If you thought gourmet dining at sea couldn’t get any better, think again. Oceania Cruises, renowned for its culinary excellence and destination-focused voyages, has just announced the next evolution of its Grand Dining Room menus. Debuting aboard the newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, launching in July 2025, these reimagined menus will feature over 270 brand-new recipes across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A Culinary Journey Like No Other

The Grand Dining Room, found aboard each of Oceania Cruises’ eight small, luxurious ships, forms the heart of their exceptional culinary experience. The new menus promise refined flavours, modern techniques, and elegant presentations that are set to delight even the most discerning palate.

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, shared his enthusiasm:

“We are renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, and this is not just a tagline; it is a philosophy which guides everything we do. Dining is the cornerstone of the Oceania Cruises experience, and the new menus for The Grand Dining Room are a shining example of the culinary artistry of our talented team.”

Breakfast Like Never Before

Breakfast in the Grand Dining Room has been revitalised with over 30 new recipes, featuring an eloquent presentation and balanced portions. A standout feature is the new Signature Eggs Benedict section, offering delightful variations such as:

• Eggs Benedict Florentine: Layered with creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and velvety hollandaise sauce.
• Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict: Featuring smoked salmon beneath that golden, buttery hollandaise.

Adding to the excitement are rotating daily specials, including:

• Zucchini Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Yoghurt Sauce
• Breakfast Sliders: Scrambled eggs, ham, and crispy bacon on brioche.
• Mexican Burrito: Filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, guacamole, and cheddar.

Lunchtime: A Parisian Bistro at Sea

At midday, the Grand Dining Room transforms into La Brasserie, offering authentic French bistro-inspired dishes. The reimagined menu includes a rotating vegetarian main, an artisanal cheese plate, and a curated charcuterie platter.

Highlights include:

• Blanquette De Veau à L’Ancienne: A veal stew simmered in a creamy sauce with vegetables and fragrant pilaf rice.
• Coq Au Vin: Traditional chicken braised in red wine, paired with tagliatelle pasta.

For those craving classics, there’s also:

• Oceania Cruises Signature Cheeseburger: Ground chuck steak, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a homemade bun.
• French Dip Sandwich: Thinly sliced roasted striploin on a buttery roll with rich beef jus.

Dinner: An Artful Culinary Experience

Evenings aboard Allura will be nothing short of spectacular with more than 200 new dinner recipes. The refreshed menu blends global cuisines with modern culinary techniques, introducing a Chef’s Recommendations section spotlighting dishes hand-selected by Chef Alexis Quaretti and his team.

Tempting new appetisers include:

• Scallop Panna Cotta with Caviar: Delicate silkiness contrasted with briny depth.
• Pâté en Croûte Arlequin: Paired with mango chutney mousseline, balancing richness with a tangy finish.
• Sautéed Duck Foie Gras Escallop: Complemented by rhubarb compote, gingerbread crouton, and hibiscus flower sauce.

For the mains, standout dishes are:

• Slow-Cooked Korean BBQ Beef Short Rib: Layered with deep, umami-rich flavours, complemented by bok choy and pickled vegetables.
• Seafood Vol-au-Vent: Filled with scallops, shrimp, salmon, and black mussels, encased in puff pastry with a velvety mustard sauce and tender green asparagus.

Meet Allura: The Essence of Luxury

Allura is the eighth vessel in Oceania Cruises’ fleet and the second in their 1,200-guest Allura Class ships, following the acclaimed Vista launched in May 2023.

Allura Highlights Include:

• Exceptional Service: Two crew members for every three guests, ensuring attentive and intuitive service.
• Culinary Excellence: One chef for every ten guests, with half the crew dedicated to culinary experiences.
• Spacious Accommodations: The most spacious standard staterooms at sea, measuring an impressive 291 square feet.
• Specialty Dining: Always-included venues like Jacques, the signature French restaurant, and the wellness-inspired Aquamar Kitchen.
• Onboard Enrichment: Art classes at the much-loved Artist Loft, guest lectures, and a hands-on Culinary Centre and Chef’s Studio.
• Wellness and Leisure: Free group fitness classes at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre and a luxurious new library with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Your World Included

With the Your World Included

• Complimentary Dining: Unforgettable experiences at varied, exquisite restaurants with no additional charges.
• Beverages: Free specialty coffees, sodas, cold-pressed juices, and still and sparkling Vero Water®.
• Unlimited Wi-Fi: Free Starlink® Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
• In-Room Dining: A superb variety of hot and cold selections available.
• Treats and Snacks: Fruit smoothies, milkshakes, gelato, and gourmet Humphry Slocombe ice cream.
• Wellness Classes: Free group fitness classes.
• Gratuities Included: For ultimate convenience and value.
• Laundry Services: Complimentary for all guests.

Final Thoughts

Chef Quaretti beautifully summarised the ethos behind the new menus:

“In crafting these new dishes, I drew deep inspiration from my childhood, family life, and of course, from across my career. Every dish embodies a simple philosophy: honour the past, savour the present, and focus on flavours which leave a lasting impression.”

With its commitment to The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Oceania Cruises continues to set the bar high for luxury cruising. The unveiling of the new Grand Dining Room menus aboard Allura is a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.

Ready to embark on a voyage of culinary discovery?

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit Oceania Cruises, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with your professional travel advisor.