For many foodies, Oceania Cruises with its strong culinary focus is a top vacation choice. So, we’re excited to learn of another new casual culinary spot planned for the new 1,200-passenger Allura, launching in July 2025.
From mid-morning through afternoon, guests who head for the ship’s new Creperie can savor delicious French crepes. Or perhaps they’d prefer tasty Bruxelles waffles or bubble waffles. Those with a sweet tooth will love the authentic Italian ice cream sundaes.
Location-wise, the Creperie will be located adjacent to Baristas, the line’s signature coffee bar. Also, it will be just around the corner from The Bakery.
(Shown above is a waffle expected to be served at the new Creperie on Oceania Allura, launching in 2025. Photo by Oceania Cruises.)
Oceania Allura: New Creperie
We’ve learned that more than 20 recipes for the Creperie have been developed by Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. They serve as Oceania’s executive culinary directors and are both resident Master Chefs of France.
So, guests will know that it’s definitely going to be a tasty experience. At Creperie, the ship’s 12th dining venue, travelers can order a French classic crepe Suzette. Or they might choose a Bruxelles waffles with fresh banana, salted caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Creperie is yet another choice for Oceania’s guests. Best of all, all of Oceania’s dining venues are included within the guest’s cruise fare.
The Next Step in Culinary Evolution
“Allura, our eighth elegant small ship, represents the next step in Oceania Cruises’ evolution and a new way of exploring the world,” says Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises. He adds that “food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises.”
Many readers have heard the line’s marketing tagline, the “Finest Cuisine at Sea.” But that’s far more than a marketing slogan, according to Del Rio: “It’s a philosophy which drives our whole business.”
Unique factoid? Did you know that Oceania ships sail with one chef for every 10 guests? That ensures that 50 percent of crew members are dedicated to culinary experiences.
Another unique facet? “The finest does not always mean the fanciest,” Del Rio adds. Many eateries offer a relaxed, yet still refined ambience. “The beautiful new Creperie aboard Allura is a perfect example.”
Oceania Allura: The Luxury of Choice
Chef Quaretti explains that guests who select a yummy flavor of Italian ice cream at the new venue have many choices. Plus, they can request it be served in a bubble waffle wrap, cone or bowl. But the “real challenge will be choosing which toppings,” he quips.
We wondered what he’d personally choose. Among Chef Quaretti’s personal favorites is the French crepe with Nutella and whipped cream. “It reminds me of being taught how to cook the perfect crepe by my grandmother when I was growing up,” he adds.
Right now, the two executive chefs are finalizing Allura‘s full menus. Look for other new culinary initiatives to be introduced across the eight-ship fleet next year. Additional announcements are planned over the next few months.
Oceania Allura Gastronomy
The Creperie will be the 12th dining venue on board Allura. The ship’s “grand dame” of epicurean venues will be the Grand Dining Room. Think of it as the refined spot for a savory selection of Jacques Pepin’s French classics.
In addition, the Grand Dining Room will serve gastronomic dishes inspired by global destinations. Plus, guests can expect a four-course food and wine pairing dinner.
Other culinary options on Allura will include:
- The Terrace Cafe with international cuisine and panoramic seaside terrace views.
- Polo Grill, the ship’s classic steakhouse.
- Toscana, the place for Italian specialties.
- Red Ginger for Pan-Asian cuisine. (Here’s a past blog about our dinner in Red Ginger on Marina.)
- Ember, home to American classic dishes with a modern twist.
- Aquamar Kitchen, serving wellness-inspired cuisine with a hint of indulgence.
- Waves Grill for poolside gourmet sandwiches and signature burgers by day, plus al fresco pizzeria at night.
- The Bakery at Baristas, which will serve freshly baked French and Italian pastries.
- Afternoon Tea at Horizons at 4 p.m.
- Privee, a spot to celebrate special occasions with a luxurious private dining experience.
Onboard Culinary Experiences
But the culinary focus of Oceania extends beyond the dining venues themselves. How so? “If you sail, you’ll find an expansive Culinary Center and an accompanying Chef’s Studio with chef instructors,” adds Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
“Food-and-wine pairing experiences are also offered,” she explains. “We love the demonstrations that happen during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s classic wine pairing luncheons on Oceania ships.”
More About Oceania Allura
When Allura enters service next year, it will create strong capacity growth for Oceania. The new Allura-class ship will sail as the eighth ship in Oceania’s fleet. Sister ship Vista launched in 2023.
Travelers will sail with up to 1,200 fellow guests served by 800 crew members. That’s a ratio of two crew members for every three guests.
Allura will certainly offer spacious accommodations. Even standard staterooms are roomy at 291 square feet. Plus, the ship will offer many luxurious suites.
Onboard enrichment will include guest speaker programming as well as art classes at the line’s beloved Artist Loft. From our perspective, we can’t wait to see the luxurious new library. Guests will discover walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs and plush residential furnishings.
And when guests go ashore, they’ll choose from hundreds of small group shore excursions and tours.
Get Ready to Enjoy Oceania Allura
But most of all, “check out the new Allura if you’re a foodie or just enjoy savory dining experiences with family and friends,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. For a look at Allura‘s 2025 inaugural season of voyages, check out this Oceania website page with voyage information.
For instance, Allura will sail a summer 2025 season in the Mediterranean, then reposition to New York for several voyages. And then the vessel will operate from Miami (with many roundtrip voyages) in 2026.
“Check out the voyages, and then if you have questions, want to ask us about any deals or promotions that could provide great value, give us a call,” she says. “We’ll also help you choose the best accommodations for your vacation style and personality.”
Pavlus will handle all the nitty-gritty steps of the booking process and manage your reservations. “So, you can just sit back, relax and savor thoughts of the gastronomic experience on Oceania,” she emphasizes.
“We’re highly experienced in planning Oceania vacations, and we never charge a service fee, so it’s a win-win for our clients,” Steudle says. “We’re here to assist!”
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