Oceania Cruises ' Oceania Allura arrived in Barcelona after completing its inaugural season itineraries. This season, it will sail 26 voyages covering more than 92 destinations, with durations ranging from seven to 34 days. This new, luxurious ship—with a capacity for 1,200 guests—is notable for offering standard cabins of 27 square meters, surpassing even the size of some basic suites on other ultra-luxury cruise lines.
The Oceania Allura is currently sailing the "Ramparts & Rivieras" itinerary, having departed Rome on August 27th and called at the ports of Salerno, Taormina, Valletta, Ibiza, Valencia, and Barcelona. After leaving Barcelona, it continued its voyage to Marseille, Cannes, and Monte Carlo.
On September 6th, the ship will set sail for New York on a 24-day voyage, although a 10-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Lisbon is also available. Once it reaches the East Coast of the United States, the ship will conduct dives in the New England and Canadian waters before heading to the Caribbean for the winter season.
A group of travel agents and media representatives boarded in Barcelona to learn firsthand about the most outstanding new features of Oceania Allura, such as the elegant suites with ample space and a modern and relaxed design, or to sample some of the gastronomic offerings.
Roberto Cabello, Business Development Manager Southern & Eastern Europe and Middle East of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, proceeded with a presentation where he revealed some details of the upcoming inaugurations of Oceania Cruises' two new Sonata Class ships, which will enter service in 2027 and 2029, and which will be incorporated into the existing fleet, which already has 8 ships.
Cabello also discussed one of the most popular activities among Oceania Cruises guests: disembarking at ports of call and accompanying chefs to local markets to purchase the best products and then cooking them together once aboard the Culinary Center, the state-of-the-art cooking school where master chefs guide guests in preparing dishes inspired by the cruise destinations, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
This center also offers Culinary Discovery Tours, which connect travelers with the local culinary culture. The aim is to introduce guests to the local culture through the central theme of gastronomy.
Highlights of the Oceania Allura
The Oceania Allura is the eighth ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet and the second of the Allura class, following its sister ship Vista, which debuted to great global success in May 2023.
– One chef for every 10 guests, with half of the crew dedicated to the culinary experience.
– Specialty restaurants always included with new additions such as Jacques, the exclusive French restaurant and Aquamar Kitchen, the healthiest option.
– Attentive and intuitive service: 1,200 guests served by 800 crew members (two crew members for every three guests).
– The most spacious standard suites at sea, with 27 m2.
– Cultural enrichment on board, including art classes and talks with expert guests.
– An extensive Culinary Center with a Chef's Studio for exclusive gastronomic demonstrations.
One more step in gastronomic evolution
Oceania Cruises' gourmet restaurants are designed to delight even the most discerning palates, offering a variety of culinary options ranging from continental and authentic Italian cuisine to Asian fusion dishes. In addition, all specialty restaurants are included.
The reinvented menus include more than 270 completely new recipes across the three meal services, characterized by refined flavors, modern techniques, and attractive presentations.
Alexis Quaretti, Executive Culinary Director of Oceania Cruises, commented: “In creating these new dishes, I drew deeply on my childhood, my family life, and, of course, my professional career, including collaborations with renowned Chef Jacques Pépin, our culinary patriarch. Some of the new creations hold personal significance, such as Mamie Huguette’s Chocolate Mousse, which follows my grandmother’s recipe and is recreated with the same care and precision she taught me. This dish, like all those served on board, embodies a simple philosophy: honor the past, savor the present, and focus on flavors that leave alasting.”
A Parisian Bistro at Sea: The Lunch Experience at La Brasserie
At midday, The Grand Dining Room transforms into La Brasserie, offering authentic dishes inspired by French bistros.
An Artistic Approach to Dinner
The Grand Dining Room's dinner service offers over 200 new recipes, combining refined influences from global cuisine with a modern and balanced approach. A special Chef's Recommendations section highlights dishes personally selected by Chef Quaretti and his team.
In the words of Juan Rodero, General Manager of Un Mundo de Cruceros/StarClass, “ Fine diningis an international language, and Oceania Cruises' loyal guests continue to demand the highest quality on their ships. These new menus aim to ensure that fine cuisine remains the cornerstone of Oceania Cruises, allowing it to maintain its undisputed leadership in culinary cruises.”
To commemorate the Culinary Center's 15th anniversary, Oceania Cruises has added new culinary classes, highlighting dishes from the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Polynesia, and Australia, among others.
The Culinary Center offers over 60 current classes taught in custom-designed kitchens with individual stations and professional equipment. These classes provide the opportunity to explore a destination's culture and history through food, or to hone essential culinary skills under the guidance of a dedicated team of Chef Instructors.
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