Oceania Cruises, the destination-focused cruise line, has named its newest ship, Vista, at Valletta Cruise Port (Malta) on May 8.

The 1,200-passenger Vista is the line’s first new ship in more than a decade. Valletta Cruise Port ids part of the Global Ports Holding group that is the world’s largest operator of cruise facilities in the world.

An international organising team with the support of local representatives SMS Group, Malta Tourism Authority and Valletta Cruise Port worked on a line-up of celebratory events to mark this day, involving tens of suppliers brought in specifically for the event: from AV suppliers and set builders to florists and makeup artists and hairdressers.

“We would like to congratulate Oceania Cruises on this momentous day. This is a proud moment for Valletta and Malta, and we are pleased to be have been entrusted with hosting the naming ceremony of such an anticipated ship in our historical Grand Harbour. The Capital City of Valletta served as the best possible backdrop for this event”, commented Stephen Xuereb COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, in a statement.

A traditional plaque exchange was held early in the day aboard the Vista between local port authorities and Captain Luca Manzi. At 241 meters long and more than 67,000 tons, Vista offers a  staffing ratio with two crew members for every three guests.