On May 8, the Oceania Vista will be christened on its maiden voyage in Valletta, Malta; the ceremony will be led by the chosen godmother, Giada de Laurentiis, Italian-American chef, restaurateur, writer, Emmy Award winner and gastronomic personality.
In this sense, Oceania Cruises has continued to pay homage to the product served on board, always in harmony with the local gastronomy according to the selected itineraries.
In addition, the christening ceremony will feature multiple Emmy and Grammy Award winner, singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr., who will give an exclusive concert during the Vista's departure from Valletta on May 8th at a gala event filled with international personalities.
In the words of Oceania Cruises President Frank del Rio, “We are thrilled to have two such personalities as Giada de Laurentiis and Harry Connick Jr. for the christening of Vista, our first new ship in a decade. The best way to celebrate our 20th anniversary.”
After completing its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, it will move in September to Canada and New England, to enjoy the scenery just before starting the winter season in Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Both Vista and its sister ship Allura—scheduled to launch in May 2025—will feature several firsts in dining, accommodations, and the overall guest experience. Building on Oceania Cruises’ culinary tradition and reputation, Vista offers a new mixology program, along with new onboard culinary concepts. These include Aquamar Kitchen, offering a variety of dishes; the Baristas café, serving freshly baked pastries; and the new signature restaurant, Ember.
Ember is a space where guests can enjoy an American dining experience. Drawing inspiration from chefs like the culinary executive director, it captures the warmth and richness of the food and beverage scene in the heart of America, drawing from culinary capitals like Napa and Sonoma.
Oceania Cruises has also focused on expedition and adventure trips to glaciers, wildlife encounters, and gold rush towns, with trips ranging from 7 to 20 days between May and September of this year.
Alaska itineraries, with more than 250 tours and excursions offered in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell and other locations, the 49th state of the United States offers options such as glacier explorations, local cooking classes, visits to native tribes, craft beer tasting, excursions to national parks and the opportunity to savor the natural beauty of the region.
Through Go Local Tours , passengers can participate in small-group excursions to experience destinations on a whole new level. Here, adventurers are welcomed into local homes and businesses and introduced to the local way of life, immersing themselves in age-old traditions.
According to Juan Rodero, CEO of StarClass/Un Mundo de Cruceros, “guests of these types of luxury companies are increasingly demanding unique experiences, moving away from traditional tours and embarking on longer and more distant itineraries. In addition, the gastronomic offering is increasingly becoming a key factor when choosing a particular cruise.”
