I spent a night on Oceania's new luxury ship. I thought it was boring but it's great for dipping your toes into upscale cruising.

Brittany ChangJan 13, 2024, 22:50 IST

Oceania Cruises' Vista is a great upscale option for older travelers interested in above-average cruise vacations.Brittany Chang/Insider

I spent one night in Oceania Cruises' new Vista ship.
I think it's the perfect higher-end option for travelers interested in upscale cruises.

I spent a night in Oceania Cruises' new Vista ship and discovered a floating haven for your bougie — but not baller — grandparents.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three brands: its popular eponymous cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises. In terms of pricing and luxuriousness, Oceania seems to fall in between its two siblings as a "culinary and destination-focused" brand with "small luxurious ships," according to its parent company.

After one night in the Oceania Vista, I agree the vessel is just that: small and upscale. Perfect for travelers with some money to spend on a quiet floating vacation.

Oceania's new ship — the first in its Allura class and the eighth in its fleet — began sailing in May 2023.

The pool deck on the Oceania Vista as the ship was docked in New York City.Brittany Chang/Insider

While vacations on the Vista are more expensive than ones with cruise lines like Carnival, its itineraries are still cheaper than what’s being offered on new ships from luxury brands like Silversea.

My veranda stateroom on the Oceania Vista.Brittany Chang/Insider

While vacations on the Vista are more expensive than ones with cruise lines like Carnival, its itineraries are still cheaper than what’s being offered on new ships from luxury brands like Silversea.

So for travelers who are interested in upscale cruises but aren't ready to shell out over $3,000 for a vacation, Oceania Cruises’ new Vista could be a great option.

Like any cruise ship, there's a spa.Brittany Chang/Insider

So for travelers who are interested in upscale cruises but aren't ready to shell out over $3,000 for a vacation, Oceania Cruises’ new Vista could be a great option.

At least that was my takeaway after spending one night on the Oceania Vista in September while it was docked overnight in New York City.

There are plenty of pool chairs on the open-aired deck.Brittany Chang/Insider

As a “destination-focused” cruise line, the Vista is scheduled to sail to ports around the world in 2024.

There are art pieces around the ship.Brittany Chang/Insider

And as for its “culinary-focused” reputation, the Vista is publicly leaning into it: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is the godmother of the new ship.

Toscana is the go-to venue for Italian fare.Brittany Chang/Insider

Besides these two floating restaurants, the Vista has nine dining options including three new to the brand.

Travelers can order an avocado toast for breakfast.Brittany Chang/Insider

The latter is where you’ll find crab cakes, porcini mushroom-dusted bone-in ribeye steak, and lobster macaroni and cheese.

Ember has upscale American options.Brittany Chang/Insider

During my night on the ship, the other reporters and I dined at the Grand Dining Room with a menu that included favorites from the company’s executive culinary director, famed chef Jacques Pépin.

My dinner at the Grand Dining Room.Brittany Chang/Insider

During my night on the ship, the other reporters and I dined at the Grand Dining Room with a menu that included favorites from the company’s executive culinary director, famed chef Jacques Pépin.

For the fancier folks, the Vista also has daily afternoon tea with classics like scones and little sandwiches.

The ship offers afternoon tea daily at 4 p.m.Brittany Chang/Insider

No matter the cost to sail, it wouldn't be a cruise without some booze.

There are plenty of bars in the new cruise ship.Brittany Chang/Insider

The new Founders Bar centers bourbons and ryes in its fun and flashy cocktails.

The Founders Bar is great for people who enjoy fun cocktails. Brittany Chang/Insider

After dinner, I dropped into the Vista Lounge theater to see “Headliners,” a song-and-dance performance with covers of popular songs.

The Vista has three onboard shows: "Into the Night," "Headliners," and "The Anchor Inn."Brittany Chang/Insider

Or head to the “LYNC Digital Center” for classes like “smartphone videography” (you can probably guess the ship’s primary demographic). e

The Artist Loft hosts art classes.Brittany Chang/Insider

But if you'd rather have a quiet afternoon, there's also the Library with books and games.

The Library has plenty of books and games.Brittany Chang/Insider

Options like cooking and art classes aren’t common on most cruise ships. But again, most cruise ships aren’t this upscale.

Travelers can take cooking classes in the Culinary Center.Brittany Chang/Insider

Surprisingly, another hint of the ship’s elevated ambiance was the pool deck.

The pool deck had one pool, two hot tubs, and two outdoor showers.Brittany Chang/Insider

Two hot tubs and showers surrounded the swimming hole while leaf-like structures partially shaded the circular above-water daybeds.

Daybeds are partially shaded by leaf-like structures.Brittany Chang/Insider

For guests who prefer to move around, the ship also has a gym, putting green, and track.

The ship has a mini golf course.Brittany Chang/Insider

You could argue that the majority of these amenities, including the spa, are already available on most modern cruise ships.

This veranda stateroom has a a balcony, living "room," bed, small beverage station, and bathroom.Brittany Chang/Insider

No need to worry about dingy interior cabins: As an upscale ship, all of the staterooms have a balcony.

Every stateroom in the Vista has a balcony.Brittany Chang/Insider

At the time, it was the largest cabin I had ever stayed in.

This is one of the most luxurious staterooms I've ever stayed in.Brittany Chang/Insider

The small details made this accommodation a standout.

Accommodations are stocked with Bulgari toiletries. Brittany Chang/Insider

Compared to my only other upscale cruise experience on the Explora I, the Oceania Vista felt more like a true cruise ship than a floating luxury hotel.

The Grand Staircase draws the attention of travelers with its crystal centerpiece.Brittany Chang/Insider

But unlike many new mega ships, there were no tacky and flashy decor pieces or excessive amenities.

The Norwegian Prima has a go-kart track.Brittany Chang/Insider

So if you’re a more mature traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.

The Grand Dining Room serves favorites from famed chef Jacques Pépin.Brittany Chang/Insider

Sure, my stateroom and dinner were quite luxurious.

There's plenty of time to try the ship's inventive cocktails during its multi-night 2024 cruises.Brittany Chang/Insider

Instead, if you’re a traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.

There are several lounges throughout the ship.Brittany Chang/Insider

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I spent a night on Oceania's new luxury ship. I thought it was boring but it's great for dipping your toes into upscale cruising.

Oceania's new ship — the first in its Allura class and the eighth in its fleet — began sailing in May 2023.

While vacations on the Vista are more expensive than ones with cruise lines like Carnival, its itineraries are still cheaper than what’s being offered on new ships from luxury brands like Silversea.

So for travelers who are interested in upscale cruises but aren't ready to shell out over $3,000 for a vacation, Oceania Cruises’ new Vista could be a great option.

At least that was my takeaway after spending one night on the Oceania Vista in September while it was docked overnight in New York City.

As a “destination-focused” cruise line, the Vista is scheduled to sail to ports around the world in 2024.

And as for its “culinary-focused” reputation, the Vista is publicly leaning into it: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is the godmother of the new ship.

Besides these two floating restaurants, the Vista has nine dining options including three new to the brand.

The latter is where you’ll find crab cakes, porcini mushroom-dusted bone-in ribeye steak, and lobster macaroni and cheese.

During my night on the ship, the other reporters and I dined at the Grand Dining Room with a menu that included favorites from the company’s executive culinary director, famed chef Jacques Pépin.

For the fancier folks, the Vista also has daily afternoon tea with classics like scones and little sandwiches.

No matter the cost to sail, it wouldn't be a cruise without some booze.

The new Founders Bar centers bourbons and ryes in its fun and flashy cocktails.

After dinner, I dropped into the Vista Lounge theater to see “Headliners,” a song-and-dance performance with covers of popular songs.

Or head to the “LYNC Digital Center” for classes like “smartphone videography” (you can probably guess the ship’s primary demographic). e

But if you'd rather have a quiet afternoon, there's also the Library with books and games.

Options like cooking and art classes aren’t common on most cruise ships. But again, most cruise ships aren’t this upscale.

Surprisingly, another hint of the ship’s elevated ambiance was the pool deck.

Two hot tubs and showers surrounded the swimming hole while leaf-like structures partially shaded the circular above-water daybeds.

For guests who prefer to move around, the ship also has a gym, putting green, and track.

You could argue that the majority of these amenities, including the spa, are already available on most modern cruise ships.

No need to worry about dingy interior cabins: As an upscale ship, all of the staterooms have a balcony.

At the time, it was the largest cabin I had ever stayed in.

The small details made this accommodation a standout.

Compared to my only other upscale cruise experience on the Explora I, the Oceania Vista felt more like a true cruise ship than a floating luxury hotel.

But unlike many new mega ships, there were no tacky and flashy decor pieces or excessive amenities.

So if you’re a more mature traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.

Sure, my stateroom and dinner were quite luxurious.

Instead, if you’re a traveler who enjoys relaxing and quiet cruises, this could be a great option for you, especially if it’s in your budget.