Introducing the brand new Oceania Vista that I cruised on in May!
This is the first ship Oceania have launched in over 10 years so to say I was excited to be getting onboard is an under statement. During our 3 nights we called at Livorno and Monte Carlo before we disembarking in Rome, ready for her maiden voyage!
Oceania Vista ensures you will enjoy exceptionally personalised service. There are two staff members for every three guests – 1,200 guests served by 800 crew members!
My impressions straight away is that Vista is a stunning ship with modern, light, elegant furnishings that leaves you feeling calm the minute you step onboard.
She boasts so much outdoor deck space (perfect for sunny days like today) with hot tubs and a good size pool to enjoy.
The art work is beautiful with gems found all over the ship! Subtle but they really stand out. This includes everything from the pictures on the stairs to the pieces placed around the social areas. There is also a resident artist onboard (found on all Oceania cruise ships in the artist loft) who you can meet and speak to about their work.
We were fortunate to be upgraded to a Penthouse Suite. This meant that not only did we have a large suite measuring 440 square feet (it is the most storage space I have experienced onboard a cruise ship) we had his and her sinks in the bathroom and our own Butler.
Penthouse guests also have unlimited use of the sublime Aquamar Spa Terrace along with keycard access to the suites-only Executive Lounge with a dedicated Concierge! Other privileges plus other wonderful extras.
I cannot sail on an Oceania cruise and not talk a lot about the food!
My pictures and this blog will never do the quality of the food you will enjoy onboard Oceania Vista justice.
There is a very good reason Oceania Cruises trade marked "Finest Cuisine At Sea" and I 100% agree with them!
With a total of 11 culinary venues onboard Oceania Vista (which is unprecedented for a ship the size of Vista) which include Oceania favourites, The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Red Ginger and Toscana as well as the new specialty restaurant Ember. At the Aquamar Kitchen, you can enjoy a fresh perspective on the pursuit of wellness by enjoying tempting and indulgent dishes, in (as they describe) a guilt-free manner.
Waves is the chef served buffet restaurant and Waves Grill was table served, serving up freshly cooked quick bites.
I ordered the same breakfast via room service for in suite dining as I had enjoyed the previous day in the Grand Dining room. The quality was just as fantastic which I have never experienced when having a room service breakfast!
The truffle mac n cheese in Polo Grill was sublime and I would have been happy with a bowl of that although my filet mignon was amazing too.
I could go on and on about the quality of food onboard. Oceania is a fantastic cruise line and ideal for you foodies!
As a quick overview on our ports of call. I have been to Monaco& Monte Carlo previously but it was even better this time around! The Formula E were in town for the weekends race and gave me an insight into what the F1 race week will be like.]
Due Oceania Vistas size it meant we could dock in Monaco harbour meaning no tenders and the freedom as explore as you like.
I highly recommend the hop on, hop off bus tour. 23 euros takes you all around the major sites including the castle, fabulous aquarium and Prince Albert Of Monaco's impressive car collection.
We had a lovely drink at Cafè De Paris with an obligatory ogle in the casino. I also spotted my next car!
The following day we docked (again no tender) in Livorno where can head off to Pisa, Florence or Cinque Terre. We elected to visit beautiful Lucca and then go wine tasting in the Tuscan hills.
I visited Lucca a few years ago and it was fabulous going back to wonder the gorgeous walled town.
We then headed to a family ran farm where they produce their own wines and olive oil.
It was a perfect way to spend a few hours and I highly recommend it if you do not want to have a longer day's excursion visiting Pisa and Florence from Livorno.
I highly recommend Oceania and have may clients that love sailing with them due to the intimacy of the service and the fabulous food. Vista takes them to another level and one I know my regular client will enjoy experiencing for themselves.
There are some amazing offers on at the moment so please get in touch if you would like to find out more!