Giada De
Laurentiis, Celebrity Chef and Godmother to Vista, Christens
Line's First Ship in
More Than a Decade;
Acclaimed Musician Harry Connick, Jr. Delivers
Unforgettable
Performance at Portside Gala
Ceremony in Valletta,
Malta
IMAGES
MIAMI, May 9, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary-
and destination-focused cruise line, last night christened its
newest ship Vista at a glittering ceremony in Valletta, Malta. The first of the line's
Allura Class vessels, the stunning
1,200-guest, all-veranda ship made her debut with a star-studded
celebration headlined by her godmother, celebrated Italian-American
chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality
Giada De Laurentiis, and an
exclusive performance from legendary Grammy and Emmy award-winning
musician Harry Connick, Jr.
"We have been eagerly awaiting this historic day as we christen
our first new 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 aligns with
Vista's impeccable onboard experience, which features a
stunning design, exceptional entertainment, top-notch service and
innovative culinary delights. We are so thankful to our team
members and partners worldwide who have worked tirelessly to bring
us to Vista's grand debut."
At 791 feet (241 meters) long and more than 67,000 tons with
capacity for 1,200 guests at double occupancy, Vista offers
a market-leading staffing ratio with two crew members for every
three guests. She also boasts the most spacious standard staterooms
at sea, which measure more than 290 square feet, plus new Concierge
Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travelers. Setting new standards
for comfort and residential-style luxury, she features all-veranda
accommodations. Vista's elevated variety of onboard
activities include eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues
plus 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 be a part of this glorious night in
Malta," said Giada De Laurentiis. "From amazing culinary
experiences to thoughtful details at every turn, Vista is
truly a dream ship. Cheers to this inaugural season and to everyone
who sails aboard her."
Continuing to elevate The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Vista
features 11 onboard culinary venues including three which are new
to Vista. These include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array
of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery
at Baristas, serving tempting freshly baked pastries; and new
signature restaurant, Ember.
With an emphasis on innovating for drinks, as well as all things
culinary, Vista is also introducing The Casino Mixology Bar,
a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the
cocktail.
As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to
be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' authentic Italian specialty
restaurant evolved from rich family traditions, as well as The
Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line's culinary
venues.
Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to the opening
performance of "Into the Night," Vista's dance-centric
theatrical show led by renowned "Dancing with the Stars" pro dancer
and choreographer Britt Stewart,
before De Laurentiis took the stage to officially name and christen
Vista with the ceremonial Champagne bottle break across the
ship's hull. VIP attendees then enjoyed a concert by headliner and
legendary live performer Connick, who delivered 60 minutes of
non-stop entertainment. The spectacular evening ended with
celebratory fireworks over Valletta's historic harbor.
"I've been honored to perform at countless special occasions but
have to say that celebrating this beautiful ship's entry into
service was extra special," said Harry
Connick, Jr. "Bon voyage, Vista."
Following the seven-night roundtrip VIP christening cruise,
Vista will sail her maiden voyage on May 13 from Rome
to Venice before embarking on a
sold out summer in the Mediterranean. In September, she will
sail to Canada and New England
before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring
Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from her homeport of
Miami.
Vista's 2024 summer season will see her sail a series of
Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic
Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller
boutique ports throughout Italy,
Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands. A full overview of
Vista's 2023 and 2024 itineraries can be found at
OceaniaCruises.com.
For more information about Oceania Cruises, visit our website
here, call 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) or contact a professional
Travel Advisor.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world's leading culinary- and
destination-focused cruise line. The line's seven small, luxurious
ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests and feature The Finest
Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the
globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the
designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and
boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents on
voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. The brand has
a second 1,200-guest newbuild, Allura, on order for delivery
in 2025. With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian
Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading
global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania
Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading
global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line,
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a
combined fleet of 29 ships with over 60,000 berths, these brands
offer itineraries to approximately 500 destinations worldwide. The
Company has eight additional ships scheduled for delivery across
its three brands.
CAPTIONS
0860: Harry Sommer, President and
Chief Executive Officer Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd -
Elect
0932: Frank A. Del Rio, President of
Oceania Cruises
0953: Frank A. Del Rio, President of
Oceania Cruises
0986: Frank del Rio, President and
Chief Executive Officer Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
1002: The glittering pier-side ceremony took place in Valletta, Malta
1035: Frank and Marcia del Rio
1077: Captain Luca Manzi, master of
Oceania Cruises' Vista
1095: Archbishop Scicluna
1114: Rabbi Segal
1145: Marcia duel Rio & godmother of Vista Giada De Laurentiis
1149: Marcia del Rio & godmother
of Vista Giada De
Laurentiis
1181: Giada de Laurentiis pulls the
lever to smash the ceremonial bottle of champagne on Vista's
bow
1216: Frank del Rio and the event
emcee Lesley John, Oceania Cruises'
first cruise director, who has officiated at every single
Christening event
1355: Fireworks light up Valletta Harbor
0865: Harry Connick Jnr
0886: Harry Connick Jnr
1268: Harry Connick Jnr
1289: Harry Connick Jnr
1312: Harry Connick Jnr
1318: Harry Connick Jnr
1340: Group Image with Harry Connick Jnr, the Del Rio family and the Sommer family
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SOURCE Oceania Cruises