Oceania Allura Names Food and Wine Best New Chefs as Ship Godparent

Oceania Cruises has announced that Food & Wine's prestigious Best New Chefs franchise will serve as the official godparent of its newest ship, Oceania Allura. This collaboration, marking the first time a culinary brand has been awarded the honor instead of an individual, underscores the cruise line's commitment to gastronomic excellence and innovative partnerships. Oceania Allura, which debuted in July 2025, is set to be formally christened in Miami on November 13, 2025.

Food & Wine's Unique Role as Godparent

The decision to name Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs franchise as the godparent represents a bold step in luxury cruise branding. For nearly four decades, the Best New Chefs program has celebrated culinary innovators who have shaped dining culture in America. Tom Bair, publisher of Food & Wine, remarked, “For nearly four decades, Food & Wine Best New Chefs have shaped dining in America and inspired the way we experience food. We’re thrilled to celebrate this legacy with Oceania Cruises, a partner that shares our passion for extraordinary cuisine and discovery.” This milestone partnership signals a renewed focus on creating travel experiences where culinary artistry matches the wonders of global destinations.

Celebrated Chefs Representing Food & Wine

Alumni from the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise will officially represent the program during the christening ceremony in Miami. Each chef brings a unique perspective and notable achievements to the event:

• Katie Button: A five-time James Beard Award nominee, cookbook author, and media personality, Button is renowned for her Asheville-based restaurant group and her advocacy for sustainable hospitality practices. Her restaurant C rate Bar de Tapas earned the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality in 2022.
• Calvin Eng: Chef and owner of Bonnie’s in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Eng has redefined Cantonese American cuisine, blending traditional Chinese heritage with contemporary techniques. He is also a James Beard Award finalist and cookbook author of Salt Sugar MSG.
• Aisha Ibrahim: Known for her global culinary perspective, Ibrahim broke barriers as the first female executive chef at Seattle’s Canlis Restaurant and has consistently pushed the boundaries of modern fine dining.
• Tavel Bristol-Joseph: As partner and pastry chef of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Bristol-Joseph has overseen multiple award-winning dining concepts in Texas, earning accolades such as a Michelin Star for Hestia and Esquire’s Pastry Chef of the Year title.
• George Mendes: A Culinary Institute of America graduate recognized for elevating modern Portuguese cuisine, Mendes has earned Michelin recognition and contributed to New York City's dynamic dining scene over two decades.
• Lawrence "LT" Smith: Founder of Chilte in Phoenix, Smith is acclaimed for redefining Southwestern cuisine, blending Mexican, Midwestern, and Black culinary traditions to create innovative dishes that reflect identity and heritage.

What Oceania Allura Represents for Travelers

With culinary excellence as a cornerstone of its brand identity, Oceania Cruises aims to deliver travel experiences where food plays a central role in global exploration. Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, highlighted this focus, saying, “At Oceania Cruises, food is central to cultural discovery, and the Oceania Allura is no exception. By naming Food & Wine Best New Chefs as her godparent, we honor the belief that cuisine lies at the very heart of traveling the world.” The innovative partnership merges Oceania’s reputation for gourmet-focused travel with Food & Wine’s culinary expertise, promising itineraries where flavors and destinations combine seamlessly.

Passengers aboard Oceania Allura can expect dining experiences inspired by the chefs’ global perspectives and Oceania Cruises’ established reputation for indulgent, destination-driven cuisine. The collaboration aims to set new benchmarks in the cruise industry's integration of gastronomy with luxury travel.

Christening Details and Future Updates

The christening ceremony on November 13, 2025, in Miami will celebrate Oceania Allura’s debut and its designation as a vessel redefining culinary-focused cruising. Oceania Cruises has promised additional details about onboard programming and Food & Wine-related activations closer to the event. Interested travelers are encouraged to visit OceaniaCruises.com for regular updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the Oceania Allura christening unique?

The christening ceremony celebrates the first-ever godparent designation for a culinary brand, Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs franchise, highlighting the integral role of food culture in luxury cruising.

Who are the chefs representing Food & Wine Best New Chefs at the ceremony?

Six celebrated alumni will represent the franchise during the event: Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, George Mendes, and Lawrence “LT” Smith.

Why did Oceania Cruises choose Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs as godparent?

Oceania Cruises emphasizes food as central to global exploration and views the franchise as a paradigm of culinary innovation that aligns with the brand’s vision of cuisine-driven luxury travel.

Where can travelers find more information about Oceania Allura?

Further details about itineraries, onboard dining options, and the christening event are available on Oceania Cruises' official website, OceaniaCruises.com.

What is the significance of this partnership for the cruise industry?

The collaboration merges gastronomy with luxury travel, setting a precedent for cruise lines to integrate renowned culinary brands and chefs, elevating dining experiences alongside destination-driven itineraries.