Fireworks In Malta Celebrate Launch Of Oceania’s Newest Ship, Vista

With avid cruisers eager to return to the sea and return to normal after a long hiatus, the launch of a new, upper-premium ship seems especially exciting. So emotions ran high as Oceania Cruises, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, last night christened its newest ship Vista, in Valletta, Malta.

The first of the line’s Allura Class vessels, the 1,200-guest, all-veranda Vista made her debut with a celebration headlined by her godmother, chef and food personality Giada De Laurentiis, who officially named and christened Vista with the ceremonial Champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull.

VIP attendees then enjoyed a performance from Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician Harry Connick, Jr. and a finale with fireworks over Valletta’s historic harbor.

Vista will sail her maiden voyage on May 13 from Rome to Venice before embarking on a sold-out summer in the Mediterranean. In September, she sails to Canada and New England before heading south for winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean from her homeport of Miami.

Vista’s 2024 summer season will see her sail a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.

At 791 feet (241 meters) long and more than 67,000 tons, with capacity for 1,200 guests at double occupancy, Vista offers a market-leading staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests.

Besides featuring all-veranda accommodations, special staterooms are designated for solo travelers. Standard staterooms measure more than 290 square feet.

Onboard activities include eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues plus the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and Aquamar Spa Terrace.

Vista features 11 onboard culinary venues, three of which are new: Aquamar Kitchen, offering wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries; and a new signature restaurant, Ember.

As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served in Toscana, Oceania Cruises’ Italian specialty restaurant, and The Grand Dining Room.

Vista is also introducing The Casino Mixology Bar, a new concept for the line, focused entirely on the art of the cocktail.

Guests at the christening ceremony saw the opening performance of “Into the Night,” Vista’s dance-centric theatrical show led by “Dancing with the Stars” pro dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart, which is now part of the ship’s entertainment offerings.