The brand-new Vista cruise ship will offer Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico itineraries from Miami after an inaugural season of sold-out cruises in the Mediterranean.
Oceania Cruises, a leading destination- and culinary-focused luxury cruise line, just christened its first Allura-class ship, the Vista, in Valletta, Malta. The ceremony featured the christening by her godmother, Giada De Laurentiis, an Emmy Award-winning food personality, chef and restaurateur, and a performance by Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning musician Harry Connick, Jr.
The New Oceania Cruise Ship’s Christening Ceremony
Guests at the ceremony were treated to the opening performance of “Into the Night,” the Vista’s dance-centric theatrical show led by renowned “Dancing with the Stars” dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart. Then De Laurentiis took the stage to christen the Vista, smashing the ceremonial Champagne bottle across the ship’s hull.
Christening the Vista was her godmother, Giada De Laurentiis
Emotional moments in the festivities included paying tribute to the founder of Oceania Cruises, Frank Del Rio. It was a wonderful finale for the retiring president/CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which owns Oceania Cruises.
The evening ended with celebratory fireworks over Valletta’s historic harbor.
Facts About This New Oceania Ship
Oceania Cruises’ Vista is the first ship that the line has built in more than 10 years. The Vista features some new dining spots but also has some returning favorites. At 791 feet long and over 67,000 gross tons, the Vista has a capacity of 1,200 guests based on double occupancy. She has a market-leading staffing ratio—two crew members for every three guests. Providing all-veranda accommodations, she boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea (measuring more than 280 square feet) and the new Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travelers.
Facilities include eight lounges, bars and entertainment venues, plus the Aquamar Spa Terrace and a luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center.
Exquisite Dining Options Onboard This Cruise Ship
The Vista continues to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. She features 11 onboard culinary venues, three which are new to the line. These include the Aquamar Kitchen, Bakery at Baristas and signature restaurant Ember. The Casino Mixology Bar focuses on the art of the cocktail.
Ember resembles an elegant Sonoma or Napa Valley tasting room. Guests can enjoy dishes like crab cake, grilled beef tenderloin, roasted salmon and lobster rolls.
Aquamar Kitchen
The new Aquamar Kitchen, located between the pool and Terrace Cafe, feels like a California beach spot. It offers healthy food selections, from smoothies, homemade granolas and yellowfin tacos and wraps to organic power bowls and avocado toast.
Baristas is the spot for guests to enjoy coffees brewed by real Italian baristas. The bakery offers Italian and French pastries.
Also for casual dining, the indoor-outdoor Terrace Cafe is a popular spot for guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Grand Dining Room continues to be the grande dame of Oceania Cruises’ culinary world. Onboard the Vista, it has a beautiful light color scheme with silver and gold touches.
The Culinary Center has 24 cooking stations and now has a separate studio that Chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ executive director of culinary enrichment, refers to as a “mix between a library and dining room, like something on Succession.” This area provides a flexible configuration for demonstrations, events and private dinners. A new after-dinner class invites participants to prepare desserts such as lava cakes or crepes, which they can enjoy together before heading off to evening entertainment.
Some Returning Oceania Cruise Ship Favorites
The Grand Lounge, a space that links Martinis, the casino and main restaurants, is a long, elegant stretch with paneled walls and seating grouped between displays of art objects. There are intimate tables for two on the window side.
Martinis, which is located one deck above the atrium sports a glamorous Art Deco look with a high-gloss grand piano and beveled-glass bar.
Where the New Oceania Ship is Sailing
After a seven-night VIP christening cruise, the Vista sailed on her maiden voyage on May 13, from Rome to Venice. Then she began a series of Mediterranean cruises, which are completely sold out. Summer Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic seas will visit small boutique ports and iconic cities in the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey.
In September, the Vista will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of itineraries from Miami to Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
More About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., which operates Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas as well as Oceania, which has seven small luxury ships that carry a maximum of 1,238 guests. Oceania’s second Allura-class ship, the Allura, is scheduled for delivery in 2025.
Oceania Cruises’ small luxury ships call on more than 600 boutique ports in more than 100 countries on the seven continents. Voyages range from 7 days to more than 200 days.
With its diverse itineraries and culinary and destination focuses, Oceania Cruises might be a good choice for your next group cruise.
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By Cindy Bertram
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA.
