• Oceania Allura will be christened by multiple Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni, a first for the cruise industry.
• This reflects Oceania Cruises’ deep commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.
• The ship will offer an elevated dining experience with new recipes, a Culinary Center, and signature restaurants.
• Two new Best New Chefs Cruises will debut on Oceania Allura in 2026, following a successful inaugural sailing.

Oceania Cruises, a leader in culinary and destination-focused luxury cruising, is making an exciting and unprecedented move by naming a selection of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni as the godparents of its newest ship, Oceania Allura. This groundbreaking decision, a first for the cruise industry, wonderfully highlights the brand’s profound dedication to exceptional gastronomy and innovation. The distinguished group of godparents will be revealed on October 13, 2025, just a month before the ship’s christening ceremony in its home port of Miami on November 13, 2025. This unique approach celebrates the creative forces shaping the future of dining and perfectly aligns with Oceania Cruises’ philosophy.

The announcement was fittingly made at the prestigious Food & Wine Best New Chefs Gala in New York City, a key event for celebrating culinary talent. Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, expressed that this choice pays homage to the future of food and the global language of gastronomy, reflecting the brand’s soul rooted in extraordinary cuisine. Since 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has honored over 400 rising stars who have redefined cooking and dining, with many becoming influential figures in modern cuisine. Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine, emphasized that Oceania Cruises shares the same spirit of discovery, creativity, and excellence, making this a meaningful tribute to these culinary visionaries.

The Oceania Allura, a magnificent 1,200-guest ship, promises an elevated onboard experience defined by personalized service, an elegantly relaxed ambiance, and “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.” It will feature over 270 new recipes in its Grand Dining Room, an expansive hands-on Culinary Center, the return of the signature French restaurant Jacques, and inventive Nikkei dishes at Red Ginger. The ship truly embodies culinary excellence while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Following the success of the first Best New Chefs Cruise this past summer, Oceania Cruises will also debut two new Best New Chefs Cruises aboard Oceania Allura in 2026, offering even more opportunities for culinary and travel lovers to partake in extraordinary experiences. This initiative firmly reaffirms Oceania Cruises’ status as the cruise line created by foodies, for foodies.