I went on the Oceania's new foodie cruise ship with James Bond-like bars, 10am pasta and free TikTok classes
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I CONFESS, I have never read a James Bond novel – but I do know that 007 and I have one thing in common.
No, it's not a licence to kill, it's that we both take our martinis shaken, not stirred.
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Oceania's new 1,200-passenger ship, Allura is an elevated, luxury vessel
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
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There's plenty of gorgeous spaces to enjoy the breathtaking views
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
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Sophie enjoying the ship's exceptional bars
Credit: supplied
And that's exactly how mine is served on Oceania's shiny, new 1,200-passenger ship, Allura.
Freshly shaken at the table by a black-tie waiter and swirled into a frosted glass, just as I like it.
It's perfecting tiny, personal details like this that Oceania prides itself on. And Allura is no exception.
The 15-deck ship embarked on her maiden voyage just over a week ago, sailing around the sun-soaked Med.
The luxury vessel is nothing if not elevated, home to an artist's lounge where novices can learn to paint, a cosy library that whiffs of leather and is crammed with more than 1,000 books, and five exceptional bars.
Cooking at sea
A dapper Bond certainly wouldn't look out of place, poised next to the pianist in my favourite of the ship's bars, Martinis.
Three other ships in Oceania's seven-strong fleet also have identical Martinis bars — why change something if it works so well?
And that was the cry from loyal passengers who called for the return of Oceania's much-loved Jacques restaurant.
And Oceania listened.
Ember, a more casual dining concept, was ditched and in its place an improved version of the French speciality joint, named after top chef Jacques Pépin, now graces Allura.
Common myths about cruises debunked
It's a decision I firmly agree with, after swallowing my punchy amuse-bouche of garlicky spinach and creamy feta cheese wrapped in a bite-sized case of buttery pastry.
Here, dark wooden tables are dressed in a pressed white cloth adorned with polished silverware, and waiters in dicky-bows are preparing elegant plates of steak tartare tableside.
The only giveaway that I'm not in a posh restaurant in some fancy district of Paris is my view of the ocean through the window next to me.
I order a cheese soufflé to start, a dish for which Oceania is renowned, followed by lobster thermidor (would you wince if I told you that this was the third lobster I've devoured since being on board?).
Even the side basket of warm bread has me salivating.
But that's no surprise, really.
Allura is one of the only ships in the world to bake fresh bread at sea every day.
The doughy smell wafting from the galley — which is larger than that of any other cruise ship, I might add — is guaranteed to awaken your stomach in the mornings.
With one chef per every eight guests, the cruise line can certainly lay claim to having the most food-focused fleet on the seas.
And even if you do consider yourself a top home-chef, a cooking class at the on-board Culinary Center should still be on every passenger's list.
And even if you do consider yourself a top home-chef, a cooking class at the on-board Culinary Center should still be on every passenger's list
It's not a crime to eat pasta at 10am, especially not in chef Kathryn Kelly's kitchen.
Just avoid the faux-pas of putting oil in the pasta water.
Kelly tells us that our spaghetti strands need to be starchy in order to soak up all the sauce which, in this instance, is a simple mixture of Parmesan, chilli and lemon, inspired by the location of this very sailing (around the boot of Italy).
Having coined the first cooking school at sea, Kelly, who credits her youthful looks to her love of food, has evolved the on-board foodie experiences over her 14 years under the Oceania umbrella.
Guests now have the choice of 60 different chef-led excursions in small groups of 18, while those who prefer less of a hands-on experience can slurp on wine from a bar stool in the Chef's Studio while Chef whips them up a sumptuous feast.
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Even the most basic staterooms on board are ultra-fancy
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
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Sophie enjoying her cooking class
Credit: supplied
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Take a lesson in chef Kathryn Kelly's kitchen
Credit: Supplied
Of course, away from the food experiences and 12 dining venues, there's plenty more to keep cruisers entertained during days at sea.
Allura is home to the second Oceania Lync Digital Centre, where you can get free lessons in subjects like smartphone photography and how to create a TikTok.
For sun-seekers, the main pool is flanked by cushioned loungers and cabana beds, while the spa terrace offers a more relaxed space, where loungers are dotted between three bubbling Jacuzzis.
On the upper decks, there are all manner of sports and games — croquet, cornhole, a padel court, mini-golf course and putting area.
Then there's the evening entertainment, from the casino to the Allura Lounge showcasing nightly musical performances.
And if it all gets too much, you won't feel like you're missing out just lounging in your stateroom — even the most basic of which is ultra-fancy, with marble-clad bathrooms (scan the QR code below for a detailed look).
The gorgeous mattresses will ensure you get a good night's kip.
And if that doesn't work, there's always Martinis for a quick cocktail nightcap.
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The lobster pasta is exquisite
Credit: Matt Dutile Creative
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Scan this for a tour of the penthouse suite
GO: OCEANIA ALLURA
SAILING THERE: A four-day round trip from New York on board Oceania Allura is from £649pp, departing on September 30 and calling at St John in New Brunswick, Canada.
Flights cost extra.
See oceaniacruises.com.
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