Oceania Cruises has floated out its new ship Vista at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy.

Vista will sail its maiden voyage from Rome to Barcelona on 14 April 2023, followed by 12 additional European voyages, prior to commencing sailings from the US to the Canadian Maritimes and New England, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.

Oceania Cruises president and CEO Howard Sherman said: “Vista is Oceania Cruises’ most anticipated ship in the history of our company, and I am thrilled to be here with our partners from Fincantieri as the ship morphs from blueprints and steel into reality.

“Vista is truly a ship of dreams, and we cannot wait to welcome her inaugural season guests next year.”

Fincantieri merchant ships division general manager Luigi Matarazzo added: “Ten years have passed since we delivered Riviera to our friends at Oceania Cruises, from the same Sestri shipyard.

“The launch of this new ship therefore represents an important milestone not only of her construction, but also in the consolidation of the relationship with the shipping company.

“I am sure that Vista will give life to a new class of ships that will stand out for its refinement and technological advances.”

Vista: ‘The next step’ for Oceania

The 1,200-guest Vista will feature 12 dining options, four of which are new to the luxury cruise line, as well as eight bars, lounges, and entertainment venues.

All Penthouse Suites and staterooms will have large bathrooms with oversized rainforest showers, while Oceania will introduce new Concierge Level veranda staterooms for solo travellers.

Speaking to Cruise Trade News about the ship in 2021, the line’s senior vice-president & MD EMEA, Bernard Carter, said Vista will “provide an evolution of what Oceania Cruises has been developing over the past 20 years”.

“It takes the core elements to Oceania Cruises to a new level, and I am confident no one will be disappointed,” he added.