Giada De Laurentiis has been named as godmother of Oceania Cruises’ its newest shi,p Vista, debuting May 2023. Multiple Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr. will appear alongside the faamed celebrity chef during the ship’s christening and naming ceremony  on May 8 in Valletta, Malta.

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. 

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, said,

“We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade. Harry’s laid-back, classic style and impressive back catalog will provide the perfect soundtrack to an important evening in our 20-year history,’’ said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. “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.” 

De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served on board Vista. Guests will be able to receive the inspired new creations in Toscana, Oceania Cruises’ authentic Italian specialty restaurant evolved from rich family traditions, as well as The Grand Dining Room, the luxurious grand dame of the line’s culinary offering on board its small, luxurious ships.

“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.”

As Oceania Cruises’ first new ship in more than ten years, the debut of the 1,200-guest Vista is highly anticipated by loyal and new guests alike, with her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean 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 Grand Voyages in the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, visiting an intriguing array of iconic cities and smaller boutique ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.

OceaniaCruises.com

Photo: Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises President Frank A. Del Rio (Oceania Cruises) 

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