- The Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise has been named the godparent of the new Oceania Allura ship, a first for a culinary brand
- Six acclaimed alumni chefs will officiate the christening ceremony in Miami on November 13, 2025
- The ship features twelve distinct culinary venues, including four complimentary specialty restaurants and the new Crêperie
- The Oceania Allura maintains an unrivaled crew ratio of one chef for every eight guests, underscoring its commitment to culinary excellence
Oceania Cruises has announced a landmark decision by naming the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise as the official godparent of its newest ship, the Oceania Allura, which will be christened in Miami on November 13. This is the first time a culinary brand, rather than an individual, has received this prestigious title, proudly highlighting the cruise line’s steadfast dedication to epicurean excellence at sea.
Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes, and Lawrence “LT” Smith to serve as Godparents of Oceania Allura at the Christening Ceremony in Miami on November 13, 2025
Representing the franchise during the christening ceremony will be a distinguished group of Best New Chefs alumni, including Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes, and Lawrence “LT” Smith. These celebrated chefs embody the program’s long-standing legacy of creativity and innovation, perfectly aligning with Oceania Cruises’ mission to offer travelers unforgettable, food-centered experiences on a global scale.
The 1,200-guest Oceania Allura promises an elevated onboard experience defined by its commitment to “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.” The ship boasts twelve distinct culinary venues, including four always complimentary specialty dining restaurants and the new, charming Crêperie. Key features that underline this culinary focus include an expansive, professional-grade Culinary Center, a dedicated Chef’s Studio, and the return of the signature French restaurant, Jacques. With an unrivaled ratio of one chef for every eight guests, and half the ship’s crew dedicated to culinary operations, the Oceania Allura is set to continue pushing the boundaries of luxury culinary travel, reinforcing the idea that food is the heart of global exploration.