Oceania Cruises breaks tradition with chef collective as godparents for new luxury ship

A groundbreaking partnership brings Food & Wine’s culinary stars aboard the brand’s newest vessel

In an unprecedented move that signals a new era for luxury cruising, Oceania Cruises has announced that its newest vessel, Oceania Allura, will be christened not by a single godmother but by a collective of culinary luminaries. The ship, debuting in July 2025, will have Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni serve as its godparents – a first in the cruise industry that perfectly encapsulates the line’s reputation as a floating destination for epicureans.

The announcement, made during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen recently, represents a bold departure from maritime tradition. Since 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has acknowledged over 400 rising culinary stars who have shaped modern gastronomy. Now, a group of these innovative chefs will collectively bless Oceania’s latest 1,200-guest vessel at its christening ceremony in Miami on November 13, 2025.

270 new recipes and a culinary center set the stage for epicurean adventures at sea

For discerning passengers who view dining as an integral part of the journey, Oceania Allura promises to elevate the onboard culinary experience to new heights. The ship debuts with more than 270 brand-new recipes across its specialty restaurants, including the return of Jacques, the line’s beloved French restaurant, and an enhanced Red Ginger featuring inventive Nikkei cuisine. The expansive hands-on Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio ensure guests can sharpen their own culinary skills between ports.

Exclusive chef-led voyages bring Food & Wine talent to Alaska and beyond

The partnership extends beyond the christening ceremony. Oceania Cruises has announced its first-ever Best New Chefs Cruise, departing August 18, 2025, on a 10-day Alaska voyage aboard Oceania Riviera. Led by 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chef Aisha Ibrahim, the sailing promises exclusive menus, intimate cooking demonstrations, and curated wine pairings – all while navigating the dramatic landscapes of the Inside Passage. Two additional Best New Chefs Cruises aboard Oceania Allura are slated for 2026.

This culinary-forward approach aligns perfectly with Oceania’s positioning as the cruise line “created by foodies for foodies.” The small-ship luxury line, known for its destination-rich itineraries spanning over 600 ports across seven continents, has long distinguished itself through its commitment to exceptional cuisine paired with intimate ship experiences.

For luxury cruisers seeking more than just beautiful destinations, Oceania Allura represents a new chapter in ocean-going sophistication – where the journey truly becomes as memorable as the destinations themselves, and where every meal is an opportunity for discovery. The ship’s 2025 and 2026 itineraries are now available for booking, promising epicurean adventures that extend far beyond the dining room.