Oceania
Cruises welcomed its new 1,200-guest ship Vista with a naming ceremony on
May 8 while also bidding a laudatory farewell to its founder, Frank J. Del Rio.
The two-hour affair, held dockside at the port of Valletta,
Malta, also served as the official hand-over of Oceania to the next generation,
Frank A. Del Rio, who is the new president of the upscale food- and
destination-focused cruise line.
Frank Jr., as he is often called, honored his father and his
mentoring, as did Harry Sommer, the incoming
president and CEO of NCLH Ltd., the parent company of Oceania, Regent Seven
Seas Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, effective July 1. The senior Del Rio is
expected to serve as an adviser to the board through 2025.
The ceremony featured Del Rio family members who often got
emotional recalling the start of Oceania 20 years ago; Frank J. Del Rio even
used a small towel to wipe his tears on the stage, saying tissues wouldn’t be
enough.
Oceania started with three 684-passenger vessels originally
built for the defunct Renaissance Cruises. Del Rio previously had been a top
executive at Renaissance, so he knew those ships, acquired them with his
original partner Joe Watters and investors, and fashioned them into
“upper-premium” ships with a focus on fine dining. The company grew
successfully through the years into a fleet of seven luxurious, food-focused
ships. An eighth ship, Allura, is due out in spring 2025.
Oceania acquired Regent Seven Seas in 2008 and operated them
under Prestige Cruises, which was later bought by NCLH. Del Rio soon became
CEO.
Vista, Oceania’s first newbuild in 11 years, was officially
named by Giada De Laurentiis, a celebrity TV chef and restaurateur who
specializes in Italian cuisine and culture.
Giada de Laurentiis pulls the lever to smash the ceremonial bottle of champagne on Vista’s bow. (Photo Credit: (Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises))
“I am so honored to have been chosen as godmother of this
incredible new ship and be a part of this glorious night in Malta,” De
Laurentiis said. “From amazing culinary experiences to thoughtful details at
every turn, Vista is truly a dream ship. Cheers to this inaugural season and to
everyone who sails aboard her.”
She then pulled a lever on stage that sent a jeroboam of Veuve
Clicquot champagne smashing into the ship’s hull. The christening ceremony was
followed by a performance from Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician Harry
Connick Jr., as well as a fireworks show.
The 67,000-gross-ton Vista can accommodate up to 1,200 guests
at double occupancy in all-veranda staterooms and suites. The ship has a
staffing ratio of two crew members for every three guests. The standard
staterooms are a whopping 290 square feet in size. Vista also has Concierge
Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travelers.
Oceania offers what it calls “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,”
and Vista has 11 culinary venues, including three new to Vista. These include
Aquamar Kitchen, offering wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas,
serving freshly baked pastries; and a new signature restaurant, Ember.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe
to the daily TravelPulse
newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
