Oceania Cruises will christen its newest ship, Oceania Allura, with not one but a group of Godparents: a selection of alumni from Food & Wine magazine’s prestigious Best New Chefs program.
The announcement was made at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. The 1,200-guest Oceania Allura is set to debut in July 2025, with its official naming ceremony to take place on Nov. 13, 2025, in Miami.
Culinary Journeys on Allura
“The soul of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, in a press statement. “By naming Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni as the godparents of Oceania Allura, we’re paying homage to the future of food and the creative forces driving it forward. It’s a celebration of passion, talent and the global language of gastronomy.”
The Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has honored more than 400 rising chefs in the industry. Now, in a first for the cruise industry, a group of these chefs will serve as the ceremonial godparents of Oceania Allura.
With more than 270 brand-new recipes, an expansive Culinary Center and Chef’s Studio, the return of Oceania Cruises’ French restaurant Jacques and new inventive Nikkei dishes recently announced as additions to the menu in its popular pan-Asian venue, Red Ginger, Oceania Allura will offer travelers the best in culinary experiences at sea.
Beyond Oceania Allura, guests can share an incredible Alaskan journey with 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chef Aisha Ibrahim aboard Oceania Cruises’ first-ever Best New Chefs Cruise on Aug. 18 – 28, 2025. On this 10-day sailing from Seattle to Seattle on Oceania Riviera, food lovers will experience special menus, cooking demonstrations and pairings. Two additional Best New Chefs Cruises will debut on Oceania Allura in 2026, with more details to be announced later this year.
For more information, visit oceaniacruises.com.
