Oceania Cruises names godmother of first Allure-class ship

Oceania Cruises has named celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis as the godmother of its newest ship, Vista.

De Laurentiis will officially name the 1,200-passenger vessel at a christening ceremony in Valetta on May 8 during a seven-night roundtrip sailing from Rome, which will also feature a performance by American singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr.

Vista is the first of Oceania Cruises’ Allure-class ships and will enter service on April 14, sailing from Rome to Barcelona.

More: Oceania Cruises floats out new ship Vista

The ship will spend its inaugural summer in the Mediterranean and in September will sail to Canada and New England before beginning its winter season in Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Frank Del Rio (pictured right), president of Oceania Cruises, said: “We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade.

“As the world’s leading culinary-focused cruise line, bringing Giada into the Oceania Cruises family was an easy decision. Her casual yet sophisticated style and devout love of quality cuisine are the perfect recipe for Vista.

“She truly personifies our first Allure-class ship and we could not be more delighted that she has agreed to be godmother of Vista.”

De Laurnetiis, who will create two signature dishes to be served on board, said: “Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of Vista, and having the honour of officiating as godmother, is my dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome.”