We’ve been on quite a few cruise ships, but Oceania Vista was a first for us. When we were invited to visit the ship during a stop in Southampton, Mel and I had around six hours to look around, try some food and find out what makes an Oceania cruise different.
We were curious from the start. Oceania Cruises sits at the more luxurious end of cruising, and Vista promised beautiful spaces, impressive accommodation and a particular focus on food. But what would it actually feel like onboard? And could we get a sense of the ship in just one day?
First Impressions
Our first impression was how calm it felt. There was plenty to explore, yet the atmosphere seemed relaxed and unhurried. We enjoyed walking through the public areas and taking in the design. It felt elegant without making us worry that we’d walked into somewhere we weren’t supposed to be!
Cabins & Suites
Seeing the accommodation was another highlight. Cruise cabins can vary enormously, so it was interesting to see how Vista uses its space and what you might get if you booked a sailing. Some of the suites were especially tempting. It’s very easy to imagine settling in for a longer voyage when you’re standing in one of those.
The Food
Then there was the food. Oceania makes a lot of its dining, so naturally we wanted to try it for ourselves. What we sampled during the visit gave us a taste of that side of the experience, though six hours can only tell you so much about eating onboard over a whole cruise. We would happily return to investigate further. Purely for research, of course.
Value For Money?
The visit also gave us plenty to think about when it comes to value. Vista made a strong first impression, but whether an Oceania cruise is worth the money depends on the itinerary, the fare and what matters most to you on holiday. We could judge the spaces we saw and the food we tried. We couldn’t judge what it’s like to sail on her for a week, experience a full range of meals or spend time in port as Oceania guests.
That’s why this is a first look, rather than a full cruise review. We were guests for a day visit while Vista was in Southampton, and we’re grateful for the invitation. It gave us the chance to step aboard our first Oceania ship and see why people are drawn to this style of cruising.
Final Thoughts
Would we like to go back for a proper voyage? Absolutely. Six hours went quickly, and there’s still a great deal we’d love to experience. For now, you can join us onboard in our Oceania Vista video and see what caught our eye.
Have you sailed with Oceania, or would Vista be on your cruise wish list? Let us know what you think.
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