Discovering the world by boat is an unforgettable experience, the breeze, the waves, the incredible sunsets, the changing light on the horizon... but if the adventure of traveling is combined with the best gastronomy on the high seas, then the result is a travel aboard the ships of Oceania Cruises, a company that has six small and luxurious ships (seven soon), which transport a maximum of 1,238 passengers, visiting more than 600 destinations around the world, a shipping company known for its culinary excellence and its extraordinary personalized service.
And, on May 8, in Malta, it will debut a new ship –the first of its new Allura Class ships–, the Oceania Vista, during its inaugural outing in Valletta. A celebration that she will have as godmother, how could it be otherwise, the famous Italian-American chef, writer and restaurateur, Giada De Laurentiis, winner of an Emmy award for her cooking shows. After the baptism, the singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr. will perform an exclusive concert for those invited to the event. While De Laurentiis will create two signature Italian-inspired dishes that will be served aboard the Vista.
Frank del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, states that “we are excited to have two personalities like Giada de Laurentiis and Harry Connick Jr for the christening of Vista, our first new ship in a decade. The best way to celebrate our 20th anniversary”.
The company is characterized by having a careful gastronomic offer, always in tune with local products according to the selected itineraries.
Once on board, passengers will be able to admire the grand staircase that appears as soon as they enter the ship. An icon present on all the company's ships, and which reminds the passenger where he is. A curvaceous staircase and elegant elements, such as the wonderful curtain of sparkling crystals that carry an astonishing variety of restaurants on the upper floors, and range from the most casual to the extravagant, starting with the new Ember restaurant, a luxurious but relaxed space, where guests can enjoy an authentically American dining experience.
But this is not enough for this company with a unique gastronomic philosophy, which aims to satisfy the most select palates by offering new and exclusive culinary concepts: from the Aquamar Kitchen serving a variety of healthy dishes for those most concerned about their well-being to the Baristas cafeteria where sandwiches and tempting freshly baked cakes are offered.
There are other spaces for the pleasure of good eating, such as the signature restaurant The Grand Dining Room; the Polo Grill steakhouse; delicious Tuscan cuisine in a truly Italian setting; and Thai, Korean, Japanese and Asian specialties represented and served at Red Ginger.
According to Juan Rodero, CEO of StarClass/Un Mundo de Cruceros, "the gastronomic offer is increasingly a key factor when choosing a certain cruise." And in this case it is one of its maximum singularities.
The Vista will begin her season in the Mediterranean in April, then move on to Canada and New England in September to enjoy the beautiful scenery just before the start of the winter season in Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Its journeys will cover more than 24 countries on four continents.
