Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The bathing platform includes a drop-down section with integrated steps that extend automatically as it lowers. It also raises to meet the quay, so it doubles as a passerelle. Removable rails and v-shaped supports allow for tender stowage here, although the forward deck can also be used for that. A large storage locker on the platform serves as a toy box for gear like sea bobs, with sockets for the rails when not in use.

Side gates lead up to the main deck, where the Riviera logos are subtly backlit. Diesel fillers and waste outlets are built into the bulwarks. A side door connects the main saloon to the exterior walkways, which run forward to the bow. The foredeck has a spacious seating area that wraps around the front of the boat. Backrests can be dropped flat to create a sunpad or raised to face forward while underway. Storage lockers are built into the deck for lines and fenders.

A davit crane is positioned at the bow, giving owners the option to keep a tender or jet ski forward and leave the bathing platform clear. There are also mounting points for poles, so a bimini can be installed for shade stretching back to just above the windscreen.

Aft, the cockpit is set up as a sheltered dining space with deep seating and a view out over the transom. Side screens and an electric aft blind enclose the area for privacy or protection from the weather. A bar unit along the forward edge includes a fridge, bin, and ice maker, with a lift-up panel revealing twin grills.

The upper deck, accessed via internal stairs, extends the outdoor space further. It includes a second lounge area that can convert to a day bed, another bar with sink and fridge, a day head, and two docking stations - one to port and one to starboard. The roof and side windows retract to open the entire space to the air. A ceiling handrail helps with stability while walking underway. This deck is owner-configurable; layouts can prioritise seating or sunbathing, depending on preference.

The galley sits aft and opens to the cockpit through a powered sliding door. A drop-down window beside it helps link the two spaces. The galley is fitted with twin Miele ovens, a hob with an extractor, twin sinks, a full-height fridge and freezer drawers. Storage runs under the counters and up into the overhead lockers.

Forward of the galley, the saloon has a dining table with a hidden mechanism that lowers and folds into the structure, allowing the backrest to pivot down and turn the whole area into an open lounge.

Further forward, there’s a bar station with a wine cooler, fridge, sink and glass stowage, positioned beneath the forward windscreen. A side door next to it opens directly onto the side deck, useful when catering to the bow.

Natural light pours in from the forward glazing and filters down into the stairwell, giving the centre of the yacht an open, atrium-style feel. The finish balances high-gloss wood with pale tones that keep it light without feeling clinical.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin is positioned aft and laid out with a walk-in wardrobe, a desk or dressing table beside large windows, and a full-sized bed on centreline. The windows have integrated alarms that trigger if opened before engine start. Storage is built in along both sides. The ensuite spans the beam and features twin sinks, a separate shower stall, and a fully enclosed toilet compartment, accessible through its own door.

Guest Accommodation

The VIP cabin forward uses the same mix of polished wood and light finishes seen throughout the boat. There’s a TV and soundbar, hanging lockers, overhead cupboards, and storage under the bed. The ensuite has a toilet, sink, and a separate shower.

A twin cabin to port has sliding berths that can form a double. It connects directly to the day head, effectively becoming an ensuite at night. Wardrobes and top lockers provide storage.

Opposite is a fourth cabin, which some owners spec as a private office. It shares the day head and has under-berth storage.

Crew Accommodation

Crew accommodation includes a single berth with an optional second bunk, a wet-room-style head with shower, a washer, dryer, and even a small cooker. There’s also a cushion stored here for the daybed on the upper deck. A door leads straight into the engine room.

The yacht toured carries the largest engine option available - twin MAN V12s rated at 2,000 horsepower each. Top speed is around 34 knots, with cruising speeds in the mid-20s. At displacement pace, around 7.6 knots, the range stretches to roughly 2,500 miles. The engines sit on V-drives, which push the power aft and free up interior space forward.

The machinery space also houses dual generators, polished stainless detailing, air conditioning units, and a Glen Dinning shore cable system with a powered drum. A tool chest is mounted aft, along with a watertight door leading to the bathing platform, which is useful for crew access or emergency egress.

The upper helm station replaces a traditional main-deck wheelhouse, freeing up the interior. From this elevated position, four large multifunction displays sit across the dash, with joystick and throttle controls, trim, VHF, and air con management. MAN engine instrumentation is overhead.  

The 78 Motor Yacht launched in early 2022 and after just six months, Riviera had already sold 12 units. The layout works hard to deliver features typically found on larger yachts with twin tender stowage options, multiple deck lounges, and an upper deck. With a crew area, thoughtful engineering, and plenty of owner customisation, this yacht feels much larger than its 78 feet. Riviera’s design choices give it a flexible and capable character that should continue to make it a popular model.