Oceania Cruises Celebrates 15 Years of Culinary Excellence

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Oceania Cruises, renowned for its culinary- and destination-focused travel experiences, is marking a significant milestone: 15 years since the launch of The Culinary Center, the world’s first hands-on cooking school at sea. To honor this anniversary, the cruise line is introducing a range of new cooking classes in 2025, highlighting the distinct flavors of the Pacific Northwest, Polynesia, and Australia and New Zealand.

Since its inception, The Culinary Center has expanded to four ships: Marina, Riviera, Vista, and the upcoming Allura, set to join the fleet in summer 2025. This expansion coincides with the debut of Marina, Oceania Cruises’ first purpose-built foodie-focused vessel. The Culinary Center now offers over 60 classes, allowing guests to enhance their travel experiences by exploring global cultures and destinations through food while refining their culinary skills. All classes take place in state-of-the-art teaching kitchens equipped with individual cooking stations and professional-grade tools, led by a dedicated team of Chef Instructors.

Chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania’s Director of Culinary Enrichment, spearheaded the initiative and manages a team of 11 talented Chef Instructors. Her vision has elevated the onboard gastronomic experience, making The Culinary Center a cornerstone of Oceania Cruises’ offerings. Chef Kelly also developed the signature Culinary Discovery Tours, which pair immersive visits to local markets and cultural food experiences with hands-on cooking lessons on board. For 2025, she is planning a new assortment of these tours, which will be announced in the coming months.

“We are the only cruise line built by foodies, for foodies. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises—we have literally built our ships around the culinary experience, from vast galley spaces to an unparalleled range of restaurants,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “I am so proud to say we were the first line ever to have a hands-on cooking school at sea, and the popularity of The Culinary Center shows no sign of abating. This is a testament to the incredible work done by Chef Kelly and her creative team, as they continue to drive our culinary legacy.”

Chef Kelly added, “It’s been an amazing evolution over the past 15 years, from the first Culinary Center aboard Marina, followed by Riviera, to the even more expansive Culinary Centers on board Vista and her sister Allura, which have twice the number of individual stations. I am thrilled to be working with such a creative and collaborative team as we constantly look for new dishes and class themes to introduce to our curious guests.”

In celebration of the 15th anniversary, Oceania Cruises is launching five new culinary classes in 2025:

  1. Culinary Northwest Passage: Showcasing the farm-to-table culture of the Pacific Northwest with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and decadent desserts inspired by the region’s celebrated chefs.
  2. Down Under Abundance: A tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Australia and New Zealand, focusing on premium seafood, meats, and wines sourced from the area’s fertile lands and waters.
  3. It’s a Dessert Party: An evening class pairing desserts like lava cake and crêpes Suzette with fine wines or cocktails, offering a sweet way to unwind after dinner.
  4. South Seas Salt Life: Featuring Polynesian cuisine that blends fresh, local ingredients with influences from France and China, allowing guests to prepare grilled seafood and tropical beverages for an authentic island experience.
  5. Snow Days Brunch: Capturing the essence of winter mornings with family-favorite comfort foods such as cinnamon rolls and egg casseroles, paired with warming cocktails.

These new classes are designed to capture the spirit and flavors of specific regions, enhancing the culinary diversity offered to guests. The addition of these classes not only celebrates Oceania Cruises’ rich culinary heritage but also promises to deliver even more immersive and engaging experiences for travelers seeking to deepen their culinary knowledge while exploring new destinations.

As Oceania Cruises continues to innovate and expand its culinary offerings, it reaffirms its position as a leader in the cruise industry, dedicated to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences that complement its luxurious travel itineraries. The 15th anniversary of The Culinary Center is a testament to Oceania’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and its ability to create memorable, food-focused journeys for its guests.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Oceania+Cruises

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