The culinary-focused luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises has unveiled a new series of mixology developments for guests on board.
Guests on board the new Oceania Cruises ship, Vista, set to debut in May 2023, can prepare for some fine moments from behind the bar, with the announcement of a number of cocktail and mixology programs designed to enhance the guest experience.
Specialty beverage carts, flavoured smoke bubbles, zero proof cocktails, an extensive selection of low- and no- sugar wines, special carts such as the Bubbly Bar and the Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar, and Negronis aged in wooden barrels are just some of the initiatives to be introduced by Oceania Cruises.
Vista, the first of the brand’s new Allura Class ships, will feature the latest cocktail-crafting trends and techniques.
“As Vista will present a fresh perspective on the finest cuisine at sea, with an astounding array of culinary options that range from informal to the extravagant, it’s only appropriate that we build a bar program to match,” said Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises.
Daniella Oancea, Corporate Beverage Manager of Oceania Cruises worked alongside the culinary team to bring naturally sourced ingredients to the cocktail crafting process, such as the creation of homemade syrups and reductions.
New concepts will include Immersive Mixology Experiences, a key feature of Vista’s bar program. The Bubbly Bar will serve exclusive Champagne cocktails to guests; while The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar, is where guests can take a DIY approach.
At the Casino Mixology Bar, a unique selection of bourbons and ryes will feature in addition to table-side preparation of cocktails and spirits. Negronis will be served straight from the barrel and Flavour Blaster Gun cocktails will be topped with vapour filled bubbles with aromatic flavours.
At Martinis, Oceania Cruises’ signature bar on board, a new spirits selection of Mermaid Gin and Vodka will be served, handcrafted from ethically sourced botanicals on the Isle of Wight. Either shaken or stirred, the new martini menu features a collection that pays tribute to some of the greatest names in Hollywood such as Lady Hepburn, Bogart’s Casablanca, Blue Eyes Sinatra and Notorious Bond.
The new Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience, will also debut on Vista. Guests will be treated to a three-course pairing of cuisine matched to rare vintages.
For those more drawn to ‘Dom’, there’s also a Dom Pérignon Experience, a signature Oceania Cruises experience since 2019, that will be showcased on Vista as part of the intimate dining venue, Privée. The six-course tasting menu pairs three Champagne vintages with two courses which are specifically crafted to bring out the nuances of the fine wines.
Across the broader Oceania fleet in 2023, a series of new whisky and rum experiences will launch including The Macallan Diamond Bar Cart, The Macallan Flight Program (taking guests on a journey of flavour and discovery to gain an understanding of the unique, complex flavours of this highly prized single malt whisky); and The Macallan Chocolate Pairing.
The Brugal Rum & Tea at Sea will teach guests about the history of pairing rum and tea since the 17th century. A number of Tea Pairings, from aperitivo-style pre-meal cocktails to highball light and sparkling cocktails, will also be available at bars on board.