Oceania Cruises has announced that it christened the Oceania Allura with a Miami pier-side ceremony, culminating in a first-of-its-kind godparent christening.
Acclaimed chefs Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes and Lawrence “LT” Smith represented the Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise as godparents during the christening ceremony.
The event commenced with a ship-wide cocktail reception and a dinner before moving to the pier for the ceremony and remarks from dignitaries, including Chief Luxury Officer, Jason Montague, and Chief Commercial Officer, Nathan Hickman, as well as Food & Wine publisher, Tom Bair.
Guests then rejoined the ship for a three-day celebratory round-trip Miami voyage.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to officially welcome the Oceania Allura to our fleet,” said Montague.
“It is only fitting that she be christened in our hometown of Miami. We are deeply honored to celebrate this momentous occasion alongside her distinguished godparents, marking a new chapter in our historic collaboration with Food & Wine.”
Bair said: “This is the beginning of an inspiring partnership between Food & Wine and Oceania Cruises. We both share a simple but powerful belief: Excellence never goes out of style.”
The company said in a press release that the Oceania Allura’s inaugural season sailings span more than 92 destinations on seven- to 34-day voyages.
The company added that the ship features standard staterooms measuring more than 290 square feet and can accommodate 1,200 guests at double occupancy.
The Oceania Allura has two crew members for every three guests, with half dedicated to culinary operations.
The ship also features 12 dining experiences, including the Grand Dining Room, featuring 270 new recipes across all meal services, and the Crêperie, a new concept offering a selection of French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles, bubble waffles and gelato sundaes.
Also onboard is the French restaurant, Jacques.
Image left to right: George Mendes, Katie Button, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Lawrence “L” Smith, Aisha Ibrahim and Calvin Eng
