Oceania
Cruises welcomed its new 1,200-guest ship Vista with a naming ceremony on
May 8 whereas additionally bidding a laudatory farewell to its founder, Frank J. Del Rio.
The two-hour affair, held dockside on the port of Valletta,
Malta, additionally served because the official hand-over of Oceania to the subsequent era,
Frank A. Del Rio, who’s the brand new president of the upscale food- and
destination-focused cruise line.
Frank Jr., as he’s usually referred to as, honored his father and his
mentoring, as did Harry Sommer, the incoming
president and CEO of NCLH Ltd., the guardian firm of Oceania, Regent Seven
Seas Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, efficient July 1. The senior Del Rio is
anticipated to function an adviser to the board via 2025.
The ceremony featured Del Rio relations who usually acquired
emotional recalling the beginning of Oceania 20 years in the past; Frank J. Del Rio even
used a small towel to wipe his tears on the stage, saying tissues wouldn’t be
sufficient.
Oceania began with three 684-passenger vessels initially
constructed for the defunct Renaissance Cruises. Del Rio beforehand had been a prime
govt at Renaissance, so he knew these ships, acquired them together with his
unique accomplice Joe Watters and traders, and usual them into
“upper-premium” ships with a concentrate on wonderful eating. The firm grew
efficiently via the years right 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
underneath Prestige Cruises, which was later purchased by NCLH. Del Rio quickly grew to become
CEO.
Vista, Oceania’s first newbuild in 11 years, was formally
named by Giada De Laurentiis, a star TV chef and restaurateur who
focuses on Italian delicacies and tradition.
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’m so honored to have been chosen as godmother of this
unbelievable new ship and be part of this wonderful night time in Malta,” De
Laurentiis stated. “From wonderful culinary experiences to considerate particulars at
each flip, Vista is really a dream ship. Cheers to this inaugural season and to
everybody who sails aboard her.”
She then pulled a lever on stage that despatched a jeroboam of Veuve
Clicquot champagne smashing into the ship’s hull. The christening ceremony was
adopted by a efficiency from Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician Harry
Connick Jr., in addition to a fireworks present.
The 67,000-gross-ton Vista can accommodate as much as 1,200 visitors
at double occupancy in all-veranda staterooms and suites. The ship has a
staffing ratio of two crew members for each three visitors. The commonplace
staterooms are a whopping 290 sq. ft in dimension. Vista additionally has Concierge
Level Veranda Staterooms for solo vacationers.
Oceania gives what it calls “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,”
and Vista has 11 culinary venues, together with three new to Vista. These embrace
Aquamar Kitchen, providing wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas,
serving freshly baked pastries; and a brand new signature restaurant, Ember.
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