OCEANIA Cruises newest ship, Vista (pictured), was formally welcomed into the fleet overnight in a lavish ceremony in Malta, which also served as a tribute to outgoing Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Chief Executive Officer and Oceania founder, Frank Del Rio Sr. The event was attended by more than 1,200...
OCEANIA Cruises newest ship, Vista (pictured), was formally welcomed into the fleet overnight in a lavish ceremony in Malta, which also served as a tribute to outgoing Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Chief Executive Officer and Oceania founder, Frank Del Rio Sr.
The event was attended by more than 1,200 dignitaries, travel industry partners, suppliers and other members of the wider Oceania family, as Del Rio Sr effectively handed over the reins of the cruise line to his son, Frank Del Rio Jr.
The departing chief said his heart was overflowing with “joy, pride, gratitude and appreciation” harking back to the early days of Oceania and the support of those who backed his vision.
Harry Sommer, who takes on the NCLH Chief Executive role, hailed the incredible contribution Del Rio Sr has made to global cruising as well as his own career, having been the founder’s protege for more than 30 years.
“I am blessed to take the mantle of Frank Del Rio, a true industry icon who has set the bar for excellence to new heights,” Sommer said.
“I enter his role with a sense of excitement to build on his unbelievable legacy.”
Vista’s godmother is Italian-American celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis, who somewhat nervously pulled a giant lever which successfully triggered a mechanism to smash a bottle of Champagne against the hull.
De Laurentiis cited Oceania’s proud culinary tradition, saying she was delighted to be associated with the “finest cuisine at sea” tag line.
The ceremony was followed by a performance from crooner Harry Connick Jr, with Del Rio Sr and family joining in on stage.
