As the first ship in Oceania Cruises’ new Allura Class — and its first new build since 2012 — 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the premium cruise line. Is it fabulous enough to live up to the hype? Yes — but it’s also familiar enough for a smooth transition from Oceania’s previously more traditional design approach to a dazzling new contemporary ambiance that bridges the premium and luxury cruise categories.
Those who have sailed aboard 2012’s Oceania Riviera and 2011’s Oceania Marina, each carrying 1,250 guests, should feel right at home — if that home had undergone a top-to-bottom renovation by a world-class interior design firm (Miami-based Studio DADO). The three ships’ layouts are pretty much identical, although Vista features several new dining and bar venues and both its public spaces and staterooms/suites are designed in a lighter, more contemporary palette. That said, fans of Oceania’s four smaller 656-guest ships (Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena) might step aboard Vista and feel like they are sailing with an entirely different cruise line — perhaps sister luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
This is a ship that looks and feels indulgent, with polished surfaces, gleaming finishes, and a pool deck that’s chic and resort-like. Vista also feels remarkably spacious, even when sailing at full capacity. For those wondering why Vista is part of the Allura Class, her sister ship Oceania Allura will debut in 2025.