In 2024 you can sail away on the ultimate cruise vacation for food lovers – just announced, a  first-ever Culinary Masters’ Cruise will set sail in October 2024 aboard Marina. This exclusive sailing will be hosted by Oceania Cruises’ two Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, and offers the perfect opportunity to learn, to taste and to be immersed in the culinary arts.

The new Culinary Masters’ Cruise highlights that Oceania Cruises is the only cruise line to have two of its chefs inducted into the prestigious echelons of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. It’s a priceless invitation for food lovers and culinary afficionados to travel on an epicurean adventure, savor fine dining experiences and special culinary events, and enjoy an exclusive look at the creative talent of our immensely talented chefs and culinary team.

A True Foodie Heaven

The first Culinary Masters’ Cruise is designed so you can immerse yourself in true foodie heaven, while learning about Oceania Cruises’ gourmet heritage and future from the talented culinary team. There will be the opportunity to hear expert insights in onstage panel discussions and enjoy live cooking demonstrations from Chef Alex, Oceania Cruises’ Senior Culinary Director, and Chef Eric, Vice President of Culinary, and their special guests, who will be traveling with us.

All guests will be invited to attend Oceania Cruises’ legendary signature gala seafood brunch, an elegant fine dining experience usually only reserved for ship launches, and enjoy themed Chef’s Market Dinners in The Terrace Café, which uses fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets by the onboard culinary team, inspired by the destinations visited.

Plus, there will be the chance to book bespoke experiences available only aboard this sailing – culinary tours in ports and hands-on cooking classes, led by Oceania Cruises’ esteemed culinary team; expert-led wine tastings on board; exclusive private dinner events and more.

The Epicurean Itinerary

The 1,250-guest ship will journey from Valletta, Malta, to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on October 16, 2024, calling on an array of celebrated gastronomic destinations. The itinerary of the Culinary Masters’ Cruise is as tantalizing as the dishes that will be served on board. Sailing from Valletta, Malta’s historic capital, which has myriad international connections through London, Frankfurt, Munich and Paris among others, Marina will have a day at sea before launching into a spectacular menu of Mediterranean and Adriatic ports of call: beautiful Kotor, Montenegro; Croatian gems Dubrovnik and Split; charming Bari, Italy; the Greek ports of Corfu and Katakolon; and then onto Italy, for the final day in foodie-heaven Naples, before finishing in Rome (Civitavecchia). From exclusive onboard experiences and top culinary destinations to the variety of multi-course menus at restaurant venues throughout the ship, this voyage offers the best cruise vacation for foodies from beginning to end.

Marina – A Ship For Foodies Designed by Foodies

Marina and her sister Riviera were the very first true foodie ships in the world and are now joined by Vista, which was launched to global acclaim in May this year, and Allura, set to join the fleet in spring 2025. Marina and Riviera have more galley space and more fresh food storage for than any other ship, and Oceania Cruises has the highest percentage of culinary personnel devoted to the dining experience than any other cruise company. To ensure the impeccable quality of every plated dish, our cruise line has one chef for every ten guests; half of the crew on board is dedicated to the cooking or serving of food. Marina and Riviera were also the first ships ever to have an onboard cooking school. The popular Culinary Center is now featured on Vista and will be available on Allura in 2025 as well.

Additional Details | Maîtres Cuisiniers de France

Chef Alexis Quaretti, Oceania Cruises’ Senior Culinary Director, was inducted into Maîtres Cuisiniers de France in May 2023. He joined Oceania Cruises’ Vice President of Culinary Eric Barale, who served as Quaretti’s godfather into the program. The association of Master Chefs of France was established in 1951. Its goal is to support and promote French culinary arts around the world. This mission is embodied by the chef members, as they are ambassadors of French cuisine and culture and are responsible for relaying this heritage to their apprentices.

Experience the ultimate foodie cruise for yourself, ask for more details!