I went on the Oceania's new foodie cruise ship with James Bond-like bars, 10am pasta and free TikTok classes
No, it's not a licence to kill, it's that we both take our martinis shaken, not stirred.
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8
Oceania's new 1,200-passenger ship, Allura is an elevated, luxury vessel
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
8
There's plenty of gorgeous spaces to enjoy the breathtaking views
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
8
Sophie enjoying the ship's exceptional bars
Credit: supplied
And that's exactly how mine is served on
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
The 15-deck ship embarked on her maiden voyage just over a week ago, sailing around the sun-soaked
Advertisement
read more on cruises
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.
Advertisement
Most read in Cruise
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
8
Even the most basic staterooms on board are ultra-fancy
Credit: NICK TORTAJADA
8
Sophie enjoying her cooking class
Credit: supplied
8
Take a lesson in chef Kathryn Kelly's kitchen
Credit: Supplied
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
8
The lobster pasta is exquisite
Credit: Matt Dutile Creative
8
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.
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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I went on the Oceania's new foodie cruise ship with James Bond-like bars, 10am pasta and free TikTok classes
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. Advertisement 8 Oceania's new 1,200-passenger ship, Allura is an elevated, luxury vessel Credit: NICK TORTAJADA 8 There's plenty of gorgeous spaces to enjoy the breathtaking views Credit: NICK TORTAJADA 8 Sophie enjoying the ship's exceptional bars Credit: supplied And that's exactly how mine is served on 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 The 15-deck ship embarked on her maiden voyage just over a week ago, sailing around the sun-soaked Advertisement read more on cruises 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. Advertisement Most read in Cruise 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. 8 Even the most basic staterooms on board are ultra-fancy Credit: NICK TORTAJADA 8 Sophie enjoying her cooking class Credit: supplied 8 Take a lesson in chef Kathryn Kelly's kitchen Credit: Supplied Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 8 The lobster pasta is exquisite Credit: Matt Dutile Creative 8 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 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Brooklyn Beckham's ‘financial flex' in feud with dad David as his £85m superyacht dwarfs family's £16m vessel
BROOKLYN Beckham is trying to outdo his estranged dad David — by going on holiday on his billionaire in-laws' massive yacht. The 26-year-old sailed into Saint-Tropez in an £85million, 80-metre (260ft) vessel called Project X. 10 Brooklyn Beckham with wife Nicola on holiday on her billionaire parents' massive yacht Credit: Instagram 10 David and Victoria arrived in the same French dock in a £16million, 40-metre (130ft) yacht named Seven Credit: INSTAGRAM/VICTORIA BECKHAM 10 10 It is rented by his wife Two days later, Brooklyn's dad David, 50, and mum Victoria, 51, arrived in the same French dock in a £16million, 40-metre (130ft) yacht named Seven. A source said: 'Brooklyn's yacht dwarfs the one owned by David and Victoria. It's a financial flex. 'Their relationship is beyond soured now but Brooklyn has really landed on his feet. Nicola and her parents, Nelson and Claudia, are his family now. And he's clearly enjoying the spoils.' Read More on Showbiz Brooklyn's vessel, with a master suite, a VIP cabin, five double rooms and two twin cabins, has a crew of 28. It also boasts a 25ft by 9ft glass-sided swimming pool, a wellness suite, a spa and a 360-degree sundeck. The boat, which he bought in 2022, also features a spa bath on the upper deck as well as a 65ft garage, which is packed with water toys including a tender and a jet ski. Most read in Celebrity They are in David and Victoria Beckham's agony as family feud explodes into WW3 and pals say 'Brooklyn has totally cut them off' Brooklyn, along with his wife Nicola, 30, no longer speak to his family following a much-publicised feud earlier this year, which The Sun understands was sparked by money. We first revealed the rift in May. But it worsened earlier this month after brothers Those close to Brooklyn said a reconciliation with his family was off the table, adding: 'There's too much water under the bridge.' Brooklyn and Nicola have posted pictures from their break on social media — including one of her naked in one of the yacht's baths. Aspiring cook, photographer and model Brooklyn also posted a snap of himself drinking a bottle of beer next to billionaire businessman Nelson. 10 Brooklyn taking a dip in St. Tropez, where he is staying with his wife Credit: BackGrid 10 Brooklyn shared snaps following his luxury boat trip on Instagram Credit: Instagram 10 Brooklyn hangs out on the mega-expensive vessel Credit: Instagram Brooklyn and Nicola have also been seen out shopping in posh boutiques in and around Saint-Tropez. He also met his godfather, singer Sir Elton is said to have tried to be a peacemaker in Brooklyn's feud — but is not taking sides. An insider said: 'Elton is the showbiz equivalent of Switzerland. He's utterly neutral in this row. He just wants everyone to be happy. 'He wants to look after them in his role as 'spiritual adviser' as a godfather. It's a role he takes seriously.' 10 Brooklyn and Nicola no longer speak to his family following a much-publicised feud Credit: Instagram 10 Brooklyn and Nicola have posted pictures from their break on social media Credit: Instagram 10 The trip to the South of France comes amid the pair's feud with the Beckham clan Credit: instagram
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
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Ian Bailey's ex to open up on who she thinks murdered Sophie Toscan du Plantier
Ian Bailey's former lover believes she knows who murdered Sophie Toscan du Plantier in a new book. Jules Thomas, whose ex was long considered a suspect in the brutal killing in December 1996, is writing her autobiography as she battles a life-threatening blood disease. While she and Mr Bailey were no longer a couple when he died last year, she told how the crime ruined their lives and she will never forgive the gardai for how they treated them. Although Ms Thomas, who is a painter, didn't name names, she said the killer is someone well connected with the forces of law and order. She also believes the culprit was involved in a relationship with the tragic French film producer who was battered to death, just 100 yards from her holiday home in Schull, Co Cork. Ms Thomas said: "I will tell my side of the story in this book. I want to get the truth out there while I am alive. "Ian Bailey may have been a lot of things but he did not kill Sophie. "He didn't have it in him to kill anyone – he couldn't kill a turkey for God's sake." Ian Bailey arrives at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin with his partner Jules Thomas (Image: Collins Courts) The artist was Mr Bailey's alibi on the night Sophie was killed and detectives were hoping she would change her story after they split up three years ago. But she was having none of it. She recalled: "When gardai brought me in for questioning all those years ago they kept telling me my life was in danger and Ian would eventually kill me. Well here we are all these years later and guess what? Ian didn't kill me. "He has passed on and I am still here. He was never a danger to me or anyone else. Gardai, as far as I am concerned, tried to frame Ian for the murder and in doing so ruined our lives. "They never seriously looked at any other suspects. "In this book I will tell what actually went on and put the record straight. "Gardai did everything to get me to change my story but the truth is the truth. I kept telling them Ian did not kill Sophie but they wouldn't listen." Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Image: PATRICK ZIMMERMANN/AFP via Getty Images) Mr Bailey was arrested twice over the murder but never charged. He was then convicted in absentia by a French court of murder and sentenced to 25 years jail. But Irish authorities refused to extradite him because much of the evidence was based on hearsay and would never have been admissible in an Irish court. Ms Thomas' comments come as US forensic experts are using new technology to try and identify DNA from a blood sample found on the block used to kill Sophie. Her family in Paris are hoping for a breakthrough and are adamant the biological material will be that of Mr Bailey, who died of a heart attack. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
