Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises’ New Ship Vista

March 03, 2023

Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises’ New Ship Vista

The celebrity chef will be joined by musician and actor Harry Connick, Jr. at Vista’s christening event in Valetta, Malta this May.

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On February 27, 2023, Oceania Cruises announced that celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis will be the godmother of its newest ship, Vista, debuting in May.

The celebrated Italian-American TV food personality will officiate the ceremonial breaking of a Champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bestow good luck over the vessel and to all guests and crew who sail on her. The ceremony will take place on May 8, 2023 in Valetta, Malta.

Also on hand for the naming ceremony will be Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist, and actor Harry Connick, Jr. Connick will perform live during the event.

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises said, “We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade. Harry’s laid-back, classic style and impressive back catalog will provide the perfect soundtrack to an important evening in our 20-year history.”

Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises’ President Frank A. Del Rio at Vista’s godmother reveal event in Miami (image courtesy of Oceania Cruises)

“As the world’s leading culinary-focused cruise line, bringing Giada into the Oceania Cruises family was an easy decision. Her casual yet sophisticated style and devout love of quality cuisine are the perfect recipe for Vista. She truly personifies our first Allura Class ship and we could not be more delighted that she has agreed to be godmother of Vista,” said Del Rio.

De Laurentiis to create signature dishes for Vista

As part of her godmother duties, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes for the new ship. Guests will be able to enjoy the chef’s new creations at two of Vista‘s restaurants: Toscana, Oceania’s Italian specialty restaurant, and The Grand Dining Room.

“Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of Vista and having the honor of officiating as godmother is a dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome,” said De Laurentiis.

“Cooking authentic Italian fare is my biggest passion in life. I cannot wait to savor the different flavors and explore the myriad dining venues on board Vista, a ship that will provide unforgettable culinary experiences for decades to come,” she continued.

Harry Connick, Jr. will perform live at Vista’s christening

Harry Connick, Jr., who has sold more than 28 million albums worldwide, will give an exclusive concert for VIP guests at the event during Vista‘s seven-night roundtrip voyage from Rome, Italy.

Musician Harry Connick, Jr. will give a concert at Vista‘s naming ceremony (cropped image courtesy of Brendangoedde via Wikimedia Commons)

Connick commented in a press release, “I am delighted to be a part of this special occasion; bringing music and song to such an important moment in Oceania Cruises’ story is an honor. Performing against the backdrop of the beautiful city of Valletta, alongside this elegant new ship, will be a privilege to remember for years to come.”

Oceania Cruises’ newest ship: Vista

The cruise line’s first new ship in over a decade, the 1200-passenger Vista already boasts a sold-out inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean.

Featuring all-veranda staterooms, Vista will offer a fresh aesthetic and organic elements inspired by the land and sea.

Vista is the cruise line’s first new ship in over a decade (image courtesy of Oceania Cruises)

In September, the new ship will sail to Canada and New England before heading south for a series of winter itineraries exploring Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Vista‘s 2024 summer season will include a series of Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, visiting ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece, and the Holy Lands.

Vista and her sister ship Allura—debuting in May 2025—will feature several firsts for the cruise line’s fleet.

Vista will debut an inventive new mixology program, plus new culinary concepts on board. Aquamar Kitchen will offer an array of indulgent wellness-inspired dishes, while The Bakery at Baristas will serve freshly-baked pastries.

The cruise line reports that Vista‘s new signature restaurant, Ember, will be “an upscale yet relaxed space where guests can enjoy an authentically rich American dining experience.” The restaurant’s menu, inspired by great chefs including Oceania’s Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin, will blend the fresh vibrance of Sonoma and Napa cuisine with the rich tradition of America’s heartland cooking.

Are you planning to cruise on Vista? Have you cruised with Oceania in the past? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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