Oceania Cruises christened its new ship, Vista, in a spectacular ceremony in Valletta, Malta. The first of the Allura-class ships made its debut with a star-studded celebration led by its godmother, the renowned Italian-American chef, author, and restaurateur Giada E Laurentis.
“We have been eagerly anticipating this historic day as we christen our first 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 complements the impeccable onboard experience of Vista, which features stunning design, exceptional entertainment, top-notch service, and innovative culinary delights. We are deeply grateful to our team members and partners around the world who have worked tirelessly to bring us to Vista.”
Measuring 241 meters in length, displacing over 67,000 tons, and accommodating 1,200 guests at double occupancy, Vista offers a crew-to-guest ratio of two to three. It also boasts the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, measuring over 27 square meters, as well as new Veranda staterooms on the Concierge Level for solo travelers. Vista's extensive onboard offerings include eight bars, lounges, and entertainment venues, in addition to 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 to be part of this glorious evening in Malta,” said Giada De Laurentiis. “From amazing culinary experiences to thoughtful details throughout, Vista is truly a dream. Cheers to this inaugural season and to everyone sailing aboard her.”.
To further elevate “The Finest Cuisine at Sea®”, the ship features 11 culinary spaces on board, including three new ones such as Aquamar Kitchen, which offers a variety of wellness-inspired dishes, The Bakery at Baristas, which serves tempting freshly baked pastries; and the new signature restaurant, Ember.
With an emphasis on beverage innovation as well as all things culinary, Vista also presents The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the company focused entirely on the art of mixology.
Guests at the christening ceremony enjoyed the opening performance of “Into the Night,” Vista’s dance-centric theatrical show directed by renowned professional dancer and “Dancing with the Stars” choreographer Britt Stewart, before De Laurentiis took to the stage to officially name Vista with the champagne bottle-breaking ceremony against the ship’s hull. VIP attendees were then treated to a concert by headliner and legendary live performer Connick, who delivered 60 minutes of non-stop entertainment. The spectacular evening concluded with celebratory fireworks over Valletta’s historic harbor.
“I’ve had the honor of performing on countless special occasions, but I must say that celebrating the commissioning of this beautiful ship was very special,” said Harry Connick, Jr. “Bon voyage, Vista.”.
After a seven-night round-trip VIP christening cruise, the ship will sail on its inaugural voyage on May 13 from Rome to Venice before embarking on a summer in the Mediterranean. In September, it will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from its homeport of Miami.
The summer 2024 season comprises a series of Grand Voyages in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports in Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Land.
