Oceania Cruises®, recognized as the world's leading luxury cruise line with an emphasis on culinary arts and unique destinations, has announced a revolutionary move that redefines maritime tradition. For its newest ship, Oceania Allura™, which will set sail in July 2025, instead of a traditional godmother, an entire group of culinary virtuosos has been chosen – alumni of the prestigious Food & Wine Best New Chefs program. This pioneering decision, announced on June 21 at the renowned Food & Wine Classic festival in Aspen, the perfect stage for celebrating the future of gastronomy, strongly affirms the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and superb cuisine.

With this move, for the first time in the history of the cruise industry, the honor of godparenting has been bestowed upon a collective of chefs, thereby paying homage to the creative forces shaping the contemporary gastronomic scene. "The heart of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine," stated Jason Montague, Chief Executive Officer for Luxury Travel at Oceania Cruises. "By appointing the alumni of the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program as the godparents of the Oceania Allura, we are paying tribute to the future of food and the creators who drive it. This is a celebration of passion, talent, and the universal language of gastronomy."

A Fusion of Culinary Excellence and Innovation

Since 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has recognized and awarded more than 400 rising culinary stars, many of whom have become the most influential figures in modern cuisine, redefining the ways we cook, eat, and connect through food. Their creativity and innovation will now symbolically bless the new ship, uniting two institutions that share the same passion for discovery and excellence.

Hunter Lewis, Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine magazine, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "For more than three decades, Food & Wine Best New Chefs have helped shape the future of culinary arts with their creativity, innovation, and bold ideas. Oceania Cruises shares that same spirit of discovery, creativity, and excellence, making this opportunity a significant way to honor the lasting impact these chefs have had on the culinary world."

Meet the Oceania Allura

Oceania Allura, the newest jewel in the fleet, with a capacity for 1,200 guests, promises a sublime experience at sea. The sister ship to Vista, Allura is designed to provide exceptional personalized service in an elegantly relaxed ambiance, while upholding the philosophy of The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Passengers will enjoy some of the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, measuring as large as 27 square meters, and an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio (two crew members for every three guests), ensuring impeccable service. Also impressive is the fact that half of the crew is dedicated specifically to culinary experiences, with one chef for every ten guests.

The heart of the ship consists of spacious and superbly equipped galleys, designed to rival those in the world's best Michelin-starred restaurants. The brand's philosophy, established by the legendary French chef Jacques Pépin, is based on "Cuisine du Marche," or respect for nature and seasonal ingredients, ensuring the freshest and most delicious components.

A Gastronomic Revolution at Sea

The culinary offering aboard the Oceania Allura has been elevated to a new level. With more than 270 completely new recipes, the ship will introduce an evolution in gastronomy at sea. An expanded hands-on Culinary Center and its accompanying Chef's Studio will allow guests to learn culinary secrets from talented instructor chefs. The return of the beloved French restaurant Jacques and the introduction of innovative Nikkei dishes, which blend Japanese precision and Peruvian boldness in the pan-Asian restaurant Red Ginger, are just part of the rich offering.

The main restaurant, The Grand Dining Room, has undergone a transformation of its breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. In the morning, guests can enjoy a new selection of Eggs Benedict, while for lunch the restaurant transforms into La Brasserie, offering authentic dishes inspired by French bistros. The evening menu combines timeless classics with modern gourmet twists, such as slow-cooked Korean-style beef or a decadent seafood vol-au-vent. There are also the restaurants Ember with American classics and Polo Grill, a traditional steakhouse, which round out the diverse offering.

Christening Ceremony and Exclusive Voyages

The glittering christening and naming ceremony for the Oceania Allura will be held on November 13, 2025, in Miami, Florida. The choice of Miami as the host port further emphasizes the global and vibrant character of the brand, and those planning to attend this unique event can explore the diverse accommodation options in Miami.

With this announcement, Oceania Cruises not only redefines the traditional role of a ship's godparent but also confirms its status as a cruise line created by foodies for foodies. The story continues beyond the christening itself. Passengers will have the opportunity to share an incredible journey to Alaska with Aisha Ibrahim, who was named a Best New Chef for 2023 by Food & Wine magazine. The first Best New Chefs Cruise will take place from August 18 to 28, 2025, on the Oceania Riviera. On this ten-day journey from Seattle to Seattle, food lovers will experience special menus, culinary demonstrations, and fantastic wine pairings. Two additional Best New Chefs Cruises are planned on the Oceania Allura during 2026, with more details to be announced later.

The Allura's inaugural season will begin in July 2025 with a voyage in the Mediterranean, after which the ship will cross the Atlantic and spend the winter season in the Caribbean, with Miami as its homeport. A full overview of the 2025 and 2026 itineraries is available on the official OceaniaCruises.com website.