First Time on a Luxury Cruise Ship!
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to set foot on a luxury cruise ship, Freshly Squeezed Travel’s recent visit to the Oceania Vista offers a front-row view. Recently, she was invited to tour the newest addition to Oceania Cruises’ fleet. Though her experience was brief—just three hours before she had to disembark—this glimpse into upscale cruising left a lasting impression.
First Impressions: Elegance Everywhere
Stepping onto the Vista, Freshly Squeezed was immediately captivated by the grand atrium. This wasn’t your average cruise ship decor; the atrium featured a breathtaking floor-to-ceiling sculpture, a centerpiece that screams luxury. Freshly Squeezed couldn’t resist a mental note to “take a selfie here”—and who could blame her? It’s an Instagrammable moment just waiting to happen.
Her first stop after the atrium was the theater, where Oceania set the scene with champagne, mimosas, and a live violin performance. The ambiance here was pure elegance, an ideal start to her tour.
A Bit About Oceania Cruises
Founded in 2002, Oceania Cruises has quickly gained a reputation as a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and value. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania isn’t quite at the ultra-luxury level of lines like Seabourn but stands proudly above traditional brands. Offering a 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio (in some cases even better!), it’s a line known for delivering hands-on, personalized service.
For Freshly Squeezed, this was her introduction to Oceania, and she quickly saw why it’s becoming a popular choice for travelers eager to be pampered.
Amenities That Elevate the Experience
Oceania isn’t just about luxury decor—it’s about thoughtful inclusions that make each trip feel exclusive. Freshly Squeezed was impressed to learn that every Oceania cruise includes free internet, 24-hour room service, fitness classes, and complimentary shuttles from ports to city centers. Their “Simply More” program adds even more: complimentary roundtrip airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, and a beverage package. Talk about a value-packed experience!
Price Check: A Surprisingly Good Deal?
Curious about the cost, Freshly Squeezed found a 10-night Mediterranean cruise on the Vista for around $11,000 per couple, including airfare. Given the upscale experience, she felt the price was surprisingly reasonable, especially with all the perks.
Dining Dreams: Exploring the Culinary Options
With eight restaurants and a bakery, the Vista offers no shortage of culinary delights. Freshly Squeezed took a peek inside Ember, a new dining venue that instantly caught her attention with its real fireplace—a cozy addition for a ship. The menu features decadent choices like jumbo shrimp, lobster rolls, and a porini-dusted ribeye steak. While she didn’t get to sample it all, the ambiance was enough to make her wish she could stay for a meal.
Her next stop was Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-focused restaurant serving fresh, health-conscious options like cold-pressed juices and avocado toast. Oceania’s thoughtful approach to catering to all tastes is evident here, from traditional comfort food to light and wholesome fare.
Lounges and Public Spaces: The Art of Relaxation
Wandering through the public areas, Freshly Squeezed came across the Founder’s Bar, a beautifully designed lounge with an upscale feel—perfect for sipping a cocktail with a view. She imagined herself enjoying a relaxing evening here, martini in hand, marveling at the ocean scenery.
Room Reviews: Upscale Yet Unassuming
While Freshly Squeezed was captivated by the dining and lounging spaces, the staterooms left her with mixed feelings. She explored a veranda stateroom and a concierge stateroom, both equipped with a queen-sized Tranquility bed, seating area, and a balcony. Though both staterooms were lovely, she found them more “nice” than “wow.” Even the concierge stateroom, with its marble bathroom, felt similar to the regular veranda option.
A Peek at the Library
With a bit of time left, Freshly Squeezed wandered into the ship’s library, a cozy sanctuary for book lovers. Surrounded by leather-bound books and comfortable chairs, she imagined passengers happily losing themselves in a good read while the ship drifted along tranquil seas. It’s touches like these that make the Vista feel like a luxurious home away from home.
Final Thoughts: Luxury at Sea, Elevated
Freshly Squeezed’s short but insightful tour of the Oceania Vista gave her a real taste of luxury cruising. With its thoughtfully designed spaces, elegant dining options, and service-oriented amenities, the Vista offers a luxurious escape for travelers who want a bit more pampering. Though her stay was brief, it left her curious about the full experience of a luxury cruise.
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