The luxury cruise industry has welcomed its newest jewel, as Oceania Cruises takes delivery of the 1,200-guest Oceania Allura from the prestigious Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa. This marks the cruise line’s eighth vessel and the second in its innovative Allura Class, following the acclaimed Oceania Vista that launched in May 2023.
What sets Oceania Allura apart in an increasingly crowded luxury cruise market is its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. The ship boasts an extraordinary one chef for every eight guests – a ratio that would make even the finest land-based restaurants envious. Half of the ship’s crew is dedicated solely to culinary operations, underlining the brand’s philosophy that exceptional cuisine should be the cornerstone of luxury travel.
A floating culinary destination
The ship’s dining landscape reads like a foodie’s dream itinerary. The debut of the Crêperie – a first for Oceania Cruises – brings authentic French crêpes, Belgian waffles, and Italian gelato sundaes to sea. Meanwhile, the return of Jacques, the beloved French restaurant named for legendary chef Jacques Pépin, features refreshed menus showcasing refined classics like duck à l’orange with Grand Marnier, alongside theatrical tableside preparations of hand-cut beef tartare.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the popular Red Ginger restaurant has expanded its pan-Asian offerings to include a dozen Nikkei dishes – that fascinating Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine that has captivated discerning palates worldwide. Think tuna ceviche with leche de tigre, braised short rib with lomo saltado, and crispy soft-shell crab tempura nestled in fluffy bao buns.
The Grand Dining Room showcases more than 270 new recipes crafted by the culinary team led by Master Chefs of France Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. Breakfast alone features over 30 new additions, including an entirely reimagined eggs Benedict section that transforms the brunch staple into an art form.
Beyond the plate
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the new Gerard Bertrand Wine Pairing Luncheon, where expert sommeliers guide guests through the portfolio of this celebrated French winemaker, each glass thoughtfully matched with complementary dishes that illuminate the wine’s unique character.
The ship’s design philosophy extends the luxury experience beyond dining. Standard staterooms measure an impressive 290 square feet – among the most spacious at sea. The Library, relocated to a prime position near the Horizons Lounge on Deck 14, offers sweeping ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a refined equestrian estate.
A particularly modern touch is the LYNC Digital Center, powered by high-speed Starlink WiFi. Expert Digital Concierges lead complimentary classes covering everything from smartphone photography to video editing – perfect for capturing and sharing those Instagram-worthy moments.
Setting sail
Oceania Allura’s inaugural season encompasses 26 voyages spanning 92 destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Canada and New England. The maiden voyage departs Trieste for Athens on July 18, 2025. In a move that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s culinary focus, the ship will be christened in Miami this November by a group of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs alumni – a ceremony that promises to be as much about gastronomy as maritime tradition.
The fleet expands
Looking ahead, Oceania Cruises has confirmed an ambitious expansion plan. The line’s first Sonata Class vessel, Oceania Sonata, will debut in winter 2027, followed by Oceania Arietta in 2029. Two additional Sonata Class ships have been confirmed for delivery in 2032 and 2035, each carrying approximately 1,390 guests across 86,000 gross tons.
For cruise aficionados seeking an intimate luxury experience where culinary artistry takes center stage, Oceania Allura represents a compelling new chapter in midsize-ship cruising. With its impressive staff-to-guest ratio of two crew members for every three passengers and an uncompromising dedication to gastronomic excellence, this floating restaurant promises to redefine what it means to dine at sea.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
