Oceania Cruises to launch Riviera in Alaska in 2025, with capacity for 1,250 passengers
September 14, 2024
Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading destination-focused, culinary cruise line, offers more than a dozen immersive explorations ofAlaskain 2025, taking travelers beyond typical tourist sites to discover the unique perspectives, local culture, soaring glaciers and pristine wilderness of “The Last Frontier.” A first for Oceania Cruises, the Riviera™able to accommodate 1,250 passengerswill complete its first season inAlaskamaking it the region's first and only cruise ship designed for foodies, by foodies, where travelers will enjoy the best of the 49th state, combined with the luxurious ambiance of a small ship.of the Rivieraand a myriad of gourmet culinary experiences.
The 2025 Alaska season runs from May through September, offering a variety of itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days fromSeattle,VancouverAndWhittierEach itinerary includes lesser-known and iconic ports such asHomer,SitkaAndJuneau, offering travelers ample opportunities to experience the destination on a whole new level through visits to indigenous tribal sites, excursions to national parks, wildlife encounters and much more. Each cruise also includes a naturalist on board to offer expert information on the incredible biodiversity ofAlaska, covering everything from whales to bears and seals.
"We are delighted to bring ourRivieraof 1,250 passengersinAlaskafor the very first time,” saidFrank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Our elegant, ultra-premium small-ship experience offers the perfect juxtaposition withthe outdoor adventures ofAlaska, and as
Rivierais 30 to 50 % smaller than other premium cruise lines sailing in the region, we are able to take our guests to lesser-known and more remote ports, for a true immersion in this fascinating destination.The timeless appeal ofAlaskamakes it a perfect destination for multigenerational gatherings; teens, parents, and grandparents 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 ages 5 to 12, the program will include games, activities, and
Alaska-inspired special eventsengaging, where young adventurers will be supervised by experienced and enthusiastic youth advisors.To further enhance Oceania Cruises' robust cruise itineraries, guests have the option to include a pre- or post-cruise land program where they will have the opportunity to explore even moreAlaska. Among the land programs offered is Discover Denali, where travelers will enjoy one breathtaking view after another, includingthe highest peak in North Americawhile exploring
Denali National Park
, the first national park created specifically to protect wildlife.Covering a breathtaking six million acres, Denali offers a true glimpse into the 49th state. With more than two full days in the park, Oceania Cruises passengers will revel in a fully escorted experience, including a trip by dome-topped railcar and along scenic roads through iconic Alaskan wilderness. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound—including bald eagles, caribou, and Dall sheep—in addition to marveling at glacier-fed rivers and the chance to see the original ranger cabin, once the only outpost in the vast park. The four-day/three-night program also includes an Alaska Native presentation on the history of the territory and a natural history tour.Highlights on board theRiviera
– The only true gastronomic ship inAlaskaThe Rivierabeautifully re-inspired 1,250-passengeroffers an unparalleled experience to curious travelers from around the world. Passengers will enjoy incredibly spacious standard cabins measuring 291 square feet, with all cabin categories having been stunningly reimagined with luxurious furnishings, thoughtful design touches, and larger showers.Rivierais the only true gastronomic ship sailing inAlaskaboasting one chef for every 10 passengers and seven open-seat gourmet restaurants, including the four always-included specialty restaurants: Polo Grill Steakhouse; Italian Toscana; Asian Fusion
Red Ginger
; and the French restaurant Jacques.Additionally, Oceania Cruises is incorporating The Last Frontier's culinary scene into its guest experience with new hands-on cooking classes at the Culinary Center and Chef's Market Dinners at the Terrace Café, curated by the onboard culinary team using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.Enjoy
Alaska– Highlights of Oceania Cruises Culinary Shore ExcursionsAs the only true gastronomic ship sailing inAlaska, THE
RivieraOceania Cruises offers an abundance of food-focused excursions where travelers can immerse themselves in the 49th state's culinary scene.Alaska Coast Getaway and Cruise with Brunch,Juneau:Sail the crystal clear waters ofJuneauand to a remote island in Stephens Passage for a classic Alaskan-style brunch. Sailing to the remote island
Colt, visitors will look for humpback whales and other marine life. After settling in, enjoy a hearty brunch at the beachfront Orca Point Lodge, featuring entrees prepared with local ingredients, while admiring the serene setting and panoramic views of the wilderness.Exclusive crab fishing experience,Ketchikan
:Embark on a private cruise to prime fishing grounds where you'll help the crew set crab traps and reel in Dungeness crabs, a true Alaskan delicacy. While the traps settle, enjoy the fishing, breathtaking scenery, and insight into sustainable fishing practices. Once you've made your catch, head to shore for a campfire feast with your fresh crabs in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse, followed by a rhubarb and blueberry crisp and hot coffee.Exclusive sightseeing flight and taste of Alaska,Ketchikan:Fly over the magnificent Tongass National Forest aboard a
DeHavilland Beaver seaplaneand land at Salmon Falls Resort for a feast of iconic Alaskan dishes. Soar over America's largest national forest, overlooking sea cliffs, fjords, and misty peaks. You might even spot black bears and humpback whales. After landing at Clover Pass Inlet, visit the fishing station before enjoying a classic Alaskan lunch of crab cakes, soy-glazed salmon, and baked halibut.Culinary Adventure in Sitka,Sitka:Explore the gastronomy ofSitka, a city once known as "Parisof the Pacific." As Alaska's second largest seafood exporter,
Sitkais a culinary center with rich cultural influences. You'll sample locally brewed beers made with glacial water, taste versatile sea salts from the 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 dogs, ceviche, and chowder, all made with local ingredients.Tasting of succulent seafood,Juneau:Enjoy a variety of seafood at iconic downtown locations while exploring
Alaska's sustainable fishing practices. Start with a memorial honoring commercial fishermen before enjoying 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 Crystal Saloon.Hook & Cook at Salmon Falls,Ketchikan:Known as the salmon capital of the world,Ketchikanoffers the opportunity to fish for chum salmon, sockeye salmon, king salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon and possibly halibut, cod or rockfish. Fish the waters off
Ketchikanin a state-of-the-art boat, then enjoy your fresh catch, perfectly cooked at Salmon Falls Resort. Your catch will be prepared at the resort's Timbers Restaurant and accompanied by delicious side dishes.Tongass Hiking and Flavors 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 a 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 Trip Highlights:Alaska Reflections:8 days ofVancouverhasWhittierpassing byKetchikan,Juneau,Skagway,HoonahAndSitka. Departure
May 13.Explorer'sAlaska: 8 days ofWhittierhasVancouverpassing byHoonah,Skagway,Sitka,KetchikanAndPrince Rupert. Departures
May 21.Wilds ofAlaska: 12 days ofVancouverhasWhittierpassing byKlawock,Ketchikan,Wrangell,Hoonah,Hatred,Juneau,Sitka,KodiakAndHomer. Departures
May 29.Alaskan Accolades: 7 days ofWhittierhasVancouverpassing byHoonah,Hatred,JuneauAndKetchikan. Departures
June 10.MajesticAlaska:9 days ofVancouverhasSeattlepassing byKetchikan,Juneau,Hatred,WrangellAndVictoria. Departures
June 17.Jewels of the Last Frontier:12 days ofSeattlehasSeattlewhile visitingKetchikan, (*) Juneau (*) ,Hoonah,Hatred,Sitka,Wrangell,KlawockAndVictoria. DeparturesJune 26AndJuly 17.
Wonders ofAlaska:9 days ofSeattlehasSeattlepassing byKetchikan,Juneau,Skagway,SitkaAndVictoria. DeparturesJuly 8th.
RadiantAlaska:10 days ofSeattlehasSeattlepassing byKetchikan,Juneau,Skagway,Hoonah,SitkaAndVictoria. DeparturesJuly 29.
Frontier Adventures:10 days of sailingSeattlehasSeattlewith stopoverKetchikan,Sitka,Hatred,Juneau,WrangellAndVictoria. DepartureAugust 8th.
For more information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisite cuisine, and carefully curated travel experiences, visitOceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA or speak to a professional travel advisor.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises®is the world's leading destination-focused cruise line. The company's eight luxury small ships carry a maximum of 1,250 passengers and offer the finest cuisine at sea.®as well as destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Carefully curated travel experiences are available aboard designer-inspired small ships, calling at more than 600 signature and boutique ports in over 100 countries on seven continents, for voyages ranging from seven to over 200 days. Oceania Cruises®ordered two additional vessels scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 2029[1]. Oceania Cruises®is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH). To learn more, visitwww.nclhltd.com.
[1]Delivery of Oceania Cruises' second ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but could be delayed to 2029.
SOURCE Oceania Cruises