The arrival of Oceania Cruises new Vista is shaping up as one of the most highly anticipated debuts of 2023. Indeed, with new restaurants, reimagined bars and even staterooms for solo cruisers, the excitement about this new luxury cruise ship is hardly surprising.
“Nearly half of the available inventory of Vista’s inaugural season was sold in one day.”
Jason Worth, Vice President Australia & New Zealand for Oceania Cruises.
The 1200-guest Vista will be the first new-build for Oceania Cruises in a decade. In fact, she will be an entirely new class of cruise ship, offering even more space and more upper-premium amenities.
That said, Vista won’t be a revolution in cruise ship design. Rather she will be an evolution of the earlier Oceania-Class vessels. In fact, Vista will borrow and enhance the most popular elements from Marina and Riviera, including the Culinary Centre, Baristas and Martinis bar, while retaining the brand’s hallmark small-ship luxury experience. “We wanted to present a sense of familiarity, imbued with unique elements and fresh perspectives”, Jason Worth told me in an exclusive interview for these pages.
An all-new Martinis and Grand Lounge
The ever popular Martinis bar will get a transformation on Oceania’s Vista, combining a new style and sophistication. Indeed, there will be shimmering glass and custom-made sculpture lighting, something Mr. Worth said is among his favourite new elements on Vista.
The Grand Lounge, a somewhat under-utilised space on Marina and Riviera, will be reimagined on Vista. Its new design will evoke the feeling of a private club with intimate alcoves, not to mention a chic new decor. It will surely tempt guests to linger and unwind before going next door for dinner in the Grand Dining Room.
Refreshed dining scene on Oceania’s Vista
Oceania Cruises have a well deserved reputation for exceptional cuisine. “We have always prided ourselves on delivering an exceptional dining experience for guests with incredible table service, private dining, spaced-out seating arrangements, and innovative, Michelin-star quality menus”, said Mr. Worth. So it is understandable there is great interest in the twelve culinary venues that will feature on Vista. “It’s unprecedented for a ship of its size. Of the twelve, four are brand new and exclusive to Vista”, he continued.
Ember is one of those new restaurants. According to Mr. Worth it is sure to charm with its alluring ambiance, as well as a tantalising menu. “Whether you are looking forward to a leisurely evening of dining or a quick dinner before catching the headline show, Ember is where you want to be”, he said. The tempting menu will include Braised Short Ribs on Polenta, Grilled Swordfish with Asparagus, and Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli.
The array of dining options on Oceania’s Vista will range from informal to the extravagant. All the popular restaurants from the Oceania-Class ships will be there, including the Polo Grill, Toscana and Red Ginger. Not to mention the iconic Grand Dining Room. Jason Worth told me that every dining space has undergone a dramatic re-inspiration, from décor to table settings and menu offerings.
Vista’s new staterooms for solo cruisers
Solo cruisers can look forward to an entirely new experience on Vista with the introduction of solo staterooms.
In a first for Oceania Cruises, Vista will feature the new category of Solo Concierge Veranda Staterooms. Each of these Staterooms is surprisingly spacious. There will be a sitting area overlooking a private veranda, as well as a separate sleeping area.
According to Mr. Worth, almost all the Solo Concierge Veranda Staterooms are sold out on the inaugural season. It’s testament to the growing demand for solo cruising.
Redesigned bathrooms in every stateroom
Jason Worth also told me that every stateroom on Vista will set new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury. Indeed, the bathrooms have come in for particular attention. “All staterooms feature beautifully appointed bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers, large vanities, and copious storage space”, he said.
Luxury lifestyles in the big suites
Almost all of the big suites on Vista are also sold out for the inaugural season. These include the Vista and Owner’s Suites which boast separate bedrooms, as well as palatial living spaces and terrace-style verandas. “The Owner’s Suites have been very popular with guests looking to travel in luxury on their next cruise holiday”, said Jason Worth.
Indeed, the Owner’s Suites will be the last word in sea-going indulgence. With Ralph Lauren Home furnishings, signature decorative elements and walls of glass to amplify the sense of light and space.
Who books an Oceania Vista cruise?
Vista’s inaugural season is almost booked out, thanks largely to the enthusiasm of those who’ve previously sailed with the cruise line. That said, 30% of all Vista bookings have come from new-to-brand guests.
Jason Worth, who has sailed seven Oceania voyages, told me their guests have a wealth of travel experience. “They are discerning and well-educated past cruisers who lead an active lifestyle. Our guests typically enjoy longer voyages and immersing themselves in new cultures, experiences, and have a penchant for the finest quality food and wine.”
So it would seem that Vista is sure to please. There will be fine cuisine, a wide range of dining options and destination-immersive itineraries. Not to mention the authenticity and personalisation for which Oceania Cruises is famous. “Vista exemplifies that, delivering the finest cuisine at sea and exceptionally personalised service, with two staff members for every three guests”, Mr. Worth added.
For more information visit the Vista page on the Oceania Cruises website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
