Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis named godmother of cruise ship Oceania Vista

Oceania Cruises targets culinary fans with its cruise ships and its newest vessel Oceania Vista will have one of the most recognizable celebrity chefs as godmother.

Giada De Laurentiis was introduced in the honorary role at a gala in Miami Beach on Friday during the South Beach Food & Wine Festival by cruise line president Frank A Del Rio, son of Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Oceania’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Working with Frank and the Oceania Cruises team on the christening of Vista and having the honor of officiating as godmother is a dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome,” De Laurentiis said. “Cooking authentic Italian fare is my biggest passion in life. I cannot wait to savor the different flavors and explore the myriad dining venues on board Vista, a ship that will provide unforgettable culinary experiences for decades to come.”

De Laurentiis won fame during a run on the Food Network, and is now an NBC Today Show contributor, author and restauranteur behind both GIADA and Pronto by Giada in Las Vegas. She also recently began Giada Catering and founded the website Giadzy.com, an Italian lifestyle site.

Vista is a first-in-class vessel for the line, which has not debuted a new vessel in a decade. The 67,700-gross-ton, 1,200-guest ship will feature 12 dining venues, so options will abound for foodies on board. They include new venue Ember with American dishes including those conceived by Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director Jacques Pépin blending “the contemporary fresh vibrance of renowned culinary capitals such as Napa and Sonoma with the warmth and richness of the revitalized food and beverage scene of America’s heartland,” according to the company.

Another new offering is Aquamar Kitchen focusing on health-oriented, guilt-free cuisine, and fresh pastries will be available at new venue the Bakery at Baristas.

De Laurentiis will creae two signature dishes for the ship, to be served in Italian venue Toscana and in the Grand Dining Room.

“As the world’s leading culinary-focused cruise line, bringing Giada into the Oceania Cruises family was an easy decision,” Del Rio said. “Her casual yet sophisticated style and devout love of quality cuisine are the perfect recipe for Vista. She truly personifies our first Allura Class ship and we could not be more delighted that she has agreed to be godmother of Vista.”

With 800 staff, there is a 1-to-1.5 crew-to-guest ratio. All accommodations feature a verandah and the three owners’ suites span the entire width of the ship, all designed along with the top-of-the-ship library by Ralph Lauren Home. The ship also includes veranda staterooms for solo travelers. Standard staterooms are among the largest at sea, coming in at 290 square feet.

The line often sails to a variety of destinations skipped over by major cruise lines, often built around culinary adventures. And the ship will once again let cruisers learn new kitchen skills with The Culinary Center on board with chef-led classes.

Vista will debut in Europe with Harry Connick Jr. performing at a christening event May 8 in Valletta, Malta before arriving to Miami in October, sailing to Los Angeles and back before settling in for four months of round-trip Caribbean itineraries.