Embarkation & First Impressions of Oceania Vista | Boarding a Luxury Cruise Ship

[@kerryunderwood6753]

I know I’m sounding repetitive, but I really enjoy the approach you guys take with your videos. Laid back, but at the same time, very in-depth and informative. You cover every detail and nuance. You guys are truly the best in the business. Looking forward to more content in the coming days! Enjoy Oceania Vista!

[@callingallports]

Please continue to sound repetitive! ❤️😀 Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it! Can’t wait to share more on Vista, it’s a gorgeous ship!

[@DNorris4473]

We embarked Vista the day you disembarked for our first sailing with the line. Vista is beautiful and while we enjoyed her we did miss some of the “sail away” excitement from our past experiences. A big miss for us was the spa and the spa deck. Due to the steam rooms and other spa amenities being separated by locker areas we could not enjoy them as a couple. We found the spa deck pool and hot tubs under heated. The spa deck pool was missing tiles and for a ship less than a year old that was disappointing. Also, unlike other lines, the lack of any beverage or food service on the spa deck adds to the miss for us. Of course we respect others may have a different perspective. We were in a PH on deck seven and did not experience any sound carryover from our neighbors. Like you we found the food in most venues to be excellent. Ember was our least favorite for food quality and service. We loved the GDR. The jury is still out for us regarding our 2025 Allura booking. Looking forward to your next video!

[@callingallports]

@@DNorris4473 Thank you so much for your comment. In retrospect, we wish we spent some time in the spa. But we were enjoying so many different areas of the ship, we never seemed to find the time. But you are right, it is a shame the steam room and amenities are separated, cannot enjoy them as much if you are traveling as a couple. As far as the bar and food service, we didn't have that on Regent Splendor either. Curious, what lines do offer that? Glad to hear you did not experience any noise issues while on board. GDR is fantastic, but we also loved Ember - stay tuned for our dining video. We've booked Allura for 2025, hopefully they'll have some sort of sail away celebration. Sometime small would make a big difference. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@DaveM-FFB]

@@DNorris4473 FYI, since you had a Penthouse cabin on Vista, that means you also enjoyed having a butler. Your butler would've gladly brought you food and beverage to any location on the ship, including the Aquamar Spa deck. The wireless mini-phone in your cabin can be used around the ship to contact your butler directly.

[@dandeely1000]

Lovely! Looking forward to more videos from this beautiful ship!

[@callingallports]

Thank you so much! Can’t wait to share them!

[@heatherphelps3799]

I loved this video! We’ve been on Disney, Royal Caribbean & and Celebrity. I want to take an Oceania cruise because I hate crowds, crappy cabins & mid-level to horrible food. We need to step up our vacations. Thanks so much for this video!

[@callingallports]

Oh, thank you so much! Oceania is slower paced than the ships you mentioned, but if you want great food, Oceania is the line for you. We have some other Oceania videos on a channel and we will have a lot more coming up. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@ganderson158]

Great video. I am planned to go on Vista December 2024. Our first and my retirment celebartion! Awesome Garry Bembridge on board.

[@callingallports]

Thank you so much. What a great way to celebrate a retirement. And yes, it was wonderful having Gary onboard Vista the same time as us., he's a great guy.

[@christinewalter6229]

Happy retirement! We are booked on Vista in December also. Enjoy!

[@debbiegibbssmith]

Thanks guys! Just booked Vista & found your video very useful. Cheers 🥂

[@callingallports]

Thank you for watching and your comment! Hope you enjoy Vista, it’s a gorgeous ship.

[@daleniehaus4309]

Sailed on Vista in January 2024, and have a transatlantic booked in December 2025. Loved Vista. Thanks for your video. Just subscribed!

[@callingallports]

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing! We would love to take a transatlantic on Vista - although we'd have to control ourselves at the bakery. 😂

[@rocktheboat7214]

We were on the Vista in Feb, it was really nice. love your video.

[@callingallports]

Thank you so much! Will be watching your vids this evening. Seems like you had a very relaxed cruise, more so than our Spring break voyage. Glad to know of another cruise channel - subscribed!

[@marias902]

I’m surprised you chose to fly on embarkation day. We never do that, and set up our own Delta flights from Myrtle Beach. Don’t you worry about possible storms or flights greatly delayed? We also like staying at a hotel overnight, then take an Uber to the port as early as 10:30. Beating the crowds and controlling everything ourselves means a lot to us. Sure hope you never regret flying on embarkation day! I liked the video; we will be taking the Vista for a 16 night transatlantic in November, plus a 9 night cruise of Athens to Rome just prior! Can’t wait!

[@callingallports]

Usually, we'll fly to the port 1-2 two days ahead - for security, for ease, for sightseeing, for food tourism. But since we used Oceania's flight package, we had very little choice. Fortunately, we had an early flight out of NYC and knew we had a few options in case our flight was delayed/canceled. And we also fly Delta - they always take care of us. Also, we knew it was on Oceania to get us to the ship if things went wrong. We're usually independent travelers, but figured we'd give it a got this time around. Flying prior to embarkation day is our preference, but didn't really mind this time around - it worked out great. And we would do it again (through Oceania) if travel to the port is more complicated than a quick flight/taxi Your transatlantic/9 night cruise sounds fantastic. Hope you enjoy Vista - really loved the ship overall. Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@lesleywaghorn1627]

How can you get something out this high quality so quickly?!! As always, love your music track. Appreciate you including the flight and pick up from the airport. The comparison/contrast with Regent is interesting and it is good to gain an insight into how the ship and spaces feel. Looking forward to further reviews if you have the time:-) Would be interested to hear about the pool, spa and other facilities. Baristas looks great!

[@callingallports]

Thank you, Lesley! Creating a video on a ship is something we have never done before, so a bit of an experiment for us. It was a bit of work, but since we had a sea day, we figured we’d may as well. We’ll include info about the pool, spa, and other spaces for sure. And Baristas is wonderful!!!

[@patsy123]

Loved your video! We found you by way of Gary. I am curious about the concierge level access to the spa/pool area on Vista.

[@callingallports]

Wonderful, thank you so much! We will be sure to cover the concierge added to the spa/pool. Stay tuned!

[@DJTravels]

Thanks for the initial review! We have heard that the food on Oceania is better than Regent. Will be interested in your views in future videos.

[@callingallports]

Thanks! The food has been exceptional so far - we’ll be covering the food in depth in a series of videos And although it’s not as all-inclusive, Oceania is definitely our preferred line these days.

[@moniquereneemanners4629]

Thanks for your revview of the new Visita ship embacation day. As a native New Yorker (85th and Amersterdam) who now lives in in Miami, I contest, your report was informative (like eye witness news) I noticed in your video a lack of diversity and no one was smiling. I'm so excited for my upcoming cruise but now fear we willl bored to death and I retire at tthe end of the month. I'm glad you had an opportunity to connect with Gary B. (Tips for Travelers) he is great!

[@callingallports]

As someone who grew up watching Channel 7 news in New York, I do appreciate your comparison! Our embarkation video showed a lack of diversity, but we were so pleased to see Vista having quite a diverse passenger composition - in fact, the most diverse of the luxury cruises we’ve been on. May I ask what you look forward to on a cruise? Vista is a quieter ship for sure, but we had a good time. And people did smile. 😂

[@moniquereneemanners4629]

@@callingallports My first cruise was on the QE2. Noter cruising is not my first choice of travel as I do serveral land/resort trips a year (I am a AA [US Airways] loyalist) I have indulged in 4 to date. Thus, I will keep it honest without trepidation... I look forward to first... new destinations, followed by on shore expericenes with veuve clicquot yellow lable, the Thermal Spa & ate least 2 treatments, great food (no buffets) and meeting new people. Was the bufeet on your cruise noisy or crowded?

[@DaveM-FFB]

Oceania's big sailaway celebration comes on the 2nd night in the Horizon lounge where you get to meet the captain and his staff and Oceania provides complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The only time I wear a sports jacket is to this event.

[@callingallports]

We love Oceania's more relaxed atmosphere when it comes to dress codes. Not as formal as other lines, not as casual as some. The country club casual suits us perfectly, although we do have some nicer clothes for the Captain's Welcome and return cruiser evens.

[@ollie7875]

We’ll be in a cabin just a few doors down from yours in a month. Great video 👍 will you be making more of Vista? Your impressions of the specialty dining?

[@callingallports]

Thanks so much! We’re going to be posting a ton of Vista content in the upcoming weeks, including coverage of the specialty dining options on board. Make sure to visit the bakery, adjacent to Baristas. It’s one of our favorite spots for a light meal and snack.

[@ollie7875]

@@callingallportsthank you 😊

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

Another informative video. Thank you! Did you have any issues with noise in your cabin like Gary Bembridge reported experiencing?

[@callingallports]

Thank you! We were fortunate and didn’t experience the same noise issues that Gary did. Maybe it was due to our neighbors, but our cabin was placed next to a fire wall and we think that may have made a difference.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Our very next Oceania cruise will be in a few months on the sister ship Marina. She should be in drydock right about now for 3 weeks or so, getting the makeover that Riviera received in December 2022. The updated cabins on Riviera were almost as beautiful as Vista. Rumor has it that one of the updates to Marina will be the addition of the Aquamar Kitchen restaurant in the same general area that it's located on Vista's pool deck.

[@callingallports]

Love the idea of Aquamar being included on more of Oceania's fleet - it really is a wonderful spot. Please report back once you've taken your cruise - would love to know what you think of the updates!

[@cherifurr3935]

Will be on in September!

[@callingallports]

Fantastic! Please report back and let us know what you thought of the ship!

[@ollie7875]

Would you say they are strict when it comes to dress code at dinner time? Would plain blue jeans (no rips or fading) be acceptable in the main dining room or specialty restaurants? We only travel with carry on and don't want to overpack, as we have 2 weeks in Europe prior to boarding our cruise.

[@callingallports]

Jeans are generally not allowed in the MDR or specialty dining venues - although some people were spotted wearing a pair here and there. If you can pack a pair of fashionable summer slacks, you’ll be able to get away with those. Andrew wore a pair of Banana Republic slacks with jeans pockets and he was fine in all venues. Vista has launderettes onboard, so hopefully they will help with your light packing preferences.

[@DaveM-FFB]

I witnessed someone being discretely turned around in the main dining room at dinner time because they were wearing jeans and sneakers. While Oceania doesn't have a formal night, they ask that you wear business casual attire when going to the dining venues in the evening. Men wear a collar shirt, slacks (not jeans or shorts), and shoes. I think that's a small ask. With such elegant decor, I would feel underdressed wearing anything more casual.

[@karenflam]

We sail on VIsta in 2025. Can't wait.

[@callingallports]

Fantastic! What is your itinerary?

[@karenflam]

@@callingallports Miami to Miami - Mexico, Roatan

[@BillMolen]

Thanks for a very helpful video. I have Vista booked this fall on a great itinerary, but I’m very concerned after hearing Gary Bembridge’s reports of poor soundproofing between cabins as this could be a deal breaker for me. Did you experience any issues?

[@callingallports]

Thanks. We didn't have that many sound issues in our cabin and actually talk about it in our cabin tour vid. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vRdGCgg8ZoetE). While we've heard from other cruisers that had similar noise issues to Gary, we've heard from many others that have not. Guess it all depends on neighbors and how much time you will spend in your cabin. But we think the great itinerary and the overall beauty of Vista will make up for it.

[@michaelb1985]

I will have to try oceania as i am tired of medicore food on celebrity and princess. Is the food as good as they advertise? Only upscale brand i have tried is cunard and that was not great either.

[@callingallports]

In our opinion, the food is fantastic, not mediocre at all. And unlike Celebrity and Princess, all the food is included in the fare. Sure, you'll have a different cruising experience on Oceania, but the food more than makes up the missing bells and whistles.

[@MsMasondixonline]

I booked a concierge suite for 2 weeks next year. I would not have booked on Oceania Vista if I had known that there is NO bathtub! I never take showers and this will be pure torture for me. Never again.

[@maricrisonil7324]

😍🩷

[@callingallports]

Thanks!

[@southerncaladygolfer8651]

First time following you thanks to Gary. Riviera and Marina have always had pizza in the buffet. I don’t travel on the R class ships so don’t know about them. We found Vista beautiful but don’t love the showroom as it was almost impossible to see over the person in front of you unless you find seats off to the side. The fact that the aft elevators don’t go to the fifth deck is a definite design flaw especially for those with mobility issues. The two of you are definitely on the young side for Oceania. We didn’t care for Ember. Very rushed and pretty much the only items that get the great reviews are the bone in rib eye and the fish and chips. I am from the northeast and I got a bit of a laugh at what they call a lobster roll. We really miss Jacques. We were in a PH and loved it. More closet and drawer space than two women who don’t pack lightly could possibly use. All that being said we absolutely love Oceania and have sailed with them exclusively since 2016. The Vista is a gorgeous ship and I’m certain you will have a fabulous experience!

[@callingallports]

Thanks for subbing and commenting! We are so grateful for the support Gary has been giving us. As for the age of the passengers, this is a pretty young and diverse crowd. Lots of kids, teenagers, and multi-generational families. We were truly surprised when we boarded, we were hoping we’d be the youngest on board (although we are not that young!). And you’re right about the design flaws of the ship. We’ll be eating at Ember in a few nights. Definitely interested based on reviews. We’re big fans of Oceania, so looking forward to our days/nights ahead of us. Thanks again!

[@ollie7875]

@@callingallportsI think it’s probably because it’s a) Caribbean b) March break

[@callingallports]

@@ollie7875 it is, but I think this type of cruising is starting to skew a bit younger. Guess I’ll have to book another Vista cruise to compare 😂

[@charlescook4248]

I would much rather see pictures of the ship than watch you sit there and talk.

[@callingallports]

If only this was meant to be a ship tour….