This summer, we’ve managed to get on board quite a variety of ships. In May, we were on AE Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer, in June SeaDream I, July saw us sailing on Explora I, and most recently, Oceania Vista. Each of these ships is very different in character, each offering its own take on what life at sea should feel like, wherever in the world you happen to be.
For a bit of context, Oceania Cruises sits neatly between the so-called ‘Premium Cruise Lines’ of Celebrity, Cunard, and even Virgin Voyages and the ‘Ultra-Luxury’ bracket of Silversea, Explora Journeys, Seabourn, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas. With Oceania, you get the intimate, small-ship feel of the luxury brands, but at a lower price point.
Staying overnight in Belfast gave me the chance to walk the three miles down to the port — there’s usually a shuttle bus if you prefer, or a local stop just outside the gates to the port. Approaching the ship through the dockyards, Vista made a good impression with the sleek blue glass and white exterior. It’s interesting though, you don’t really see the blue colour once you’re onboard.
Oceania Vista
Vista is one of the newest ships in the Oceania fleet, launched in 2023 with space for 1,200 guests. To put that in perspective, she’s just a little larger than Explora I I sailed on in July, but still feels spacious and in fact a very similar layout. Her near-identical sister ship Allura, has only just entered service, bringing the same design with a few subtle refinements.
I joined Vista mid-cruise, on a Southampton and round-Ireland sailing, and with it being peak summer, it was busy. There weren’t many suites available to see, though I managed to view a Veranda and a Penthouse.
On Vista, all staterooms have a balcony as standard, with Oceania’s much-talked-about ‘Tranquillity Beds’, a compact sitting area, and a modern bathroom. Compared to the ultra-luxury lines, the cabins are not as large, but you can upgrade to Concierge Level for useful extras like room service from The Grand Dining Room, priority reservations, and lounge access.
The Penthouse I saw was more generous in size, with a larger bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and a bigger, albeit wider balcony. All still a whole lot nicer than a mainstream cruise line though.
Oceania Vista, Penthouse
Dining is one of Oceania’s specialities, and Vista doesn’t disappoint. The Grand Dining Room is bright and open, and forms the centrepiece of the ship. However, as is fashionable at the moment, the dress code is smart resort casual, with no formal nights.
Like many of the ‘luxury cruise lines’, Oceania includes speciality dining: Toscana (with its distinctive yellow leather chairs – I really liked the chairs) for traditional Italian, Polo Grill for steakhouse classics, and Ember, currently an American-style grill, but soon to be reimagined as a French venue called Jacques.
Health-conscious travellers are catered for at the Aquamar Kitchen, serving lighter, wellness-inspired dishes such as salads, smoothies and poke bowls. There’s also a terrace café with outdoor seating, a bakery, and the ever-popular buffet upstairs. For something more indulgent, there’s La Reserve (a wine-paired tasting menu at extra cost) and Priveé, a private dining room for up to ten.
There are lots of facilities onboard, for what isn’t the largest of ships. I particularly liked the Artist Loft, where guests can take part in creative workshops, and next door, the ship also offers digital learning sessions – from learning about social media, to how to take the best photos on your smartphone.
The Library remains a staple, as does the main lounge for live music, talks, and our own presentation. The gym and spa are a good size for a ship of this scale and were clearly well used, even when most people were ashore. Out on deck, space felt generous, with ample seating around the main pool as well as tucked-away spots — plenty for a full sea day.
Where you notice the differences with ultra-luxury lines are in the details. Drinks aren’t fully included, so a drinks package is usually needed (although promotions often bundle this in). Wi-Fi covers two devices per cabin as standard (Explora gives three), and the suites are simply not as large as those on Silversea or Explora.
That said, Oceania fares are considerably lower, and the line offers excellent value for its style of cruising. With itineraries spanning every continent and a fleet designed to feel intimate without being too formal, it’s an ideal option for those who want quality at sea without stepping all the way into ultra-luxury pricing.
