10 Things to Love on Oceania Vista

Grand Dining Room

By GEORGINA CRUZ
Special to North Palm Beach Life
Photos by Georgia Cruz

     Long-time fans of the value and cuisine of Oceania, my husband Humberto and I decided to try the line's Vista this spring. Launched in May of 2023 and representing a new class of ship for Oceania, the 68,000-ton, 1,200-guest  that will be followed by sister ship Allura later this year.

     We spent 23 days on board Vista getting to know her and here are 10 of our favorite things:

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Humberto and me in the Vista Atrium

     * The Atrium -- You only get one opportunity to make a first impression, and the Vista does not take any chances, welcoming passengers with a stunning, elegant Atrium --a space graced by a grand staircase and a dazzling floor-to-ceiling pillar of light sculpture that made us feel special from the moment we boarded.

     * The Grand Dining Room -- Another stunner, the main restaurant is a sophisticated space decorated in soft tones and lovely lighting. This is the setting for what Oceania calls "The finest cuisine at sea," and it lived up to its name, featuring specialties by French Master Chef Jacques Pepin like his baby shrimp and avocado cocktail and poulet a la creme (chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, with rice pilaf and vegetables); tastes of the world and traditional fare. Among our favorites were a goat cheese souffle appetizer, delightful salads, soups and entrees as well as desserts including creme brulee, souffles and a variety of ice creams and sorbets. Service here and in the alternative restaurants was excellent. I have a gluten allergy and our waiter in the Grand Dining Room, Phuc, from Vietnam, and others in the alternative restaurants, were vigilant, making sure what I ate was gluten-free.

     * The alternative restaurants -- In all, the ship has a dozen venues serving food. Among our favorites were the Polo Grill where the jumbo prawns, and surf and turf were something to write home about; Toscana, the Italian restaurant, where they have an olive oil trolley with some 10 different varieties of oils; and Ember, a new restaurant for Oceania, serving elevated American fare where the grilled marinated pork chop and Atlantic salmon were delicious and the portions very generous. Another alternative, Red Ginger, came with a high recommendation from one of our team trivia members who said it "is the best of Vista's alternative restaurants." In our opinion, it is among the best at sea. It features refined Asian decor and flavors of Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea. We loved the chicken satay appetizer, the sea bass, the matcha green tea ice cream and tropical flavor sorbets as well as the raspberry hibiscus tea, among other delights.

     * Our cabin -- A Concierge Level room on Deck 10, it was an attractive home at sea. The line's "Tranquility Bed" is the most comfortable both Humberto and I have ever slept on (even more comfy than the one we have at home). The cabin has a seating area with sofa, chair and desk, big flat-screen television, veranda with two chairs and table, and a very functional bath with roomy walk-in shower, basin, a double drawer, medicine cabinet, and five small drawers.

     * The Aquamar Terrace -- A perk of Concierge Level cabins, this terrace is a peaceful oasis aft of the Aquamar Spa with plenty of comfortable seating to catch some rays, two whirlpools and pool. Soothing New Age music and sea views are conducive to relaxation. In addition to complimentary unlimited access to the Aquamar Terrace, Concierge cabins have access to a lounge with complimentary sodas, juice, cookies, yogurt, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

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Our Concierge cabin

​     *  The Afternoon Tea in Horizons, the ship's Observation Lounge -- Guests sip green tea and other varieties from fine porcelain cups, and white-gloved wait staff serves scones, cookies, pastries and tiny sandwiches. A string quartet or pianist are ear candy. While sipping a cup of Green tea with the backdrop of Hamilton, Bermuda and listening to selections from "Phantom of the Opera," I wondered, does it ever get better than this?

     * The Grand Lounge -- Across from the Grand Dining Room and perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and after dinner drinks, this sumptuous lounge is decorated with art, lovely lighting and comfortable seating. It sets the scene for entertainment by a string quartet in the evenings.

     * The Vista Lounge -- Oceania has introduced Broadway style production shows led by "Dancing With The Stars" choreographer Britt Stewart. Other entertainment includes comedians and other artists, among them on our sailing Broadway vocalist Colleen Williamson.

     * The activities -- Of the wide variety of daytime pastimes, including cooking lessons, art classes, deck games, fitness activities, needlepoint and chat, and bingo, our favorites were the daily Team Trivia sessions with Cruise Director Peter. We love Trivia and the Vista has two sessions --members of the Entertainment Staff lead a second evening contest every night. Another big favorite with us were the daily Mensa puzzles with Social Hostess Vanessa.

     * The Oceania Value -- In addition to its two-for-one pricing, the line offered a special "Simply More" package including complimentary Wi-Fi, free champagne and wine, free alternative dining and a $600 per cabin for shore excursions.

     For information visit www.oceaniacruises.com.

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Jumbo prawns in the Polo Grill