Oceania Cruises’ newest dapper-looking ship is bathed in American elegance with fittings from Ralph Lauren Home
Vista, Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, is set to sail the seas in style come spring 2023. Her 18 Inaugural Season voyages begin in April 2023 and will span more than 24 countries across four continents, from the ancient sands of Asia to the glittering hills of Hollywood. The award-winning cruise line recently unveiled the ship’s lavish Owner’s Suites that will be exclusively furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. And in an industry-, not to mention line-, first, the Library will also be exclusively styled by the iconic American designer, whose elegant touch will extend to the furnishings and artwork.
The 2,400-sq-ft suites are palatial, spanning the full beam of the ship, with stunning panoramic views. Double doors usher you into the charming foyer and straight ahead, the beautiful dining room, where the floor-to-ceiling bow-shaped windows afford an unobstructed vista of the sea. A commanding Brook Street Salon dining table anchors the room, providing a space for convivial breakfasts or elegant dinners. The Holbrook Director’s Chairs lend a touch of quirkiness and heaps of character, while a polished nickel Chatham pendant chandelier sways gently overhead. It’s one of the favourite parts of the suite for Oceania Cruises’ president and CEO Bob Binder. “I love the cosy dining area with the expansive sea views, which makes you feel like you are floating above the sea,” he shares.
A right turn takes you to the nautical-styled living room, where lustrous wenge walnut flooring in chevron leads to plush carpeting. “These grand suites have been adorned with furniture that is modern, mixed with iconic classic pieces. In fact, a number of these pieces were custom remastered by Ralph Lauren exclusively for Vista,” reveals Steve Odell, senior vice president and managing director Asia Pacific for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Like the eye-catching cocktail bar in quartered rosewood with a hammered nickel countertop, perhaps. Step out onto the expansive teak verandah, cocktail in hand, for an invigorating dose of the fresh sea breeze. The generously sized space is designed for dining and entertaining.
At the end of the night, it’s a welcome retreat to the master bedroom, where a sumptuous Cote d’Azur king-sized Ralph Lauren bed awaits. You’ll have to traverse a commodious walk-in wardrobe to reach the six-fixture master bathroom, but the large soaking tub and glass-walled ocean-view shower room make the trip more than worthwhile. A second teak veranda just off the master bedroom provides the perfect spot for a loll.
The Library, which sits atop the ship on Deck 14, is given the same designer treatment. Here, the inspiration comes from a modern equestrian estate. “The design team at Ralph Lauren created this tranquil haven to provide the perfect spot to relax with a bestselling novel or indulge with a nap in one of the oversized Addison Club chairs. I just love these pieces because they reflect the quality and craftsmanship of English saddlery,” Odell enthuses. Binder, however, is partial to “the new distinctive entry chair with polished wood and fabric, which was once used in Ralph Lauren’s classic blazer collection and is now iconic”. Polished nickel sconces and chandeliers provide the ideal illumination for a tranquil ambience, whether getting lost in a classic novel, testing your wits in a game of chess, or indulging in the meditative rhythm of watching the world drift by. Classic sepia equestrian prints round off the library’s romantic, old-world charm.
“The Owner’s Suites and Library are signature elements of our brand and having them styled exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home elevates them into truly iconic spaces. Everything, from the furnishings to the accessories and artwork, is meant to envelop our guests in style and comfort, creating the ultimate feeling of home,” Binder states. “When creating these suites and staterooms (and the Library), our primary goal was for each guest to feel like they were returning home,” Odell adds. “Combining comfort and style were paramount in all facets of the design process.”
