Oceania Cruises Vista Review THE GOOD, BAD & THE UGLY

[@bobcarr5497]

Perfect timing as my wife and I are going on a 10 day voyage on Oceania and her newest ship Vista to the Southern Caribbean on December 30th thru January 9th. We booked a Penthouse on deck 11 midship and will be celebrating 30yrs of marriage. We are really looking forward to sailing with this line in a month from today! We sailed on Celebrity Equinox back in October and are interested to see the differences. Thank you for this interview.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Stay tuned more to come on Vista tomorrow and next week.

[@faithmoore7520]

update? how was it?

[@bobcarr5497]

@faithmoore7520 Unfortunately, we had to cancel 48 before leaving as my wife's mother had a medical emergency. She was hospitalized for 30 days in ICU and 4 operations. The good news was that she made it and is home doing well 74 yrs young. We have another cruise planned on Celebrity Ascent for March 2026 11 nights to the Panama Canal and Southern Caribbean😊🏖🌞

[@bobcarr5497]

In a Aqua class sky suite

[@AlexSkabry]

We'd love to return to O - one of the things I rarely see mentioned is the scope, the magnitude of the quality food. Look at the sheer quantity of choices in Toscana. It's menu operates at a Cheesecake Factory scale, yet delivering 5 star quality. There simply is nothing like it at sea, and even on land it's rare. You touched on this, that's great. It's a superb, well balanced review. After 30 years of sailing, we've evolved to the point where nearly every ship in the mass-market is like a grocery store. Oceania projects so much gentility, and yet opulence as well. I'll look forward to returning to either the Allure or the Vista on my next trip.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks Larry makes for a great interview.

[@bobc7830]

Recently Completed 16 day Panamá Canal on Vista. Beautiful new ship. Stunning visuals all throughout the ship. Concierge room was very nice. Highlight is the magnificent bathroom with the huge shower and great storage. Downside is lack of storage in the room. Level of service in the Main dining room and Terrace Grille was not up to previous Oceania cruises.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the comment. We are hearing that the service is not as expected, wonder if it's just a new crew ?

[@bobc7830]

@@askarealtravelexpert when I inquired about the service levels I was told there were a lot of “ first contract” employees on the ship. You would think that on this brand new ship Oceania would want “ the best of the best” as far as the crew was concerned.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

You are correct they normally move their best team to the new ship. Very strange

[@JohnJames-be4qe]

For a non american, this was a very interesting review. Oceania is superb. Having recently taken a Regent 7 Seas simply because of their destination, it was a disaster out change. Regent has nothing on Oceania in anyway. We made the mistake once and would never go on Regent even for free.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the comment sorry to hear about the poor experience with Regent.

[@faithmoore7520]

lad you warned me what did you not like about it .Regent normally get suburb views!

[@JohnJames-be4qe]

@@faithmoore7520 regent promises SO much but delivers alot less. We had a butler suite which was a waste if time and money. Would never travel regent again but Oceania is very good been o all their ship categories and thoroughly enjoyed them all.

[@doughendrix1416]

Thanks for this independent and experienced review of Vista. We are scheduled for our very first cruise on a cruise ship on this vessel. I have always avoided cruises because of the size, noise and family atmosphere on these barges. But two musician friends scheduled this adventure to Italy and the Greek isles next October. When I looked at the fact of it being brand new, smaller and luxury we went for it. Our only other sea adventure was on a 46 foot catamaran that I captained. I look forward to the cuisine, and relaxation of not being in charge. Looks like as first time reluctant cruisers we choose the right ship and adventure and can’t wait.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the comment you will love Oceania wonderful onboard atmosphere. Let us know how you make out!

[@msmsolivita6134]

Oceania Vista is a beautiful ship. Sailed on her in December 2023. I agree about the aft elevator--does not go all the way down. This was disappointing and can be challenging for the disabled. Also, I was disappointed with the sight lines in the theater. I found it very difficult to see the stage unless you are in the first rows despite how the pictures look.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the comment. Interesting observation about the theatre. I wonder if they will take that into consideration for the next build.

[@miriamcromwell7260]

Theater view lines very true. Also for Regatta. I'm fairly short and all I ever saw in either theater were the top of performers heads and shoulders

[@pdeblois1880]

I had an Oceania cruise booked in November’24 which I am canceling. Don’t need the stress!

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@elibrown8444]

Good to hear

[@PEJ121]

We just got off Oceania Vista and booked 3 more Oceania cruises. It was magnificent. Our 2 previous cruises in 2023 were NCL Prima in Haven. Also great but not as good as Vista.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😀

[@miriamcromwell7260]

Biggest complaint re Vista, how slick the tile floors were, especially by the Grill, Terrace, Lounge, and reception areas. Too many falls for one trip.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Hmm that’s interesting sorry to hear about that. I assume you let them know so they could address the issue if needed.

[@SunriseSundown77]

I didn’t hear anything about the fact that night music/dancing entertainment on Vista has been apparently cut back cause of noise complaints from the upper level suites, seems like a negative to me, is this going to be addressed on the new ship?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Hmm that’s interesting Larry was only on for three nights so may not of been an issue. We are going to be talking to the Oceania team in the new year will ask the question.

[@MsMasondixonline]

I have a cruise booked on Visfa for next year. My issue is NO bathtub. I don’t do showers. Guess I’ll be unbathed for 12 nights! Very disappointed. Will stick with Seabourn going forward.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Have you looked at Silversea?

[@pdeblois1880]

If you want to sail with an exceptional Captain seek out Captain Noel O’Driscoll. In my opinion the best Captain at sea today. Look for Errol Nelson too. One of the best Hotel Managers out there.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Thanks for the tip is he now with Oceania?

[@Desjardins50]

Doubt very much. 😊

[@jonathanarcher1888]

Why did they remove Prime Rib from the menu in Polo?

[@askarealtravelexpert]

That’s a good question will ask the next time we interview an Oceania representative?

[@pdeblois1880]

Vista is about the deck chair wars! It’s beyond my comprehension why the cruise industry with all its executive brain power cannot solve this issue.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😧

[@pdeblois1880]

Cruise after cruise it gets worse. Eventually someone will get seriously hurt by some irate passenger. The joy and relaxation factor is now overshadowed by the anxiety of anticipating whether or not you will get a deck chair. Even if you should be so lucky as to have Spa Deck access…..it’s even worse up there. People reserving deck chairs in the sun, in the shade and even the ceramic tiled heated loungers at the same time….. it’s called entitlement.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😧

[@robertwandlaincourt314]

Do they have music that's catered to our age groups (50s-70s)? Rock, disco, Motown etc??

[@askarealtravelexpert]

For the most part yes as that is the age demographic for the cruise line for example here is a pos on what to expect onboard Vista. "Into the Night, choreographed by renowned “Dancing with the Stars” pro dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart, is a dance-centric show featuring an unexpected mix of dance, style and design meant to invoke the excitement of the Video Music Awards, the glamour of “American Idol” and the high-energy drive of “Dancing with the Stars.” The contemporary elegance of the show is inspired by the essence of Vista herself. Sophisticated and exciting, Into the Night will leave audiences awestruck as it combines dance with design, exuding a powerful feeling only a live stage show can offer. Headliners takes guests on a VIP concert journey showcasing a stunning cast performing some of the most recognizable songs in the world. Celebrating the music, not just the artist, Headliners approaches pop favorites in an inspirational way that is simply designed to be a great time. Led by Vista’s talented onboard vocalists, complete with fun choreography, guests will have an unforgettable night with music from some of their favorite artists, such as Cher, Celine Dion, the Bee Gees and Adele, in a way they have never seen before. The Anchor Inn is a light-hearted UK-centric song-and-dance performance with a sprinkle of West End flare. Set in the lively Anchor Inn Pub, a group of regulars celebrates good times, sporting losses and romantic wins to the tune of chart-topping hits by artists like Dusty Springfield, Rod Stewart, Madness, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. This hand-clapping, toe-tapping production will leave guests feeling decidedly British, no matter where they are sailing."

[@robertwandlaincourt314]

@@askarealtravelexpert thank you 😊

[@pdeblois1880]

Don’t expect to see a “hands on” approach from the officers either. They are about as hard to find as a deck chair in the shade.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

😧

[@dougball328]

The owner's suites are 2400 sq. ft. not 6000. Good grief. Even the 'over the top' suite on Regency is 'only' 4400 sq. ft.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

🤔

[@dougball328]

@@askarealtravelexpert If you don't believe me, look it up. It's pretty easy. Being wrong doesn't make you look like an expert.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

You are right about this. Took me a while to figure out how Larry who is usually spot on could be so off base. Turns out Vista has three owners suites which would total over 6000 sq feet. Willing to bet who was ever giving the Owners Suite Tours framed it that way and Larry took it at face value. My bad should have caught that in post to avoid embarrassment for Larry. We have since edited the video to remove the reference to avoid confusion. Thanks for the catch on that.

[@dougball328]

@@askarealtravelexpert We cruised in the Owner's Suite on Marina. Those suites are quoted at 2000 sq ft. They got the extra square footage on Vista by extending the cabin out into the space where the deck wrapped around. Cheers !

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Don't just talk about it.....SHOW me, if you have been there.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

❤️

[@lenoffrowich9873]

I do not know which Oceania Vista that you were on, but clearly you were not on a recent sailing where a broken large window (pool level area) was covered with plastic sheeting from the outset in Miami; the food was terrible throughout (commented upon by many many passengers; insensitive to call a Grand Dining room’s fare one night: A Night in Russia (or similar words (what poor taste to give it this name); dirty cabins: dusty; cleaning cloths on the cabin floor; stained fabrics; bed linen changed only on request on a twelve day cruise; and the list goes on and on. The drink pricing is outrageous. Excursions are not vetted in advance by the company to determine that an “easy” excursion was highly dangerous; this especially true since the average age onboard tends to be for the 60+ age group. Entertainment was satisfyingly good, but the showroom seating is tight and the drink holder armrests are an annoyance. The “maze” in getting into the showroom seating is mind boggling to learn. A stern area elevator design that goes only to Deck 6 versus the Bow area ones go to Decks 4 and 5 ought to be what the design of the ship lacked. These are but a smattering of issues. Certainly the ship’s public area decor is lovely, but decor is but 10% of the cruise experience. Revisit this ship now and see what it truly is like, but not as a reviewer and then tell me that I am wrong.

[@askarealtravelexpert]

Wow and a brand new ship to boot. Sorry to hear you had a miserable time.

[@lenoffrowich9873]

It was worse than a mere sort of bad time, it was of almost 30 cruises on lines such as: Sitmar; Princess; RCCL; NCL; HAL; Crystal; Celebrity and Silversea’s. Not a single cruise on any of them had the numerous issues as the Oceania Vista not only for me, but for many on my cruise. Larry Jackson gave a rather biased appraisal of this ship. The clinchers were cabin maintenance; the food which at times was abysmal (mouldy baked potato); mashed potatoes that were the consistency of pablum; and calling a theme night: A Night in Russia…how inappropriate. I only wish non-reviewers were asked what their pros and cons were as to this ship.

[@frankcolligan5233]

Your comments are at odds with my experience on a Panama Canal sailing in November. Every meal we had met or surpassed the high standard we hold Oceania to. Excellent cabin attendants that kept our room spotless, as expected. We found the Aquamar excellent for breakfast and lunch. Every meal in the Grand Dining Room was very good. It seems to me they fixed everything you found so bad. I can't wait to be back on Oceania and Vista soon.