A Quick Escape Aboard the Brand-New Oceania Vista

October 31 – November 3, 2023 | Round-Trip from Los Angeles

Some trips are short—but leave a lasting impression. That’s exactly how I’d describe my recent two-night sailing aboard the newly launched Oceania Vista. Built in 2023 and carrying just 1,200 passengers with 800 attentive crew members, this ship redefines boutique-style cruising with a perfect balance of elegance, culinary excellence, and personal space.

Here’s a peek into my four-day experience from takeoff to touchdown:

Day 1: Travel Day & Halloween Moonlight My adventure began at Tucson International Airport, where we shared the runway with F-16 fighter jets—the thunder of afterburners definitely added some excitement to our departure!

Landing in LAX, I quickly learned a new airport rule: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are no longer curbside—you now take a shuttle to a designated pickup zone called LAX-it. Good to know for next time.

That evening, we stayed in San Pedro, a charming community with historic Italian roots. We walked to a local patio spot for pizza and enjoyed ocean views from the hotel—plus a massive cargo ship gliding by. With the moonlight and twinkling lights of Halloween Eve, the atmosphere set the perfect stage for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Welcome Aboard the Vista Boarding day! Oceania pulled out all the stops with Gold-level service at check-in—smooth, fast, and first-class all the way.

Lunch outdoors with my fellow Bon Voyage Travel advisors was the perfect start, and Richie was thrilled with the home made ice cream.

Then we stepped into our Penthouse Suite, and WOW—breathtaking. The space was incredibly well-designed with refined details everywhere. Spacious, serene, and sophisticated.

The ship itself is modern, airy, and beautifully arranged. So many venues, each with its own vibe—I’ll be sharing a separate post just about the ship interiors soon!

That night, we sailed away from Los Angeles, city lights twinkling behind us. A welcome cocktail party by the pool with live music made for a fun and festive beginning.

Dinner at Red Ginger was unforgettable—an Asian-inspired menu with bold flavors and stunning presentation. No surprise Oceania is known for its award-winning cuisine.

Day 3: Ocean Views, Ensenada, and Elegant Evenings The next morning began with breakfast at Terrace Café, enjoying eggs and coffee with sweeping ocean views. Honestly, I could stare at the ship’s wake forever—it’s the kind of peace you can’t buy on land.

Later, we joined a seminar with Oceania’s senior executives, who shared exciting updates about the future of the brand. Very insightful!

That afternoon, we docked in Ensenada, Mexico—which reminded me of Tucson meeting the ocean. A unique blend of charm and culture.

The rest of the day was all about enjoying the little luxuries:

Afternoon coffee chats with fellow travelers

Canapés in our suite (Yes, please—every day!)

Catching up with colleagues and sharing stories

Dinner in the Grand Dining Room with some of our travel crew was a perfect send-off meal—elegant, delicious, and full of laughter. We ended the night at the Founders Bar, where the cocktails were just as inventive as they were tasty.

Day 4: Farewell Vista Woke up back in San Pedro with beautiful weather and a view of the bustling cargo port—it’s oddly fascinating!

No need to make the bed (one of cruising’s best perks!). After breakfast with my favorites, I spotted a painting onboard that completely captivated me—just one of the many thoughtful details on this ship.

Then it was time for the airport shuffle: LAX terminal hopping via shuttle, watching a United plane cross an intersection like a car. Only in LA.

As we lifted off and waved goodbye to the coast, I couldn’t help but smile.

Final Thoughts: Why Oceania Vista? Though this was a quick trip, the Oceania Vista made a lasting impression. It’s elegant without being fussy, intimate yet full of choices, and service is top-tier from start to finish.

Fast facts:

Built: 2023

Passengers: 1,200

Crew: 800

All-veranda accommodations available

Known for: Exceptional dining, luxurious details, and a relaxed ambiance

If you're craving a refined, relaxing cruise experience with world-class food and personalized service, let’s talk about Oceania. Whether it's Vista or one of her beautiful sister ships, you’re in for something truly special.