Oceania Cruises to Debut 1,250-Guest Riviera in Alaska in 2025
Oceania Cruises to Showcase New Culinary Tours and Imaginative
Itineraries
Oceania
Cruises’ Riviera in Alaska, download
additional images here
Miami,
FL - September 12, 2024 - Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise
line, is offering more than a dozen immersive explorations of Alaska in 2025,
taking travelers beyond typical tourist sights to discover the unique
perspectives, local culture, soaring glaciers, and pristine wilderness of “The
Last Frontier.” An Oceania Cruises first, the 1,250-guest RivieraTM will
sail her first season in Alaska making her the first and only cruise ship in
the region designed for foodies, by foodies, where travelers will enjoy the
best of the 49th state, paired with the Riviera's luxurious small-ship
ambiance and myriad of gourmet culinary experiences.
The 2025 Alaska season
takes place from May through September, offering a variety of itineraries ranging
from seven to 12 days that depart from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier. Each
itinerary features both lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka, and
Juneau, giving travelers plentiful opportunities to engage with the destination
on an entirely new level through Native tribe site visits, national park
excursions, wildlife encounters, and more. Each sailing also features a
naturalist on board to offer expert insights into the incredible biodiversity
of Alaska, covering everything from whales to bears and seals.
“We’re thrilled to
bring our 1,250-guest Riviera to
Alaska for the very first time,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania
Cruises. “Our elegant, ultra-premium small-ship experience offers the perfect
juxtaposition to Alaska’s outdoor adventures, and with Riviera being 30 to 50 percent smaller than other premium cruise
lines sailing in the region, we’re able to bring our guests to lesser-known,
more remote ports, for a true immersion into this fascinating destination.”
The timeless allure of
Alaska means it is a perfect destination for multi-generational gatherings;
teens, parents, and grandparents alike will marvel at the majesty of the
landscape and the amazing wildlife. Oceania Cruises’ popular Alaska Explorer
Youth Program is available on all voyages in the region in 2025. Designed for children between the ages
of 5 to 12 years old, the program will include engaging games, activities, and
Alaska-inspired special events, where young adventurers will be supervised by
experienced and enthusiastic youth counselors.
To further enhance
Oceania Cruises’ robust cruise itineraries, guests have the option to include a
pre- or post-cruise land program where they’ll have the opportunity to explore
even more of Alaska. Among the land programs offered is Discover Denali, where
travelers will enjoy one show-stopping vista after another, including North
America’s highest peak, while exploring Denali National Park, the first
national park created specifically to protect wildlife.
Covering a
mind-blowing six million acres, Denali offers true insight into the
49th state. With over two full days in the park, Oceania Cruises’ guests
will revel in a fully escorted experience including travel by domed railcar and
along scenic byways through the iconic wilds of Alaska. Wildlife-spotting
opportunities abound – including bald eagles, caribou, and Dall sheep –
alongside marveling at glacial-fed rivers and the chance to see the original
ranger’s cabin, once the only outpost in the vast park. The four day / three
night program also features an Alaskan Native presentation on the history of
the land and a natural history tour.
Shipboard
Highlights of Riviera – The Only True
Foodie Ship in Alaska
The beautifully reinspired 1,250-guest Riviera offers an unparalleled
experience to curious world travelers. Guests will enjoy incredibly spacious
standard staterooms measuring an astounding 291 square feet, with all
categories of staterooms having been stunningly reimagined with luxurious
furnishings, thoughtful design touches, and larger showers. Riviera is
the only true foodie ship sailing in Alaska, boasting one chef for every 10
guests and seven open-seating gourmet restaurants including the four always included
specialty dining venues: the Polo Grill Steakhouse; Italian Toscana;
Asian-fusion Red Ginger; and French restaurant, Jacques.
In addition, Oceania Cruises
incorporates the culinary scene of The Last Frontier into its guest experience
through new hands-on cooking classes in The Culinary Center and the Chef’s
Market Dinners in the Terrace Café curated by the onboard culinary team using
fresh, local ingredients from the region.
Savor Alaska
– Oceania Cruises Culinary Shore Excursion Highlights
As the only true foodie ship sailing in
Alaska, Oceania Cruises’ Riviera offers an abundance of food-focused
excursions where travelers can be immersed in the culinary scene of the 49th
state.
Alaskan Coastal
Brunch Escape & Cruise, Juneau: Cruise through the pristine waters of
Juneau and onto a remote speck of an island in Stephens Passage for a classic
Alaskan-style brunch. While cruising to the remote Colt Island, visitors will
look for humpback whales and other marine life. After settling in, enjoy a
hearty brunch at the seaside Orca Point Lodge featuring entrées prepared with
locally sourced ingredients all while admiring the serenity of the setting and
the panoramic views of the wilderness.
Exclusive
Crabbing Experience, Ketchikan: Set out on a private charter to prime fishing grounds where
you'll help the crew set crab pots and reel in Dungeness crabs, a true Alaskan
delicacy. As the pots settle, enjoy fishing, breathtaking scenery, and insights
into sustainable fishing practices. Once the catch is in, head to shore for a
campfire feast featuring your fresh crabs in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse,
followed by a rhubarb-blueberry crisp and hot coffee.
Exclusive
Flightseeing & The Taste of Alaska, Ketchikan: Fly over the stunning Tongass National
Forest in a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane, landing at Salmon Falls Resort for a
feast of iconic Alaskan dishes. Soar over America's largest national forest,
with views of sea cliffs, fjords, and misty peaks. You may even spot black
bears and humpback whales. After landing in Clover Pass Inlet, tour the fishing
resort before enjoying a classic Alaskan lunch featuring crab cakes, soy-glazed
salmon, and baked halibut.
Sitka Culinary
Adventure, Sitka: Explore
the gastronomy of Sitka, a city once known as the "Paris of the
Pacific." As Alaska's second-largest seafood exporter, Sitka is a culinary
hub with rich cultural influences. You'll sample locally brewed beers made with
glacial water, taste versatile sea salts from Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company, and
enjoy Russian dumplings at Sitka Pelmeni, honoring the city's Russian heritage.
Additional tastings may include cod tips, reindeer hot dogs, ceviche, and
chowder, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Succulent
Seafood Sampling, Juneau: Sample
a variety of seafood at iconic downtown spots while learning about Alaska’s
sustainable fishing practices. Start at a memorial honoring commercial
fishermen before tasting smoked king salmon at Taku Smokeries. At Tracy’s King
Crab Shack, enjoy king crab bisque and a crab cake, followed by smoked salmon
dip, caviar, and kelp salsa at Taste Alaska! At Deckhand Dave’s, savor rockfish
tacos, then finish with halibut ceviche and a blueberry mojito at the Crystal
Saloon.
Hook & Cook
at Salmon Falls, Ketchikan: Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan offers
the chance to reel in chum, sockeye, king, silver, pink salmon, and possibly
halibut, cod, or rockfish. Fish the waters off Ketchikan in a state-of-the-art
boat, then enjoy your fresh catch, perfectly cooked at Salmon Falls Resort.
Your catch will be prepared at Timbers Restaurant in the resort and paired with
delicious side dishes.
Tongass Hike
& Taste of Alaska, Ketchikan: Hike a challenging but rewarding two-mile coastal gravel
trail through the Tongass National Forest, led by a guide who will point out
local flora and fauna. The steep, rocky Coast Guard Beach trail offers stunning
beach views as your reward. Afterward, enjoy a three-course seafood lunch at
Salmon Falls Resort, featuring locally sourced salmon, halibut, and crab cakes,
paired with a local craft beer or wine.
Alaska
Voyage Highlights:
Alaska Reflections: 8 days from
Vancouver to Whittier visiting
Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Sitka. Departs May 13.
Explorer’s Alaska: 8 days from
Whittier to Vancouver
visiting Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. Departs May 21.
Wilds of Alaska: 12 days from
Vancouver to Whittier
visiting Klawock, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak
and Homer. Departs May 29.
Alaskan Accolades: 7 days from
Whittier to Vancouver
visiting Hoonah, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. Departs June 10.
Majestic Alaska: 9 days from
Vancouver to Seattle
visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs June 17.
Gems of The Last Frontier:
12 days from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hoonah, Haines, Sitka,
Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria. Departs June 26 & July 17.
Wonders of Alaska: 9 days from
Seattle to Seattle
visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria. Departs July 8.
Radiant Alaska: 10 days from
Seattle to Seattle
visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria. Departs July
29.
Frontier Adventures: 10 days
sailing from Seattle to Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and
Victoria. Departs August 8.
For additional information on Oceania
Cruises’ small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated
travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a
professional travel advisor.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises® is the world’s leading culinary- and
destination-focused cruise line. The line’s eight small, luxurious ships carry
a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and
destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel
experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call
on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven
continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises®
has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or
2029. Oceania Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise
Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
Delivery for the second Oceania
Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may
be delayed to 2029.
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Alexis Whitley | MMGY NJF 501-351-2201 |
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