Oceania Cruises Christens Oceania Allura in Miami
Oceania Cruises christened its newest ship, Oceania Allura, during a pierside ceremony in Miami featuring a first-of-its-kind godparent group. Chefs Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes, and Lawrence “LT” Smith represented the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise as godparents. Following tradition, a Champagne bottle was broken across the bow to mark the occasion.
The celebration began with a shipboard cocktail reception and dinner before guests gathered on the pier for the ceremony. Speakers included Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague, Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Hickman, and Food & Wine publisher Tom Bair. Attendees then embarked on a three-day round-trip Miami voyage.
The event also welcomed past godmothers Giada De Laurentiis, Cat Cora, and Claudine Pépin.
“We are pleased to welcome Oceania Allura to our fleet,” said Jason Montague.
“Miami is a fitting location for this milestone, and we appreciate the presence of our godparents as we continue our collaboration with Food & Wine.”
Tom Bair added: “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and culinary excellence. By naming the Best New Chefs franchise as godparent, Oceania Cruises highlights the future direction of dining at sea.”
Oceania Allura’s inaugural season features sailings to more than 92 destinations on voyages ranging from 7 to 34 days. Sister ship to Oceania Vista, Allura is the eighth vessel in the fleet, measuring 791 feet (241 meters) and carrying up to 1,200 guests. The ship features standard staterooms and a crew-to-guest ratio that supports its culinary-focused operations.
The 12 dining venues include the Grand Dining Room, featuring 270 new recipes, and a new Crêperie offering French crêpes, waffles, and gelato sundaes. The ship also introduces an updated version of the French restaurant Jacques, created in collaboration with Chef Jacques Pépin and Executive Culinary Directors Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale.
For more information on Oceania Cruises’ offerings, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call +852 800-967609 (Hong Kong), +65 31 651 677 (Singapore), or contact a travel advisor.
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