Oceania Cruises to Host World Premier of PBS Documentary Series: The Italian Americans

Oceania Cruises and Artful Travelers are teaming up to host the world premiere of the new PBS documentary series, The Italian Americans. Guests sailing on this 10-day “Enchanting Riviera” voyage departing Oct. 29, 2014, will have an opportunity to interact with producers, writers and directors involved in the development of this new series, all while traversing the Mediterranean and Italian coastline aboard the mid-size ship Riviera.

Narrated by Academy Award–nominated actor Stanley Tucci, The Italian Americans consists of four, one-hour documentary films that chronicle the history of Italian Americans from the mid-19th century to present day. It examines the struggles and ideals shared by many Italian immigrants and how, as a group, they left a mark on America’s political, social and cultural landscape.

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During the cruise, filmmakers will host screenings for each individual one-hour episode. Prior to the showing, filmmakers will provide insight into the making of the film, and they will engage with guests during question-and-answer sessions at the end of each screening.  Scheduled to appear during the voyage include:

  • Jeff Bieber – Executive producer for The Italian Americans and veteran executive producer for public television documentaries, specials, news and cultural programs at WETA, the public broadcasting station for the Washington, D.C. area.
  • John Maggio – Writer, producer and director for The Italian Americans and acclaimed producer and director for PBS series Finding Your Roots, American Experience and FRONTLINE.
  • Maria Laurino – Creative nonfiction professor at New York University and the celebrated author of the national bestseller Were You Always an Italian?, an exploration into ethnic identity.

Held in the Riviera Lounge, the screenings and subsequent question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers are complimentary experiences available to all guests sailing. Additional experiences in celebration of The Italian Americans premiere and available for a nominal fee include wine tastings featuring some of Italy’s finest vintages and Italian-inspired cooking adventures at the Bon Appétit Culinary Center. There will also be a book signing event with Maria Laurino, who penned a companion book for the series entitled The Italian Americans: A History.

Experiences with limited capacity, such as private dinners and intimate cocktail functions with guest speakers, will only be available for guests booked specifically on The Italian Americans package using code “ARTFUL.” In addition, shore excursions tying into The Italian Americans theme will be available for guests booked on this promotion to purchase.

The Italian Americans package is available at no additional cost for guests booking the “Enchanting Riviera” voyage.  At the time of booking, guests or their travel agents need to request the promotional code "ARTFUL" to be added to the guest’s reservation.  Space is limited to the first 300 guests who sign up for this promotion.

For more information, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.