Oceania Cruises Holds Official Inaugural for Vista, First Ship in Allura Class
Oceania Cruises held a glamorous inaugural ceremony for its newest ship Vista in Valletta, Malta. The first of the line’s Allura Class vessels, Vista can accommodate 1,200-guests in an all-veranda ship.
Oceania Vista Inaugural Celebration
Oceania Vista made her debut with a star-studded celebration headlined by her godmother, Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis. A performance from legendary Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician Harry Connick, Jr. followed.
Vista offers a staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests. She also boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, which measure more than 290 square feet, plus new Concierge Level Veranda staterooms for solo travelers.
“We have been eagerly awaiting this historic day as we christen our first new ship in more than ten years and pave the way for an exciting future,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “The world-class experience of this beautiful ceremony perfectly aligns with Vista’s impeccable onboard experience, which features a stunning design, exceptional entertainment, top-notch service and innovative culinary delights. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have worked tirelessly to bring us to Vista’s grand debut.”
New Features for Oceania Vista
Setting new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury, the ship features all-veranda accommodations. Vista’s elevated variety of onboard activities include eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues plus the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa Terrace.
“I am so honored to have been chosen as godmother of this incredible new ship and be a part of this glorious night in Malta,” said Giada De Laurentiis. “From amazing culinary experiences to thoughtful details at every turn, Vista is truly a dream ship. Cheers to this inaugural season and to everyone who sails aboard her.”
Continuing to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Vista features 11 onboard culinary venues including three which are new to Vista.
These include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery at Baristas, serving tempting freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant, Ember.
With an emphasis on innovating for drinks, as well as all things culinary, Vista also added The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the cocktail.
As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes. These will be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises’ Italian specialty restaurant as well as The Grand Dining Room.
Guests at the inaugural ceremony were treated to the opening performance of “Into the Night,” Vista’s dance-centric theatrical show led by renowned “Dancing with the Stars” pro dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart.
Then De Laurentiis took the stage to officially name and christen Vista with the ceremonial Champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.
VIP attendees were treated to a concert by Harry Connick, Jr., with 60 minutes of non-stop entertainment. The spectacular evening ended with celebratory fireworks over Valletta’s historic harbor.
“I’ve been honored to perform at countless special occasions but have to say that celebrating this beautiful ship’s entry into service was extra special,” said Harry Connick, Jr. “Bon voyage, Vista.”
Following the seven-night roundtrip VIP christening cruise, Vista will sail her maiden voyage on May 13 from Rome to Venice before embarking on a sold out summer in the Mediterranean.
In September, Vista will sail to Canada and New England then head south for a series of winter itineraries to Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami.
Vista’s 2024 summer season will see her sail a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.
A full overview of Vista’s 2023 and 2024 itineraries can be found at OceaniaCruises.com.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is a leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. Oceania’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests and feature excellent cuisine and destination-rich global itineraries.
Oceania ships call on more than 600 ports in over 100 countries on seven continents. Voyages range from seven to over 200 days.
A second 1,200-guest newbuild, Allura, is on order for delivery in 2025. Based in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., whose global cruise brands include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.