The introduction of Oceania Cruises’s new ship Vista has been brought forward by a week due to “exceptional” demand. 

The 1,200-passenger vessel will now enter service on May 13, 2023 instead of May 20.

A new ‘Founder’s Cruise’ scheduled from the port of Rome to Venice goes on sale today (Thursday).

The company said that “unprecedented demand for the ship’s inaugural season has now driven the maiden voyage forward by a week”.

The new seven-night sailing will be hosted by Oceania Cruises’ founder Frank Del Rio, chief executive of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, commemorating the brand’s 20th anniversary. 

The ship will call into ports in Italy, Greece and Croatia.

Oceania Cruises president and chief executive Howard Sherman said: “Vista has been driving exceptional demand from the moment we first revealed her inaugural voyages. 

“With all of her maiden season voyages sold out or on waitlist status, we are introducing an additional voyage to satisfy that exceptional demand.”