Oceania Cruises will partner with a select group of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni to christen the new ship, Oceania Allura™, which will debut in July 2025. In a groundbreaking move that reflects the brand's unwavering commitment to gastronomy and innovation, Oceania Allura will be christened not by a single godmother, but by a group of chefs distinguished as Food & Wine 's Best New Chefs .
“The soul of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “By naming Food & Wine Best New Chefs, we are honoring the future of gastronomy and the creative forces driving it. It is a celebration of the passion, talent, and universal language of cooking.”
Since 1988, Food & Wine's Best New Chefs program has recognized more than 400 rising stars who are redefining how we cook, eat, and connect through food. Its alumni include some of the most influential figures in modern cuisine. Now, for the first time in the cruise industry, a group of these culinary innovators will assume the ceremonial role of godparents of the Oceania Allura, setting a historic precedent by bestowing this prestigious title upon a group of chefs.
“ Food & Wine ’s Best New Chefs have helped shape the future of gastronomy through their creativity, innovation, and boldness for more than three decades,” said Hunter Lewis, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine . “Oceania Cruises shares that same spirit of discovery, creativity, and excellence, making this collaboration a meaningful way to honor the lasting impact these chefs have had on the culinary world. We are thrilled to join forces with Oceania Cruises in this unprecedented tribute to the visionaries behind today’s most exciting cuisine.”
Oceania Allura, Oceania Cruises' newest ship with a capacity for 1,200 guests, will offer an elevated onboard experience, defined by exceptional personalized service, an elegantly relaxed atmosphere, and The Best Cuisine at Sea®.
With over 270 new recipes, an extensive Culinary Center featuring hands-on classes and the Chef's Studio, the return of the flagship French restaurant Jacques, and the addition of innovative Nikkei dishes at the pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger, Oceania Allura represents the culinary excellence of the line while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Its grand launch ceremony will take place on November 13, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
With this announcement, Oceania Cruises not only redefines the traditional role of a ship's godfather, but also reaffirms its status as the cruise line created by and for food lovers. Beyond the Oceania Allura, guests will be able to share a unique culinary experience in Alaska with Aisha Ibrahim, Food & Wine 's 2023 Best New Chef , during Oceania Cruises' first-ever Best New Chefs cruise , from August 18 to 28, 2025.
On this 10-day cruise departing from and returning to Seattle aboard the Oceania Riviera™, food lovers will enjoy special menus, cooking demonstrations, and exceptional wine pairings, among many other epicurean experiences aboard the only true culinary cruise in the region. Additionally, two new Best New Chefs cruises will launch aboard the Oceania Allura in 2026; details will be announced later this year.
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