In a world where cruises offer experiences to increasingly discerning travelers, Oceania Cruises has launched its latest floating gem: the Oceania Allura. This ship, built at the prestigious Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, represents an evolutionary leap for the cruise line, which remains focused on consolidating culinary excellence and cultural immersion as the cornerstones of its offering.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 74 – September 2025
Measuring 246 meters in length, weighing over 68,000 tons, and with a capacity for approximately 1,200 passengers, the Allura presents itself as a mid-sized vessel with the soul of a boutique hotel. It stands out for its crew-to-passenger ratio: two crew members for every three passengers, guaranteeing personalized and attentive service at all times.
The Allura is the second ship in the Allura class, following the launch of the Oceania Vista in 2023. Its design aims to redefine modern luxury at sea, without resorting to excess or ostentation. It is elegant and sophisticated, with refined interiors featuring premium materials and spaces designed for contemplation and leisurely enjoyment, for elegant voyages aimed at a predominantly adult clientele with discerning tastes.
Gastronomy as a central focus
. One of the cornerstones of the onboard experience is gastronomy. Oceania Cruises maintains its reputation as "the best cuisine at sea" with a culinary offering that reaches new heights on the Allura. The ship boasts one chef for every eight passengers, and approximately half of the crew is dedicated exclusively to culinary operations. Among the restaurants are Toscana, specializing in northern Italian cuisine; Polo Grill, focused on prime cuts of meat and classic American fare; and Ember, featuring contemporary cuisine; among others.
Among the new additions is La Crêperie, a space dedicated to French crêpes, Belgian waffles, and Italian gelato. Also making its return is the Jacques restaurant, created in homage to chef Jacques Pépin, the company's first culinary director. There, classic French dishes such as duck à l'orange and steak tartare prepared tableside are served in a newly renovated setting.
Red Ginger, the pan-Asian restaurant, expands its menu with a dozen Nikkei dishes, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. From ceviches with tiger's milk to soft-shell crab baos, the menu aims to surprise diners.
The Grand Dining Room features over 270 new recipes, with a selection of eggs Benedict as the star of the breakfast menu. In addition, experiences for wine lovers, such as lunches paired with Gerard Bertrand wines, dinners featuring Moët & Chandon champagnes, or the exclusive Dom Pérignon menu, enrich the offerings beyond the cuisine.
Contemporary design and comfortable spaces.
The Allura's design follows a contemporary style with classic touches. Its interiors were developed in collaboration with studios specializing in high-end hospitality, led by Studio DADO, favoring fine materials, warm lighting, and an aesthetic that avoids excess.
Among the common areas, highlights include the library with panoramic views and the Culinary Center, a culinary training center with 24 individual stations for hands-on classes. In addition, there's the Chef's Studio, where passengers can learn from professional chefs in interactive workshops, and the Artist Loft, a studio space with classes taught by resident artists.
Entertainment options include live shows, themed parties like Blue Horizons, and spaces such as the Artist Loft, designed to foster creativity through art workshops. Passengers can also participate in wellness activities, from morning yoga to spa or jacuzzi experiences at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. The ship also features two outdoor pools, one of which is an infinity pool.
As for the bars and lounges on board, the ship offers a variety of options, from classic Martinis with live piano music to the Founders Bar with handcrafted cocktails, the Mixology Bar in the Casino with its creative cocktails, and the Waves Bar, located by the main pool, among others. Horizons, the ship's observatory, transforms depending on the time of day: from a reading room to a nighttime dance floor. And of course, there's the Afternoon Tea with white-glove service and live classical music.
Luxury Suites:
The Allura doesn't compromise on comfort in its cabins: all rooms are exterior-facing and range in size from 25 m², with spacious bathrooms, large showers, and high-end finishes. The suites reach up to 223 m² in the Owner's Suite category. The Penthouse Suites and Owner's Suites include additional relaxation areas, butler service, and designer furnishings.
With the Oceania Allura, the cruise line reinforces its focus on the curious traveler, the one who seeks not only to relax, but also to enrich their experience with flavors, cultures, and knowledge. This new ship aims to be the company's most refined, a floating destination where every detail has been designed to captivate.
In short, the Oceania Allura offers a voyage where luxury is expressed through culinary excellence, harmonious design, and attention to detail. An experience that redefines the pleasure of sailing in the 21st century.
It's a medium-sized building with the soul of a boutique hotel
Technology and Environmental Commitment
As part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.'s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the new Oceania Allura embodies a strategy based on three key pillars: efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. This vision translates into technological enhancements such as advanced wastewater treatment systems, onboard water production, optimized energy consumption through HVAC systems and environmental management software, and the use of cold ironing to reduce emissions while in port. In addition, the Allura features low-friction hull coating, LED lighting, waste heat recovery, and ballast treatment systems, among other advancements. These initiatives not only improve operational efficiency but also minimize the cruise's environmental impact, promoting cleaner and more responsible cruising.
Inaugural Season
Oceania's itineraries are characterized by extended stays in port, often with overnight stays in key cities, allowing passengers to explore destinations in greater depth.
Following its inaugural voyage, the Allura offers 26 itineraries in its first season covering 92 destinations, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England, with voyages such as the following:
“From Rome to Athens”, departing on July 29 (17 days): itinerary along the Mediterranean coast with stops in Portofino, Saint-Tropez, Cinque Terre and Santorini, with overnight stays in Monte Carlo and Istanbul.
“Explorer’s Grand Crossing” departing on August 27 (34 days): transatlantic route from Rome to New York, stopping in Valencia, Monte Carlo, Tangier and Bar Harbor.
“Maples & Manors” departing October 18 (11 days): Cruise from New York to Montreal, exploring New England and Canada, with stays in Quebec City and Montreal.
“Holiday Havens” departing December 21 (14 days): a circular itinerary from Miami visiting Caribbean islands and the Netherlands Antilles
The ship will be officially christened by a group of chefs recognized by Food & Wine magazine, who will serve as godparents. Its lavish christening ceremony will take place on November 13, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
