You may know her from her many morning show appearances, her cookbooks, or more, and now she has one more title to add to her name. Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur, and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis will be named the godmother of Ocean Cruises Vista, debuting in May 2023.
at the Vista Godmother Reveal Event at Soho Beach House, Miami Beach, on Feb. 24, 2023.
Multiple Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist, and actor Harry Connick Jr. will appear alongside De Laurentiis at the star-studded christening and naming ceremony, taking place on May 8, 2023 in Valletta, Malta.
Connick will perform an exclusive concert for VIP guests at the christening event in Valletta during Vista’s seven-night roundtrip voyage from Rome, Italy. There, Godmother De Laurentiis 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 the ship.
“We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade,” said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. “Harry’s laid-back, classic style and impressive back catalog will provide the perfect soundtrack to an important evening in our 20-year history.
“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.”
As godmother, De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served on board Vista. Guests will be able to enjoy the inspired new creations in Toscana, Oceania Cruises’ Italian specialty restaurant, as well as 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.”
Connick commented, “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.”
The all-veranda Vista’s inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean is already sold out. In September, Vista 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 see her sail a series of voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, visiting iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece, and the Holy Lands. A full overview of Vista’s 2023 and 2024 itineraries can be found at OceaniaCruises.com.
Vista, and her sister ship Allura, which is set to debut in May 2025, will feature several unique firsts in the realms of dining, accommodation and guest experience. Vista will offer an inventive new mixology program, plus new and unique culinary concepts onboard. These include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes with a hint of indulgence; The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant, Ember. Ember is an upscale, yet relaxed space where guests can enjoy an authentically rich American dining experience.
For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA or speak with a professional travel advisor. We recommend MEI-Travel.com, where you can get a free, no obligation quote.
Oceania Cruises and is a leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests. Curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
