Oceania Cruises has named celebrated Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur, Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis as godmother of its newest ship, Vista, which will debut in May 2023. Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist, and actor Harry Connick Jr. will join De Laurentiis at the star-studded christening and naming ceremony on May 8 in Valletta, Malta.
Connick will give an exclusive concert for VIP guests at the christening ceremony in Valletta during the Vista 's seven-night cruise from Rome, Italy. There, godmother De Laurentiis will officiate the champagne-breaking ceremony at the ship's bow to bring good luck to the vessel and all the guests and crew who will sail on her.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, stated, “We are thrilled to have Giada and Harry join us in welcoming the Vista.”
“As a leading cruise line focused on gastronomy and destinations, we couldn't be more delighted that she has agreed to be the godmother of the Vista.”
As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served aboard the Vista. Guests can enjoy the new and inspired creations at Toscana, Oceania Cruises' authentic Italian restaurant, as well as in the Grand Dining Room.
“Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of the Vista and having the honor of serving as godmother is a dream come true, especially when its christening voyage departs from the place where I was born, Rome,” said De Laurentiis.
Connick, who has sold more than 28 million albums worldwide, commented: “I am delighted to be part of this special occasion; to put music and song to this very important moment in Oceania Cruises history is an honor.”
As Oceania Cruises' first new ship in more than ten years, the Vista makes its debut with its inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean. In September, the Vista will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
In the summer season of 2024, Vista will undertake a series of Grand Voyages around the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, visiting a fascinating array of iconic cities and small boutique ports across Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Land.
