It replaces the smaller Regatta, which has been operating the Alaska program and will do so in 2024 before redeploying to French Polynesia and Hawaii in summer 2025.
'The decision to elevate our presence in the Alaska region was easy,' said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. 'This fascinating destination has always been a firm favorite with our well-traveled guests, who are constantly wanting to explore remote, wondrous and truly off-the-beaten-track destinations.'
Among the Alaska ports are Ketchikan, Sitka and Kodiak, with scenic cruising of Hubbard Glacier. Riviera's itineraries range from seven to 12 days.
The 1,250-passenger ship is touted as offering the largest standard staterooms at sea, 291 square feet, and has one chef for every 10 guests. Specialty dining is included.
Culinary tours and shore excursion credits
Travelers will have a choice of nearly 300 shore excursions, including 'Culinary Discovery Tours' in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. These chef-led tours take travelers on epicurean adventures ranging from craft beer flight tastings paired with dishes made of freshly foraged ingredients to visiting a sustainable oyster farm followed by a hands-on, seafood-centric cooking class.
And Oceania's 'simply MORE' program includes a shore excursion credit of up to $1,600, in addition to round-trip airfare and transfers; Champagne, wine and more; and unlimited Wi-Fi.
The Alaska Explorer Youth Program, for ages 5-12, includes counselor-led games, activities and Alaska-inspired special events.
For adults, Alaska and Pacific Northwest regional specialties will be featured in cooking classes at Riviera’s Culinary Center.
Varied itineraries
The season begins with an eight-day Vancouver, BC to Whittier cruise on May 13, 2025, visiting Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.
The varied itineraries include seven-, eight-, nine-, 10- and 12-day cruises between Vancouver and Whittier or Seattle and round-trip Seattle.
For example, a 12-day Seattle round-trip visits Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria, BC. Departures are June 26 and July 17, 2025. And a 10-day Seattle round-trip on Aug. 8 visits Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and Victoria. The June 10 seven-day cruise from Whittier to Vancouver sails to Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan.
Other summer 2025 destinations
Riviera's Alaska program is part of Oceania Cruises' recently announced summer 2025 deployment, which sees Regatta in the South Pacific.
The new Allura, Vista, Marina, Sirena and Nautica will be sailing throughout Europe with more than 70 itineraries touching on Iceland and Greenland, the North Atlantic isles, the Baltic and the entire sweep of the Mediterranean, from western ports to the east, including Turkey, Greece and Israel.
Canada/New England cruises that also visit Iceland and Greenland will operate in July and August, followed by fall foliage sailings from New York City, Boston and Montréal with overnight stays in Montréal, Québec City and New York.
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