Oceania Cruises partners with acclaimed winemaker Gérard Bertrand for an exclusive new dining experience
The azure waters of the Mediterranean have long inspired the greatest culinary traditions, from sun-drenched vineyards to bustling coastal markets. Now, Oceania Cruises is bringing that same spirit of discovery to the high seas with an extraordinary new partnership that promises to elevate luxury cruise dining to unprecedented heights.
Six courses, six revelations
Starting this July aboard the brand-new Oceania Allura, discerning passengers will have the opportunity to embark on a culinary journey through the Languedoc-Roussillon region without ever leaving the ship. The new Gérard Bertrand Food and Wine Pairing experience transforms the intimate Jacques restaurant into a portal to the South of France, where award-winning organic and biodynamic wines meet expertly crafted cuisine in perfect harmony.
This isn’t your typical cruise ship wine dinner. Limited to just 40 guests per sailing, the experience unfolds as an intimate exploration of terroir and technique, guided by Oceania’s master chefs and sommeliers. Each of the six courses tells a story – from the playful sophistication of potato fritters crowned with Sturia Ossetra caviar to the rich complexity of braised beef short rib paired with Minervois La Livinière ‘Clos d’Ora.’
The art of sustainable luxury
What sets this experience apart is its commitment to conscious indulgence. Gérard Bertrand, the visionary behind some of France’s most celebrated sustainable wines, has built his reputation on organic and biodynamic practices that honor both tradition and innovation. His philosophy of “Art de Vivre” – the art of living well – permeates every aspect of this collaboration.
The menu reads like a love letter to French culinary artistry. Consider the Venetian-style risotto reimagined with riced calamari and scallops, elevated by the mineral complexity of Château l’Hospitalet La Clape White Blend. Or the decadent finale of Callebaut gold chocolate cake, its caramel and white chocolate mousse perfectly complemented by a rare 1975 Maury vintage that speaks to decades of patient cellaring.
Beyond the plate
For Jason Montague, Oceania’s Chief Luxury Officer, this new offering represents something deeper than exceptional dining. It’s about creating connections – to place, to culture, and to the passionate artisans who craft these remarkable wines and dishes. At USD175 per person, the experience positions itself as accessible luxury, inviting both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers to explore new dimensions of taste.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As cruisers increasingly seek authentic, educational experiences over passive consumption, Oceania has positioned itself at the forefront of experiential cruising. The Gérard Bertrand pairing joins an impressive roster of specialty dining experiences, from the exclusive Dom Pérignon dinner series to the celebrated Jacques Pépin collaboration.
Setting sail for taste
Following its debut on Oceania Allura’s inaugural voyage on July 18, the experience will expand to Oceania Vista in September, with Marina and Riviera joining the program by 2026. Each sailing offers select dates for this intimate lunch, ensuring that every guest receives the bespoke attention that defines true luxury travel.
For the modern luxury passenger who views dining not as mere sustenance but as cultural immersion, this new partnership represents something rare in today’s travel landscape: an opportunity to discover the authentic spirit of a place through the universal language of exceptional food and wine. In an age of Instagram-driven travel, Oceania Cruises reminds us that the most memorable journeys still happen one perfect bite at a time.
Visit the Ocean Cruises website for more infomration.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
