Oceania Cruises names Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs as the godparents of Oceania Allura, celebrating the cruise line’s legacy of culinary excellence at sea.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Oceania Cruises has announced that Food & Wine’s acclaimed Best New Chefs franchise will serve as the official godparent of its newest ship, Oceania Allura. The 1,200-guest vessel, which debuted in July 2025, will be christened in Miami on November 13, 2025, during a ceremony celebrating the enduring connection between fine dining and world exploration. This marks the first time a culinary brand, rather than an individual, has been honored with the title of ship godparent, further underscoring Oceania Cruises’ commitment to “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” and its deep ties to global gastronomy.

Oceania Allura: A Celebration of Culinary Visionaries

Representing Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs during the christening will be a lineup of celebrated alumni: Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes, and Lawrence “LT” Smith. These chefs, each known for redefining American cuisine through innovation and cultural storytelling, will take part in the time-honored maritime tradition of breaking a Champagne bottle across the bow to bless the ship and her future voyages.

“At Oceania Cruises, our ships are a celebration of rich culture, exceptional cuisine, and global discovery,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “Having the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise serve as godparent reflects our belief that food lies at the heart of exploration.”

Since its founding in 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program has honored nearly 400 rising culinary stars. The franchise’s alumni include many of today’s most influential tastemakers, and their appointment as Allura’s godparents cements a shared mission: connecting people and cultures through food.

“For nearly four decades, Food & Wine Best New Chefs have shaped dining in America,” added Tom Bair, publisher of Food & Wine. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this legacy with Oceania Cruises—where every journey offers cuisine as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.”

Oceania Allura: Meet the Chefs Behind the Legacy

Each godparent chef brings a distinctive culinary philosophy to the partnership:

• Katie Button, a five-time James Beard Award nominee, leads Asheville’s Cúrate restaurant group and advocates for sustainable hospitality.
• Calvin Eng, of Brooklyn’s acclaimed Bonnie’s, reimagines Cantonese American cuisine with contemporary creativity.
• Aisha Ibrahim, former Executive Chef at Seattle’s Canlis, blends global influences and leadership in equitable kitchen culture.
• Tavel Bristol-Joseph, pastry chef and partner at Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, has reshaped Texas dining with Michelin- and Beard-recognized concepts.
• George Mendes, known for elevating modern Portuguese cuisine in New York, continues to influence fine dining from Boston to beyond.
• Lawrence “LT” Smith, chef-owner of Chilte in Phoenix, celebrates Mexican and Black heritage through vibrant, soulful flavors.

Together, they embody the next generation of culinary excellence, making them fitting ambassadors for Oceania’s newest ship.

Culinary Excellence at Sea: Inside the Oceania Allura

The Oceania Allura is designed as a floating tribute to the art of cuisine. Guests can enjoy twelve distinct dining venues, including the French-inspired Jacques, Italian Toscana, pan-Asian Red Ginger, and the signature Polo Grill steakhouse. These are all complementary specialty options.

New to the fleet is The Crêperie, offering authentic French crêpes, Belgian waffles, and indulgent Italian gelatos. With an unmatched ratio of one chef for every eight guests, Allura continues Oceania’s standard of precision, passion, and personalized service. For those eager to go beyond the plate, the ship’s Culinary Center and Chef’s Studio invite guests to cook alongside expert instructors and visiting chefs, deepening the connection between culture and cuisine.

A Shared Passion for Discovery

This partnership builds on Oceania’s long-standing relationship with Food & Wine. In August 2025, Chef Aisha Ibrahim led the line’s first-ever Best New Chefs Cruise in Alaska, featuring exclusive menus, live demonstrations, and curated wine pairings. With the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise now serving as godparent, Oceania Cruises reaffirms its belief that food is the ultimate form of travel.

The christening of Oceania Allura will not only celebrate the launch of a new ship but also the timeless connection between culinary artistry and exploration. To explore Oceania Allura’s 2026 itineraries, visit OceaniaCruises.com.

For more travel and theme park information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!

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