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 Chang
![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.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-106779769%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-127656%2Fi-spent-a-night-on-oceaniaaposs-new-luxury-ship-i-thought-it-was-boring-but-itaposs-great-for-dipping-your-toes-into-upscale-cruising-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- 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.
![Oceania](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819920,width-700,height-525,imgsize-298064/oceaniaaposs-new-ship-x2014-the-first-in-its-allura-class-and-the-eighth-in-its-fleet-x2014-began-sailing-in-may-2023-.jpg)
Until then, it had been over 10 years since Oceania debuted a new vessel. The next Allura class vessel will sail in 2025.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819918,width-700,height-525,imgsize-155654/while-vacations-on-the-vista-are-more-expensive-than-ones-with-cruise-lines-like-carnival-its-itineraries-are-still-cheaper-than-whatx2019s-being-offered-on-new-ships-from-luxury-brands-like-silversea-.jpg)
MSC Group's Explora Journeys' new luxury Explora I cruise ship starts at $3,000 per person in 2024 for a six-night sailing.
To compare, Vista's least expensive 2024 itinerary will set cruisers back $2,500 for a seven-day roundtrip sailing from Miami to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.
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.
![So for travelers who are interested in upscale cruises but aren](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819915,width-700,height-525,imgsize-300084/so-for-travelers-who-are-interested-in-upscale-cruises-but-arenapost-ready-to-shell-out-over-3000-for-a-vacation-oceania-cruisesx2019-new-vista-could-be-a-great-option-.jpg)
While it's no floating five-star resort, the ship is still more posh than most mega cruise ships while being less pricey than the likes of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819911,width-700,height-525,imgsize-149988/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-.jpg)
Oceania says its 791-foot-long Vista is sailing with a two-crew to three-guest ratio. (The ship can accommodate 1,200 guests and 800 crew across its 15 decks, 11 for guests.)
As a “destination-focused” cruise line, the Vista is scheduled to sail to ports around the world in 2024.
![As a “destination-focused” cruise line, the Vista is scheduled to sail to ports around the world in 2024.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819903,width-700,height-525,imgsize-204650/as-a-x201cdestination-focusedx201d-cruise-line-the-vista-is-scheduled-to-sail-to-ports-around-the-world-in-2024-.jpg)
This includes hot destinations in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. For US travelers, there are several itineraries roundtrip from Miami as well.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819902,width-700,height-525,imgsize-259020/and-as-for-its-x201cculinary-focusedx201d-reputation-the-vista-is-publicly-leaning-into-it-celebrity-chef-giada-de-laurentiis-is-the-godmother-of-the-new-ship-.jpg)
She created two dishes that are now being served in the Grand Dining Room and the ship's Italian restaurant, Toscana, according to the cruise brand.
Besides these two floating restaurants, the Vista has nine dining options including three new to the brand.
![Besides these two floating restaurants, the Vista has nine dining options including three new to the brand.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819895,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1427004/besides-these-two-floating-restaurants-the-vista-has-nine-dining-options-including-three-new-to-the-brand-.jpg)
For travelers craving a healthy breakfast — think fresh juices and avocado toasts — Aquamar Kitchen is the go-to option. But if you'd rather dine in a relaxed yet modern American restaurant, Ember is your best bet.
The latter is where you’ll find crab cakes, porcini mushroom-dusted bone-in ribeye steak, and lobster macaroni and cheese.
![The latter is where you’ll find crab cakes, porcini mushroom-dusted bone-in ribeye steak, and lobster macaroni and cheese.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819887,width-700,height-525,imgsize-207138/the-latter-is-where-youx2019ll-find-crab-cakes-porcini-mushroom-dusted-bone-in-ribeye-steak-and-lobster-macaroni-and-cheese-.jpg)
If you love cruises for the buffet, you'll find that at the Terrace Cafe with options like sushi, steak grilled to order, and a pasta station.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819878,width-700,height-525,imgsize-181918/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-companyx2019s-executive-culinary-director-famed-chef-jacques-pxe9pin-.jpg)
Here, travelers can indulge in plates like ceviche with hummus foam, halibut, and roasted guinea fowl, according to its sample menu.
The night I was there, the caviar, monkfish, and lobster options were obvious hits at my table. As expected, my meal was great — one of the better ones I've had aboard a ship.
For the fancier folks, the Vista also has daily afternoon tea with classics like scones and little sandwiches.
![For the fancier folks, the Vista also has daily afternoon tea with classics like scones and little sandwiches.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819874,width-700,height-525,imgsize-265674/for-the-fancier-folks-the-vista-also-has-daily-afternoon-tea-with-classics-like-scones-and-little-sandwiches-.jpg)
But for travelers who need a more caffeinated afternoon pick-me-up, the ship also has a coffee shop, Baristas.
This isn't like the Starbucks outposts on some Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships. Instead, Baristas has views of the pool deck, an adjacent bakery, and drinks like melange (which Oceania says is an espresso with whipped cream) and Illy crema (a frozen beverage with Illy coffee, cream, and milk).
No matter the cost to sail, it wouldn't be a cruise without some booze.
![No matter the cost to sail, it wouldn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819872,width-700,height-525,imgsize-216044/no-matter-the-cost-to-sail-it-wouldnapost-be-a-cruise-without-some-booze-.jpg)
There are eight watering holes, lounges, and entertainment options on the ship.
The new Founders Bar centers bourbons and ryes in its fun and flashy cocktails.
![The new Founders Bar centers bourbons and ryes in its fun and flashy cocktails.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819869,width-700,height-525,imgsize-322194/the-new-founders-bar-centers-bourbons-and-ryes-in-its-fun-and-flashy-cocktails-.jpg)
When I walked by, my nose was instantly hit with the residual smell of smoked wood used in the preparation of some of its cocktails.
But for those who prefer the classics, the Vista also has its staple martini bar and what Oceania calls "beverage carts" where travelers can design their own bloody mary and bubbly drink.
After dinner, I dropped into the Vista Lounge theater to see “Headliners,” a song-and-dance performance with covers of popular songs.
![After dinner, I dropped into the Vista Lounge theater to see “Headliners,” a song-and-dance performance with covers of popular songs.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819868,width-700,height-525,imgsize-165700/after-dinner-i-dropped-into-the-vista-lounge-theater-to-see-x201cheadlinersx201d-a-song-and-dance-performance-with-covers-of-popular-songs-.jpg)
As a massive cruise show cynic, I didn't enjoy a second of this. But judging by the cheers and applause, some of the attendees would probably disagree with me.
Or head to the “LYNC Digital Center” for classes like “smartphone videography” (you can probably guess the ship’s primary demographic). e
![Or head to the “LYNC Digital Center” for classes like “smartphone videography” (you can probably guess the ship’s primary demographic). e](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819861,width-700,height-525,imgsize-203320/or-head-to-the-x201clync-digital-centerx201d-for-classes-like-x201csmartphone-videographyx201d-you-can-probably-guess-the-shipx2019s-primary-demographic-e.jpg)
Or you could take cooking classes in the Culinary Center and art classes in the Artist loft.
But if you'd rather have a quiet afternoon, there's also the Library with books and games.
![But if you](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819856,width-700,height-525,imgsize-290580/but-if-youaposd-rather-have-a-quiet-afternoon-thereaposs-also-the-library-with-books-and-games-.jpg)
It was quiet and studious inside.
Options like cooking and art classes aren’t common on most cruise ships. But again, most cruise ships aren’t this upscale.
![Options like cooking and art classes aren’t common on most cruise ships. But again, most cruise ships aren’t this upscale.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819848,width-700,height-525,imgsize-972806/options-like-cooking-and-art-classes-arenx2019t-common-on-most-cruise-ships-but-again-most-cruise-ships-arenx2019t-this-upscale-.jpg)
While these classes weren't available during my one-night visit, I would've been first in line to book them if I could.
Surprisingly, another hint of the ship’s elevated ambiance was the pool deck.
![Surprisingly, another hint of the ship’s elevated ambiance was the pool deck.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819843,width-700,height-525,imgsize-313778/surprisingly-another-hint-of-the-shipx2019s-elevated-ambiance-was-the-pool-deck-.jpg)
There were no waterslides or colorful designs. Instead, this outdoor retreat was neutral, calm, and modern. It's one of the most luxurious I've ever seen.
Two hot tubs and showers surrounded the swimming hole while leaf-like structures partially shaded the circular above-water daybeds.
![Two hot tubs and showers surrounded the swimming hole while leaf-like structures partially shaded the circular above-water daybeds.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819841,width-700,height-525,imgsize-290804/two-hot-tubs-and-showers-surrounded-the-swimming-hole-while-leaf-like-structures-partially-shaded-the-circular-above-water-daybeds-.jpg)
The deck above this had lounge chairs that faced the pool, making this outdoor space feel enclosed and secluded.
For guests who prefer to move around, the ship also has a gym, putting green, and track.
![For guests who prefer to move around, the ship also has a gym, putting green, and track.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819840,width-700,height-525,imgsize-410882/for-guests-who-prefer-to-move-around-the-ship-also-has-a-gym-putting-green-and-track-.jpg)
And let's not forget everyone's new favorite: a pickleball court.
You could argue that the majority of these amenities, including the spa, are already available on most modern cruise ships.
![You could argue that the majority of these amenities, including the spa, are already available on most modern cruise ships.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819838,width-700,height-525,imgsize-207062/you-could-argue-that-the-majority-of-these-amenities-including-the-spa-are-already-available-on-most-modern-cruise-ships-.jpg)
But in my opinion, it's the staterooms — which start at 290 square-feet — that set the Oceania Vista apart from most ships.
For starters, the ship also has "concierge level" solo veranda staterooms for travelers who prefer to sail alone.
No need to worry about dingy interior cabins: As an upscale ship, all of the staterooms have a balcony.
![No need to worry about dingy interior cabins: As an upscale ship, all of the staterooms have a balcony.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819836,width-700,height-525,imgsize-308470/no-need-to-worry-about-dingy-interior-cabins-as-an-upscale-ship-all-of-the-staterooms-have-a-balcony-.jpg)
I spent the night in the 290-square-foot veranda stateroom.
At the time, it was the largest cabin I had ever stayed in.
![At the time, it was the largest cabin I had ever stayed in.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819830,width-700,height-525,imgsize-172684/at-the-time-it-was-the-largest-cabin-i-had-ever-stayed-in-.jpg)
And it quickly became one of my favorites, second only to the more expensive Explora I.
The small details made this accommodation a standout.
![The small details made this accommodation a standout.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819828,width-700,height-525,imgsize-62664/the-small-details-made-this-accommodation-a-standout-.jpg)
Inside, the Bulgari toiletries, large balcony and bathroom, complimentary beverage station, and subtly elevated design won me over.
And that's coming from a picky cruiser: It's not often I walk away from my cruise ship cabin with no complaints.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819826,width-700,height-525,imgsize-341444/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-.jpg)
After all, the new ship still had the recognizable classics — a buffet, main pool deck, bars, and dining venues — all with a more upscale twist.
But unlike many new mega ships, there were no tacky and flashy decor pieces or excessive amenities.
![But unlike many new mega ships, there were no tacky and flashy decor pieces or excessive amenities.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819823,width-700,height-525,imgsize-187188/but-unlike-many-new-mega-ships-there-were-no-tacky-and-flashy-decor-pieces-or-excessive-amenities-.jpg)
Being on the Vista was not as mentally draining as traveling on the new amusement park-like ships that have been flooding the market (like its distant cousin, the Norwegian Prima with a flashy go-kart track and a thrilling 10-story slide).
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819818,width-700,height-525,imgsize-226950/so-if-youx2019re-a-more-mature-traveler-who-enjoys-relaxing-and-quiet-cruises-this-could-be-a-great-option-for-you-especially-if-itx2019s-in-your-budget-.jpg)
While this is great for travelers who enjoy a quiet cruising experience, I personally found the ship to be a bit boring.
Sure, my stateroom and dinner were quite luxurious.
![Sure, my stateroom and dinner were quite luxurious.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819817,width-700,height-525,imgsize-185248/sure-my-stateroom-and-dinner-were-quite-luxurious-.jpg)
But for younger cruisers who prefer nonstop fast-paced entertainment and visual stimulation, I wouldn't recommend the Vista.
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.
![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.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-106819814,width-700,height-525,imgsize-303548/instead-if-youx2019re-a-traveler-who-enjoys-relaxing-and-quiet-cruises-this-could-be-a-great-option-for-you-especially-if-itx2019s-in-your-budget-.jpg)
It's a great entry point for travelers looking to dip their toes into the upscale cruise market. After all, I still think the ship's strengths lie in its dining options, staterooms, and bar concepts. And starting at $357 per person per day in 2024, vacationing on the Vista is definitely less expensive than its more luxury-oriented counterparts.
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