Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Connick to usher in Oceania Cruises' Vista

CRUISE_Giada_de_Laurentiis.jpg
Giada De Laurentiis and Frank A. Del Rio at Soho Beach House, Miami Beach, on Friday during the godmother reveal event
Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy Award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis will serve as the godmother for Oceania Cruises' Vista.

Multiple Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, pianist and actor Harry Connick Jr. will appear alongside De Laurentiis at the ship's star-studded naming ceremony, set for May 8 in Valletta, Malta.

Connick will perform a concert at the event during Vista's seven-night round-trip voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome).

Oceania's first new ship in more than a decade

'We are thrilled that Giada and Harry are joining us to welcome Vista, our first new ship in more than a decade,' said Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. 'Harry's laid-back, classic style and impressive back catalog will provide the perfect soundtrack to an important evening in our 20-year history.'

Del Rio added that as a leading culinary-focused cruise line, 'bringing Giada nto 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.'

De Laurentiis will create two signature dishes to be served onboard in Toscana, Oceania Cruises' Italian specialty restaurant, and The Grand Dining Room.

'Dream come true'

De Laurentiis said serving as godmother is a 'dream come true, especially as she sets sail on her christening voyage from my birthplace of Rome. Cooking authentic Italian fare is my biggest passion in life. I cannot wait to savor the different flavors and explore the myriad dining venues onboard Vista, a ship that will provide unforgettable culinary experiences for decades to come.'