My two-night voyage on Oceania Cruises’ newest vessel was admittedly more of a teaser than a full experience, but it was certainly enough time to confirm what my international colleagues have already expressed — that Vista is something special. (Though the ship was christened back in May, it only recently arrived for its U.S. West Coast debut, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles.)
Based on the overall deck layout of the Marina and Riviera before it, Vista is the first of a new, slightly larger class (67,000 tons versus 66,084), though one that carries fewer guests (1,200 versus 1,250). This works out mathematically to offer a better passenger-to-space ratio, or more ship volume per individual guest.
The ship’s exterior profile is reminiscent of the preceding class, but Vista exhibits revised uppermost forward deck placements and a contemporary updated funnel design that reads out “Vista” in scrolling LED lights at night.
The Aquamar Spa and Horizons observation lounge have swapped levels, drawing the lounge farther to the front of the ship and perching the enhanced spa terrace directly above. In addition to a central hydrotherapy pool and padded loungers are two whirlpools, available to those staying in Concierge Level cabin categories and above.
Aquamar Spa includes a hydrotherapy pool.
Credit: 2023 Jason LeppertEven without included access to the spa terrace, entry-level private accommodations still benefit from a bathroom layout that has been updated since the 2012-launched Riviera. And as before, staterooms and suites — including Vista’s trio of Owner’s Suites — continue to deliver Oceania’s signature super-plush bedding.
The Culinary Center and Restaurants
Within its reconfigured forecastle is the ship’s retooled Culinary Center. Expanded to encompass 24 cooking stations, the center offers classes for $89 each. Afterwards, guests can enjoy the fruits of their labor by dining in the newly attached side studio.
Behind it, the pool has enlarged its shallow watery ledge to meet six shaded daybeds, making for a lovely resort-style set of first-come, first-served cabanas. Poolside, guests can dine on gourmet burgers at the Waves Grill (which now turns into a casual pizzeria at night), or head to the opposite side, where La Reserve has made way for the fresh Aquamar Kitchen, offering healthier alternatives. (The light-fare concept is even planned to roll back onto Marina.)
The Terrace Cafe still serves as Vista’s lido buffet, while Oceania specialty restaurants, Toscana (Italian) and Polo Grill (steakhouse), sit above. Privee private dining is located in between the two and now hosts the vessel’s wine-pairing dinners (there’s no more La Reserve onboard). Red Ginger, the pan-Asian specialty restaurant, has also made a comeback.
The New Ember Restaurant
Also absent on Vista is Jacques, though master chef Jacques Pepin remains in full force as the line’s executive culinary director. In its place is the new Ember, which offers elevated American cuisine in a quicker, fewer-course fashion than other alternate dining venues.
Ember is a new dining venue onboard Vista.
Credit: 2023 Jason LeppertAt Ember, we were treated to a special wine-paired lunch as a showcase sampler of Vista’s cuisine, in addition to an ice cream social from partnering purveyor Humphry Slocombe. The lunch seriously impressed with dishes such as a twice-baked lobster souffle and a traditional roasted chateaubriand steak, solidifying Oceania’s reputation for the best dining at sea.
And the chef-driven ice cream was just the cherry on top after discovering that 14 flavors are freshly made onboard, with one featured nightly in the main dining room (the rich chocolate-orange was my personal favorite). In no way, shape or form should The Grand Dining Room be written off as just a typical cafeteria. For one, it is one of the most beautiful restaurants at sea, and its fine cuisine is equally on par with its stunning aesthetic.
Shows and Nightlife
If there’s a shortcoming on Vista, it’s probably stage shows in the Vista Lounge. On our abbreviated sailing, “Headliners” was the only production that ran one night, but its traditional revue of tunes, ranging from hits by Adele to Billy Joel, just did not wow. The live band was excellent, but the dancing and singing were lacking. A string quartet in the Grand Lounge, yet another beautifully decorated spot onboard, was better by comparison.
The nearby Founders Bar is a new take on the casino bar, with enticing bespoke cocktails, which only suffers from the venue being too small for its standing-room-only popularity. Better for spreading out with a drink in hand is the expanded Baristas and Bakery coffee bar on the other side of the ship’s handsome library.
The Grand Lounge is a beautifully decorated public space.
Credit: 2023 Jason LeppertOnboard, Oceania executives confirmed that the “more inclusive” (not all-inclusive, but value-driven) line’s target demographic continues to be travelers ages 50 to 70, and Vista will cater to them with a world cruise in 2026.
As for me, a millennial soon to turn 40, Vista has made such an impression that my parents, wife and I are already planning a family vacation onboard next year, and I cannot wait to return to more fully enjoy the ship and all it has to offer.
