN — They call it a "christening" when a cruise ship sails for the first time and, religious conflicts aside, it's probably the right term. The word dovetails nicely with cruising, the ship gets a ceremonial bath, and its name becomes official. For the Oceania Riviera, this will happen tomorrow, in Barcelona, and… Continue reading Oceania Riviera: Big Day in Barcelona
Marseilles: Two Ports Busier Than Ever
MARSEILLE, France — We loved this first-ever Mediterranean seaport the last time we were here. Then we remembered why. We'd been travelling the roads of France with two teenagers and a pre-teen, squishing five people in hotel rooms built for four (or less), and when we arrived in Marseille, the people at the Novotel… Continue reading Marseilles: Two Ports Busier Than Ever