Oceania Cruises presents the “Culinary Masters Cruise”
Oceania Cruises, a cruise line focused on cuisine and destinations, has announced its first “Culinary Masters” cruise aboard Marina, setting sail in October 2024.
This exclusive cruise, specifically designed for food enthusiasts, will feature Oceania Cruises‘ two Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. It offers the opportunity to learn, taste, and immerse oneself in the culinary arts. Chef Alexis Quaretti, Senior Culinary Director of Oceania Cruises, joined the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France in May 2023, alongside Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises’ Vice President of Culinary.
The 1,250-guest ship will depart from La Valletta, Malta, on October 16, 2024, and will arrive in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on October 26, making stops in Croatia, Greece, and Italy, providing guests the chance to explore local cuisines both on land and on board.
Oceania Cruises Culinary
oceania-cruises-presenta-la-culinary-masters-cruise
“Oceania Cruises is a cruise line created by foodies, managed by foodies, for foodies,” commented Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Since our launch 20 years ago, we have placed food at the center of everything we do. Hosting our first Culinary Masters Cruise is a unique thrill for us. This special cruise gives us the opportunity to showcase our immense pride in being the only cruise company with two of its chefs inducted into the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and the opportunity to share their wisdom, creative talent, and fantastic culinary connections with our guests.”
Marina and Riviera were the world’s first true gourmet ships, now joined by Vista, successfully launched in May 2023, and Allura, set to join the fleet in spring 2025. Marina and Riviera boast more kitchen space and fresh food storage than any other ship, and Oceania Cruises has the highest percentage of staff dedicated to the culinary experience compared to any other cruise company. To ensure the impeccable quality of every dish, the cruise line has one chef for every ten guests, and half the crew on board is dedicated to cooking or serving food.
Additionally, these two ships were the first to have an onboard cooking school, and due to the immense success of the Culinary Centers onboard, the company has doubled the space on its latest ships, Vista and Allura.
Oceania Culinary Center Class
The first Culinary Masters’ Cruise is designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in a true food lover’s paradise while learning about Oceania Cruises‘ gourmet heritage and future from the talented culinary team. There will be an opportunity to listen to expert insights and enjoy live cooking demonstrations by Chef Alex, Senior Culinary Director of Oceania Cruises, and Chef Eric, Vice President of Culinary, and their special guests.
All guests will be invited to attend Oceania Cruises‘ legendary gala brunch and enjoy Chef’s Market-themed dinners in The Terrace Café, featuring dishes created with ingredients purchased from local markets by the onboard culinary team, inspired by the visited destinations.
Moreover, there will be opportunities to purchase tailor-made experiences available only on this cruise, including culinary tours in local ports and hands-on cooking classes led by Oceania Cruises‘ esteemed culinary team, expert-guided wine tastings, or a private dinner.
Oceania Cruises Culinary
Oceania Cruises Culinary
“Oceania Cruises is already a proven leader in the culinary field, and we are excited to expand our already amazing offerings with this exclusive cruise, focusing on some of the world’s best destinations and cuisines, making it the perfect cruise for food lovers,” commented Chef Alex.
The Culinary Masters’ Cruise itinerary is as enticing as the cuisine served on board, sailing from La Valletta, the historic capital of Malta, which has myriad international connections through London, Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris, among others. After a day of sailing, Marina will reach a series of spectacular ports, including the beautiful Kotor, Montenegro; the Croatian gems Dubrovnik and Split; the charming Bari, Italy; the Greek ports of Corfu and Katakolon, before concluding in Italy with a full immersion in Neapolitan cuisine, disembarking in Rome (Civitavecchia).
Stay tuned for more news, updates, and reviews from Oceania Cruises on Cruising Journal.
