Photo © Oceania Cruises

Waking up in the Gulf of Ajaccio, gazing at the stars over Sicilian skies, embracing la dolce vita along the Amalfi Coast, or casting off toward the fjords of Kotor… A Mediterranean cruise always leaves a lasting flavour. And aboard Oceania Allura, it becomes downright delectable, so celebrated is the onboard gastronomy. Le Monde Economique takes you on board this jewel of the seas for a (re)discovery of postcard-perfect cities and a lifestyle painted in the colours of Italy, Croatia and so many other idyllic destinations. Festive, refined, intellectual and indulgent, this cruise revels in a borderless blend.

By Sabah Kaddouri

Is there a more festive departure point than Barcelona for setting sail on a Mediterranean cruise? Aboard Oceania Allura, the aptly named ship built in Italian shipyards and owned by the NCL giant (Norwegian Cruise Line), it is all about Felicità. On the horizon, a 13-day journey finally takes shape. Some passengers have been looking forward to this escape for months, while other last-minute devotees decided to slip away with a few clicks the day before departure. The prospect of leaving one’s urban jungle for the gentler climate of the Mediterranean leaves little room for hesitation, let us be honest! At Barcelona’s cruise terminal, the world converges: Americans, Britons, Swiss, French, Spaniards, Egyptians… all hurry to board their home at sea. Many Americans are on the trip, eager to explore Mare Nostrum and its ageless cities.

The voyage will take them to Marseille, Monte-Carlo, Ajaccio, Rome, Amalfi, Taormina, Katakolon, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Pula and Trieste. Places steeped in myth and history, with an immeasurable heritage. The aim is therefore not merely to indulge in idleness, but to dock on ancient shores in search of cultural and exclusive experiences, such as the chance to accompany one of your cruise’s chefs on a guided visit to a typically Nice market. What a splendid introduction to an infinitely rich terroir! Think you have already reached the stars? You are only halfway through your shore excursion, aptly named “Culinary Discovery Tours”… The next stop is the magnificent Château d’Eza, perched above the Côte d’Azur in Èze, where a gourmet lunch will round off a perfect morning. Such an itinerary naturally puts us in the best possible frame of mind for the departure formalities: security checks, allocation of your Oceania name card, delivery of the logbook, introduction to safety instructions and the crew… The ritual is perfectly honed, entirely under control.

Having arrived mostly the day before, guests are then cordially invited to unwind over lunch on Deck 12, where the Aquamar Kitchen and Terrace Café are located. This pivotal area of the ship, ringed by vast panoramic picture windows, promises to be one of the must-visit spots, with its café, à la carte restaurant, bar, pool and delightful Aquamar spa upstairs. The more intimate, reservation-only tables are already on the radar of the adventure’s (many) epicureans. Everyone looks forward to dining at Jacques, where the finest French repertoire is on display. At Red Ginger, the mood turns Japanese and Asian; Italian essence, meanwhile, is encapsulated in Toscana, which knows its classics well. At Polo Grill, a private-club atmosphere infused with Palm Beach is served up alongside one of the best Turf and Surf dishes, and many other delicious plates that will delight meat lovers. We also enjoy leafing through the menu at the magnificent Grand Dining Room, whose dishes sail between France and Italy. Thirteen days… is that really enough to savour one’s culinary favourites again? With nearly 20 bars and restaurants, frustration is part of the package!

Oceania Allura is a showcase of elegance stretched across 246 metres. With sleek lines, arty design and yachting codes signed by Tillberg and Studio Dado, the ship proudly carries the colours of eternal summer, both indoors and out. Its aesthetic has been entrusted to major creatives who found the magic formula: interiors that evoke a luxurious family villa stripped of Hollywood glitz. Masterful works of art, Ralph Lauren fabrics, chandeliers inspired by nautiluses and whirlpools, crystal balustrades. The flooring is dressed in herringbone tiles with gold inlays, while organic stone slabs and marble-clad walls frame a mural that enlivens the reception area. From one space to another, the atmosphere shifts harmoniously, as in the Grand Dining Room, which immerses us in La Belle Époque; at Toscana, the ceiling displays a mosaic interpretation of antique engravings. The walls alternate between cool marble and very soft furnishings to create contrast. Tables are set with Versace porcelain and Riedel crystal… which only makes the dishes look even more elevated! We also stop to admire the décor of Red Ginger, an impressive recreation of the colonial era with echoes of French Indochina. The staging transports us to Shanghai in the Far East a century ago. Beauty is everywhere, and so is comfort.

Whether interior, ocean-view, balcony or suite-level cabins – including the fabulous 220 m² Owner’s Suite (one of the largest categories in the luxury cruise segment) – the ship’s 613 staterooms have been carefully designed as welcoming, intimate retreats. This is where you will enjoy resting after an intense day of activities, encounters and experiences, both onboard and ashore. Interactive flat-screen satellite TV, on-demand Wi-Fi, minibar, air conditioning, dedicated steward: your getaway will be free of any hiccups. If you are feeling lazy or have slept too little, you will appreciate being able to order room service at any hour. A luxury best enjoyed from the comfort of your balcony, between sky and sea, as close as possible to the stars. Magical.

We like the idea of not having to pace the decks in search of a cosy space, a lounge for a signature cocktail or a creative nectar (Oceania Allura has six bars), or a wellness area (golf putting course, outdoor running track, multisport court…). You can even check the live position of every ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet via self-service interactive screens. From the Tropics to the Mediterranean, cruises keep the fun going across all time zones! For wine lovers at heart, there is the chance to pair their feasts with vintage wine and champagne pairings.

As you will have understood, an Oceania Allura cruise is above all about a thousand and one gourmet shades… Over 13 days at sea, you will be treated to numerous lively themed culinary evenings. With four Italian stops, Italy will be especially in the spotlight. Special mention goes to the Amalfi stop! Along the way, menus are enriched with dishes from the countries visited. It is fresh, authentic and unforgettable for the palate. This is the art of capturing the taste of age-old terroirs at sea! Oceania Allura positions itself first and foremost as a gastronomic cruise, and gourmets will get their money’s worth. And because sailing also means celebrating for this maritime flagship, Oceania Cruises has added the verb to educate through food. Foodies are invited to learning workshops at the large Culinary Center, home to Chef Kathryn Kelly’s Studio, a well-known name on the other side of the Channel, where they can train with experts who are happy to share their secrets. During your hands-on cooking class, you will be assigned a workstation for complete independence. Instructor chefs will step in to help proportionally to the difficulties encountered. Everything is smooth and playful, unfolding in a friendly atmosphere conducive to socialising among passengers. The programme also includes talks and sommelier demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Wine Pairing lunches (food and wine pairings).

Nourishing the mind, probing the soul, beauty and goodness also go hand in hand with a space dedicated to inspired travellers. In the Artists’ Studio, an artist in residence teaches cruisers a range of techniques, from line drawing to watercolour and collage. Classes vary according to each teacher’s style, and passengers may keep their creations.

A destination within the destination, Oceania Allura shapes our days through discoveries and enriching moments. As a result, we spend as much time on board as we do ashore. As Swiss travellers, some cities will already be familiar, but the pleasure remains at its peak at the thought of wandering through legendary places in constant motion: Rome, the Eternal City, Monte-Carlo, the vibrant one, Marseille and its thousand faces… Wherever we anchor, the spectacle unfolds through ruins, strolls through narrow streets, tastings, shopping and sensory wonder…

A small teaser of what lies ahead:

Stop in Kotor

More discreet than its Mediterranean neighbours, Kotor is a fine surprise on your Oceania Allura itinerary. Located in Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor is notable for being home to the region’s only fjords. In the historic centre, protected by ancient fortifications and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will wander between small squares and Romanesque churches. The destination is increasingly eclipsing Dubrovnik, located some 70 kilometres from its Montenegrin rival.

Stop in Dubrovnik

The Pearl of the Adriatic, as Lord Byron called it, is the treasure of the Dalmatian coast. A true city-monument, Dubrovnik’s beauty lies in its historic heritage, embodied by the Rector’s Palace, Sponzz Palace, the Stradun, Orlando’s Column, its churches, monasteries and the almost intact stone ramparts dating from the 16th century. Dubrovnik even captivates television: the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ relocated the filming of certain episodes there.

The rest? Immerse yourself in the wondrous world of Oceania Allura. 2027 is getting off to a great start!

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