GT at Sea: Aboard Oceania Cruises' new ship, Vista

In an ocean of high-end cruise ships, Vista is distinguishing herself as the clubby glamazon who gives more than she takes. Heidsieck Monopole is the house Champagne and included at base level. WiFi, shore excursions and specialty restaurants are all included too. If vessels are considered female, as per nautical tradition, then Vista is the "Rich Aunty", making sure her guests are thoroughly looked after. All they have to do is turn up.

With smaller than average ships (1200 guests) and a focus on fine food, Oceania Cruises has always sat in the premium pocket of the cruise market – the point where comfort supersedes scale. But with Vista, the 2023 addition to its fleet and the first in its new Allura class, the line is edging even deeper into luxury waters.

GT boarded Vista in her maiden season on a two-night Los Angeles return trip, calling on Ensenada, Mexico. First impressions sparkle thanks to a grand staircase designed by Miami-based Studio Dado with its floor-to-ceiling crystal light installation. There is glam too, best experienced in the apartment-sized Owner's suite, which is dressed in Ralph Lauren furnishings with a sizeable bar, huge balcony, spa-like bathroom and walk-in wardrobe (with felt-lined drawers 
for fine jewels laid out by the butler).

Underneath the opulence, Vista is cruisy to its core, hitting a high standard without the trappings of formality. Think smart casual-chic after dark, no black tie required, and ample opportunity to escape or just chill. This is a ship that aims to please while asking very little of you in return.

Fine wine sets this cruise apart. Although the Champagne and wine included at lunch and dinner is already top shelf, passengers can dive deeper into the impressive cellar with a six-course Dom Pérignon experience or a five-course Cellar Master's Wine Luncheon, paired with rare Old and New World wines.

Food is clean and green at Aquamar where smoothies, barista-made coffee and smashed avocado are an ideal postscript to a morning in the Aquamar gym and spa. Ember, Oceania Cruises' newest signature restaurant, puts a laidback spin on American classics including lobster rolls and cobb salad while Polo Grill ups the ante with oysters Rockefeller, ribeyes carved tableside and bombe Alaska providing a big finish. Then, at Founders Bar, the trademark "finest cuisine at sea" turns to liquids, including barrel-aged Negronis and mist-bubble cocktails. Longer voyages are catered to with 11 venues in total, spanning poolside bites to private dining.

Décor is polished with an East Coast American aesthetic thanks to fine linens on the billowy beds, high-shine cocktail tools, and marble touches throughout. Bathrooms are stashed with Acqua di Parma amenities, plush towels and robes. Plus, there are refillable water bottles on standby, a minibar with complimentary soft drinks and USB, USB-C and micro USB ports by the bed. Every room on Vista has a veranda, starting with the entry-level 22-square-metre French Veranda Staterooms.

Let White Lotus season two be your mood board for your capsule wardrobe aboard. If holiday luxe is your style, you won't be the only one wearing a Jennifer Coolidge-inspired Camilla kaftan. Or play it a little cooler like Meghann Fahy's Daphne in Prada, Pucci and Dolce & Gabbana (authentic or the trickled down version). The dress code in the public spaces at night is country club, so blazers for men and relaxed glamour for women, no jeans. By day it's swimmers and overswim by the pool and linen for adventures. Don't forget activewear so you can work up an appetite in the gym.

Guests 1200
Crew ratio Two crew to every three guests and one chef to every 10.
Dining Eleven venues including four specialty restaurants.
Find us at the "secret' pool at the Aquamar Spa Terrace.
Children allowed but not catered to.
Archetype Rich aunty.
2024 & 2025 season Vista kicks off in Miami then goes between seasons in the USA and Europe. Upcoming cruises include, Rome to Athens, 13 to 20 October 2024, from $5370 per guest.

Visit oceaniacruises.com for more details and to book.