Built by Fincantieri in Italy, Oceania Cruises’ 1,200-guest Oceania Allura represents the brand’s “bold vision for an entirely new generation of luxury travel experiences”. The vessel, which is the second in the Allura class and the eighth in the fleet, debuted in the Mediterranean in July 2025 and has been called Oceania Cruises’ most innovative and luxurious ship to date. “Oceania Allura redefines modern luxury, thanks to her graceful design, intuitive service and the broad array of immersive experiences our guests can choose, both onboard the ship and ashore,” says Steve Odell, the brand’s senior vice president of international and consumer sales. Odell predicts guests will be most impressed by the culinary experiences, all of which have been designed in line with the brand’s ‘The finest cuisine at sea’ philosophy. Oceania Cruises has created 11 “distinctive” venues for Oceania Allura, including a new Crêperie, and revamped menus in signature spaces, such as the Grand Dining Room, Pan-Asian speciality restaurant Red Ginger, and Jacques, a French bistro named in honour of the brand’s first executive culinary director, Chef Jacques Pépin. “A personal favourite and a clear guest favourite too, Jacques serves much-loved French classics alongside a selection of new and innovative dishes created by our two talented executive culinary directors and resident Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale,” says Odell. Oceania Cruises has also curated multiple opportunities for guests to explore the culture and history of the destinations they are visiting through food. For instance, they can participate in expert-led classes at the expansive Culinary Center and Chef’s Studio, or they can join the Chef’s Market Dinners, which take place in The Terrace Cafe once or twice every cruise and showcase the best cuisine from the region the ship is sailing in. “This not only reflects our commitment to evolving with guests’ growing interest in healthy, locally sourced and authentic cuisine, but also reinforces our standing as the ultimate cruise line for foodies,” says Odell. “By using fresh ingredients sourced directly from local markets, guests are offered a truly authentic culinary journey and the chance to enjoy the flavours of each destination.” In addition to delivering an authentic culinary- and destination-focused cruise experiences, Oceania Cruises sought to INTERVIEW A culinary marvel at sea Steve Odell of Oceania Cruises tells Rebecca Gibson about the new Oceania Allura and how the brand’s focus on culinary experiences is helping it to redefine the concept of luxury cruising Oceania Allura’s bars and dining venues are designed to deliver luxurious culinary experiences 44
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