Food, Relaxation and Cruising from Ireland
When you think of a cruise holiday, you might picture flying somewhere warm before stepping on board. But one of the things I loved about my recent Oceania Vista experience was that the holiday began right here in Ireland.
I boarded in Ringaskiddy, Cork, and from the moment I stepped on board, I was able to switch off and enjoy the experience. No airport queues, no long transfers and no unpacking and repacking at different hotels — just check in and start enjoying the ship.
For a few days, I got to explore Ireland and beyond, enjoy some fantastic food and have a little bit of well-deserved relaxation along the way.
My Balcony Cabin
I stayed in a balcony cabin, which I really enjoyed.
Having your own outdoor space makes a cruise feel that little bit more special. I loved stepping outside in the morning with a cup of coffee and watching the sea, or simply sitting out and taking in the views as we arrived at each new destination.
It’s also lovely having somewhere peaceful to sit without having to leave your cabin.
Vista itself is a beautiful ship, and there was plenty to explore. But one of the things I was most excited about was experiencing Oceania’s dining.
And it certainly lived up to its reputation.
Exploring Ireland and Beyond
Our first stop was Dunmore East in Waterford.
It’s such a charming coastal village, and arriving by ship gave me a completely different perspective on somewhere I might otherwise simply drive to. The harbour and colourful surroundings made it a lovely first stop.
From there, we continued to Holyhead, giving us the chance to wake up somewhere completely different.
That’s one of the things I love about cruising. You can enjoy a full day exploring somewhere new and then return to the same room that night. No checking in and out, no dragging your suitcase around and no searching for your next hotel.
We also visited Liverpool, which was another highlight. There was plenty to see and do, from wandering around the city and browsing the shops to simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Our final stop was Dun Laoghaire, which was a lovely way to finish the itinerary before returning home.
Time to Relax
Of course, a cruise isn’t just about getting off the ship and exploring.
One of my favourite moments on Vista was actually taking some time to relax on board.
I visited the spa and had a back massage, and I can honestly say it was the best back massage I have ever had!
After walking around the different ports, it was exactly what I needed. There’s something particularly relaxing about having a treatment while you’re already on holiday. You can completely switch off, enjoy the surroundings and then head back to your cabin feeling refreshed.
It reminded me that sometimes the best part of a holiday is doing absolutely nothing.
Dining on Oceania Vista
Food was a huge highlight of the trip for me.
I had the opportunity to dine in Red Ginger, Jacques, Toscana and Polo Grill, as well as enjoying the buffet.
Each restaurant offered something different.
Red Ginger was a particular treat for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired cuisine. The atmosphere was lovely and it was a great change of pace.
Jacques offered French-inspired dishes and had that lovely feeling of turning dinner into an occasion. It was the kind of meal where you want to sit back and take your time.
At Toscana, I enjoyed Italian cuisine and the familiar comfort of good pasta and Italian dishes.
Then there was Polo Grill. If you enjoy steak, I would definitely recommend giving it a try. The steaks were fantastic and it was a real treat to have that kind of dining experience while sailing.
For something more relaxed, the buffet was ideal. There was plenty of choice and it was perfect for those evenings when you simply want to grab something to eat, find a table and enjoy the view without making a whole occasion of dinner.
Overall, I have to say that the food was one of the biggest highlights of my Oceania experience.
My Honest Review
I always think it’s important to give an honest opinion when reviewing a holiday, and for me, Oceania Vista had plenty of strengths.
The food, service and restaurant décor were some of the best I have experienced at sea. Oceania has built a reputation around its dining, and I can understand why.
I did find the entertainment offering a little lacking. This wasn’t a major problem for me personally, but if you are used to the entertainment on Royal Caribbean, there is a noticeable difference. Royal Caribbean has fantastic entertainment and I wouldn’t say the two experiences are comparable in that area.
The cabin was beautiful and comfortable, although if I were comparing it with Explora, I would choose Explora for the cabin itself. Their cabins are larger and I personally prefer the décor.
But that doesn’t take away from my overall experience on Oceania.
Would I Choose Oceania for My Own Holiday?
Absolutely.
While there are differences between the cruise lines I have experienced, I really enjoyed what Oceania had to offer.
For me, the biggest appeal was the combination of excellent food, attentive service, beautiful restaurants and the relaxed feel of the ship.
I also loved being able to start the holiday in Ireland. Boarding in Ringaskiddy made everything so easy, and there was something particularly nice about sailing away from Ireland and visiting places such as Dunmore East, Holyhead and Liverpool before returning to Dun Laoghaire.
If you’re considering a more relaxed cruise experience where food and service are a major part of the holiday, I would definitely recommend taking a look at Oceania Vista.
It was a lovely few days — and one I would happily do again.
Brenda
