reviews ED
Oceania Allura Oceania Cruises
OVERVIEW: Oceania Allura is the latest ship to come from Oceania Cruises and is a sister to Oceania Vista. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and refined with elegant decor, a new Crêperie restaurant and the return of the line’s popular French eatery, Jacques.
CABINS: Allura is a 1,200-passenger vessel with 613 staterooms, including 149 suites. At the top is the Owner’s Suite, followed by the Vista, Oceania and Penthouse Suites, then Concierge Level Veranda, Veranda Stateroom and French Veranda Stateroom. My spacious Penthouse Suite had a balcony, seating area and king-sized bed.
FOOD AND DRINK: Oceania has one chef for every eight passengers, and it shows in the range of cuisine. Allura offers four speciality restaurants: Red Ginger, Jacques, Toscana and Polo Grill. All passengers can eat in each on a complimentary basis, while those in Penthouse Suites or above can order room service from them. Red Ginger has introduced Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavours, with highlights such as beef short rib and salmon with scallop ceviche. Other standouts include the cheese soufflé at Jacques, fresh pasta at Toscana and the surf and turf with lobster tail and filet mignon at Polo Grill. Another venue for a celebratory occasion is Privée, a private dining experience that can be reserved for $250 for eight to 12 guests, with the option of the Toscana or Polo Grill menus or the Dom Pérignon Experience. The main restaurants are the Grand Dining Room, Aquamar Kitchen, Wave Grill, Terrace Cafe, Baristas and the Crêperie.
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
Aquamar Kitchen was my favourite, with healthier options perfect for breakfast or lunchtime. In the evening, swing by Founder’s Bar or Martinis for a cocktail and live music.
FACILITIES: Oceania’s foodie ethos extends beyond the restaurants with The Culinary Centre on deck 14, where professional chefs teach masterclasses – my lesson with chef Kathryn Kelley was the highlight of my time on board. She led a small group in making a delicious pasta al limone, a whisky maple cocktail and sweet crêpes. Opposite the cooking venue is the light-filled Artist Loft, where a resident artist brings out the creative side in every passenger. Next to that is the Lync Digital Centre, brought back by popular demand to offer passengers assistance with tech, from smartphone photography courses to social media tutorials. The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre is the place to unwind, with its private deck and pool area the quietest spot on the ship.
USP: Allura offers so many opportunities for passengers to learn and engage with the destinations they are visiting. The Culinary Centre is an absolute must for anyone, whether they think they like to cook or not.
BOOK IT: A seven-day round-trip cruise from Miami departing on November 28 starts from £1,979 per passenger, excluding flights.
oceaniacruises.com
Reviewed by Ella Sagar October 2025 47
PICTURES: Sarah Lucy Brown
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