Oceania Cruises christened its newest ship, Vista, at a ceremony in Valletta, Malta 09MAY. The first of the line's Allura Class vessels, the 1,200-guest, all-veranda ship made her debut with godmother, Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis, and a performance from Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician Harry Connick, Jr.
"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 an emotional 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."
According to those in attendance, Del Rio wiped away tears as he shared how his father made Oceania all about family and thanked him ahead of his own June 30 retirement.
At 791 feet (241 meters) long and more than 67,000 tons with capacity for 1,200 guests at double occupancy, Vista offers a staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests. She also boasts all-veranda accommodations with staterooms measuring more than 290 square feet, plus new Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travellers.
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 The Finest Cuisine at Sea® program, Vista features 11 onboard culinary venues including three which are new to Vista. These include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant, Ember.
With an emphasis on innovating drinks, Vista is introducing 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 to be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' Italian specialty restaurant evolved from family traditions, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the grand dame of the line's culinary venues.
Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to the opening performance of "Into the Night," Vista's dance-centric theatrical show led by "Dancing with the Stars" pro dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart, before De Laurentiis took the stage to officially name and christen Vista with the ceremonial Champagne bottle break across the ship's hull. VIP attendees then enjoyed a live concert by performer Connick, who delivered 60 minutes of non-stop entertainment. The celebratory evening ended with fireworks over Valletta's historic harbor.
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, she will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring 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.
