Oceania Cruises, renowned for offering The Finest Cuisine at Sea, will push forward its much-awaited debut of its new Vista ship to 13 May next year – thanks to unprecedented demand for the ship’s inaugural season.

Vista Barista rendering

The world’s leading culinary line said that its’ Founder’s Cruise, which was originally scheduled to debut on 20 May 2023, will now be pushed forward by a week, departing Rome on 13 May instead.

“With all of her maiden voyages sold out or on waitlist status, we are introducing an additional voyage to satisfy that exceptional demand,” said Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

The 7-day sailing from Rome to Venice, will be hosted by Oceania Cruises founder, Frank Del Rio, to mark the launch of the new ship and commemorate the brand’s 20th anniversary.

Grand Dining Room on the new Vista

Guests will be able to experience some of the most alluring destinations across three nations in Italy, Greece and Croatia onboard the new Vista with her amazing interiors, residential-style staterooms, spacious public spaces, imaginative new dining and drinking venues.

The Founder’s Cruise will call at a new destination each day. She will sail from Rome on 13 May, visit Sorrento/Capri on 14 May; Messina, Italy on 15 May; Argostoli, Greece on 16 May; Corfu, Greece on 17 May, Dubrovnik, Croatia on 18 May; Zadar, Croatia on 19 May and Venice on 20 May.

The 1200-guest Vista will offer guests immersive excursions connecting with locals, sought-after culinary experiences and memorable onboard events.

Vista will offer 12 dining options including four new dining concepts; eight bars, lounges and entertainment venues, spacious staterooms of more than 26 sq metres with large bathrooms equipped with oversized rainforest showers; Owners, Vista and Oceania suites will feature soaking tubs and the palatial owner’s suite will be furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. The ship will also feature the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre and Spa Terrace.

Bookings for the Founder’s Cruise opened for sale on 8 December. To book, visit OceaniaCruises.com; call 1300 355 200 or speak to a travel advisor.