Oceania Cruises Names Food & Wine Chefs As Ship Godparents

MIAMI – Oceania Cruises has announced that a group of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni will serve as the godparents of its newest ship, Oceania Allura, set to be christened in Miami on November 13, 2025. The move marks the first time in cruise industry history that a ship will be named by a group of chefs, underscoring Oceania’s deep-rooted identity as a culinary-focused cruise line.

The announcement was made during the Food & Wine Best New Chefs Gala in New York City, one of the industry’s most prominent culinary festivals.

Honoring culinary innovation

“The soul of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “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.” 

The Food & Wine Best New Chefs program, founded in 1988, has recognized more than 400 chefs who have influenced modern dining through creativity and innovation. By partnering with the program, Oceania Cruises seeks to align its brand with the same spirit of discovery and culinary leadership.

Also read → Oceania Cruises enhances voyage inclusions for all guests 

“Food & Wine Best New Chefs have helped shape the future of dining through their creativity, innovation and bold ideas for more than three decades,” said Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine. “Oceania Cruises shares that same spirit of discovery, creativity and excellence, making this a meaningful opportunity to honor the lasting impact these chefs have had on the culinary world. We’re thrilled to team up with Oceania Cruises in this unprecedented tribute to the visionaries behind today’s most exciting cuisine.” 

Culinary excellence at sea

Oceania Allura, the line’s newest 1,200-guest ship, will feature an elevated onboard program built around its culinary philosophy, branded as The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Highlights include:

• More than 270 new recipes in the Grand Dining Room.
• A hands-on Culinary Center with a complementary Chef’s Studio.
• The return of Oceania’s signature French restaurant, Jacques.
• Newly introduced Nikkei dishes in the popular pan-Asian venue, Red Ginger.

The ship promises an experience that blends personalized service, a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, and forward-looking culinary concepts.

Traditionally, a ship’s godparent has been an individual symbolizing good fortune and protection. With Oceania Allura, the cruise line is reinterpreting the role, positioning chefs as cultural ambassadors who embody the line’s dedication to food, travel, and innovation.

This partnership builds on earlier collaborations, including the Best New Chefs Cruise to Alaska hosted by 2023 honoree Aisha Ibrahim. Looking ahead, Oceania will introduce two new Best New Chefs Cruises on Oceania Allura in 2026, with further details to be announced later this year.

By selecting the Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni as godparents, Oceania Cruises underscores its positioning as a cruise line for food enthusiasts and highlights the growing intersection of gastronomy and luxury travel.

The article Oceania Cruises names Food & Wine chefs as ship godparents first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.