Mediterranean Adventure Aboard the Oceania Riviera: Barcelona to Rome

Oceania’s Riviera Cruise through the Mediterranean offers a perfect blend of luxury, cultural immersion and relaxation, with every detail designed to provide a top-tier travel experience. Starting in Barcelona, we chose to stay at the Hotel Suizo, conveniently located in the heart of the city, which made it easy to explore local attractions like the Picasso Museum and Sagrada Familia before boarding the ship.

At the end of the cruise, we planned an extended stay in Rome to continue our adventure on land. I highly recommend booking pre- and post-cruise accommodations to fully enjoy both the embarkation and disembarkation cities, as they are rich with history and culture.

Essentials to bring:

When packing for this Mediterranean cruise, I recommend focusing on a mix of comfortable daywear and smart-casual attire for the ship’s elegant dining venues. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a swimsuit for relaxing by the pool and comfy shoes for excursions, as some port stops involve a fair bit of walking. A light sweater is useful for evenings inside, as the dining rooms and lounge can be a little cool. One nice perk of Oceania: no formalwear required!

The ship itself:

The Oceania Riviera is a floating luxury hotel, with elegantly designed staterooms and a variety of spaces for relaxation and entertainment. The dining options are truly exceptional, with standout venues like Polo Grill, where we enjoyed delicious steak and La Toscana, a must for lovers of Italian cuisine. The ship also offers casual dining at Waves Grill by the pool and elegant afternoon tea. For guests looking to unwind, the ship’s Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center provides an array of treatments, while the well-equipped fitness center and walking track on the upper deck are great for staying active. Baristas, the onboard coffee bar, is perfect for a morning espresso or an afternoon "affogato" break.

Entertainment and activities:

Onboard entertainment offers something for everyone, from live music and engaging shows in the Riviera Lounge to more interactive experiences like a painting class that we thoroughly enjoyed. Evening entertainment ranged from live concerts, a magic show, deck parties and there’s even karaoke for the brave at heart!

Port calls:

Each port on this Mediterranean itinerary was an adventure of its own. Barcelona dazzled us with its vibrant culture and architectural marvels like the Sagrada Familia. In Valencia, we discovered a love for paella, while Ibiza was all about relaxation, with a day spent lounging on the beach at Playa de Talamanca. Alicante surprised us with the impressive Castle of Santa Barbara and its scenic promenade, while Palma de Mallorca captured our hearts with the stunning La Seu Cathedral. France brought us to Marseille, from where we explored the ancient town of Arles and picturesque Saint Remy de Provence, known for its connection to Van Gogh. The glamour of Saint-Tropez and the luxury of Monte Carlo in Monaco were definite highlights, each offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Portofino was a personal favorite, with its colorful harbor and charm, despite the crowds.

Additional costs:

Oceania Cruises is known for their "simply more" offerings, which have many inclusive amenities. Included in the cruise fare are meals at the main dining venues, one reservation in each of the specialty dining rooms, afternoon tea, beverage package to include wine, champagne, and beer and room service. It also includes some shore excursion credits (depending on length of cruise; ours was $400 per person), and free wifi for two devices per cabin. Tips and gratuities are also not included in the base fare, so be sure to account for those at the end of your trip unless you purchase a prepaid gratuities package.

In summary, this particular Oceania cruise is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated and immersive experience through the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or someone who enjoys a bit of luxury while you travel, this cruise offers a beautifully curated journey with the perfect mix of culture, relaxation and indulgence.

I might consider doing this cruise in late spring or early fall, as there were some very, very hot days (over 100 degrees fahrenheit!) on our August trip. Make sure you are prepared for the hotter weather with a hat, sunscreen, and a hand-held fan!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Taylor Morris’s guide, Best 1 Week Itinerary for Rome, Italy.