Allura Revealed: Cruise Insider's Exclusive Preview
Cruise Insider’s luxury team spent an unforgettable three-day weekend aboard the brand-new Oceania Allura for its official christening — a showcase event filled with suite tours, executive access, behind-the-scenes culinary discoveries, and one of the most innovative naming ceremonies the industry has staged in years. Our team was invited to sail the preview voyage alongside top travel advisors, senior executives, and the ship’s leadership, giving Cruise Insider an unprecedented look at what Oceania’s newest masterpiece brings to the luxury-cruise world.
What follows is a first-hand account of that weekend: the spaces explored, the people met, the food prepared to order before our eyes, and the moments that set Allura apart even before her inaugural season begins.
A First Look Inside the Oceania Suite
The first stop of the weekend set the tone immediately: Suite 12008, one of Allura’s most impressive Oceania Suites. The team stepped inside to discover a layout that felt more like a modern coastal residence than a ship cabin.
Upon entry, a full den — which can double as a second bedroom — created the sense of a multi-room retreat. This space comes complete with its own bathroom, an ideal setup for families or traveling companions seeking added privacy.
Beyond the den, the suite opens into a generous living room with a wet bar, large flatscreen TV, and ample space for in-suite dining delivered by the personal butler. The bedroom extends the residential feel with premium linens, a vanity area framed beautifully by natural light, and one of the cleverest closet designs at sea: an open concept wardrobe flooded with lighting so guests can actually see their clothing, a detail surprisingly rare on cruise ships.
The bathroom drew immediate admiration — particularly the oversized soaking tub, affectionately described by the team as “a pool after a long excursion.” Spacious, light, and indulgent, it reinforced just how elevated Allura’s accommodations truly are.
Culinary Experiences That Defined the Weekend
Food was at the center of the christening celebration, and Cruise Insider’s team was granted deep culinary access.
Red Ginger & Jacques: Redefining Signature Dining
Red Ginger delivered one of the standout meals of the weekend, complete with sushi and bold Asian-inspired flavors served with Oceania’s signature polish. Jacques, the French specialty restaurant created with Chef Jacques Pépin, hosted several of the team’s most memorable moments — including a private dinner with the ship’s captain.
During the christening festivities, the team also met with Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague, Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Hickman, and other senior leaders who shared their vision for Allura’s elevated dining identity.
A Galley Tour That Showed the Secret Behind “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”
One of the highlights was an in-depth tour of the ship’s galleys, including Jacques, Red Ginger, and the main bakery.
This is where the team witnessed Oceania’s hallmark: every dish is prepared to order.
A table of four places an order, the call goes out, and each chef — beef, fish, poultry, sauce — begins cooking simultaneously so the entire table receives their meal at the exact same moment. Nothing sits under heat lamps. Nothing waits. Everything is timed to the second.
In the bakery, the team learned that every single loaf, croissant, and pastry on Allura is made from scratch, 24 hours a day. The head baker walked them through the operation, highlighting the craftsmanship behind even the simplest dinner roll served onboard.
This precision and dedication were evident in every meal experienced throughout the weekend.
Wine, Cocktails & After-Dinner Discoveries
At Jacques, the team attended a Gerard Bertrand wine tasting, guided by the ship’s head sommelier, Vitaly. The tasting climaxed with an exceptionally rare 1975 Grenache wine, which Vitaly described as “still a bambino” — a wine built to age for another 40 to 60 years. That moment became one of the weekend’s most talked-about surprises.
Later, the team visited Founders Bar, Oceania’s intimate craft-cocktail venue known for theatrical mixology: smoke bubbles, table-side creations, vapor infusions, and a deep bench of high-end spirits. As expected, it became a favorite gathering point during the sailing.
The Christening Ceremony: A Culinary-Driven Celebration
Unlike traditional ceremonies led by celebrities or dignitaries, Oceania chose a group of renowned chefs as Allura’s godparents — a bold, fitting decision for a ship centered so heavily on gastronomy.
The team joined guests on deck to watch the countdown, the champagne, the confetti, and the official naming of the newest Oceania vessel. Live music performances kept energy high throughout the night, culminating in a celebration that felt both modern and deeply personal to the brand.
Executive Access & Shipwide Exploration
Throughout the weekend, Cruise Insider’s team attended a Town Hall session with Oceania’s senior executives, toured additional accommodations including the Vista Suites, and explored every major public space to understand how Allura positions itself as the most elevated ship in the fleet.
From the design language to the dining innovation to the precise crew choreography, the ship consistently demonstrated a commitment to refined, thoughtful luxury.
Our Takeaway: A Weekend That Defined a New Standard
The 3-day christening experience onboard Oceania Allura confirmed what the industry has anticipated: Allura represents a meaningful evolution in Oceania’s commitment to space, cuisine, service, and design.
Cruise Insider’s team left the ship confident that Allura will quickly become one of the most sought-after vessels among sophisticated travelers — and that the ship’s inaugural season will set the tone for the next generation of premium-luxury cruising. Click here to explore Allura's itineraries now or call our Oceania experts at 1 (877) 734-6858.
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