The picturesque French Riviera, ancient cities, lush islands of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, as well as Turkey and the Holy Lands, are just some of the destinations that one can explore with the beautiful Vista. As the leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line, Vista, the new addition to Oceania Cruises and the line’s first Allura Class ship is a dazzling way to travel.
Vista has traversed the globe since its maiden voyage last year, carrying 1,200 guests within her formidable 241-metre-long ship. Boasting spacious, all-veranda suites and staterooms, couples, families, and solo travellers would find the accommodations tastefully designed and comfortable. From the soothing grey-and-white interior palette to the plush furnishing where restful slumbers can be had, the sea is always visible from the comfort of one’s breezy veranda.
The vessel’s enormous size offers guests plenty of space and facilities. From Horizons (a lounge where drinking and dancing the night away takes place) to the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center where one can exercise and unwind, there are spots to be social or to have a quiet read.
Flavourful journey
Renowned for having The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Vista’s guests are spoiled with gourmet food and drink offerings. With celebrated master chef Jacques Pépin as executive culinary director of Oceania Cruises’ since 2003, one can expect the best ingredients and culinary masterpieces in all dining rooms of the new ship.
An emphasis on artisanal produce, be it Castilla La Mancha saffron or custom-milled French flour to make freshly baked pastries, can be savoured at the dining venues on board. The Grand Dining Room serves a la carte and tasting menus in an elegant setting, while the specialty restaurants feature impeccable cuisines worldwide. There is Toscana with its authentic Italian (think Octopus Carpaccio with Champagne vinaigrette and Osso Buco alla Milanese); Ember, which serves elevated American favourites; Red Ginger and its vibrant Asian flavours, wellness-inspired indulgences at Aquamar, freshly baked pastries and lattes at Baristas, and many more.
Foodies can also learn new skills at The Culinary Center, where hands-on classes led by experts teach them how to cook pasta, fish, and rice dishes like the Sicilians or go Greek by unlocking the kitchen secrets of the wholesome cuisine.
The art of mixology
Vista also introduces The Casino Mixology Bar. The new concept focuses on the art of cocktail-making, where exciting trends and techniques are applied to the tipples served at Martinis, Founders Bar, Horizons, and Waves Bar. Find Negronis aged in wooden barrels, exclusive Champagne-based cocktails from The Bubbly Bar cart, an artisanal spirits collection, zero-proof cocktails, and more on the menus.
Each dining venue has a dedicated cocktail and drink menu to complement the cuisine. Ember, for instance, offers wines, crafted beers, ryes, and bourbons, and cocktails to suit Americana cuisine. The same attention goes to The Aquamar Kitchen, a new concept serving lean and healthy cuisine that also features non-alcoholic spirits from Lyre’s. Ginger, turmeric, coriander, and lychee-scented cocktails are available at Red Ginger’s cocktails menu, along with premium sake selection.
Important milestones and special moments are better celebrated with an exquisite pairings menu. Held at the exclusive intimate venue Privée, guests can book the Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience, where a three-course tasting menu is paired with the house’s rare vintages (think of Duck Foie Gras Terrine with Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne). A Dom Pérignon Experience is also available for discerning Champagne connoisseurs, where a six-course tasting menu is paired with three Champagne vintages. Highlights include Scallops Rossini with Mole Negro and Black Truffle Risotto.
Wine lovers sailing on Oceania Cruises’ new ship can opt for the Connoisseur Wine Pairing Lunches or the Odyssey Menu. The first is a sommelier-led homage to Mediterranean cuisine, while the latter is a multi-course degustation menu journey paired with exceptional wines.
Star-studded entertainment
In addition to eating and drinking, Oceania Cruises‘ new ship boasts three original productions to discover on board. Guests are invited to dress up, sit back, and enjoy the spectacular shows. Into the Night, Headliners, and The Anchor Inn are three immersive-style productions featuring songs by famous artists and contemporary dance numbers led by Dancing with the Stars choreographer Britt Stewart.
A dance-centric show akin to the allure of Video Music Awards, the glamour of American Idol, and the energy of Dancing with the Stars, Into the Night is a lively production that will leave the audience amazed.
Watch Vista’s onboard talents as they entertain the audience with popular pop tunes from the world’s legendary artists in Headliners. Finally, a tribute to the British chart-topping hits is exuberantly combined in The Anchor Inn. The song-and-dance performance will make the audience clap and get up from their chairs.