Oceania Cruises Taps Top Chefs as Godparents of Newest Ship Allura

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, is setting sail on a new chapter of gastronomic excellence with its newest ship, Oceania Allura. In a first for the cruise industry, a group of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni will serve as the godparents of Oceania Allura, which debuts in July 2025.

This groundbreaking announcement was made at the prestigious Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, celebrating the chefs who are shaping the future of dining. Rather than a single godparent, Oceania Cruises has honoured a collective of culinary innovators, reflecting the brand’s deep-rooted passion for extraordinary cuisine and innovation.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said,

“The soul of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine. 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.”

Since 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has recognised over 400 rising culinary stars who are redefining how we cook, eat, and connect through food. This group includes some of the most influential figures in modern cuisine, making their role as godparents a fitting tribute to their impact.

Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine, added,

“Food & Wine Best New Chefs have helped shape the future of dining through their creativity, innovation, and bold ideas for more than three decades. Oceania Cruises shares that same spirit of discovery, creativity, and excellence, making this a meaningful opportunity to honour the lasting impact these chefs have had on the culinary world.”

Oceania Allura, with a guest capacity of 1,200, promises an elevated onboard experience featuring exceptional personalised service and an elegantly relaxed ambience. The ship boasts more than 270 brand-new recipes, a hands-on Culinary Center with an accompanying Chef’s Studio, the return of the signature French restaurant Jacques, and new inventive Nikkei dishes in the popular pan-Asian venue, Red Ginger.

The christening and naming ceremony will take place on November 13, 2025, in Miami, Florida.

This announcement not only redefines the traditional role of a ship’s godparent but also reaffirms Oceania Cruises’ status as the cruise line created by foodies for foodies. Beyond Oceania Allura, guests can look forward to an incredible Alaskan journey with 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chef Aisha Ibrahim aboard the Best New Chefs Cruise on Oceania Riviera in August 2025, with more Best New Chefs Cruises planned for Oceania Allura in 20261.

For more details and to explore Oceania Allura’s 2025 and 2026 itineraries, visit OceaniaCruises.com.