A Luxurious Voyage Aboard Oceania Cruises' Vista

When the opportunity arose for me to embark on a remarkable 3-night pre-inaugural sailing aboard Oceania Cruises' newest ship, Vista, my excitement was palpable. Not only was I thrilled to finally set foot in Florence, a city I had long yearned to visit, but I also knew that I would be pampered with unparalleled luxury under the care of Oceania.

On the 3rd of May 2023, I eagerly stepped aboard Vista. With a quick ten-minute hop from Genoa to the port, we swiftly embarked and found ourselves sipping cocktails under the sun at a lightning pace. After refreshing ourselves with a cool drink on the stunning Sun Deck, we began our exploration of the ship.

Given the lovely weather and our longing for sunlight after what felt like months, we decided to start at the top and work our way down. To my surprise, I discovered a fantastic mini-golf course—an uncommon sight on a cruise ship. The upper decks also boasted amenities like driving range nets, paddle tennis, a running/walking track, deck games, and a well-equipped fitness centre with a separate studio for classes.

We were treated to a tour of the exquisite Aquamar Spa, featuring multiple treatment rooms for massages and facials, steam rooms, saunas, a hair salon, and a barber shop. However, the true highlight of the spa was the Aquamar Spa Terrace, offering cushioned loungers, daybeds, plunge pools, and whirlpool spa tubs—a serene haven with breathtaking views of the sea. It was the perfect spot to relax and restore both body and spirit.

The pool area featured inviting cushioned sunbeds adorned with crisp white towels. Attentive waiters patrolled the sun deck, eager to replenish our glasses. Just steps away, we could indulge in a variety of dining options, such as the Terrace Café (where I highly recommend the burgers!), or venture to the Horizons bar—a wonderful space for evening drinks, dancing, afternoon tea, or live music. Other notable facilities on the upper decks included The Culinary Centre, an exceptional space to learn cooking from top chefs, complete with a dedicated dining room to enjoy your creations. Additionally, there was the artists loft, digital center, an impressive library, and Baristas coffee bar and bakery for a specialty coffee and a quick bite.

Decks 7 to 11 featured all the staterooms and suites on board. After a quick stop at our Verandah Stateroom to freshen up, I was taken aback by the luxurious bathroom—it seemed to go on forever! The rainfall shower, Bulgari toiletries, and stunning fixtures surpassed any I had encountered on previous cruises. The stateroom itself was equally beautiful, with convenient USB sockets near the beds, delightfully comfortable mattresses, and a perfect-sized verandah where I could relax and immerse myself in a good book. After an early morning start, I could have easily fallen into one of those beds, but there was still so much more to explore, experience, and indulge in.

Descending to the lower decks, we discovered even more impressive facilities. A string quartet welcomed us in the stunning lobby. We meandered through Martinis, the piano bar, caught a glimpse of the Casino, the Grand Lounge, and the Grand Dining Room—a truly gorgeous main dining area with a clean, bright, and modern ambiance, complemented by stunning fittings and a captivating view of the sea.

The final deck, Deck 5, housed the reception, destination services, luxury boutiques, and the Vista Show Lounge. It was also home to two exceptional specialty restaurants: Red Ginger, offering Asian Fusion cuisine, and Ember, where we would have the pleasure of dining that evening.

Although Oceania is a luxury cruise line, it doesn't require formal attire. The order of the day is a casual country club style, with the only dinner dress code specifying no shorts or flip flops. We felt honored to dine at Ember, being among the first guests to savor its menu. For starters, I chose the pork ribs, followed by beef tenderloin as the main course, and indulged in beignets for dessert. Every course was truly fabulous. I couldn't resist sampling my travel companion's lobster mac and cheese, and it too was highly recommended. It's worth mentioning that my companion has a severe nut allergy, and Oceania went above and beyond to accommodate her needs. They delivered the menu to our stateroom each evening, allowing her to pre-order her meals and ensuring her safety. While our dining options were pre-selected due to the special sailing, guests can typically choose their dining venues and pre-book specialty restaurants at no extra cost. After a delightful meal, we enjoyed a few drinks in Horizons Bar before retiring to bed as our ship sailed gently toward Monaco.

I rose with the sun the next morning, heading to the fitness center for a quick workout before completing a few laps on the running track. This was an absolute treat, as I savored the stunning views as we sailed into and docked in Monaco throughout my entire session. Rejuvenated, I enjoyed a refreshing fruit juice at Baristas and then joined my roommate for a buffet breakfast at the Terrace Cafe. With a multitude of options to choose from, I relished eggs Benedict and a selection of fresh fruit.

Having docked in the heart of Monte Carlo, we opted not to book an excursion for the day. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the city on our own. With just two weeks until the Monaco Grand Prix, we strolled through the pit lane and along the famous Formula 1 route, capturing numerous envy-inducing pictures to share with my brother. After a visit to the Casino and a thorough exploration of the surroundings, we returned to the ship for a late lunch at the Waves Grill. I indulged in the Surf and Turf baguette, which was accompanied by delicious fries.

The afternoon was spent leisurely by the pool, followed by a delightful Afternoon Tea—a refined affair with a string quartet serenading us while white-gloved waiters served sandwiches, cakes, and scones, accompanied by cups of Earl Grey tea.

Dinner that evening took place in the Grand Dining Room. I savored a delectable lobster bisque as an appetizer, followed by a sumptuous veal steak, and joined the entire table in ordering the fan favorite, Crème Brulee. The Vista Lounge hosted an evening show featuring the full entertainment cast, performing their favorite songs from Broadway shows. Although some of the song selections weren't entirely British, the extraordinary vocal performances and energetic dancing made it an enjoyable and entertaining experience.

On day 3, we awoke in Livorno, with no time for a workout as we had booked a full-day excursion to visit both Florence and Pisa, departing at 7:45 am. We enjoyed a quick breakfast at the health-conscious Aquamar Kitchen, offering a vegan menu and a wide selection of options. My travel companion chose the Avocado toast, while I indulged in banana pancakes and a healthy green smoothie. Soon, we gathered in the Vista Lounge, ready to embark on our excursion. Our knowledgeable guide, Samuele, kept us engaged and entertained throughout the approximately hour and a half journey to Florence, taking the scenic route to avoid heavy traffic. We were rewarded with panoramic views of the city, dominated by the stunning Duomo.

Upon arrival, we disembarked close to the city center and followed Samuele as he shared fascinating insights about the city's history, recommended local eateries and shops, and even guided us to the nearest restroom facilities. We visited the Piazza Santa Croce, marveled at the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, and meandered through the charming cobbled streets to reach the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, renowned for its iconic Duomo. While we didn't have the opportunity to explore the interior due to the lengthy queue (which can be avoided by pre-booking), Samuele assured us that the exterior was equally breathtaking. I hope to return one day and ascend the 463 steps to enjoy the panoramic views from the top. Our journey through Florence continued, with Samuele pointing out additional landmarks, statues, and notable sites such as the Uffizi Gallery (a must-visit in the future) and the famous Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge lined with exquisite jewelry shops. While other tour options, like "Florence and Pisa on your own," offered more time to explore these sites, having Samuele's knowledge and guidance was invaluable. After the tour, we had a couple of hours of free time to enjoy lunch, shop for souvenirs, and savor a mandatory gelato. We reconvened with the group at 2 pm and proceeded to Pisa to witness the iconic Leaning Tower. Samuele shared fascinating insights about the tower's history during the drive, and upon arrival, we had ample time to capture the obligatory "propping-up-the-tower" pictures and admire the surrounding monuments. We returned to the ship tired yet content, ready for our final dinner on board.

Once again, we dined in the Grand Dining Room, where I indulged in a caviar starter, followed by a tantalizing Maine lobster main course, and concluded with a chocolate caramel lava cake. It was a decadent and satisfying meal, perfectly complementing our eventful day. The evening show in the Vista Lounge featured the full entertainment cast performing "British Pub Classics." Although the show seemed to be created from an American perspective, as some songs weren't truly British and unfamiliar to me, the vocal performances and lively atmosphere made it an enjoyable experience. We bid farewell with a final drink in Horizons Bar before retiring to bed, cherishing the numerous wonderful memories we had created during our time on board.

Oceania Cruises provides the perfect blend of a luxurious voyage and captivating destinations, without the need for formal attire. My experience on board the Vista was truly exceptional, solidifying it as one of the finest ships currently sailing the seas.