oceania vista cruise ship reviews

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.

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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).

Related Articles

I spent a night on Oceania's new luxury ship. I thought it was boring but it's great for dipping your toes into upscale cruising.

• I spent one night in Oceania Cruises' new Vista ship .
• I think it's the perfect higher-end option for travelers interested in upscale cruises.
• I found it to be boring but the staterooms, pool deck, and food and beverage options make it a standout vessel.

I spent a night in Oceania Cruises' new Vista ship and discovered a floating haven for your bougie — but not baller — grandparents.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three brands: its popular eponymous cruise line , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. In terms of pricing and luxuriousness, Oceania seems to fall in between its two siblings as a "culinary and destination-focused" brand with "small luxurious ships," according to its parent company.

After one night in the Oceania Vista , I agree the vessel is just that: small and upscale. Perfect for travelers with some money to spend on a quiet floating vacation.

Oceania's new ship — the first in its Allura class and the eighth in its fleet — began sailing in May 2023.

Until then, it had been over 10 years since Oceania debuted a new vessel. The next Allura class vessel will sail in 2025.

While vacations on the Vista are more expensive than ones with cruise lines like Carnival, its itineraries are still cheaper than what’s being offered on new ships from luxury brands like Silversea.

MSC Group's Explora Journeys' new luxury Explora I cruise ship starts at $3,000 per person in 2024 for a six-night sailing.

To compare, Vista's least expensive 2024 itinerary will set cruisers back $2,500 for a seven-day roundtrip sailing from Miami to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

So for travelers who are interested in upscale cruises but aren't ready to shell out over $3,000 for a vacation, Oceania Cruises’ new Vista could be a great option.

While it's no floating five-star resort, the ship is still more posh than most mega cruise ships while being less pricey than the likes of Regent Seven Seas Cruises .

At least that was my takeaway after spending one night on the Oceania Vista in September while it was docked overnight in New York City.

Oceania says its 791-foot-long Vista is sailing with a two-crew to three-guest ratio. (The ship can accommodate 1,200 guests and 800 crew across its 15 decks, 11 for guests.)

As a “destination-focused” cruise line, the Vista is scheduled to sail to ports around the world in 2024.

This includes hot destinations in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. For US travelers, there are several itineraries roundtrip from Miami as well.

And as for its “culinary-focused” reputation, the Vista is publicly leaning into it: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is the godmother of the new ship.

She created two dishes that are now being served in the Grand Dining Room and the ship's Italian restaurant, Toscana, according to the cruise brand.

Besides these two floating restaurants, the Vista has nine dining options including three new to the brand.

For travelers craving a healthy breakfast — think fresh juices and avocado toasts —  Aquamar Kitchen is the go-to option. But if you'd rather dine in a relaxed yet modern American restaurant, Ember is your best bet.

The latter is where you’ll find crab cakes, porcini mushroom-dusted bone-in ribeye steak, and lobster macaroni and cheese.

If you love cruises for the buffet, you'll find that at the Terrace Cafe with options like sushi, steak grilled to order, and a pasta station.

During my night on the ship, the other reporters and I dined at the Grand Dining Room with a menu that included favorites from the company’s executive culinary director, famed chef Jacques Pépin.

Here, travelers can indulge in plates like ceviche with hummus foam, halibut, and roasted guinea fowl, according to its sample menu.

The night I was there, the caviar, monkfish, and lobster options were obvious hits at my table. As expected, my meal was great — one of the better ones I've had aboard a ship.

For the fancier folks, the Vista also has daily afternoon tea with classics like scones and little sandwiches.

But for travelers who need a more caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up, the ship also has a coffee shop, Baristas.

This isn't like the Starbucks outposts on some Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships. Instead, Baristas has views of the pool deck, an adjacent bakery, and drinks like melange (which Oceania says is an espresso with whipped cream) and Illy crema (a frozen beverage with Illy coffee, cream, and milk).

No matter the cost to sail, it wouldn't be a cruise without some booze.

There are eight watering holes, lounges, and entertainment options on the ship.

The new Founders Bar centers bourbons and ryes in its fun and flashy cocktails.

When I walked by, my nose was instantly hit with the residual smell of smoked wood used in the preparation of some of its cocktails.

But for those who prefer the classics, the Vista also has its staple martini bar and what Oceania calls "beverage carts" where travelers can design their own bloody mary and bubbly drink.

After dinner, I dropped into the Vista Lounge theater to see “Headliners,” a song-and-dance performance with covers of popular songs.

As a massive cruise show cynic , I didn't enjoy a second of this. But judging by the cheers and applause, some of the attendees would probably disagree with me.

Or head to the “LYNC Digital Center” for classes like “smartphone videography” (you can probably guess the ship’s primary demographic). e

Or you could take cooking classes in the Culinary Center and art classes in the Artist loft.

But if you'd rather have a quiet afternoon, there's also the Library with books and games.

It was quiet and studious inside.

Options like cooking and art classes aren’t common on most cruise ships. But again, most cruise ships aren’t this upscale.

While these classes weren't available during my one-night visit, I would've been first in line to book them if I could.

Surprisingly, another hint of the ship’s elevated ambiance was the pool deck.

There were no waterslides or colorful designs. Instead, this outdoor retreat was neutral, calm, and modern. It's one of the most luxurious I've ever seen.

Two hot tubs and showers surrounded the swimming hole while leaf-like structures partially shaded the circular above-water daybeds.

The deck above this had lounge chairs that faced the pool, making this outdoor space feel enclosed and secluded.

For guests who prefer to move around, the ship also has a gym, putting green, and track.

And let's not forget everyone's new favorite: a pickleball court .

You could argue that the majority of these amenities, including the spa, are already available on most modern cruise ships.

But in my opinion, it's the staterooms — which start at 290 square-feet — that set the Oceania Vista apart from most ships.

For starters, the ship also has "concierge level" solo veranda staterooms for travelers who prefer to sail alone.

No need to worry about dingy interior cabins: As an upscale ship, all of the staterooms have a balcony.

I spent the night in the 290-square-foot veranda stateroom .

At the time, it was the largest cabin I had ever stayed in.

And it quickly became one of my favorites, second only to the more expensive Explora I .

The small details made this accommodation a standout.

Inside, the Bulgari toiletries, large balcony and bathroom, complimentary beverage station, and subtly elevated design won me over.

And that's coming from a picky cruiser: It's not often I walk away from my cruise ship cabin with no complaints .

Compared to my only other upscale cruise experience on the Explora I, the Oceania Vista felt more like a true cruise ship than a floating luxury hotel.

After all, the new ship still had the recognizable classics — a buffet, main pool deck, bars, and dining venues — all with a more upscale twist.

But unlike many new mega ships, there were no tacky and flashy decor pieces or excessive amenities.

Being on the Vista was not as mentally draining as traveling on the new amusement park-like ships that have been flooding the market (like its distant cousin, the Norwegian Prima with a flashy go-kart track and a thrilling 10-story slide).

So if you’re a more mature traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.

While this is great for travelers who enjoy a quiet cruising experience, I personally found the ship to be a bit boring.

Sure, my stateroom and dinner were quite luxurious.

But for younger cruisers who prefer nonstop fast-paced entertainment and visual stimulation, I wouldn't recommend the Vista.

Instead, if you’re a traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.

It's a great entry point for travelers looking to dip their toes into the upscale cruise market. After all, I still think the ship's strengths lie in its dining options, staterooms, and bar concepts. And starting at $357 per person per day in 2024, vacationing on the Vista is definitely less expensive than its more luxury-oriented counterparts.

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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).

• Oceania Cruises

Vista Cruise Review with Lots of Photos and Menus

By MVPinBoynton , October 30, 2023 in Oceania Cruises

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I have just posted a review to my website with lots of photos of a recently completed Colonial America cruise on the brand-new Oceania Vista that went from Montreal to Miami.      I also have the menus from the restaurants, spa and lounges.

We had a great time on an awesome ship.     Below is a photo from before the Aura show at Montreal’s Notre Dam Cathedral.     Just a gorgeous experience

The review is located on my website, which is linked to in my signature.     You can also just Google “Mike and Carol’s/Cathy’s Cruise Reviews” to find a link to it.     I hope it is helpful for those of you that are planning to cruise on the Vista; or that it brings back some fond memories to those of you who have already cruised on her or the ports.

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Your review was linked to on another thread. I had a very enjoyable read of it this morning. We are booked on Vista next year, so it was really good to get a feel for things. 

1 minute ago, Harters said: Your review was linked to on another thread. I had a very enjoyable read of it this morning. We are booked on Vista next year, so it was really good to get a feel for things. 

My buddy Jim couldn’t wait to post the link. Glad you enjoyed it. 

@MVPinBoynton Thank you very much for sharing my DW and I enjoyed it very much.  We look forward to our Vista cruise and your post has gotten us even more excited!  Great pics!

Thank you for your very thorough (as usual!) review. I think your site kept a very large number of cruisers going through Covid as we could go look at the menus and dream, so thank you! 

3 hours ago, Pandazoo said: @MVPinBoynton Thank you very much for sharing my DW and I enjoyed it very much.  We look forward to our Vista cruise and your post has gotten us even more excited!  Great pics!

It is a cruise to look forward to.  I'm sure you will enjoy it.

2 hours ago, ToxM said: Thank you for your very thorough (as usual!) review. I think your site kept a very large number of cruisers going through Covid as we could go look at the menus and dream, so thank you! 

Thank you so much for your lovely comments.  They are appreciated.

Excellent review. Appreciate the time, effort and expertise tha you have put into it. May you have many more great cruises.

Thank you for the thorough review. The menus and meal photos have me looking forward to our January Vista sailing even more.  I liked that you included some info on The Artist Loft. Do you know if guests have to sign up in advance for the classes?   Mark

5 minutes ago, SeaWatch12 said: Thank you for the thorough review. The menus and meal photos have me looking forward to our January Vista sailing even more.  I liked that you included some info on The Artist Loft. Do you know if guests have to sign up in advance for the classes?   Mark

Yes - they have an open house the first day or two and you sign up then......several of the classes are multi day .  Space is limited so need to sign up.  

24 minutes ago, basor said: Yes - they have an open house the first day or two and you sign up then......several of the classes are multi day .  Space is limited so need to sign up.  

Thanks for that info.  I knew there was a sign up, but didn't know about the open house.  By any chance, do you know the cost of the classes?  If you do, I will add it the review.

1 minute ago, MVPinBoynton said: Thanks for that info.  I knew there was a sign up, but didn't know about the open house.  By any chance, do you know the cost of the classes?  If you do, I will add it the review.

The art classes are free - only the culinary classes have a fee (to cover the cost of the materials provided).  The IT classes held in the Internet room are also free but require signing up.

This review is absolutely fantastic! Thank you!

As someone who sailed on Oceania, Azamara and Viking, how would you compare them? I'm mostly interested in food, service. itineraries and excursions.

1 minute ago, ak1004 said: This review is absolutely fantastic! Thank you!   As someone who sailed on Oceania, Azamara and Viking, how would you compare them? I'm mostly interested in food, service. itineraries and excursions.

Thank you.  I will give you some thoughts about my preferences for the three lines.

Food - This is a very important item for me when choosing a cruise, since it can make or break one. Since the chef and staffs can change every cruise, my experience could be different than what others experience.  My tastes will definitely be different than others, as would be expected, but below are my thoughts.

Oceania has the best food in the MDR/buffet, as well as the specialty restaurants.

Azamara has the next best food in the MDR/buffet, but the specialties weren't special.  It seemed like the same food as the other restaurants.

Viking Ocean was very disappointing for us.  I had great expectations based on others reviews, but we weren't pleased with it.  We do like the food on their river cruises though.

Service on all three is very good, so I have no favorites.

Itineraries on all three are enjoyable because they can include some ports the larger ships can't and/or don't go to.  Itineraries are my driving force for booking a cruise.

As far as excursions go, we normally try to book private tours when possible.  Ship tours are normally on a big bus, so they are just not as enjoyable to us.  Since they contract out all their tours, they all probably use the same companies in particular ports.  Oceania's and Vikings are much more expensive than Azamara's.

I will also say that we loved the Viking ship layout and cabins better than Oceania.  V has many more windows and is open to the outside than the O ships, With Azamara only having the old R class ships, they aren't in the same league as V or the O class ships.  They are still nice ships, but my least favorite.

My favorite line is Oceania.  I have following cruises booked:  Oceania - 2; Azamara - 1; Viking River - 3.  So, you can see I do like Oceania and Azamara but no Viking Ocean for me at this point.  I will say that if they have an itinerary I can't live without, I will try them again.

Having been on 61 cruises, it is harder to find an ocean cruise that I desire.  The river cruises and land tours are much more appealing these days and I am sticking with the lines I have been happy with.

Tr1v1alCru1ser

Thank you so much @MVPinBoynton for the great photos and excellent review. 

2 hours ago, MVPinBoynton said: Thank you.  I will give you some thoughts about my preferences for the three lines.   Food - This is a very important item for me when choosing a cruise, since it can make or break one. Since the chef and staffs can change every cruise, my experience could be different than what others experience.  My tastes will definitely be different than others, as would be expected, but below are my thoughts. Oceania has the best food in the MDR/buffet, as well as the specialty restaurants. Azamara has the next best food in the MDR/buffet, but the specialties weren't special.  It seemed like the same food as the other restaurants. Viking Ocean was very disappointing for us.  I had great expectations based on others reviews, but we weren't pleased with it.  We do like the food on their river cruises though.   Service on all three is very good, so I have no favorites.   Itineraries on all three are enjoyable because they can include some ports the larger ships can't and/or don't go to.  Itineraries are my driving force for booking a cruise.   As far as excursions go, we normally try to book private tours when possible.  Ship tours are normally on a big bus, so they are just not as enjoyable to us.  Since they contract out all their tours, they all probably use the same companies in particular ports.  Oceania's and Vikings are much more expensive than Azamara's.   I will also say that we loved the Viking ship layout and cabins better than Oceania.  V has many more windows and is open to the outside than the O ships, With Azamara only having the old R class ships, they aren't in the same league as V or the O class ships.  They are still nice ships, but my least favorite.   My favorite line is Oceania.  I have following cruises booked:  Oceania - 2; Azamara - 1; Viking River - 3.  So, you can see I do like Oceania and Azamara but no Viking Ocean for me at this point.  I will say that if they have an itinerary I can't live without, I will try them again.   Having been on 61 cruises, it is harder to find an ocean cruise that I desire.  The river cruises and land tours are much more appealing these days and I am sticking with the lines I have been happy with.    

Thank you very much, very helpful!

While cabins are not the high priority for us, I agree that cabins on the R ships are not the same league and below our comfort level. I'm curious what did you liked better in Viking cabins. O cabins are slightly larger according to the specs (240 sqft vs 225 sqft), and you mentioned lack of drawers as the only drawdown of the cabin on Vista.

@MVPinBoynton  Thank you for once again providing a stellar review.  Your site is always one of our 'go to' sources when researching upcoming itineraries  😀

8 hours ago, ToxM said: Thank you for your very thorough (as usual!) review. I think your site kept a very large number of cruisers going through Covid as we could go look at the menus and dream, so thank you! 

@ToxM  Agree with you as during those long days, it was always refreshing to scan the site for new itineraries for our future travels and revisit ones we have great memories of. 

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:   Thank you very much, very helpful!   While cabins are not the high priority for us, I agree that cabins on the R ships are not the same league and below our comfort level. I'm curious what did you liked better in Viking cabins. O cabins are slightly larger according to the specs (240 sqft vs 225 sqft), and you mentioned lack of drawers as the only drawdown of the cabin on Vista.

Actually I shouldn’t have compared them since we had a Viking Penthouse Veranda.  But it was about the same price per day. The new Vista is higher than the others. 

I have not sailed on Vista but just had a VERY disappointing food experience on Insignia. Our Panama cruise 9 months ago was excellent on the same ship and I don’t understand why this last cruise (New England Canada) was so different. MDR menus were bad as were descriptions and execution of entrees. Executive chef was the same on both cruises but we were told they have no flexibility on menus. Why HAVE an Executive chef then? Fish entrees were dry and overcooked and in general just poor food in MDR. 

Vineyard View

6 hours ago, MVPinBoynton said: Thank you.  I will give you some thoughts about my preferences for the three lines.   Food - This is a very important item for me when choosing a cruise, since it can make or break one. Since the chef and staffs can change every cruise, my experience could be different than what others experience.  My tastes will definitely be different than others, as would be expected, but below are my thoughts. Oceania has the best food in the MDR/buffet, as well as the specialty restaurants. Azamara has the next best food in the MDR/buffet, but the specialties weren't special.  It seemed like the same food as the other restaurants. Viking Ocean was very disappointing for us.  I had great expectations based on others reviews, but we weren't pleased with it.  We do like the food on their river cruises though.   Service on all three is very good, so I have no favorites.   Itineraries on all three are enjoyable because they can include some ports the larger ships can't and/or don't go to.  Itineraries are my driving force for booking a cruise.   As far as excursions go, we normally try to book private tours when possible.  Ship tours are normally on a big bus, so they are just not as enjoyable to us.  Since they contract out all their tours, they all probably use the same companies in particular ports.  Oceania's and Vikings are much more expensive than Azamara's.   I will also say that we loved the Viking ship layout and cabins better than Oceania.  V has many more windows and is open to the outside than the O ships, With Azamara only having the old R class ships, they aren't in the same league as V or the O class ships.  They are still nice ships, but my least favorite.   My favorite line is Oceania.  I have following cruises booked:  Oceania - 2; Azamara - 1; Viking River - 3.  So, you can see I do like Oceania and Azamara but no Viking Ocean for me at this point.  I will say that if they have an itinerary I can't live without, I will try them again.   Having been on 61 cruises, it is harder to find an ocean cruise that I desire.  The river cruises and land tours are much more appealing these days and I am sticking with the lines I have been happy with.    

Thank you for this comparison. We have not sailed VO since before Covid and from what I am reading the food is not quite what it used to be. I do like the design and lay out of many parts of their ships…except the MDR.  It was just very unimpressive to us. PV cabins are really comfortable.   

I am curious as to your thoughts on Seabourn if you have some to add. We found that their smaller ship (we were on Quest) had a lovely regular balcony stateroom that far surpassed the PV on Viking.   

We have not sailed Azamara. We keep jumping over there because of the itineraries, but the cabins are a concern in terms of size - for us, it would mean a suite.   

We have yet to experience Oceania but we are booked in a B3 extended balcony on Marina. 

Waltershipman

4 minutes ago, Vineyard View said: Thank you for this comparison. We have not sailed VO since before Covid and from what I am reading the food is not quite what it used to be. I do like the design and lay out of many parts of their ships…except the MDR.  It was just very unimpressive to us. PV cabins are really comfortable.    I am curious as to your thoughts on Seabourn if you have some to add. We found that their smaller ship (we were on Quest) had a lovely regular balcony stateroom that far surpassed the PV on Viking.    We have not sailed Azamara. We keep jumping over there because of the itineraries, but the cabins are a concern in terms of size - for us, it would mean a suite.    We have yet to experience Oceania but we are booked in a B3 extended balcony on Marina. 

Having just sailed on Explora Journeys and having sailed on Azamara as well as oceania i can highly recommend Explora journeys for the best food i have ever had at sea. The food in the various venues rivaled 5 star land restaurant. I will sail.on Vista in January and hope it is great. I see from recent revues that it should be wonderful including great food 

I loved Seabourn Quest as well as Azamara and sailed on Sirena just as Covid ended cruising 

You might want to try EJ for a true foodie at sea experience and the ship is beautiful 

19 minutes ago, Waltershipman said: Having just sailed on Explora Journeys and having sailed on Azamara as well as oceania i can highly recommend Explora journeys for the best food i have ever had at sea. The food in the various venues rivaled 5 star land restaurant. I will sail.on Vista in January and hope it is great. I see from recent revues that it should be wonderful including great food    I loved Seabourn Quest as well as Azamara and sailed on Sirena just as Covid ended cruising    You might want to try EJ for a true foodie at sea experience and the ship is beautiful 

Thank you. I’ve read that on multiple threads. Their pp/pd seems to be reflective of this, and maybe rightfully so. 

28 minutes ago, Waltershipman said: Having just sailed on Explora Journeys and having sailed on Azamara as well as oceania i can highly recommend Explora journeys for the best food i have ever had at sea. The food in the various venues rivaled 5 star land restaurant. I will sail.on Vista in January and hope it is great. I see from recent revues that it should be wonderful including great food    I loved Seabourn Quest as well as Azamara and sailed on Sirena just as Covid ended cruising    You might want to try EJ for a true foodie at sea experience and the ship is beautiful 

Explora gets a lot of good reviews, but their fares are exactly double compared to O. 

7 minutes ago, ak1004 said:   Explora gets a lot of good reviews, but their fares are exactly double compared to O. 

Understand i will be able to form accurate comparison after i sail on Vista in January both being new beautiful ships

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A scenic Vista: 5 things to love about Oceania’s new cruise ship

Oceania Cruises unveiled Vista, its first new ship in over a decade, last Monday, and the vessel is the perfect evolution of the upscale, food-and-beverage-focused brand. I just spent a week exploring the ship's new and returning dining experiences, trying out all the cozy seating nooks and sampling the new craft cocktail menus, and I was duly impressed.

The 1,200-passenger ship is the first new-build for the cruise line in a decade. Oceania's fleet is split between four 684-passenger R-class ships built in the late 1990s and two 1,238-passenger O-class vessels built specifically for the line in 2011 and 2012.

Vista, which debuts the line's Allura class, is a reimagining of the previous two ships rather than a major departure. Its luxurious elements and thoughtful, no-detail-left-ignored design put the ship in competition with the high-end vessels of sister brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and had guests asking, "Is Vista a luxury cruise ship?"

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Vista will split its time between the Mediterranean in the spring and summer and the Caribbean in the winter. This fall, the ship will take some time to visit Canada and New England and do two Panama Canal transits.

Here are five things I loved about Vista and think you will, too.

Design and public spaces

Step inside Vista, and I guarantee you will be wowed by the ship's gorgeous look. The atrium has a stunning floor-to-ceiling sculpture with a changing light display, and everywhere you turn, there are carefully crafted spaces with many textural elements. I spent my first day on board touching everything, from the raised pattern on the elevator walls to the soft velvets on couches in the various lounges.

The white Grand Dining Room stands out with gold paintings of willow trees on the far walls and a center archway that draws the eye and divides the space, so it feels more intimate. The private Privee dining room has a bold ceiling design that is as noteworthy as the wine-pairing meal you'll enjoy there. Each specialty restaurant has a look befitting its theme, from the brick oven-inspired ceilings of Ember to the pagoda-style floor lamps in Red Ginger.

One of my favorite spaces is the Grand Lounge outside the Grand Dining Room, with its geometric chandeliers and glass shelves of vases and glass sculptures. Another is the pool deck where the design team used faux wood paneling to create a stylish look unlike any cruise ship pool deck I've ever seen. Lighted nooks with circular sunbeds are cozy for two at any hour and give the area a resort feel.

Cabins and suites

Oceania has stepped up its cabin game with the staterooms on Vista. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they were thoughtfully designed.

The smallest cabins are 240-square-foot rooms with French balconies (you can open doors to the fresh air, but you can't step outside), and my balcony room was 291 square feet, including the balcony. So there's plenty of space to move about.

The first thing I always look for is storage, and Oceania comes through. Vista's rooms don't have walk-in closets like ultra-luxury ships, but they feature a good-size closet plus two large drawers by the desk, and nightstands with three drawers each. The bathrooms – possibly some of the best en suites at sea — are incredibly spacious. They offer multiple drawers and shelves and an enormous shower with two shelves for toiletries.

Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

Thoughtful cabin touches include plenty of plugs for electronics on both sides of the bed and at the desk. Quiet-closing drawers don't rattle in rough seas, and wooden hangers give an upscale touch to your wardrobe. Cabins are stocked with bottles of drinking water, throw blankets for chilly days on the balcony, and minifridges filled with soda. The cushioned balcony furniture is actually comfortable to sit on.

I also loved Vista's six new dedicated solo cabins . They are narrower than standard rooms and contain only a single bed. These rooms may have a smaller bathroom but still have a sitting area with a love seat and an extra-large balcony. The cozy suites are perfect for solo travelers who like to spend more time outdoors than in.

Cocktails and mixology program

The new mixology program on Vista is one of its standout features – and I say that only having been exposed to half of it. (Many of its immersive mixology offerings will begin on the cruise after mine.)

The Founders Bar is a new craft cocktail bar tucked away behind the casino, but you can be sure everyone knows where it is. That's because it's the venue for innovative drinks using all the latest trends: smoke, herbs and dried fruit, flavor bubble guns, frozen fruit balls and perfume spritzers spraying extra scent and flavor.

The drinks are creative and like nothing I've ordered before. They're also amazingly photogenic and taste delicious. If Oceania's typical guests like them as much as my ship full of media and travel agents, I predict the line will need to put the Founders Bar in a bigger venue on its next ship to debut, Allura.

Vista also carries a line of nonalcoholic "liquors" to make zero-proof cocktails that taste like real cocktails, not fruit smoothies or juices. The "dark and spicy" mocktail tasted like an alcoholic "dark and stormy." Unfortunately, not all bars carry the nonalcoholic cocktails. They're on the menu at the new Aquamar restaurant and Horizons observation lounge, and the folks at Founders can make them, but you have to ask.

I'm a huge fan of Vista's new lighter dining venue, Aquamar, open for breakfast and lunch. I'm told it's the brainchild of the line's senior vice president of sales, who felt the line lacked a dining venue for when you want a smaller, less heavy meal.

The breakfast menu is rife with lattes, smoothies, eggs, banana pancakes, energy bowls with chia seeds and acai berries, and avocado toast. Lunch mixes poke bowls and salads with falafel wraps, crunchy chicken burgers and tuna tacos. Wash it all down with fresh fruit and vegetable juices infused with turmeric and ginger, or your choice of nonalcoholic cocktails that taste like the real deal.

A sit-down meal here isn't as quick as the buffet, but the seating area is light and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows. I've heard it can get crowded at peak lunch hours, but I never had trouble finding a table at breakfast or lunch.

The other new dining venue on Vista is also a hit. Ember is an upscale American restaurant where a sit-down meal isn't quite as lengthy or as formal feeling as in the Polo Grill steakhouse.

The venue is decorated to evoke a brick oven, with a brick design on the ceiling, faux wood tables and a fake fireplace made from colored water vapor. (I still flinched when someone put her hand in the flames.)

Everyone raved about the spinach-artichoke dip starter, and the sashimi tuna starter was perfectly pan seared. The starring entree is the lobster macaroni and cheese, with an actual hunk of shell-on lobster meat in the center. My herb-crusted chicken was a sleeper hit – easily overlooked but beautifully cooked. Other diners were satisfied with the French dip sandwich and the steak, but my tablemate's cheeseburger fell apart on his plate. He said it tasted good even if he had to eat it with a fork and knife.

You might want to skip lunch before a meal at Ember because the must-have dessert is the triple chocolate brownie sundae.

Ember replaces Jacques, Oceania's French restaurant that is popular on the line's Marina and Riviera ships. Fans will be relieved to hear that some of Jacques Pépin's dishes are featured on the Grand Dining Room menu, so they can still get their French foodie fix. But Ember brings a nice balance to the restaurant mix on Vista (pan-Asian Red Ginger, Italian Toscana and steakhouse Polo Grill round out the options) and a taste of home to Americans, especially on longer sailings.

Bottom line

Vista is clearly an evolution of Oceania's previous two ships, Marina and Riviera. The layout is incredibly similar and past guests will quickly find their way around. But it's clear that the Oceania team put a lot of thought into how to improve on the previous model without blowing up the entire concept, and it works. The new touches – cabin design, mixology program, new restaurants – are wonderful additions to the Oceania experience.

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Ship review: Oceania Vista

Posted by Jane Archer on 24 November 2023

Windowless cabins are gone and specialty restaurants come free on Oceania's new ship, finds Jane Archer

Overview:  Fans of Oceania Cruises have waited a decade for a new ship, but they won’t be disappointed with Vista – and neither will anyone trying the brand for the first time. The vessel launched in May and is slightly smaller than the line’s other big ships (1,200 passengers versus 1,248 on Marina and Riviera). It has a softer, more contemporary design, plus new casual and healthy dining options. 

Cabins:  Oceania Cruises has scrapped inside cabins on Vista, so everyone gets a view, whether through French windows or from a balcony. The change means everyone also gets a new-look big bathroom with a large rain shower. The cabins are spacious and easy on the eye but light on storage space. For more of everything, the suites are perfect, especially the three Owner’s Suites, which span the width of the ship, are decked out by Ralph Lauren Home and come with butler service, a free minibar and first dibs on restaurant tables. 

Food and drink:  Three speciality restaurants that are favourites on Marina and Riviera are back - Polo Grill for steaks, Red Ginger for Asian cuisine and Toscana for Italian dishes. Ember is a new, more casual eatery offering a break from fine dining. The art deco-style Grand Dining Room has open seating and serves a not-to-be-missed Sunday brunch. 

The Terrace Cafe buffet has salads and charcuterie, plus meat, fish and veggie options. Aquamar Kitchen, new on the pool deck, serves a healthy salads and wraps menu at breakfast and lunch, counter-balancing the burgers and fries dished out in neighbouring Waves. Prices include drinks with lunch and dinner; trading up to an unlimited Prestige Select drinks package costs $30 a day. A new wine collection lists 80 luxury and vintage labels from around the world. 

Facilities:  It’s hard to escape food on Vista. Keen chefs can prepare (and eat) dishes inspired by the places they are visiting in the Culinary Center and a new bakery by baristas means coffee fans can indulge in pastries with their flat whites. For a culinary detox, try the spa or gym, the library, a lounger by the pool or Artist Loft, where creative sorts can create some artwork of their own. 

USP:  All speciality restaurants on Vista are good, and they’re free. However, epicureans can splash the cash on private degustation experiences. A new two-hour Cellar’s Wine Luncheon in Ember comprising five courses, each accompanied with a premium wine, costs $159 per person. A six-course Dom Pérignon tasting experience in Privée, a private dining room for eight, is priced at $395 per person. 

Book it:  A 10-day Ionian & Adriatic Seas cruise from Valletta in Malta to Trieste in Italy departing April 21, 2024, and calling into Turkey, Greece and Croatia costs from £3,919 including flights, transfers, drinks with lunch and dinner, $800 shore excursion credit per cabin and Wi-Fi. oceaniacruises.com 

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SMALL, LUXURIOUS SHIPS OF OCEANIA CRUISES

Oceania cruises' vista.

• Culinary Experiences
• Life on Board
• Suites & Staterooms

Your World From A New Perspective

Ships facts.

• Year Built: 2023
• Tonnage: 68,000
• Guest Capacity: 1,200 (Double Occupancy)
• Length: 791 feet

Innovative Mixology Program

The introduction of an elevated and innovative bar program aboard Vista reveals an expansive collection of immersive mixology experiences, curated cocktail menus, ultimate pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts. Discover the latest cocktail-crafting trends and techniques such as flavored mist bubbles, an extensive selection of low- and no-sugar wines and zero-proof cocktails, plus Negronis aged in wooden barrels and experiential beverage carts like the Bubbly Bar and Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar.

Imaginative New Dining Concepts

Vista is your world from a new perspective and honors our passion for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea ® with imaginative new dining concepts and the debut of new epicurean delights. Be among the first to experience Ember, the newest addition to the Oceania Cruises family of restaurants, and Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of indulgent, wellness-inspired dishes. Enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at treasured and iconic dining venues that have been elevated to new heights, from the refined elegance of The Grand Dining Room to the ultimate steakhouse experience at Polo Grill. Join us as we embark on the next chapter of Oceania Cruises’ culinary story.

Residential-Style Luxury

Vista sets new standards for comfort and residential-style luxury with all-veranda accommodations. All staterooms and suites feature beautifully appointed bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers, large vanities and copious storage space. Penthouse, Oceania, Vista and Owner’s Suites are ultra-spacious and true seagoing residences with an abundance of living and dining space for entertaining or simply relaxing. In a first for the brand, Vista will feature a new category of Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms dedicated to solo travelers.

Bathed in soothing tones and detailed with multiple layers of luxurious furnishings, accents and artwork, each stateroom and suite is a welcoming home away from home.

Vista will present a fresh perspective on the finest cuisine at sea with an astounding array of dining options that range from informal to the extravagant.

Signature Spaces Revealed

From the oceania cruises blog.

INTRODUCING VISTA’S DRAMATIC NEW SIGNATURE SPACES

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Oceania Vista cabins and suites

Oceania vista staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Oceania Vista cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Oceania Cruises en-suite amenities and services.

The Oceania Vista cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

4-Room Owners Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Oceania Vista's Owner Suites (3x) are furnished by Ralph Lauren Home.

Each sized 2200-2400 ft2 (205-223 m2/terrace included), the three "estate homes" feature floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, brand furniture, accessories, fabrics, fragrances, and original artworks (by the 1967-founded fashion company Ralph Lauren Corporation), double-door entry opening into the Foyer and the Dining Room with a Brook Street Supper Mahogany Dining Table surrounded by Holbrook Director's Chairs and with a Chatham Pendant Chandelier in polished nickel overhead.

In addition to standard cabin amenities, Owner Suites also receive:

• priority online specialty dining reservations
• 24-hour Butler service, pillow menu, fresh fruit basket (replenished daily)
• complimentary laundry service (up to 3 bags per suite), shoeshine service, pressing service (garments upon embarkation)
• mini-bar (6x full-size bottles of premium brand spirits and wines), welcome bottle of Champagne, Oceania Cruises-logoed tote bag, personalized stationery
• priority ship embarkation (at 11 am) and luggage delivery
• card-only access to the Executive Lounge (exclusive/Suite-only venue with Concierge service, complimentary soft drinks, coffees, snacks throughout the day)
• unlimited Aquamar Spa Terrace access
• private in-cabin lunch on embarkation day (between 12 noon and 2 pm)
• iPad (upon request)

3-Room Vista Suite

Vista Suites are each sized 1450-1850 ft2 (135-172 m2/terrace included), and in addition to standard cabin amenities, also receive:

3-Room Oceania Suite

Oceania Suites are each sized 1000-1200 ft2 (93-112 m2/terrace included), and in addition to standard cabin amenities, also receive:

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites, in addition to standard cabin amenities, also receive:

• 24-hour Butler service
• welcome bottle of Champagne, Oceania Cruises-logoed tote bag, personalized stationery
• priority ship embarkation (at 12 noon) and luggage delivery

Balcony Cabin

Concierge Veranda cabins, in addition to standard amenities, also receive Suite perks like:

• welcome bottle of Champagne, Oceania Cruises-logoed tote bag
• priority ship embarkation (at 12 noon)
• card-only access to the Concierge Lounge (exclusive venue with Concierge service, complimentary soft drinks, coffees, snacks throughout the day)
• lunch and dinner in-cabin service (ordering from The Grand Dining Room's menu)

French Balcony Cabin

Single cabin.

Concierge Level Solo Veranda cabins, in addition to standard amenities, also receive Suite perks like:

Oceania Vista cabins review

Of all Oceania Vista staterooms (613 total, in 16 grades/categories), ~97% are with step-out balconies including 149x Suites and 444x Balcony cabins (of which 6x Solo/Studios with single occupancy), while only 20x are with French Balconies.

Handicap (wheelchair-accessible/ADA) cabins for disabled passengers are 5, located near the lifts on decks 7, 8, 10. A total of 37x pairs of staterooms are interconnecting (connected via an interior door) and perfect for families.

Self-serve laundry rooms/launderettes are available forward on all cabin decks (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) except deck 12 (Suites).

MS Vista has one of the world's largest cruise accommodations - the aft-facing Owner's Suites. Each sized 205-223 m2 (2200-2400 ft2/terrace included), these suites span the entire width of the ship and each features a huge wraparound balcony fitted with premium garden furniture for alfresco dining and relaxation.

Owner, Vista, and Oceania Suites have a separate bedroom (king bed /luxury linens, walk-in-closet), balcony (whirlpool bath, resort lounge furniture), master bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, shower stall), guest bathroom (shower), living room (3 HDTVs, Bose sound system, vanity, plush seating, dining area, mini-bar /unlimited drinks and water), entrance foyer, music room (sea view), HDTVs (3 in Owners Suite, 2 in Vista Suite).

All Suites have a walk-in closet.

Balcony staterooms (including all Suites) have private teak verandas fitted with premium lounge furniture.

French Balcony cabins are with a slide-opening floor-to-ceiling window that opens to a French Balcony/metal railings.

Guests in all staterooms (regardless of cabin category) enjoy the following standard amenities and complimentary services: custom-made Tranquility Beds (Queen-size /convert to twins, Prestige Tranquility mattress, large under-bed storage space, Egyptian cotton linens/1000-thread-count), over-sized bathrooms (marble/granite, hung toilet, single vanity, bathtub), sitting area (mirrored vanity/writing desk, dining table, sleeper couch), mini-bar (refrigerator stocked with unlimited soft drinks and bottled water/still and sparkling Vero Water/replenished daily), stationery, bathroom (shower, Grohe showerhead, handheld hairdryer, thick cotton robes and slippers, plush cotton towels, Bulgari brand toiletries), electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), direct-dial phone (satellite connections), smart HDTV (interactive system/Internet, on-demand movies), nightly turndown service (Belgian chocolates), twice-daily maid service, 24-hour room service, power outlets (110/220V).

Additional perks for guests in Concierge Level cabins and all Suites are upgraded cabin and bath amenities, including:

• 24-hour butler service
• priority services - embarkation, check-in, luggage delivery, packing-unpacking (when requested), en-suite dining (also orders from the specialty restaurants menu), shoeshine, laundry, dining and shore excursion reservations
• welcome gifts (fruits, flowers, Champagne, Oceania-logoed tote bag)
• exclusive Lounge access (concierge service, on deck 11), unlimited access to the Spa Terrace
• deluxe bath products (Bulgari gift set), cashmere blankets, IPad (upon request), media center/library, evening canapes.
• ashore reservations (dinner, entertainment)
• laptop (Wi-Fi access, Internet package/discount rates)

Oceania Vista cabin and suite plans are property of Oceania Cruises . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will be the world's biggest new cruise ship.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

• New ships for 2023
• New ships for 2024
• New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an  Oceania  cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a  Carnival  cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore  Virgin Voyages  deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare  MSC Cruises  on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a  Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a  Norwegian Cruise Line  itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore  Silversea  cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare  Regent Seven Seas  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a  Celebrity Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

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Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Sun Princess: February 2024

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a  Cunard  cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships
• The Best Cruise Lines
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Transatlantic Cruises

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9 Cruise Lines With the Best Food

T aking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

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Luxury cruise lines

Oceania cruises.

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Mainstream cruise lines

Holland america line.

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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