Oceania Cruises welcomed Vista to the fleet on May 8th 2023 in a glittering christening ceremony in the harbour of Valletta, Malta. The celebration was headlined by the ship’s godmother, Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian-American chef, author, restauranter and Emmy Award-winning food personality.
After the iconic ceremonial Champagne bottle-breaking, guests were treated to a 60-minute performance by award-winning musician Harry Connick Jr alongside a spectacular firework display over Valletta’s historic harbour.
Stunning interiors and harmonious spaces reflect a fresh, new perspective of sailing while faraway lands create fascinating destinations. Experience all this whilst dining on exquisite cuisine and experiencing personalised service onboard Vista.
Cruise Village luxury cruise specialists, Sam Charij and Lesley Macdonald, were lucky enough to experience a few days onboard, before Vista sailed on her inaugural guest sailing.
Here are just a few of their highlights:
First Impressions:
Sam:
From the moment I stepped onboard the brand-new Vista, I realised the ship was the epitome of luxury on the open water. She has a sleek, modern design with amenities to cater to the well-heeled traveller.
We were greeted on board by the ship’s magnificent atrium complete with a sweeping staircase that skirts around a spectacular piece of artwork that subtly changes colour.
As I made my way to my stateroom, I was amazed by the state-of-the art design that showcases this immense vessel.
Lesley:
After 35 years of selling cruises I found myself onboard a ship that quickly became my favourite – the beautiful new addition to the Oceania family, Vista. A distinctive blend of grand spaces and stylish design, definitely one for the bucket list.
First impressions definitely set the tone of the experience ahead. After boarding the cruise you’re first met by the iconic grand staircase which wraps around an incredible crystal pillar.
Accommodation:
Lesley:
We were allocated a concierge level veranda suite with an extra large balcony which jutted out giving us an unrivalled view of the side of the ship. The room itself was spacious, fresh, modern and most importantly very comfortable. The cabin is very well designed, with plenty of storage and incredible amenities including complimentary champagne on arrival, a refillable water bottle, a well stocked fridge and robes. The marble bathroom was equally as beautiful as the room, with Bvlgari toiletries and even more storage (more than I’ve seen in some cabins!).
A Culinary Affair:
Lesley:
Now on to my favourite subject – food. Oceania’s strapline is ‘The finest cuisine at sea’ and it certainly delivers with a variety of open seating restaurants. The Grand Dining room was far superior to any dining room I’ve seen on ship. It was a very relaxing and memorable experience even before any food is served. I had some incredible meals but my personal favourite was in Red Ginger, their Pan Asian restaurant. A theatrical experience that starts with you choosing from the several designs of chopsticks! We thoroughly enjoyed their sharing platter, miso glazed sea bass and their ginger cake (not that we needed it!).
A new addition to the fleet was the Bakery at the Baristas. It was serving on-site freshly baked pastries which were available all day. The other new additions were the Ember restaurant, designed to resemble a Californian bistro. This served light lunches and quick meals leaving you extra time to experience everything the cruise has to offer. The Terrace cafe was my favourite place to enjoy alfresco breakfast and lunch. Oh and the fresh, hand cooked sushi they serve here in the evening, well we had to try it!
Sam:
No detail has been overlooked on Vista when it comes to creating a high-end experience. Vista offers a world of culinary experiences, including the Grand Dining Room which is an incredible, sophisticated experience.
Bars & Amenities:
Sam:
Activity-wise, there was something for everyone, from putting greens and pickleball, to croquet and shuffleboard. Not to mention, the amazing sun deck with ample areas to relax in. Alternatively, take a dip in the pool and hot tubs.
Lesley:
The bars on Vista offered a huge selection of drinks and cocktails. Martinis is a fantastic pre and post dinner bar, with live music and great hospitality. The standout bar had to be Founders. A cocktail bar with the best mixologists providing an incredible experience and equally incredible cocktails – my favourite being the Key Lime Martini!
Final Thoughts:
Sam:
Vista, overall, was amazing and the crew delivered a superb level of personal attention and service from boarding all the way through to disembarkation.
Lesley:
As much as we’d have loved to stay on the cruise for the duration of our visit we couldn’t resist getting off at the fabulous ports of call. A definite wow was waking up in Monte Carlo. We were alongside superyachts with a prime view of the Casino, something that you probably wouldn’t experience on a larger cruise ship.
I can confidently recommend this spectacular ship offering a fantastic experience with every luxury catered for. The attention to detail and the outstanding decor of the Vista left a lasting impression and we will definitely return.
Oceania Cruises’ Vista is 67,000 GRT, 791 feet-long, and has a guest capacity of 1,200. Vista set sail for their inaugural sailing on 13th May 2023 from Rome (Civitavecchia), to embark on a sold-out summer season cruising the Mediterranean.
In September 2023, she will sail to ports of call in Canada and New England. Then she’ll head south for the winter to explore the Caribbean, Bermuda and Mexico from Miami.
Call us on 0800 810 8481 for more information or view our Oceania Cruises Deals here.
