oceania cruises vista

Vista cruise ship review: What to expect on Oceania’s first Allura-class ship

"Is this a luxury cruise ship?" That was the question on everyone's lips during the maiden sailing of Oceania Cruises' Vista, the first new Allura-class vessel to debut for the upscale cruise brand.

We gawked at the beautifully designed public spaces, with their detail-oriented accents, eye-catching light fixtures and highly textured materials. (Yes, I petted the walls of the elevators and stroked every chair.) We luxuriated in enormous standard cabin bathrooms and sumptuous Tranquility Beds. We dined on exquisite freshly made pasta, perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts. We ordered smoked, bubbled, herbed and ice-balled cocktails at the ship's craft cocktail bar and took photos of each creative concoction.

Vista is clearly a ship for travelers who love to explore new destinations, prioritize fine dining and premium beverages and immerse themselves in chic surroundings. However, in the cruise space, this ship is clearly in the upscale category and not true luxury.

Then again, when you're curled up on a circular day bed, drink in hand, on a resort-style pool deck in the Mediterranean, Vista might just provide all the luxury you need.

Overview of Vista

Vista debuted in May 2023, the first new ship for Oceania Cruises in a decade and the flagship of the line's new Allura class. It carries 1,200 passengers in cabins and suites that all have either a true balcony or a French veranda (meaning you can open doors to the fresh air but can't step outside).

The ship's target demographic is well-off, mature couples who are looking for destination-focused itineraries on a ship with elevated dining. For a small, 67,000-ton ship, Vista wows with eight restaurants, plus a bakery and private dining rooms for wine-paired meals. It also stands out for its expanded Culinary Center, for cooking classes and demos, and Artist Loft, where passengers can get crafty under the tutelage of resident artists.

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Fans of the line will appreciate that Vista is modeled from sister ships Marina and Riviera, and the layout is strikingly similar.

Vista is not an all-inclusive ship, but it's more inclusive than lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Holland America. Its fares cover all dining (except for private, wine-paired dinners), fitness classes, nonalcoholic beverages and in-port shuttles. Its booking promotions may offer additional inclusions, like free Wi-Fi, airfare, excursions, beverage package or shipboard credit.

What I loved about Vista

Dining choice.

Some people love to return again and again to their favorite restaurants; others prefer to try a new venue every time. I fall into the latter category, so I loved that I could eat at a different restaurant each night of my cruise on Vista.

I could get dolled up and go to a steakhouse or Italian restaurant, or I could play it casual and eat on the buffet's outdoor terrace or at the pizzeria. I could enjoy a multi-course sit-down lunch or take my pick of eight burgers at the grill. Vista also had plenty of options for between-meal grazing – a quiche from the Bakery, a scone at Horizons' afternoon tea, or a cookie from the Concierge Lounge.

Not only did Vista's large selection of eateries keep my meals interesting, but there wasn't a bad option in the bunch. Sure, sometimes I didn't order the right dish, but I enjoyed every meal I ate on board.

Vista will wow you with its gorgeous looks from the moment you step on board. The atrium gives a knockout first impression with its stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display.

The bold center archway of the Grand Dining Room will immediately catch your eye, as will the ceiling design of the intimate Privee dining room. Each specialty restaurant has been designed with care, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.

The noteworthy Grand Lounge sports geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures, while the faux wood paneling on the pool deck sets it apart from any cruise ship Lido you've ever seen. The glam settings make you feel like you're a movie star and add to the decadent feeling of being on vacation.

Cocktails and mixology program

The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features. I happily ordered cocktail after craft cocktail at the Founders Bar in the name of research, trying drinks with smoke bubbles on top, frozen fruit balls in their center and unique ingredients (like tea) in their centers. The concept turns your standard pre-dinner drink into a playful and exciting event. It also makes a ship carrying mainly retirees feel hip and trendy.

Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic "liquors" to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like the real deal, as well as nonalcoholic beer. It's a fabulous option for sober cruisers or travelers who need to rest their livers after a lively evening. Unfortunately, not all bars carry nonalcoholic cocktails. On my cruise, I found them on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge.

What I didn't love about Vista

I failed to find anything serious to critique about Vista, so what I didn't love about the ship is more about my personality than any real failing of the cruise line.

Evenings on Vista do not offer a variety of pursuits. You can go to a bar, with or without music. You can try your luck at the casino. You can attend the one show each evening, but only if your dinner time allows for it. That's pretty much it.

My cruise did not offer karaoke night, evening trivia and games, or a pool deck party. I missed the two special-guest acts, a pianist and a guitarist, and the song-and-dance performances by the onboard cast failed to impress. The ship didn't offer any secondary shows at night — no comedians or musical acts you came to listen to and not talk over.

To be fair, small-ship upscale cruising isn't about nightlife, and most travelers on Oceania are perfectly content with a long dinner, an evening dancing or drinking in Horizons and an early bedtime. The library does have some board games you can borrow, so consider that as an alternative activity.

One should never judge a ship's service based on its first sailings when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new ship. I mention service solely to answer the question of why Vista isn't considered a luxury ship.

In terms of hardware, Vista is one fine ship, which rivals the vessels belonging to luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, even nipping at the heels of over-the-top sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It's in the "software," so to speak, where the line relegates itself to the upscale sector. And that's fine.

In addition to not offering truly all-inclusive fares, Vista doesn't offer the personal, often fawning service you find on true luxury lines. I barely met my room steward. No one offered to carry my plate at the buffet. The chefs weren't offering to make me dishes off-menu, and on occasion, I had to work to flag down a waiter to bring me a drink. Personally, I'm fine with this level of service, but it does not put Vista in competition with ultra-luxury ships.

The few service issues will improve over time. But Vista, by nature, will never offer the crew-to-guest ratio or over-the-top service levels you'd expect to find on a more expensive cruise line.

Vista cabins and suites

Vista has only eight major cabin and suite types, making cabin selection a relatively straightforward process. Its three main non-suite cabin types – French Veranda, Veranda and Concierge Level staterooms – have identical interior layouts, so you're really only choosing between perks and exterior space.

New and noteworthy on Vista are Oceania's first dedicated solo cabins, 270-square-foot balcony cabins with a twin bed, smaller bathroom and slightly narrower design than a regular veranda room. They're Concierge Level rooms, so solo travelers get extra benefits, such as access to the Concierge Lounge and Aquamar Spa Terrace.

My cabin was a regular Concierge Level room with a private veranda. At 291 square feet, it was the same size as a Veranda room, but with a slightly nicer interior design. (French Veranda rooms are identical to Veranda rooms in design, but where the Veranda cabins have a private balcony, French Veranda rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing; you can get fresh air but you can't step out.)

I was very happy in my Concierge Level room on Vista. Oceania's Tranquility Beds are some of the best in the business, and I loved falling asleep between a snuggly duvet and 1,000-thread-count sheets. Even better, the bed is flanked by three-drawer nightstands, 100V plugs and USB ports and reading lights.

Storage is decent with a two-door closet, two deep drawers in the desk, two coat hooks on the wall and a few additional shelves. It was the perfect amount of space for me, but I could see how a couple might fight over the drawer space.

The room had a mostly forgettable love seat, other than it looked nice and pulled out into an extra bed. The oval marble table was a perfect size for room service breakfast.

The highlight of the room, in my opinion, was the spacious, marble-tiled bathroom. Here, there was storage in spades: two glass shelves in the large shower, one large drawer and shelf space in the vanity and a corner unit with four deep drawers and three shelves in a mirrored cabinet. The shower had a rain head and a wand on an adjustable mount. The large no-fog mirror lit up at the touch of a button, perfect for putting on makeup.

I also appreciated the comfortable, padded balcony furniture. Standard balconies on Vista come with two upright chairs and a round drinks table, but the cushions made the seating comfier than the mesh-and-metal versions you find on many big-ship cruise lines.

Other thoughtful touches in the room include an electronic thermometer and do not disturb sign touchpad, quiet-close drawers, wooden hangers and carafes of Vero water, plus reusable water bottles to take on tour (to reduce single-use plastic water bottles). The mini fridge was stocked with soft drinks, though my cabin attendant didn't seem to notice that I was drinking exclusively club soda. You'll also find the requisite safe and hair dryer (neither of which I used), an umbrella and a shoehorn.

Concierge Level rooms come with extra perks, most of which are useful but not necessary. You get access to the lovely Aquamar Spa Terrace, with its hot tubs, day beds and thalassotherapy pool. You also get access to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9; I don't know why you'd want to watch TV in this windowless lounge, but I appreciated the 24/7 drinks and snacks and access to a concierge.

Other amenities include a welcome bottle of Champagne, pashmina-style cashmere lap blankets for use in your cabin and a tote bag. Perks include priority embarkation, lunch and dinner room service from the Grand Dining Room menu (I totally missed this one), priority specialty restaurant reservations, and complimentary laundry (up to three bags), pressing (on embarkation day) and shoeshine service.

For those with an urge to splurge, Oceania has four additional suite categories, each with butler service and access to an Executive Lounge. The Penthouse Suites are simply an expanded version of the balcony rooms, with additional closet and seating areas. The Oceania Suites have a full living and dining room, a separate guest or TV room, large balcony, guest bathroom and marble-clad master bath and dressing area. They are mostly found on Deck 12, but two on Deck 11 aft have wraparound corner balconies.

The eight Vista Suites, which I didn't see, are even bigger than the Oceania Suites and located at the front of the ship, so they have extra-long wraparound balconies. The three Owner's Suites span the entire aft width of the ship, with two balconies, and are designed by Ralph Lauren Home. A light-filled grand foyer opens onto the living, dining and bar area on one side and the enormous master bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet and generous bathroom with soaking tub and ocean-view shower.

Vista restaurants and bars

Oceania prides itself on being a foodie cruise line, and Vista carries on the line's tradition with six major dining venues included in the cruise fare, over-the-top extra-fee wine-paired private dinners and a new mixology program that goes above and beyond what its competitors are offering.

It's hard not to nitpick a line that brags it has "the finest cuisine at sea" (and has even trademarked that tagline). Each meal may not be the best you've ever had on a cruise ship, but each meal you have will be solid, with plenty of choice of both where to dine and what to select from the menu. Vista is certainly a ship foodies will appreciate.

Restaurants

I made a point to try every restaurant on board during my weeklong cruise, and it actually took some scheduling to make it happen. It's a good thing most of Vista's sailings are 10 days or longer, so you have ample time to sample all the dining venues and even make repeat visits to your favorites.

You are allowed to make at least one advance reservation for each of Vista's four specialty restaurants — possibly more depending on the length of the cruise and the type of cabin or suite you book. Once on board, you can ask if there's walk-in availability for additional meals.

The Grand Dining Room is perhaps the most gorgeous main restaurant I've ever seen on a cruise ship. The design, with white archways in the center of the room, is also functional; it separates the giant venue into nooks, so it doesn't have that hotel ballroom feel.

At breakfast, you can order everything from grilled lamb chops and broiled kippers to omelets, pancakes and lighter fare, such as yogurt parfaits. The highlight of the lunch menu is the "Taste of the World" sampler platter themed around a different country each day.

The dinner menu makes three suggestions for themed meals: selections from Jacques Pepin's namesake French restaurant on Vista's sister ships, global cuisine and Aquamar Vitality cuisine (ie lighter dishes). Don't miss the creative Humphry Slocombe ice cream for dessert, with flavors like Elvis the Fat Years and Harvey Milk & Honey Graham.

The Terrace Café is Vista's buffet venue with indoor and outdoor seating. The stunning wall mosaics set the tone for the sophisticated spread you can sample here. Think daily sushi, an array of fine cheeses, made-to-order omelets, pasta and steaks and premium ice cream (including one Humphry Slocombe flavor at lunch and dinner). The vegetarian options weren't always the best at the Terrace Café, though it often had gluten-free pasta.

On either side of the Terrace Café are several new and returning casual dining venues that should not be overlooked.

Waves Grill has always been one of my favorite grill venues at sea. Midday, it serves sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled entrees (mahi mahi, cajun chicken) and a huge selection of burgers, including Wagyu, veggie and salmon, in addition to the classic cheeseburger.

In the morning, it offers a downsized breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. At night, it transforms into a pizzeria with Italian-style pizza, a burrata menu (do not miss the burrata and tartufo dish) and a sinful Nutella pizza dessert. Pro tip: You can place an order at Waves and ask for your dish to be delivered to your table at the Terrace Café, so you don't have to choose between the options.

Past Oceania cruisers might wonder where Waves' famous smoothies and power bowls got to. The answer is Vista's new "healthy" dining venue, Aquamar, set up on the opposite side of the Terrace Café from the Waves Grill.

In the morning, don't miss Aquamar's selection of avocado toast or its freshly made juices, unusual lattes and smoothies. (You haven't lived until you've spiked your morning OJ with turmeric and cayenne pepper.) Energy bowls, banana pancakes and omelets round out the breakfast menu.

The lunch menu at Aquamar is vast. You can order poke-style bowls or compose your own, do a breakfast repeat with omelets and avocado toast, or order sandwiches from around the world, including tuna tacos, falafel pita, a Mexican chicken wrap or an Impossible burger. Wash it all down with a nonalcoholic cocktail that will have you convinced you're drinking the real thing.

All the previously mentioned restaurants allow you to dine at will, but Vista has four reservations-required dinner spots that are the stars of the show. Three return from sister ships Marina and Riviera, while one is new, replacing French restaurant Jacques.

The new entrant to Oceania's food scene is Ember, serving inventive American fare. Though the venue is one of Vista's signature restaurants, it has a more casual vibe than the others, and meals here don't take quite as long. Consensus on my sailing is the standout dishes are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster mac and cheese (with an actual hunk of lobster-in-the-shell on top) and the triple chocolate brownie sundae.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Polo Grill, Vista's fanciest restaurant, where dinners can take hours. It's a classic steakhouse in a dimly lit setting with an enormous menu where protein is the star.

While it was perhaps not my favorite dining venue on board, the salmon I ordered was cooked perfectly, so moist and tender that I raved about it for the rest of the cruise. Folks at my table ordered everything from filet mignon to a whole Maine lobster, and everyone was satisfied with their choices.

Also, you may be understandably tempted to order the Polo Quartet of four desserts to finish your meal. I will save you the trouble by telling you the key lime pie is hands down the best of the bunch, and you should order the full-size version and skip the tasting plate.

Toscana is Oceania's long-standing Italian restaurant, but on Vista, it's newly enhanced with dishes created by the ship's godmother, Italian food star Giada De Laurentiis. If you enjoy veal, this is your spot; nearly half of the secondi menu consists of veal dishes (you can also order lamb and roast suckling pig here). I tried Giada's branzino and wasn't wowed.

Whatever you order, make sure to order at least one pasta dish with Toscana's incredible ship-made pasta. You can't go wrong with Giada's lemon spaghetti or the pesto gnocchi. If you need to skip dessert at one specialty restaurant, this is where I'd pass … unless you are a die-hard tiramisu fan.

The final specialty restaurant is Red Ginger, a pan-Asian dining experience. Perhaps it's because I love Asian food, but I have a hard time choosing what to eat at Red Ginger because everything looks so good. You could make a meal on appetizers alone.

To start, try the sushi, duck and watermelon salad or summer rolls. For your main, consider the miso-glazed sea bass, lobster pad thai, bulgogi ribeye steak or red curry chicken. You might think dessert is a non-starter, but the caramel tapioca was tasty, and the soft ice cream with Japanese togarashi is a fun mix of sweet and spicy.

Vista also offers multiple options for intimate or private wine-pairing lunches and dinners on board. They include a wine-pairing lunch at Ember and wine-themed dinners in private dining rooms attached to Toscana and Polo Grill. Hidden between those two restaurants is Privee, another intimate dining room where two special dinners are held: Odyssey (described as a "gustatory journey for the senses") and the Dom Perignon Experience that pairs special Champagnes with equally special dishes.

But the food options don't end with the restaurants. The Bakery by Baristas was a popular spot for daily beignets, quiches and pastries. Afternoon tea in Horizons is an Oceania specialty, with your choice of Twinings tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, tea sandwiches and cakes and petits fours all wheeled around in glass carts by formally dressed waiters.

Vista's bars are hopping before and after dinner because there's not much else to do on board at night.

The Martini Bar is the most happening lounge, located near the Grand Dining Room, several specialty restaurants and the casino. A pianist performs here on and off throughout the evening. You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, as well as a special martini menu. At peak times, you might not be able to find a seat.

On the other side of the casino is the Founders Bar, a new concept for Oceania, dedicated to creative craft cocktails. If you like your drinks topped with smoke bubbles, frozen balls of fruit or sprigs of herb or dried fruit slices, this is your spot. Seating is limited, but you can request your drink be delivered around the corner to the Grand Lounge, a stunning scenery area where a classical string quartet plays in the evening.

Be careful — it's so fun trying out all the crazy concoctions that you might bust your drink budget if you haven't upgraded to the premium beverage package.

Horizons is the observation lounge at the top of the ship, looking forward. We heard rave reviews of the live band here and some choice words about the resident DJ, but if you want to watch the sunset or get your groove on after deck, Horizons is the bar for you.

Baristas is the coffee bar by day and aperitif bar by night. Get your daytime caffeine fix with Illy espresso, macchiatos, cremas and more, including coffees spiked with booze. After 6 p.m., you'll find an Italian-influenced list of aperitifs and digestifs (amaretto, Campari, limoncello), as well as wines and cocktails (such as an Aperol spritz or negroni).

The pool bar serves all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink while lounging on Vista's gorgeous, resort-style pool deck. You can also order drinks at any of the restaurants. Aquamar has a lovely menu of nonalcoholic cocktails, fresh juices, lattes and smoothies.

Vista is also introducing new immersive cocktail experiences for the cruise line, which unfortunately had not yet debuted on my sailing. These will include a customizable Bubbly Bar in Baristas, a Bloody Mary Bar at lunch in the Terrace Café, a Macallan whisky and chocolate pairing, and cocktail-making seminars pairing Brugal 1888 rum with ice cream or tea.

Vista activities and shows

An Oceania cruise is a destination-focused trip, so onboard activities are kept to a minimum. You'll find trivia contests, spa seminars, casino tournaments and technology classes at the LYNC Digital Center, such as travel photography and photo editing for social media.

Where Oceania excels in onboard activities are with cooking classes and demos in the Culinary Center and art classes at the Artist Loft. Oceania brings on real chefs and working artists to lead the workshops. Sign up as soon as you get on board because these popular classes fill up quickly.

I tried a "drip technique" painting class where we decorated glass plates, and it was a far cry from the watercolor or needlepoint classes you might find on other ships. The two-part class explored a unique technique, and even though I'm not experienced in crafting and my plate looked pretty bad after the first class, the artist knew what he was doing, and my final product was surprisingly good. It's also a fun way to socialize with other passengers and the artists in residence.

Vista's culinary center is three times larger than the versions found on sister ships Marina and Riviera. In addition to the test kitchen with 24 individual cooking stations, a second room can be arranged for lectures or even dinners. Classes are themed, often related to the ship's destination, and yes, you can eat what you cook. They do cost extra; fees start at $79.

On a warm, sunny day, Oceania's gorgeous resort-style pool deck is the place to be with padded loungers and day beds, a main pool with a wading area around it and a couple of hot tubs. Sporty types should head to the ship's topmost half decks for an outdoor running track, shuffleboard, croquet/bocce, pickleball, mini-golf and a golf-driving cage.

The Aquamar Spa on Deck 15 offers a barber shop, salon, fitness center with aerobics studio and sauna and steam rooms in the men's and women's locker rooms. Concierge Level and suite guests receive complimentary access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace at the front of the ship, with two hot tubs and a thalassotherapy pool.

If it's cool and rainy, consider decamping to the nook- and book-filled library, where you can borrow games, settle in with your laptop or peruse guidebooks. Baristas is right around the corner. The ship also has the requisite shops selling fine jewelry and logo items.

In the evenings, you can find a singer-pianist in Martinis, a string quartet in the Grand Lounge and a band followed by a DJ in Horizons. I heard great things about Vista's Music Station Band, but somehow I was always eating dinner when they were performing.

Each night, there's a show in the Vista Lounge, either a guest performer or a typical cruise ship song and dance show by the onboard performers. One of the new shows on Vista was choreographed by Britt Stewart, a professional dancer who's worked with "Dancing with the Stars."

Vista itineraries and pricing

Vista will spend its summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. In fall 2023, the ship will also visit Canada and New England and transit the Panama Canal twice. Cruises range in length from seven to 90 days, but most are one to three weeks in length.

Cruise-only prices start from $1,799 for a French Veranda cabin or $2,049 for the lowest-category balcony room on a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Alternatively, you can choose Oceania's more inclusive and expensive OLife fares; these start from $2,599 for the French Veranda cabin or $2,849 for a regular balcony room.

The current OLife promotion runs through June 30 and includes round-trip airfare and transfers, plus your choice of four shore excursions, a beverage package or $400 onboard credit per cabin. Starting in July, the line will offer a set of included perks, without the need to choose, but the actual inclusions may change during promotional periods.

What to know before you go

Required documents

The travel documents you need for your Vista cruise are determined by your itinerary and homeports. For most cruises, you will need a passport that is valid for six months after your trip ends. For round-trip sailings out of U.S. homeports, a birth certificate and government photo ID will suffice. It's up to each passenger to determine if any of the ports of call require additional visas.

When you finish checking in online for your cruise, Oceania will email you a boarding pass that you should print out and bring with you to the terminal.

Crew gratuities are added to your onboard bill and amount to $18 per person, per day, in Concierge-class rooms and below, or $23 per person, per day, in upper-level suites. Gratuities can be prepaid. You are always welcome to tip above the auto-gratuity for exceptional service. All tour guides should be tipped in cash at the end of a tour.

A 20% gratuity is added to onboard bar and spa bills.

Vista is one of the first Oceania cruise ships to use Starlink high-speed internet. I can attest to the speed of Oceania's premium plan after attending a 90-minute Zoom meeting with only the slightest of lag.

Every cabin comes with one free Wi-Fi login (for one device at a time), or you can pay to add additional devices or for the premium plan that accommodates music and video streaming.

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can bring up to six bottles of wine per cabin for consumption in their room. If you wish to drink your own wine in a restaurant or public area of the ship, you will need to pay a $25 per bottle corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Vista offers designated areas on the Deck 12 pool deck (forward, starboard corner) and in the smoking lounge on Deck 14 forward, outside Horizons. The latter is a gorgeous space with forest-green walls, but it is entirely indoors. This policy applies to e-cigarettes, pipes and cigars, in addition to regular cigarettes.

Smoking is forbidden everywhere else on board, including in cabins and on private balconies. Passengers who are caught in violation of the smoking policy will be disembarked at the next port of call and may also be required to pay additional fees to cover costs for cleaning or replacing damaged furniture or decking.

Vista has complimentary self-service launderettes on decks 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each is outfitted with a detergent dispenser, washers and dryers, an ironing board and a seating area with a TV if you choose to wait for your load to finish. You can walk away while your load runs, but set a timer because folks will remove your clothes if you don't pick them up in a timely fashion.

Alternatively, you can pay to send out your clothes to have them washed and/or pressed.

Electrical outlets

Vista's cabins and suites offer electrical outlets and USB ports on both sides of the bed and by the desk. You'll find both U.S. 110V and European 220V outlets. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. The reception desk can change dollars for the local currency.

Drinking age

You must be 21+ to drink alcohol onboard all Oceania cruises. When the ship is in international waters, young adults ages 18 to 20 may purchase and drink beer or wine (as well as the House Select beverage package).

Oceania does not have a complicated dress code with specific attire required on certain evenings. Instead, the line suggests "elegant casual resort wear" for evenings and requests that guests do not wear casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, casual sandals or sneakers in the restaurants after 6 p.m.

For casual dining, choose the Pizzeria or Terrace Café for your evening meal. Shorts and baseball caps are allowed; athletic wear is not.

Elegant casual resort wear translates into date-night dresses (but not full-on cocktail attire), skirts and blouses or dressy pants and tops for women, and collared shirts and slacks for men. Jackets and ties are not required.

During the day, casual attire is fine, but please don't wear swimwear, bathrobes or pajamas in public areas. You'll need footwear if you leave the pool deck.

Bottom line

Vista is an elegant mid-size cruise ship that's the perfect home base for travelers who appreciate dining variety, enjoy interesting cocktails and fine wines and wish to explore the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Cabins and suites are thoughtfully designed, though, for longer voyages, you might need to take advantage of onboard launderettes as cabin storage might be tight.

Vista offers a high-end experience on a beautifully designed ship, but you'll have a choice in how you spend your vacation budget rather than paying upfront for all-inclusive fares.

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Oceania Cruises' Vista

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The Pinnacle of Perfection

The avowed crème de la crème of accommodations, our Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites, Oceania Suites and Penthouse Suites are studies in perfection. Their grandeur and spaciousness are truly astonishing. Guests who desire only the best need not look further than these extravagant suites. Simply ring the Butler for exclusive services that include garment pressing and serving your dinner in-suite and revel in the fact that the Oceania Cruises’ Vista suite experience has no peer.

Owner's Suite

• Suite Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 2,200 to 2,400
• Deck(s): 8, 9, 10

Vista’s Owner’s Suites span the full beam of the ship and showcase sweeping walls of glass that celebrate the stunning seaside views. These sun-filled retreats feature luxurious fabrics, designer furnishings and thoughtful touches that exude opulence yet call on familiar comforts to create the ultimate home at sea. Savor an in-suite dinner in the elegant dining room and then indulge in convivial conversation within the stylish comfort of the inviting living area. In the spacious master bedroom, bask in sublime relaxation with a plush king-size bed and a master bath featuring spa-caliber facilities. Expansive verandas off both the living room and master bedroom promise moments of cherished privacy as you survey the world from the pinnacle of luxurious living.

+ Owner’s Suite square footage varies according to deck location.

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Owner's Suite Privileges

In addition to Stateroom Amenities

• Complimentary laundry service – up to 3 bags per stateroom +
• Priority 11 am ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery
• Exclusive card-only access to private Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day
• 24-hour Butler service
• Complimentary in-suite bar setup with 6 full-size bottles of premium spirits and wines from our suite beverage menu
• Complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne
• Fresh fruit basket replenished daily
• Priority online specialty restaurant reservations
• Unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace
• Optional private in-suite embarkation day lunch from noon to 2 pm in Owner’s Suites
• Customized entertainment system
• Luxury bath amenities
• Choice of daily printed newspaper
• Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag and personalized stationery
• Cashmere lap blankets
• Choice of pillow from a luxurious selection
• Complimentary shoeshine service
• Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation ++

+ Up to 20 garments per laundry bag; additional restrictions apply. ++ Certain limitations apply.

Smoking in suites, staterooms and on verandas is strictly prohibited.

Vista Suite

• Suite Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 1,450-1,850 / 161-171
• Deck(s): 8, 9, 10, 12

Offering the loftiest of locations that afford sweeping 180-degree views and 1,450 to 1,850 square feet of living space, the eight Vista Suites are designed to be the ultimate seaside villas. Swathed in subtle tones that pay deference to the sea and sky and accented by luminescent marbles, granites and rich weathered oak, each is a true retreat. The airy living room is flanked by a handsome dining room and bar area, which feature commanding views and open onto the expansive teak veranda. An extravagant master suite features a capacious wardrobe room and dressing area adjacent to the oversized and sunlit master bathroom complete with porcelain soaking tub. Vista Suites offer an additional layer of pampering with 24-hour Butler service and access to the suites-only Executive Lounge.

Vista Suite Privileges

Oceania suite.

• Suite Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 1,000-1,200 / 89-109
• Deck(s): 11, 12

Spacious and sophisticated with a metropolitan flair, the 14 Oceania Suites are situated in prime locations atop the ship to offer unparalleled views. Averaging approximately 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, each radiates an ambiance of exquisite residential luxury. Thoughtfully appointed living and dining spaces, including the oversized private teak veranda, invite gracious entertaining while the master bedroom provides the perfect retreat for relaxation with its grand king-size bed, dressing room and opulent marble-clad bathroom. Each home away from home features the added luxury of a cozy study or guest studio and guest bathroom. Oceania Suites offer a dedicated Butler and keycard access to the suites-only Executive Lounge.

Oceania Suite Privileges

• Priority 11 am ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery

Penthouse Suite

• Suite Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 440 / 41
• Deck(s): 7, 10, 11

PH1 | PH2 | PH3

An overabundance of space and elevated levels of luxury define the Penthouse Suite experience. Ingenious design and tony furnishings punctuate the space, which is resplendent in rich upholstery, fine leathers and stunning works of art. Measuring 440 square feet, Penthouse Suites feature the added luxuries of a walk-in closet, an oversized bathroom with dual vanities and of course, a large private veranda overlooking the sea. Penthouse guests also have unlimited use of the sublime Aquamar Spa Terrace along with Butler service and keycard access to the suites-only Executive Lounge with a dedicated Concierge.

Penthouse Suite Privileges

Upgrade Your Experience

Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer an unrivaled combination of luxury, privilege and value. A wealth of benefits, such as room service from The Grand Dining Room and free laundry services, elevates the experience to the sublime. On board Vista, you will also have the services of a dedicated Concierge and private Concierge Lounge access. Located in the most desired of locations, each Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom is much more than simply a stateroom – it’s an experience.

Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom

• Stateroom Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 291 / 27
• Deck(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

A1 | A2 | A3 | A4

Vista’s Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms envelop guests in lavish comfort. Shades of cream and rich fawn set the tone for a luxuriant respite with an extravagantly dressed queen-size Tranquility Bed, sumptuously comfortable sitting area and a private veranda to take in the marvels of the surrounding seascapes. All feature extraordinary closet and storage space, and a marble bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower. A wealth of additional amenities, such as a dedicated Concierge Lounge, unlimited use of the Aquamar Spa Terrace, room service from The Grand Dining Room and free laundry services, elevates the experience to the sublime.

Exclusive Concierge Privileges

• Expanded lunch and dinner room service menu from The Grand Dining Room
• Exclusive card-only access to private Concierge Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day
• Unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace
• Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag
• Cashmere lap blankets, perfect for relaxing on your veranda
• Complimentary pressing of garment upon embarkation ++

Concierge Level Solo Veranda Stateroom

• Stateroom Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 270 / 25

Solo travelers have a fresh reason to delight in this new category of stateroom designed exclusively for them. Spacious and airy yet cozy, each features all of the comforts and luxuries world travelers expect. Concierge Level Solo Veranda Staterooms offer a sitting area overlooking the private veranda, separate sleeping area with a sumptuously comfortable Tranquility Bed and copious storage space. Solo guests, like all sailing in Concierge Level, receive an astonishing array of amenities such as free laundry service and keycard access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge and unlimited use of the sublime Aquamar Spa Terrace.

• Priority noon ship embarkation 

Exquisitely Elegant Staterooms

Space is perhaps the ultimate luxury, and that is something all our accommodations provide in lavish excess. Defined by their elegance, our staterooms feature tasteful furnishings and a serene ambiance. All staterooms also offer an oversized bathroom with a rainforest shower. You will appreciate the refrigerated mini-bar, copious closet and drawer space and our revolutionary Tranquility Bed, a luxury our guests consistently describe as heavenly.

Veranda Stateroom

• Deck(s): 7, 8

B1 | B2 | B3 | B4

Like the ubiquitous little black dress, timeless elegance is a universal staple of Vista's Veranda Staterooms. Within an expansive 290 square feet, residential warmth is reflected in soothing neutral shades with splashes of sienna. High-tech amenities and ample closet space are de rigueur. The embrace of a lush queen-size bed is complemented by a lavishly appointed bathroom with a large vanity and captivating rainforest shower. A comfortable sitting area is a relaxing prelude to time spent on the private veranda, watching the world glide past.

Veranda Stateroom Amenities

• Tranquility Bed, an Oceania Cruises exclusive, with 1,000-thread-count linens
• Complimentary soft drinks replenished daily in your refrigerated mini-bar
• Complimentary still & sparkling Vero Water
• Private teak veranda
• Luxury Bath amenities
• Room service menu 24 hours a day
• Twice-daily maid service
• Oversized rainforest shower
• Belgian chocolates with turndown service
• Interactive television system with on-demand movies, weather and more
• Wireless Internet access and cellular service
• Writing desk and stationery
• Plush cotton towels
• Thick cotton robes and slippers
• Handheld hair dryer
• Security safe

French Veranda Stateroom

• Stateroom Size (SQ FT / SQ M): 240 / 22

A seaside home should joyously enfold the ocean and in every French Veranda Stateroom, that promise is fulfilled. Fling open a floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens onto the graceful banister of the French veranda and transform your entire residence into an open-air terrace reminiscent of a chic hillside villa on the Côte d’Azur. These spacious havens feature an enticing queen-size bed, separate sitting area and comfortable furnishings that exude relaxation and sense of the familiar. Attention to detail is meticulous, including a roomy bathroom with an indulgent rainforest shower.

French Veranda Stateroom Amenities

From the oceania cruises blog.

INTRODUCING VISTA’S DRAMATIC NEW SIGNATURE SPACES

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Review: Oceania Vista

Reviewed by Madison Flager

What is the line? Oceania Cruises

Name of ship? Vista

Passenger occupancy? 1,200

Itinerary? Rome to Rome

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Oceania has long prided itself on being a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, and Vista upholds that reputation. While the newest ship is still geared toward the line’s core demographic—travelers 55 and up—the flexible dining options, health-conscious menus, inventive bars, and well-balanced itineraries are likely to appeal to a slightly younger audience, too.

Tell us about the ship in general.

Oceania’s first new ship in over a decade set sail in spring 2023, and can hold 1,200 passengers. It marks the start of the line’s new Allura Class, and boasts all-veranda cabins (a first for Oceania), a staff-to-guest ratio of 2:3, three new culinary venues, and stronger Wi-Fi, thanks to the adoption of SpaceX’s Starlink technology.

Who is onboard?

During the christening sailing, passengers consisted of journalists from around the world, travel agents, longtime fans of the brand, and friends and family, with nearly every decade accounted for. Typically, Oceania guests tend to be 55-plus, with a mix of couples, solo travelers, and families with adult children looking for a food and beverage-focused experience, and a mix of well-known and off-the-beaten-path ports of call. While children are allowed onboard, there is no kids’ programming.

Describe the cabins.

I stayed in a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, which had more than enough elbow room for two guests, thanks to the seating area—there’s a small couch and a chair in front of the dresser and mirror—and balcony. Decorated with cool gray tones, marble and leather accents, and crisp white bedding, the rooms feel upscale but not ostentatious. We were particularly delighted by the large bathroom, especially the shower, and the seemingly endless storage space throughout the cabin; little things like the USB chargers on either side of the bed were appreciated as well.

New to the ship are Concierge Level Solo Veranda Staterooms, offering solo travelers a spacious room in which to rest their head (though that shower size definitely leaves something to be desired), a generous balcony, and access to an airport-like lounge on their floor with snacks and beverages. Guests in Concierge Level cabins also get perks like priority embarkation, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and free laundry service (up to three bags).

On the other end of the spectrum, the Oceania Suite is like a luxury apartment at sea, with a dining table, wet bar, massive balcony, and two bathrooms, one with a standalone bathtub. The Vista and Owner’s Suite are even more elaborate.

Tell us about the crew.

The crew was kind and welcoming, though not overly attentive. Our cabin steward introduced himself on the first day and was a friendly face throughout the week. As the ship is on the smaller side, you can expect to recognize crew members quickly (some may pop up in more than one dining venue). The hero of our sailing was Pablo at the shore excursions desk, who was incredibly patient and helpful when we showed up on day one without a clue what we wanted to do, and a long line behind us.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Of the ship's 11 culinary spaces, three are new: Aquamar Kitchen, where you can offset richer meals with poké bowls, smoothies, or avocado toast; the Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries, finger sandwiches, and an impressive breakfast assortment (so much smoked salmon!); and a new signature restaurant, Ember, which was designed to mimic New American restaurants in northern California. It has a cozy feel and is meant to be a slightly quicker dining experience, with family-style sides and hearty entrees (lobster mac and cheese, porcini-dusted bone-in ribeyes).

Returning guests will be happy to see Oceania staples like Toscana, an Italian restaurant where a cart filled with a dozen or so oil and vinegar bottles gets rolled over to you with your bread, and Red Ginger, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring dishes with Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Malaysian influence (the watermelon duck salad came highly recommended, and was in fact delicious). It’s worth nothing that none of these specialty restaurants come with an upcharge.

While not new, Vista ’s Waves Grill stays open for dinner as a pizza joint, and is a great place to dine on days when you come back to the ship late or are eager for a casual dining experience—the pizza was fantastic, and there are at least three different burrata appetizers to choose from, along with a great selection of wine.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

The Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center is one of the most beautiful spaces on the ship. Don’t skip a visit to the terrace, where you can relax on plush lounge chairs (including heated ones) in between dips into the plunge pool or hot tub. While the main pool is by no means a party scene, this space is markedly more serene, thanks to its tucked-away location at the back of the ship. As for the treatments, standard fare is offered: massages, facials, hair and nail services, salt scrubs.

Tell us about the activities and entertainment.

Pickleball devotees will be happy to know there is an outdoor court; golf putting greens, shuffleboard, and lawn games like cornhole line the top deck, too. The resort-like pool is a popular space to hang, and at night, guests can visit the casino, the adjacent Founder's Bar (where drinks come smoking, scented, and otherwise made to be photographed), the theater, and the piano bar.

There’s tons of experiential programming on offer as well. Head to the Artists’ Loft to take a class with the talented artists-in-residence, or visit the expanded Culinary Center for cooking demos and classes developed by executive chef Kathryn Kelly.

How was the experience for families?

This isn’t the line to choose if you’re looking for a kids’ club, wave pools, or Go-Karts (Oceania’s sister brand, Norwegian Cruise Line, is better suited for that). Guests under 18 (and over six months) are allowed, but must stay in the same stateroom as an adult, and can’t participate on shore excursions or land tours without an accompanying adult.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

The christening cruise sailed from Rome to Rome, with stops in Naples; Valletta, Malta; and Ajaccio, France in between. ( Vista will spend most of 2023 in Western Europe, then move to North America and the Caribbean.) We had an overnight in Valletta, something Oceania is working to do more of, along with offering more late-night stays for single-day ports, so that guests can spend more time on land. Their itineraries do a good job of mixing well-known cities with smaller, lesser-known ports, and the shore excursions include both highlights tours of historical sites and landmarks and programs geared toward returning visitors; we heard great things about the pizza crawl in Naples.

Anything we missed?

Oceania offers a great middle ground in terms of experience and offerings—both grand and cozy, with a wider range of fare options than luxury lines, since it’s not all-inclusive. Go for excellent food and beverage, unique ports, good service, and a comfortable space you’ll be happy to come back to at the end of busy days on land.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By CNT Editors

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T+L's Review of Oceania Cruises' Vista

Oceania Cruises' new ship, Vista, has a resort-style pool, a stunning cocktail bar, and spacious cabins.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

​​I woke up to gray skies as Oceania Vista pulled into the port of Naples, Italy. Determined to reverse my weather luck, I went to deck 12 for a Morning Sunrise smoothie at Aquamar Kitchen. It worked. Some combination of the restaurant’s white-tile backsplash and baby-blue accents and the tropical smoothie brightened my mood. Heartened, my husband and I decided to brave the rain and set out in search of life-changing pizza. 

Last week, I was one of 1,200 passengers on Oceania Cruises’ first new ship in 11 years. With the debut of Vista , the brand, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, rolled out its new Allura class of ship. It’s the first Oceania vessel where every room has a balcony, and it launched with Starlink (yes, the Elon Musk Wi-Fi), which was strong enough for me to take a Zoom call in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea with my camera on. Of Vista ’s 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to Oceania — including a high-end cocktail counter that’s giving Death & Co. at sea, and the health-focused Aquamar with made-to-order salads, protein-dominant lunch bowls, and pressed juices.

There are, however, venues that faithful Oceania cruisers will recognize, like steak house Polo Grill and Italian restaurant Toscana, also on the Oceania-class ships, Riviera and Marina , and the older Regatta-class vessels. I was particularly excited to eat at Toscana, not only because I’d heard about the olive oil cart, but because Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother who sailed with us and christened Vista in a portside ceremony in Valletta, Malta — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I felt strongly about trying her signature Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti. The lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers delivered . It was easily the most talked-about dish on board, with the exception of the duck-and-watermelon salad at pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger.

I hit the jackpot – which, on Vista , isn’t winning big at the deck-six casino, it’s scoring a Red Ginger reservation — about halfway through our cruise, as we sailed from Malta to Naples. From our corner table, my husband and I took in the glass-and-gold light fixtures and the geometric black aluminum dividers that created cozy seating nooks near the windows. We dug into tuna and salmon sashimi, pork-and-vermicelli spring rolls, and — of course — the famed duck-and-watermelon salad (which lived up to the hype), all paired with a Sonoma chardonnay. The showstopper, though, was the medium-rare bulgogi rib-eye plated on chic, blue-rimmed Tokyo Design Studio ceramic. We capped our night at Martinis — bet you can guess what that bar serves — where a pianist plays every night and the well of Elton John covers and The Botanist gin seemingly never runs dry.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel+Leisure

Most nights, though, Founders Bar was the spot. New to Oceania, its most ambitious bar aboard has a menu of 26 intricate cocktails that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. Of those cocktails, we tried nine (a decent showing, but not our best), and kept coming back to the Not So Sure, a potent take on an old fashioned made with Earl Grey tea–infused Woodford Reserve bourbon.

We marveled over the mixology — smoke, bubbles, and botanical spritzes were all part of the show — with other industry insiders, including Oceania executives and travel advisors who’d joined the preview sailing. Still, the onboard demographic was typical for Oceania, which tends to attract travelers in their 60s. That’s where the stories are. We dined with one couple, in their mid-80s, who have done two month-long stints on Oceania ships. They spent our meal at Ember, Vista ’s new American restaurant, telling us about the preparations that go into cruising the east coast of Africa to safeguard against Somali pirate attacks. Another gentleman, who grew up visiting Malta, sent us to the Valletta pub where actor Oliver Reed spent his time while shooting “Gladiator.” (Apparently, one night, Reed challenged British sailors to a drinking contest — and died in that very bar. At the unassuming pub on a Valletta side street, you can buy a shirt with Reed’s final, unpaid bar tab: eight pints; 12 double rums; 14 whiskeys. We opted for a slightly more restrained order.)

That said, the ship really is putting in the work when it comes to appealing to millennials. There’s the excellent Wi-Fi; pickleball ( America’s fastest growing sport , by the way, with NPR reporting “the strongest growth among players under 55”); a very Sweetgreen-like salad counter at Aquamar; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. 

Meanwhile, Oceania has vastly expanded the number of tours and excursions available, something that should also appeal to a younger crowd. “These aren’t the run-of-the-mill shore excursions that everyone is used to on cruises,” promises Frank Del Rio, Jr., the new president of Oceania Cruises, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . All in, the company has developed more than 100 of these new, smaller-group choices, which leverage the expertise of locals and unlock under-the-radar activities, as T+L   contributing editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon recently reported . These “Go Local” tours brought Greaves-Gabbadon to locals’ homes in little-known destinations, like the “Croatian hamlet of Škopljanci (population: nine), where a local farmer welcomed me with homemade cherry schnapps.” 

Eager to find my own version of a nine-person town with cherry schnapps, I opted for a spin around Corsica that promised a visit to the mountains of Vizzavona and “Corsican snacks.” We took an astounding drive from the western port city of Ajaccio to Hôtel-Restaurant Monte d'Oro in the center of the island. I found our guide easy to tune out (she was, indeed, a local, but her monologue felt more suited to an old-school cruise tour of 50 people, rather than a group of 20 snack enthusiasts). But I loved watching the landscape transform from beach and sparkling sea to Alps-rivaling mountain views as our bus climbed 3,815 feet to Vizzavona. Waiting for us inside the hotel, the oldest on Corsica, dating back to 1880, was an impressive charcuterie spread, served under vines weeping down from wood-paneled ceilings. After lunch, I chatted with a server about the biodynamic red wine they were pouring and cozied up in the hotel’s sitting room, where I pulled a Molière biography from a paperback-cluttered shelf and read quietly aloud to my husband. I assume he loved it.

I did absolutely no research on Corsica  – beyond reading the excursion pamphlet on my flight from Paris to Rome, and skimming Napoleon's Wikipedia page. And yet, I still wound up on a stunning stretch of the island I would have never known about. I didn’t have to worry about how to get there. All I had to worry about was how long I had before my husband’s patience ran out on my very slow French-to-English translation of Molière’s life.

Other culinary adventures are a key part of Oceania’s effort to appeal to all age ranges. On Vista, there are 17 new culinary tours on top of an already robust lineup of cooking classes. Executive chef Kathryn Kelly says, in various ports, foodies will head to the market (like the main open-air agorá on Corfu, Greece ), with shopping assignments and euros from Vista chefs. Then, they’ll come back on board for a class at the ship’s culinary center, which is three times larger than the ones on older ships.

After a morning of shopping and an afternoon of Corsican charcuterie, I returned to my cabin and posted up on my balcony to watch as we pulled away from Ajaccio. My concierge-level stateroom, at 270 square feet, had a sizable balcony, a queen-size bed, and a double shower. (I spoke to several experienced Oceania cruisers who were beyond excited about the increased size of the showers.) Though the rooms are about the same square footage as those on other Oceania ships, the Vista designs make smarter use of the floor plan, said Greg Walton, CEO of Studio Dado, the firm that designed most of the ship. To take one example, closets were moved from next to the bed to a spot closer to the door, which freed up room to expand those showers, Walton explained in a conversation with T+L.

The new Allura-class Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: there are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor, two massive terraces, and 2,400 square feet of space. 

As we sailed away from Corsica, I went up to the main pool area, which Walton said is “designed to feel like a resort” with cabanas and light wood–colored accents, ordered a barrel-aged Negroni, and took it with me to the whirlpool. After my soak, I watched the sunset from Polo Grill, over martinis and filet mignon, and then went back to Founders Bar, to continue my absolutely crucial cocktail-sampling mission. 

After seven days on Vista — the longest I’ve ever spent on a ship — I was surprised by how much I wanted to stay on board. I wasn’t ready to part with my new routine, from early Morning Sunrise smoothies to Not So Sure cocktails before bed. “Next year, 40 percent of our trips will be 30-plus days or longer,” Del Rio says. Dubbed Grand Voyages, those itineraries have been extremely popular among Oceania guests as they return to cruising. “We have the 180-day around-the-world cruise that we also sell in segments,” he adds.

Vista will sail in Europe this summer — a June itinerary, for example, goes from Athens to Istanbul in 10 days, from $5,089 per person , including food; select wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages; six shore excursions; and a $600 credit to use on board toward spa services or top-shelf drinks. The ship will come stateside in the fall, starting with an 11-day sail from New York to Montreal, then head to the Caribbean for the winter. A seven-day round-trip cruise from Miami, visiting Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, starts at $2,228 per person (or $318 a day for the trip, including food, non-alcoholic drinks and house wine, four excursions, and a $400 onboard credit).

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Oceania’s First New Cruise Ship in a Decade Sets High Bar for Fine Dining at Sea

The 1,200-passenger “ vista” also offers some of the best new solo cabins as well as impressive onboard and in-port immersive experiences..

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Vista’s godmother chef Giada De Laurentiis is developing signature dishes for the vessel’s haute-Italian restaurant Toscana.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

With an appearance by celebrity chef and ship godmother Giada De Laurentiis and a private concert by Harry Connick Jr., Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista , entered the cruising world with a splash (plus fireworks and beaucoup Veuve Clicquot) at a christening ceremony in Malta earlier this month.

The 1,200-passenger vessel, the first in Oceania’s newest Allura class of ships ( Allura , the next in line, won’t set sail until 2025) is the cruise line’s first to debut in 10 years. And while the layout will feel familiar to cruisers who’ve sailed on the line’s previous class of vessels ( Marina and Riviera ), the Vista is more decadent with plenty of new bells and whistles onboard, all designed to put a focus on the immersive aspect of discovering new tastes and places while delivering an intimate, service-driven experience with a 2:3 crew-to-guest ratio.

About the food and drinks on Oceania’s “Vista”

When a cruise line brands itself as having “the finest cuisine at sea,” the bar is already set pretty high. During the inaugural sailing in early May, my sister and I got right down to putting the 11 dining options onboard Vista to the test. Notably, none of the onboard restaurants requires an additional fee, but you’ll want to make dinner reservations early on in your sailing if you want to attempt trying them all.

Hoping to set a healthy tone for the trip, we had our first meal at Aquamar Kitchen, one of the three new dining concepts debuting on Vista with breakfast options that include over-the-top avocado toasts (among the best I’ve had) and a lunch menu featuring poke, gravlax bowls, and compose-your-own salads. Cold-pressed juices with ingredients like coconut, ginger, beets, and turmeric were a nice touch, as well as zero-proof cocktails, like the Skinny Mimosas, made with nonalcoholic sparkling wine.

For healthier fare and some detoxing (via juices and mocktails), passengers should head to Aquamar Kitchen.

It felt good to have healthy options and smaller portions, but all the restraint was for naught during an at-sea day’s overwhelmingly decadent buffet in the ship’s gorgeous Grand Dining Room (this offering is staged only on longer itineraries), complete with king crab claws, raw oysters, lobster tails, a station serving Jacques Pépin’s crepes Suzette recipe, plus a heaping table of French cheeses and a foie gras bar unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before.

Another culinary offering that is new to the line on Vista is Ember, a modern American restaurant designed to be more casual with easy pleasers on the menu like crab cakes, French dip sandwiches, and steak and seafood.

Fan-favorite Oceania restaurants from the line’s other ships include steakhouse Polo Grill and Toscana (which rival restaurants you would seek out in any top-tier travel destination on land). We also enjoyed our meals at Asian concept Red Ginger, where we ate a delicious lobster pad thai and sipped sake, Waves Grill, with delicious pizzas and buffalo mozzarella salads, and Terrace Cafe, an elegant buffet restaurant with an impressive sushi spread and grilled-to-order lobster tails.

When peckish after a long walk in port, the spot I found myself retreating to most often back onboard was Baristas, high up on Deck 14 with curved panoramic windows overlooking the ship’s centerpiece pool. The horseshoe-shaped espresso bar—stocked with Illy coffee and helmed by a caffeine wizard named Massimo—paired with the adjacent bakery proffering cookies, quiches, and croissants rich with French butter were impossible to resist.

At Barista, guests will find perfectly-executed espresso drinks accompanied by addictive pastries.

Vista’s cocktail game is particularly strong, and it’s worth considering splashing out on an upgraded beverage package (no alcoholic drinks are included on Vista, but from $40 per guest per day, the House Select+ package includes unlimited champagne, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; for $70 the Prestige Select plan includes unlimited premium spirits, champagne, beer, and wine “wherever and whenever”) if you’d like to enjoy the same style of cocktails you enjoy at your favorite bar back home ($14 was the average price). At Martinis on Deck 6, my favorite was the Bogart Casablanca, with Bombay Sapphire Gin, ginger liqueur, lime juice, pineapple puree, and basil, which I would have particularly enjoyed sipping while watching the sea below if the curtains hadn’t been drawn.

Founders Bay, also new on Vista , is behind the ship’s small casino. It always had something smoking, bubbling, or being misted at the bar and drew me in more than once for its creative cocktails.

The only thing I felt was missing onboard was an outdoor bar that stays open for sunset for enjoying sea breezes and sundowners. (Waves Bar, by the pool, made delicious spicy passion fruit caipirinhas but was always shuttered by late afternoon, right around the time I’d be craving an alfresco cocktail before dinner.)

Unique service, solo cabins, and staterooms

Oceania was already known for its high level of service. But Vista brings the highest crew-to-guest ratio of any of the line’s seven ships: 800 crew for 1,200 passengers. Whether I was lounging on the pool deck while sailing along the coast of Sardinia, or sidled up at the top deck espresso bar, there was never a moment when I didn’t feel like whatever beverage, throw blanket, or other creature comfort I was longing for wasn’t being intuited by the ship’s omnipresent yet never obsequious crew.

Every solo cabin—and every cabin onboard for that matter—has its own balcony.

Solo cruisers—a growing market in cruising—will feel particularly seen on Vista , which features new concierge-level veranda staterooms for those who are sailing sans companions, complete with spacious balconies that have previously been absent in solo staterooms on Oceania ships. The six solo cabins on the ship’s Concierge level also have access to a complimentary laundrette (a critical amenity for light packers or those who like to return home with a suitcase full of clean clothes) and a private lounge stocked with snacks and beverages, plus a crew member who can help with any office needs such as printing and light technical support for a laptop or personal device. The Vista also has a new 24-hour internet center on Deck 14 called LYNC Digital Center with large video monitors and internet-ready computers, comfortable chairs for working, snacks and drinks within reach, and a technical support team for assistance (passengers could easily make this their own co-working space at sea).

During our recent sailing, my sister and I couldn’t get over how comfortable our veranda cabin was (every cabin on Vista has a balcony and the standard cabins, at 291 square feet, are the largest of their kind at sea), with billowing duvets, 1,000-thread-count sheets, plush pillows, and ample storage space throughout.

The suites and staterooms resemble the kind of accommodations and high-quality design details you would expect to find at a high-end land-based resort.

Additional touches such as a marble bathroom featuring a spacious shower with a rain shower head and cushioned furniture on our veranda were comparable to the details you would expect in a luxury hotel. Another passenger I heard refer to the cabins as being “Four Seasons–level luxury” was not wrong. Thoughtfully designed and with artwork in soothing colors, the overall aesthetic was residential resort luxe.

What to do—both on and off the ship

While the Oceania crowd is hardly coming onboard to race a go-kart at sea or take in some ice skating before a midnight chocolate fountain buffet (none of which you’ll find aboard the 791-foot-long Vista ), the ship’s thoughtful interior and exterior spaces offer good options for leisure and entertainment when you’re not lounging around the ship’s centerpiece pool on Deck 12, complete with two raised hot tubs and several day beds fringing shallow shelves of water that made the whole deck glow turquoise.

There’s plenty to do beyond relaxing poolside—but you can’t go wrong with the pool either.

For staying fit, there’s an excellent gym with floor-to-ceiling windows that’s stocked with Technogym equipment you might already be familiar with from your home gym and an adjacent cycling studio. See also: the top deck’s walking track, pickleball court, and mini golf course.

My sister spent one morning taking an art class in the Artist’s Loft, where artist-in-residence, Andre Allen, onboard Vista for its launch and a few months to follow, trained her in the therapeutic state of swirling resin with acrylic colors atop canvas; she left with a frame-worthy souvenir.

I enjoyed a cooking class in the ship’s gleaming Culinary Center, which has been expanded on Vista with individual stations for 24 passengers. Views of the passing ocean swept in through soaring windows while I learned how to use typical Mediterranean ingredients like limoncello, figs, and prosciutto in recipes (the limoncello-soaked semolina cake was particularly straightforward and delicious) I can easily re-create at home.

My favorite shore excursion was a small-group outing from Valetta, called A Taste of Malta, during which we visited a sheep farm making cheese that was so small and off-the-radar it didn’t have a website and enjoyed lunch in olive groves featuring all local products, including spring’s sweetest strawberries and Maltese wines and cheeses with production too small for export.

I never did make it to Deck 15’s Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center for a treatment, but if I had I would have waffled between offerings like the Thai Herbal Poultice massage with acupressure and the body wrap with warm sea algae (always a sucker for more ocean immersion). The spa’s outdoor terrace beckoned right off the bow, too, with two hot tubs overlooking the sea and several heated lounge chairs—a peaceful space passengers can take advantage of whether they’ve booked a treatment or not.

Happily, I found my own shipboard zen for no additional fee in Vista’s impressively curated library, spanning several small rooms with cozy nooks for settling in alongside hundreds of loaner tomes that ranged from self-help books and murder mysteries to classics like Don Quixote and an impressive travel section that only served to further stoke my wanderlust.

How “Vista” practices sustainability

Sustainability-minded features aboard Vista and, eventually, Allura , too, include energy efficiency management plans that factor in navigation and speed optimization to reduce overall energy use, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting onboard and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Oceania Cruises also uses a Vero Water system, providing passengers with reusable bottles; 80 percent of the water consumed on the vessels is produced onboard. In 2022, Oceania launched some 200 Go Green tours that look to educate travelers on ways people at ports are working to conserve their environment. In St. Lucia, you can book a tour to learn about beekeeping practices at an apiculture collective; in Myanmar, you can learn about regenerative farming in Yangon.

Oceania Vista ’s 2023 summer season will see the vessel sailing the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas before wintering in the Caribbean, where a 10-night cruise to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Bart’s, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic is priced from $2,799 per person (penthouse suites start from $4,699 per person).