The brand new Oceania Allura
- Esther
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Cruise Atelier had the privilege of sailing on the inaugural cruise of the brand-new Oceania Allura, traveling from Genoa to Trieste, and that’s why I wanted to write a blog about this beautiful new ship. The vessel was built by Fincantieri in Italy and entered service on July 10. It accommodates 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members (a ratio of 2 crew for every 3 guests). She is the sister ship of the Oceania Vista, and this cruise line is renowned for its upper-premium class and outstanding Culinary Cuisine a true luxury cruise, with one chef for every eight to ten guests.
Boarding is smooth, just like with most cruise lines nowadays. You check in at home using the app, and then you can almost immediately board the ship.
Once you arrive in your stateroom, a chilled bottle of Prosecco is already waiting for you. The room felt spacious, and one thing that stood out right away was the balcony, larger than usual. It was deeper, offering more space to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful views. The balcony was furnished with a lounge chair, a small table, and two chairs. The stateroom itself had all the modern comforts you could wish for. The design is contemporary yet timeless, featuring warm wood and marble accents in soft shades of beige, grey, and blue.
Culinary Experiences Aboard the New Oceania Allura
What stands out is the extra attention given to culinary excellence, there is one chef for every eight to ten guests. The presentation, the variety of dishes, and even a selection of ten different olive oils show just how seriously food is taken on board. If you're looking for healthy options, Aquamar is the restaurant, where delicious wellness focused dishes are served in a serene setting.
For those who love to cook or mix drinks, the ship offers hands-on cooking and cocktail workshops in a professional culinary studio. There are also regular cooking demonstrations featuring expert chefs sharing their secrets.
Cooking and Cocktail Workshop
The Culinary Center: is located on Deck 14, a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen equipped with individual workstations where guests can prepare dishes or learn to craft cocktails under the guidance of experienced chef-instructors. This impressive facility features 24 fully equipped cooking stations—double the number found on previous ships—providing ample space for small-group classes and live culinary demonstrations. It's the perfect setting for food lovers to sharpen their skills and enjoy a hands-on, gourmet experience at sea.
Chef's Studio: next to the Culinary Center is the more intimate Chef’s Studio. Here, guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations, tastings, or intimate dinners led by a chef. Think of it as a chef’s table experience focused on watching, learning, and tasting — rather than hands-on cooking.
Hands-on workshops include learning how to make fresh pasta, preparing seafood dishes, or mastering traditional French classics.
Culinary Discovery Tours: Exclusive, guided excursions led by a ship’s chef instructor combine local gastronomy with cultural experiences and hands-on learning.
Mixology: is a refined cocktail program on board, where you don’t just order drinks, you truly get to enjoy the art of cocktail making and even learn how to craft them yourself. Each bar offers a selection of expertly crafted signature cocktails, which can vary from one bar to another.
The bartenders have undergone specialized training to create these cocktails as true works of art. Cocktail and mixology workshops are offered, giving guests the chance to try their hand at mixing drinks. These workshops usually take place in one of the following bars:
Barista’s, coffee- and winebar
Martinis Bar or another elegante lounge
I will list the restaurants, bars, lounges, and shows on board to give a clear overview of what you can expect on this ship.
Restaurants & concepts
Crêperie: Fresh crêpes, waffles, and sundaes — a first for Oceania.
Jacques: French à la chef Jacques Pépin
Red Ginger: Asian Cuisine
Ember: Modern American Grill (lunch & diner)
Aquamar: Wellness-focused meals for breakfast and lunch
Grand Dining Room: main restaurant
Other places: Polo Grill, Waves Grill, Terrace Café, Baristas
Aquamar wellnesgerichte maaltijden
Bars & lounges
Barista Lounge & Bubbly Bar: at the Barista Lounge, you can enjoy delicious coffee, and the Bubbly Bar is an interactive spot where you have the opportunity to craft your own sparkling cocktails using champagne, prosecco, sparkling wines, homemade syrups, and fun garnishes, all guided by trained bartenders.
Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar: during lunch at the Terrace Café, this lively station offers a wide selection of garnishes (spicy shrimp, stuffed olives, bacon, and grappa)allowing you to build your own perfect Bloody Mary.
Founders Bar: a stylishly designed bar where you can enjoy an extensive selection of cocktails, fine wines, whiskies, and other premium drinks. Live piano music or soft background tunes create a relaxed ambiance.
The Macallan Rituals: enjoy whisky experiences with The Macallan, including smoked cocktails, neat pours, or “on the rocks” with custom-shaped ice spheres, served from an elegant tableside cart.
Martinis: glamorous cocktail bar featuring signature martinis and Hollywood-themed decor.
Founders Bar: chic and exclusive spot for Negronis and hand-selected bourbons, with cocktails prepared tableside.
Grand Lounge: stylish space with a private club atmosphere for aperitifs or evening drinks.
Allura Lounge: (also “Vista Lounge”/theater): voor lectures during the day, eveningshows and dancing.
Horizons Lounge: panorama lounge with 180° views, live music, and endless sunrises.
Waves Bar: poolside bar at the pool, serving cocktails and cold drinks.
Shows aan boord de Oceania Allura
There are three regular shows in the Allura Lounge, and a fourth show will be added called: The Music Triangle.
Into the Night | Dansshow | High‑energy, TV‑show flair |
Headliners | Concert | Hitnummers, VIP vibe |
The Anchor Inn | Brits cabaret | Pub‑instellingen, Britse hits |
Activiteiten & ontspanning
Golf baan: nine holes
Multi-sport court: (Pickleball, Basketball, Volleyball)
De Gym: for true gym enthusiasts, the best equipment is available from TechnoGym.
Vista Pool: large heated outdoor pool, whirlpools, and an entertainment stage.
Aquamar spa: this wellness area features an indoor pool with open sides, whirlpools, loungers, and panoramic sea views. It is free for guests staying in Concierge Level Verandas or Owner’s Suites. Other guests can access it for an additional fee.
Sanctuary Garden: quiet outdoor terrace with shade and comfortable loungers.
Patio: a covered, cozy outdoor area with seating.
Sundeck: open-air sun deck with comfortable loungers, both outdoors and by the pool.
The Atrium serves as the central heart of the ship, where guests gather, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. The design is stylish, modern, and bright, featuring plenty of glass and open spaces. Here you’ll find the reception, a bar, a beautiful seating area, and the elegant onboard boutiques.
Summary
Oceania Allura combines elegant design, exceptional culinary experiences, and refined comfort. Guests enjoy spacious and stylish accommodations, exclusive restaurants, hands-on cooking classes, and wellness facilities. It's the perfect choice for travelers looking to explore captivating destinations in a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere. The dress code on board is casual-elegant.
Let me know if you’d like help finding a specific cruise, stateroom type, or destination!
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