Before boarding Oceania Cruises’ Riviera (soon to be renamed Oceania Riviera), the upscale line introduced Alaska to us in a very special way— and that’s saying something given how many times I’ve visited the region.
During the span of two pre-cruise days in Anchorage, we enjoyed a sublime Nordic-style spa experience at the Alyeska Resort, feasted on a hearty libation-lubricated meal from 49th State Brewing, detoured to the quaint town of Talkeetna via Alaska Railroad in a scenic dome car and explored the surrounding wilderness onboard a high-speed jet boat.
Then came embarkation in Whittier. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ new terminal still had a few growing pains, including a shortage of sheltered space for guests and luggage, but weather-proofed improvements are already in the works.
The ship had a couple hardware peculiarities of its own. Carried over from its warm weather deployments, a few unnecessary pool deck partitions forced guests to walk into uncovered spaces. These should be removed for any future seasons. Otherwise, the ship’s great observation lounge (save for an unfortunately uncontained smoking section) and many other indoor venues make for plenty of sheltered alternatives.
Once passengers and parcels were dried out, we were welcomed onboard Riviera, making its debut appearance in Alaska. The ship was marvelously enhanced since my last time onboard. Already refined public spaces have gone nearly unchanged, but our Concierge Level Veranda stateroom reflected a brighter, airier color scheme consistent with the line’s newest vessels, along with loads of added outlets (standard and USB).
A Concierge Level stateroom onboard Riviera
Credit: 2025 Oceania CruisesMost impressive was the category’s bathroom remodel that removed the formerly diminutive corner shower and replaced the bathtub with a bigger walk-in variety.
Then came a series of Alaskan firsts that surprised even a veteran visitor like me. I’ve had the privilege to gaze upon Hubbard Glacier on many occasions, but this was my first experience boarding a smaller tour shuttle, allowing us to get considerably closer to the dramatic towering face to inspect its icy blue crevasses in vibrant detail.
Feasting on freshly caught local seafood, especially delicious crab, was a recurring theme of our trip. It seemed like every lunch ashore was another opportunity to crack open a meaty crustacean, and we were ever happy to oblige. Our Ketchikan feast and excursion to George Inlet began with a volunteer demonstration of pulling up Dungeness crab cages to interact with and photograph the creature.
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Visiting Hubbard Glacier is part of the Alaska itinerary.
Credit: 2025 Oceania CruisesIn Sitka, we went out on another boat quest to view wildlife and — you guessed it — eat even more crab at the inviting Fin Island Lodge.
Back onboard the Riviera, a special Alaskan-themed chef’s market dinner at the Terrace Cafe buffet featured reindeer salami, grilled king salmon, halibut skewers, shrimp linguine and Mt. McKinley ice cream-filled donuts. Meanwhile, the Culinary Center hosted a special “Culinary Northwest Passage” class offering a lesson on cooking salmon rillettes, which turned out surprisingly tasty considering this novice chef was in charge.
A cooking class at the ship’s Culinary Center is a must on a sailing with Oceania.
Credit: 2025 Oceania CruisesAll of this came in addition to the ship’s four specialty dining venues (plus its main restaurant), including my personal favorite: Jacques. Created by the line’s original executive culinary director and acclaimed chef Jacques Pepin, the venue delivers classic French dishes —from molten goat cheese souffle and succulent lobster thermidor to citrusy crepes suzette among other masterful entrees.
At Icy Strait Point, I tried the newest cable tram for the first time, and the views were spectacular. As our gondola made its way up the mountain, we witnessed a heavenly rainbow arch above Riviera — a visual treat just as memorable as the gastronomical delights we’d been enjoying throughout the journey.
The train ride in Skagway is an itinerary highlight.
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertHowever, it was ultimately our train ride in Skagway that took the cake. My parents and I are no stranger to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — we have boarded the classic narrow-gauge tour multiple times and privately rode in a caboose offered for only one season years ago. But this was our first experience in the recently introduced VIP parlor car experience, available exclusively through cruise lines.
With room for just 14 riders at a time, the car is pulled behind the rest of the train with an expanded platform off the back. Watching the rails swiftly recede uninterrupted outside as the locomotive climbed the sides of the steep ravine was a sight to behold. Back inside, every guest could comfortably sit in their own plush leather swivel chair with unlimited complimentary Alaskan beers (or other alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks) in hand, as well as shrimp cocktail, sandwiches and more.
The Alaskan 2025 season is only just beginning, and Oceania Riviera is fully primed and ready to delight clients with its exceptional inaugural programming.
