Oceania Cruises has named Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis as godmother of its newest ship Vista, debuting May 2023.
The christening ceremony will take place on May 8 in Velletta, Malta and will also feature Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr.
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.
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.
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 catalogue 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 recipes 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’ authentic Italian speciality restaurant evolved from rich family traditions, as well as The Grand Dining Room.
De Laurentiis said: “Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of Vista and having the honour of officiating as godmother is a dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome.
“Cooking authentic Italian fare is my biggest passion in life. I cannot wait to savour the different flavours and explore the myriad dining venues on board Vista, a ship that will provide unforgettable culinary experiences for decades to come.”
Connick, who has sold more than 28 million albums worldwide, 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 honour.
“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.”
Vista is Oceania Cruises’ first new ship in more than ten years. According to the cruise line, 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 Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Holy Lands.
A full overview of Vista’s 2023 and 2024 itineraries can be found at OceaniaCruises.
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