Premium-plus cruise line Oceania will offer its debut Culinary Masters’ Cruise aboard its ship Marina in Europe next autumn.
Oceania Cruises will host its first annual Culinary Masters’ Cruise aboard Marina in October 2024. The exclusive sailing will be hosted by Oceania’s two Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, and will offer an opportunity for cruisers to learn, taste, and be immersed in the culinary arts.
On October 16, 2024, the 1,250-passenger Marina will set sail on the special voyage from Valletta, Malta, to Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy. During the cruise, the ship will make port calls in Croatia, Greece, and Italy, allowing guests to sample the local cuisine both on and off the ship.
“Oceania Cruises is a cruise line built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies,” Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, commented in a press release.
“Since our launch 20 years ago, we have put food at the heart of everything we do, so hosting our first-ever Culinary Masters’ Cruise is a natural evolution for us. This special sailing gives us the chance to show our immense pride in being the only cruise line to have two of its chefs inducted into the prestigious echelons of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and the opportunity to share their wisdom, creative talent and fantastic culinary connections with our guests,” Del Rio continued.
What to expect from Oceania’s Culinary Masters’ Cruise
According to the brand, Oceania’s first Culinary Masters’ Cruise will be designed to allow passengers to fully indulge in “foodie heaven” while gaining knowledge about Oceania Cruises’ gourmet heritage from the culinary team. In addition to watching live cooking demonstrations by Chef Eric (Vice President of Culinary for the brand) and Chef Alex (Senior Culinary Director), attendees will have the chance to hear expert insights during onstage panel discussions.
During the sailing, Oceania Cruises’ signature gala seafood brunch—typically only offered during ship launches—will be open to all guests. The Terrace Café will also host themed Chef’s Market Dinners inspired by the destinations and using ingredients from local markets.
Cruisers will also have the chance to purchase bespoke experiences only available on this sailing, including culinary tours in local ports, hands-on cooking classes, expert-led wine tastings, and an exclusive private dinner event.
“Oceania Cruises is already a proven leader in the culinary field, and we are excited to expand our already astounding offering with this exclusive cruise, which focuses on some of the finest destinations and cuisines in the world, to make this the ultimate cruise for food lovers,” commented Chef Alex.
The Culinary Masters’ Cruise will sail from Valletta, Malta’s historic capital. After a day at sea, Oceania Marina will sail to Kotor, Montenegro; the Croatian ports of Dubrovnik and Split; Bari, Italy; Corfu and Katakolon in Greece; and then to Naples before finishing in Civitavecchia.
As with all Oceania sailings, guests aboard the Culinary Masters’ Cruise can take advantage of the brand’s simply MORE program, which includes perks such as free roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, a shore excursion credit of $800 per stateroom, and a beverage package available during lunch and dinner featuring dozens of vintage Champagnes, premium wines, and international beers.
Related: Oceania Cruises Launches Simply MORE Program to Offer More Included Amenities
Oceania Marina: a true foodie ship
According to the cruise line, Oceania Marina and her sister Riviera were the world’s first true foodie ships. The fleet is now joined by Vista, launched in May 2023, and will welcome Allura in spring 2025.
Marina and Riviera feature more galley space and more fresh food storage than any other ship, and Oceania Cruises boasts the highest percentage of culinary personnel devoted to the dining experience than any other cruise line. Oceania employs one chef for every ten guests, and half of the crew on board is dedicated to cooking or serving food.
Related: Oceania Marina Will Undergo Extensive Refurbishment in May 2024
The sister ships were also the first ever to have an onboard cooking school. Due to its success, Oceania has doubled the size of the Culinary Centers aboard its newest ships, Vista and Allura.
More news about Oceania Cruises
- Oceania Cruises Announces 2026 World Cruise Aboard Oceania Vista
- Oceania Cruises Announces First Annual Culinary Masters’ Cruise
- Oceania Marina Will Undergo Extensive Refurbishment in May 2024
- Oceania Cruises to Introduce Riviera in Alaska in Summer 2025
- Oceania Cruises Announces Seven New 2025 Summer Sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii
- Oceania Cruises Launches Simply MORE Program to Offer More Included Amenities
What do you think about Oceania’s upcoming Culinary Masters’ Cruise? Have you sailed with Oceania Cruises before? Let me know your thoughts about the cruise line’s food in the comments below!
