Photo © Oceania Allura

Waking up in the Gulf of Ajaccio, gazing at the stars over the Sicilian sky, embracing the dolce vita along the Amalfi Coast, casting off toward the fjords of Kotor… A Mediterranean cruise always carries an unforgettable flavour. And aboard Oceania Allura, it becomes even more delectable, such is the celebration of gastronomy on board. Le Monde Economique takes you aboard this jewel of the seas to rediscover postcard-perfect cities and a lifestyle shaped by Italy, Croatia and so many other idyllic destinations. Festive, refined, intellectual and indulgent, this cruise revels in a borderless mix of influences.

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), the mood is pure Felicità. On the horizon, a thirteen-day voyage is finally taking shape. Some passengers have been looking forward to this escape for months, while others, fans of the ‘last minute’, decided to make a swift getaway with just 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 agree on that! 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 among the travellers, eager to explore Mare Nostrum and its timeless 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 legacy. The aim is therefore not simply to indulge in idleness, but to dock on historic shores in search of cultural and exclusive experiences, such as the opportunity to accompany one of the chefs on your cruise during a guided visit to a typically Nice market. What a splendid introduction to an endlessly rich terroir! You thought you had reached for the stars? Be aware that you are only halfway through your shore excursion, aptly named “Culinary Discovery Tours”… The next stop is the sumptuous Château d’Eza, nestled in the hills of the Côte d’Azur in Èze, where a gourmet lunch will bring a perfect morning to a close. Such an itinerary naturally puts us in the best possible frame of mind for the embarkation formalities: passing through security gates, receiving your personalised Oceania card, collecting the daily programme, and an introduction to the safety instructions and crew… The ceremony is impeccably choreographed and fully under control.

Having mostly arrived the day before, guests are then cordially invited to relax over lunch on Deck 12, where Aquamar Kitchen and Terrace Café are located. This key area of the ship, wrapped in vast panoramic bay windows, is set to become one of the essential gathering places, with its café, à la carte restaurant, bar, swimming pool and delightful Aquamar spa on the upper level. The more intimate tables – which require reservations – are quickly identified by the (many) gourmands on board. Everyone looks forward to dining at Jacques, where the best of French cuisine can be explored. At Red Ginger, they switch to Japanese and Asian mode; Italian essence, meanwhile, is captured in Toscana, a restaurant that knows its classics inside out. At Polo Grill, the atmosphere evokes a Palm Beach private club, serving one of the finest Turf and Surf dishes, along with many other delicious plates that will delight meat lovers. It is also worth leafing through the menu at the magnificent Grand Dining Room, whose dishes sail between France and Italy. Thirteen days… is that really enough to come back and savour your favourite culinary highlights? With nearly twenty bars and restaurants, frustration is entirely understandable!

Oceania Allura is a concentrate of elegance stretched over 246 metres. Sleek lines, arty design, yachting-inspired codes by Tillberg and Studio Dado: both indoors and out, the ship proudly wears the colours of eternal summer. The vessel’s aesthetic was entrusted to leading creatives who found the magic formula between interiors evoking a luxurious family villa stripped of Hollywood glitter. Masterful works of art, Ralph Lauren fabrics, chandeliers inspired by nautiluses and whirlpools, crystal balustrades. The floor is dressed in herringbone tiles accented with golden inlays, organic stone slabs and marble-clad walls surround a fresco brightening the reception area. From one space to the next, the universe shifts seamlessly, much like the Grand Dining Room, which immerses us in La Belle Époque; at Toscana, the ceiling features a mosaic interpretation of ancient engravings. The walls alternate between cool marble and very soft upholstery to create contrast. Tables are set with Versace porcelain and Riedel crystal… the dishes are only further elevated! One also pauses before the décor of Red Ginger, an impressive recreation of the colonial era with echoes of French Indochina. The staging transports us to the Far East in Shanghai a century ago. Beauty is everywhere, and so is comfort.

Whether interior, ocean-view, with balcony or presented as suites – including the fabulous 220 m² Owner’s Suite (one of the largest in the luxury cruise segment) – the 613 cabins 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 on board and ashore. Interactive flat-screen satellite TV, on-demand Wi-Fi, minibar, air conditioning, dedicated steward: your getaway will be free of any hitch. If you feel lazy or have had too little sleep, you will appreciate being able to order room service at any hour. A luxury to savour from the comfort of your balcony, between sky and sea, as close to the stars as can be. Magical.a

We like the idea of not having to walk the corridors in search of a cosy corner, a lounge for a signature cocktail or a creative nectar (Oceania Allura houses six bars), or a wellness zone (golf course, outdoor running track, multisport court…). You can even check the live position of every ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet via interactive self-service screens. From the Tropics to the Mediterranean, cruising is all about having fun across every time zone! For those with a passion for wine, there is also the option of pairing their meals with vintage wines and champagnes.

As you will have gathered: a voyage on Oceania Allura is, above all, a thousand and one gourmet nuances… Over thirteen days at sea, you will be treated to numerous lively themed culinary evenings. With four Italian stops, Italy will be very much in the spotlight. Special mention goes to the Amalfi stop! Along the way, the menus are enriched with dishes from the countries visited. It is fresh, authentic and unforgettable in taste. The art of capturing the flavour of centuries-old terroirs at sea! Oceania Allura positions itself прежде всего as a gastronomic cruise, and gourmets will get their money’s worth. And because sailing also means feasting for this maritime flagship, Oceania Cruises has added the verb to educate through food. Foodies are thus invited to learning workshops in the vast Culinary Center, home to Chef Kathryn Kelly’s Studio, a celebrity on the other side of the Channel, where they can train with experts eager 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 depending on 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).

Feeding the mind, exploring the soul: beauty and goodness also go hand in hand with a space dedicated to inspired travellers. At the Artists’ Workshop, an artist in residence teaches cruise guests a variety of techniques, from line drawing to watercolour and collage. Classes vary according to each teacher’s style, and passengers may take their creations home.

A destination within the destination, Oceania Allura sets the rhythm of our days with discoveries and enriching moments. As a result, we spend just as much time on board as off it. As Swiss travellers, some cities will already be familiar to us, but the pleasure remains at its peak at the thought of strolling through mythical places in constant motion: Rome, the Eternal City; Monte-Carlo, the exuberant one; Marseille and its thousand faces… Wherever we anchor, the spectacle unfolds through ruins, wanderings in narrow streets, tastings, shopping and sensory wonder…

A small appetizer of what lies ahead:

Stop in Kotor

More discreet than its Mediterranean neighbours, Kotor is a delightful surprise on your Oceania Allura itinerary. Located in Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor is distinctive for containing the region’s only fjords. In the historic centre, protected by ancient fortifications and listed as a World Heritage site, you will wander among small squares and Romanesque churches. The destination is also increasingly outshining 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, the Sponza Palace, the Stradun, Orlando’s Column, the churches and monasteries, and its stone ramparts dating from the 16th century and still almost intact. Dubrovnik even captivates the small screen: the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ relocated part of its filming there.

What next? Immerse yourself in the marvellous world of Oceania Allura. 2027 is getting off to a splendid start!

Find all our Inside articles