In keeping with its focus on culinary and destination excellence, Oceania Cruises has named Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis as godmother of its newest ship Vista, debuting MAY 2023.
Multiple Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr. will appear alongside De Laurentiis at the star-studded christening and naming ceremony, taking place on 08MAY in Valletta, Malta.
Connick will perform an exclusive concert for VIP guests at the christening event in Valletta during Vista's seven-night roundtrip voyage from Rome, Italy. There, Godmother De Laurentiis will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a Champagne bottle on the ship's bow to bestow good luck over the vessel and to all guests and crew who sail on the ship.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, said, "We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade. Harry's laid-back, classic style and impressive back catalog will provide the perfect soundtrack to an important evening in our 20-year history.
"As the world's leading culinary-focused cruise line, bringing Giada into the Oceania Cruises family was an easy decision. Her casual yet sophisticated style and devout love of quality cuisine are the perfect recipe for Vista. She truly personifies our first Allura Class ship and we could not be more delighted that she has agreed to be godmother of Vista."
As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served on board Vista. Guests will be able to enjoy the inspired new creations in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' authentic Italian specialty restaurant evolved from rich family traditions, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line's culinary offering on board its small, luxurious ships.
"Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of Vista and having the honor of officiating as godmother is a dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome," said De Laurentiis. "Cooking authentic Italian fare is my biggest passion in life. I cannot wait to savor the different flavors and explore the myriad dining venues on board Vista, a ship that will provide unforgettable culinary experiences for decades to come."
About Oceania Vista
Oceania's first Allura Class ship features all-veranda accommodations for 1200 guests, "stunning interiors and elegant lines" that reflect a fresh new perspective through organic elements inspired by the land and sea.
Oceania Vista's inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean is already sold out. In SEP, Vista will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
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.
Vista, and her sister ship Allura, which is set to debut in MAY 2025, will feature several unique firsts in the realms of dining, accommodation and guest experience. Building on Oceania Cruises' culinary reputation, Vista offers an inventive new mixology program, plus new and unique culinary concepts on board. 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.
Ember is an upscale yet relaxed space where guests can enjoy an authentically rich American dining experience. Drawing on inspiration from great chefs such as Oceania Cruises' own Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin, Ember seamlessly blends the contemporary fresh vibrance of renowned culinary capitals such as Napa and Sonoma with the warmth and richness of the revitalized food and beverage scene of America's heartland.
For additional information on Oceania Cruises' and a full overview of Vista's 2023 and 2024 itineraries, please visit OceaniaCruises.com.
