In the realm of luxury travel, Oceania Cruises stands as a beacon of sophistication and refinement.
Their newest vessel, the Oceania Vista, is a testament to this legacy, offering an unparalleled travel experience that seamlessly blends elegance with adventure.
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a voyage aboard this magnificent ship, and my impressions have left an indelible mark on my travel repertoire.
Facts: The ship was built in 2023! She is serviced by over 800 Crew members with over 47 Nationalities onboard ... phewwwwwwwwww that is a lot of lingos! The Oceania Vista offers a maximum of 1200 guests.
My journey began flying with Delta from Australia
I must express my utmost satisfaction with the airline—spacious seating, faultless service, and a delightful flight to Los Angeles. The staff was exceptionally courteous, and despite a minor inconvenience with the bulkhead seat requiring me to adjust the TV from the armrest, the overall movie selection made the journey enjoyable, offering a mix of three or four standout films, complemented by intermittent moments of relaxation.
Arrival Transport, Los Angeles Airport
Upon landing in Los Angeles, a seamless transition awaited as my pre-arranged private transfer efficiently whisked me away from the terminal. Arriving at the early morning hour of 5:30 am, an hour ahead of schedule, my transfer was prompt and hassle-free. I strongly recommend against opting for an Uber upon arrival, as several individuals met challenges accessing the arrivals area. Ubers are currently facing restrictions in this regard, a cautionary note shared by my driver.
Los Angeles Pre-Cruise Accommodation
My pre-sailing journey began with two nights accommodation in Los Angeles, along the Avenue of the Stars. where the impeccably attentive staff of the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel welcomed me. This exquisite establishment exuded an air of timeless grandeur, its Art Deco architecture and lavish interiors providing a fitting prelude to the voyage ahead. This establishment left an impression with its remarkable features, including a beautiful central bar at the entry. While my suite was undeniably spacious, boasting a wide open-air balcony that offered both privacy and the luxury of enjoying the morning sun, I did notice some room for improvement during breakfast at the Lumiere brassiere. The menu seemed repetitive, presenting scrambled eggs or omelettes in a similar fashion. The coffee, though acceptable, could be enhanced, but I must commend the establishment for its excellent selection of fresh juices.
My overall experience in this exquisite hotel was quite positive. However, it is worth noting a logistical challenge—the hotel's distance from downtown LA or Beverly Hills. To enhance guest convenience, a suggestion for the hotel would be to consider implementing a courtesy shuttle bus service. Despite being informed of a 14-minute walk to LA, the actual duration turned out to be closer to 45 minutes, suggesting a potential discrepancy. Considering this, I supplied feedback upon receiving an email about my stay, and I was pleased to receive a thoughtful response from the management. They expressed an intention to consider this feedback for future development. Such a courtesy shuttle would be particularly beneficial for elderly guests, ensuring a more accessible experience unless they opted for a cab or had prebooked tours arranged for transportation to and from the hotel.
Go City LA Pass is Highly Recommended
The Go City LA pass proves to be an excellent resource, serving as a valuable tool for both first-time visitors and those revisiting Los Angeles. I strongly advocate for these city passes, having personally used them to engage in activities such as the Beverly Hills Stars Tour and explore Hollywood homes during my stay.
World Cruise Terminal San Pedro
Embarking on the Oceania Vista began with check-in at the World Cruise Terminal San Pedro, with a brief stop in Ensenada before setting sail on November 1-3, 2023. The check-in process was seamless, thanks to the incredibly helpful staff. Despite having only hand luggage, I met no delays, allowing me to go directly to my cabin. Taking the opportunity to inspect the ship, I found it to be easily navigable.
On Board Oceania Vista
As I boarded the Oceania Vista, a sense of awe washed over me. The ship's gleaming exteriors and meticulously appointed interiors spoke volumes about the attention to detail that Oceania Cruises is renowned for. My stateroom, a Category A3 - Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, was an oasis of tranquillity, boasting ample space, luxurious amenities, and a private balcony that offered breathtaking views of the ever-changing seascape. The stateroom amenities included eco-friendly reusable water bottles and a refrigerator stocked with a selection of beverages, including daily replenishment of soft drinks and water. The cabin was generously spacious and roomy, boasting luxurious and soft amenities for added comfort.The ship is under the expert command of Captain Luca Manzi, supported by the fabulous Cruise Director Ray Carr and the beautiful General Manager Dominique Nicolle.
Category A3 Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom
As for connectivity, the process was straightforward. I was informed that the connection was facilitated through Starlink. Despite a few instances of temporary connectivity issues, I met no problems with Wi-Fi.
Stateroom amenities:
- Expanded lunch and dinner room service menu from The Grand Dining Room
- Complimentary laundry service – up to 3 bags per stateroom
- Priority noon ship embarkation
- Exclusive card-only access to the private Concierge Lounge, staffed by a resolute Concierge, featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees, and snacks throughout the day.
- Complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne
- Priority online specialty restaurant reservations
- Unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace
- iPad upon request for your enjoyment on board
- Cashmere lap blankets
- Complimentary shoeshine service
- Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation.
The Artist Loft is a feature found on ships like Riviera, Marina, Vista, and the upcoming Allura launching in 2025. This space offers captivating free classes with an in-house artist resident for guests to enjoy. During my exploration, I could not help but draw parallels to events like Pinot and Picasso, and to be honest, I found the art here to be much more appealing and pristine. Interestingly, I was informed that there will be a temporary Artist-Loft on the Oceania annual world cruise aboard Insignia as well.
As for Aquamar Kitchen, it boasts a delightful selection of juices, poke bowls, breakfast items, and even low-sugar prosecco. The Breads, Bakery & Barista experience was exceptional. I had the pleasure of conversing with a talented chef at the bakery window, seeing the preparation of baked breads and pastries. The excellence in bread extended to the night restaurants' bread baskets and the delightful pastries and croissants in the bakery. The coffee was a highlight for me; I opted for a butternut pecan latte, and it was utterly delicious. If you have a unique coffee order, feel free to ask for it, I was not disappointed.
I visited the Day-Spa and Fitness Centre, which also supplies access to explore the Concierge Terrace area. This zone boasts a separate mineral spa pool, an outdoor and indoor relaxation area. During my visit, I enjoyed a mini facial and massage, an incredibly soothing experience that made the 90 minutes pass in what felt like an instant—I might have even dozed off!
At the Culinary Kitchen, a chef conducted an engaging talk. Did you know that Oceania Cruises pioneered the introduction of a firsthand cooking school when they launched the Marina and Riviera? Additionally, guests can partake in market tours as part of this culinary experience. The new Culinary Kitchen includes a dining area, suitable for groups or conference facilities, making it an excellent choice for those considering group travel or business conferences.
Oceania Club Ambassadors offer a valuable service for all guests interested in booking a cruise. These onboard cruise consultants/club ambassadors conduct informative talks on all sailings, providing guests with the opportunity to delve deeper into discussions about their future cruise bookings. Additionally, they can issue Future Cruise Savings Certificates, ensuring clients receive guaranteed savings off non-promotional offers, along with generous extras to enhance their sailing experience. If you book a cruise on board, an invoice is promptly sent to their designated travel advisor so you can work with your preferred partner.
The Martini Lounge and Founders Bar stand out as the most popular venues on the ship. The Martini Lounge, consistently bustling, features a wide array of cocktails, including Oceania's favourite, "The Lady Hepburn." Choosing from the extensive cocktail menu can be quite a decision! I also indulged in a cocktail from the Founders Bar, where the new offerings are delightful and captivating to watch being crafted. Conveniently found near the entrance to the Grand Dining Room, the Founder’s Bar is easily accessible for those in the casino via the Casino entrance of which was exceedingly small, I am thinking casinos are not a priority with the cruise line as opposed to other cruise lines.
The ship's library was a remarkable sight, adorned with comfortable armchairs and an impressive collection of books, ranging from oversized coffee table editions to a diverse selection of reading materials. It stood out as the most elegant and inviting library I have experienced, offering a vast array of reading options in a tastefully decorated and comfortable ambience.
Dinner at the Grand Dining Room was a delightful experience, marked by prompt and friendly service at my table. The dining experience included a selection of champagne, wine, and beer, all complimentary during lunch and dinner—a wonderful feature that heightened my enjoyment on the first night of dining. The second evening brought a remarkable dining experience at Toscana Italian. I had the pleasure of sharing the meal with a US agent and her partner. We were treated to exquisite pasta, accompanied by a tray of dipping oils, balsamic vinegars, and a choice of bread. The service was not only friendly but also impressively swift and polite, enhancing the overall dining enjoyment.
While aboard, I made the most of my time by conducting a comprehensive showcase inspection of the diverse accommodation options offered on the Oceania Vista. The itineraries of these ships are fantastic. As for the culinary experience, the onboard food is exceptional unless you happen to be a Michelin Star chef or someone who can outshine one? Then, personally, I can attest that there were no issues with the food during my journey.
 |  |
Throughout my journey, I was consistently impressed by the exceptional service provided by the Oceania Vista crew. Their dedication to guest satisfaction was evident in their every interaction, ensuring that every moment aboard the ship was truly memorable. As my voyage ended, I reflected on the unforgettable experiences I had on board the Oceania Vista.
The ship's unparalleled luxury, exquisite dining, and engaging activities had surpassed my expectations, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the art of refined travel. If you seek an unforgettable travel experience that will transport you to the pinnacle of luxury and refinement, look no further than the Oceania Vista. Here is where they are currently sailing: Regatta in Japan, Insignia in Canada, Nautica in Italy, Sirena in Greece, Marina in Greece, and Riviera in the Mediterranean.
 |  |
