Oceania Cruises Forms Culinary Advisory Board
Oceania Cruises, recognized as the leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, proudly announces the formation of its Culinary Advisory Board, featuring renowned chef and television personality Sara Moulton and Kathryn Kelly, Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment. They will join co-chairs Master Chef Jacques Pépin, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, and Executive Culinary Directors Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale.
Both Chef Moulton and Chef Kelly are vital members of Oceania Cruises’ talented culinary team, sharing a deep passion for food and a commitment to educating guests through engaging and informative experiences.
Chef Kathryn Kelly is the visionary behind The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea, which launched with Oceania Cruises’ Marina™ in 2011. She leads a dedicated faculty of Chef Instructors and has designed over 100 unique culinary classes. Under her guidance, guests can explore a range of cooking techniques, from mastering fish cookery to honing knife skills.
Chef Kelly also played a crucial role in developing Culinary Discovery Tours™, immersive chef-led excursions available in more than 40 destinations worldwide. These specialty tours connect guests with local cultures and cuisines, allowing them to learn how to prepare traditional dishes after exploring local markets. Transitioning from a healthcare career in her fifth decade, Chef Kelly is passionate about adult learning and culinary education.
Oceania Cruises has sponsored Sara Moulton’s PBS television show, “Sara’s Weeknight Meals,” since 2018. Moulton has filmed two seasons aboard Oceania ships and hosted numerous specialty cruises, sharing her culinary expertise through cooking demonstrations and food-focused shore excursions. A protégé of Julia Child, Moulton learned from the best and is dedicated to enriching the culinary experience for guests.
Together, Chefs Moulton and Kelly will enhance Oceania Cruises’ culinary enrichment program, aligning their efforts with Chefs Quaretti and Barale as the line prepares for the launch of its new ships, Allura™ in 2025 and two additional Quattro class ships in 2027 and 2028.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, expressed his excitement about the new board members, stating, “Both are passionate about food and sharing their amazing skills and knowledge in the most dynamic way. They inspire others to discover new skills and explore the world through gastronomy.”
Chef Alex Quaretti added, “We are a cruise line built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies. This is about more than just serving delicious dishes; we want our guests to expand their culinary horizons and experience different cultures.”
The Culinary Advisory Board aims to invite other acclaimed chefs and artisans from around the globe to contribute to Oceania’s culinary legacy, ensuring the cruise line continues to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
Oceania Cruises stands out as the only cruise line with two Master Chefs of France, Quaretti and Barale, both honored members of the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. Known for its mantra, The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Oceania Cruises offers gourmet dining experiences on all its ships, featuring a variety of specialty restaurants at no extra cost.
As Oceania Cruises enhances its culinary offerings, the new Culinary Advisory Board represents a commitment to culinary excellence, fostering a deep appreciation for gastronomy among its guests while continuing to redefine the cruise dining experience.