Latest news with #Jacques
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Oceania Cruises' new ship Allura has just set sail and I got a sneak peek'
Bella Allura! Oceania's gorgeous new food-focused cruise ship debuts in Italy. Nigel Thompson went on board to the put the new ship and its facilities through its paces "Yes, Chef, I'm on pasta! Coming right up.' So far, no kitchen nightmares, but my cooking confidence is a sham. I haven't quite admitted that my previous pasta experience does not go much beyond warming-up a tin of Alphabetti Spaghetti then making rude words with the letters. And why are we making it for 'Al's dentist '? Apparently, at this Culinary Center class for passengers on board fabulous new cruise ship Oceania Allura -appropriately sailing right around Italy – I am required to do more than find a can opener. Mamma mia! This durum wheat dumbo is surely going to be all at sea? Well, yes. I panicked early, put the lemon juice in the pan with olive oil, not a bowl to mix with cheese, and it went downhill. Luckily, tutor chefs Kathryn and Noelle did not witness my spaghetti malfunction – and now, actually following instructions, it ended up tasting reasonably pleasant, to my eternal surprise. And food is very much the focus of this sleek 1,200-passenger Vista-class ship, where everyone gets at least a French balcony cabin and accommodation goes all the way up to the incredible apartment-sized Owner's, Ocean and Vista Suites. I was on board last week's media and travel trade 'shakedown' cruise (effectively a dress rehearsal), sailing from Genoa to Trieste via Split in Croatia, and left feeling I'd enjoyed a culinary journey – not just with the fun lesson, which also took in cocktails and crepes, but some excellent food, courtesy of the 144 chefs in the galley. Highlights were French restaurant Jacques's lobster thermidor and cheese soufflé and the Grand (it really is) Dining Room's Korean BBQ beef and a piquant Cornelia salad. Another standout was the Aquamar Kitchen, which specialises in healthy dishes with hints of indulgence (avocados are heavily involved). I loved it, and it quickly became a go-to for breakfast and lunch with a terrific array of juices (the Pure Immunity orange, lime, ginger, turmeric and cayenne is awesome), energy bowls, tacos, sandwiches, salads and wraps. The Terrace Cafe buffet serves a wide variety of international dishes and has a lovely shaded ship-width patio at the stern, while Waves Grill is a poolside venue for all-American favourites. For your caffeine fix with a pastry treat and sea views, head to Vienna-inspired Baristas, which also features a flipping good creperie, or arrive very hungry at the Grand's eye-popping weekly brunch, which makes those Friday ones in Dubai look like a British football ground burger van. Drinks-wise, there are some fine wines, prosecco and Champagne, various beers and some clever cocktails from expert mixologists. I never knew I liked mocktails but the ones on Allura are terrific. If I was being picky, the restaurant service in Grand was sometimes too brisk with mains being brought as starters were still being eaten. So, 2% elastane trouser material thoroughly tested, what of the rest of Allura? First impressions are strong with elegant, sweeping external lines and a raked bow (less common these days) with the lightness of glass to the fore. Inside, expect a calming, spacious contemporary design that feels high-end yet informal. It features subtle mixes of ocean-inspired blues, shades of alabaster and bronze, and the use of marble, granite, teak, oak, and glass, topped off with hints of gold. My cabin was a Deck 8 Concierge Level Veranda at an airy 290 sq ft with a fawn and cream decor and perfectly appointed throughout with one of the best showers I have ever seen on a cruise ship. Exploring the ship, I wandered into the Aquamar spa. I wouldn't normally get too excited about a spa, but this is seriously impressive with a sun terrace and pool at the bow. Quartz bed massage, anyone? I gave up golf (again) 15 years ago after a 'rabbit-hole-in-one' lost ball fiasco (golf bat was thrown), but I did stroll by the Deck 15 driving ''range'', missed one, biffed one, called it quits. However, the putting green variety is much more my (golf) bag and the ship-wide course by the ''range'' looked more fun. Other assets include swish bars (Martinis is the pick), a lovely pool deck, the LYNC tech/learning hub, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an excellent library, the main theatre and Horizons lounge, upscale shops, casino, jogging track, padel court and artist loft. Wi-fi is fast(ish) Starlink. A rich array of entertainment is promised, though on my short trip I did catch part of a Broadway-style musical show which I enjoyed. The 'Your World, Your Way' line – owned by the Norwegian cruise brand – mostly appeals to young-at-heart, still active baby boomers who are semi-retired or retired and seek fine food plus destination-rich voyages. Americans are the line's core clientele, with Brits the brand's third-biggest market. Allura is sailing a short inaugural Med season, then repositioning to eastern Canada and New York before heading to Miami for her official naming in November (appropriately, a group of chefs are godparents) then winter Caribbean voyages. If this beautiful, superbly-appointed ship is within your budget, you enjoy fine food, clever cocktails, a sumptuous wellness spa and immersive itineraries, then Oceania Allura is an altogether alluring proposition. Only selected signature restaurants were allocated to media last week, all are now open to passengers, including pan-Asian Red Ginger and Italian Toscana. \ Ship shape Allura Book the holiday Oceania Cruises offers a 10-day Mediterranean voyage on Oceania Allura starting at £3,030pp (promotional prices subject to change). Sails from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 27 to Monaco (overnight), calling at Salerno, Taormina, Valletta, Ibiza, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille and Cannes. Your World Included amenities – gratuities, dining at all speciality restaurants, soft drinks, coffees and teas, unlimited Starlink wi-fi, artisan ice cream, fitness classes and laundry. Flights extra.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
A Brand-new Ship Just Launched in Southern Europe With Some of the Best Dining at Sea
The newly launched ship is the second in Oceania's Allura ship class, which notably offers more space, more amenities, and, according to frequent cruisers, some of the best dining at sea. ship class, which notably offers more space, more amenities, and, according to frequent cruisers, some of the best dining at sea. The ship has six different room categories, which range from Veranda Stateroom to Owner's Suite. Fantastic restaurants (all of which are included in the price of the sailing) include Jacques, a stunning bistro with an open kitchen and a menu of elevated Parisian classics, and Red Ginger, with a pan-Asian menu. Oceania has heavily invested in making more excursions in more ports available to guests. On my weeklong trip, there were 51 choices available in the four intermediate ports we visited. One of the world's smallest countries, San Marino has to be among the most picturesque places in all of Europe. Its tiny capital city, also called San Marino, sits at the top of Mount Titano, with impressive views of Italy's Apennines to the west. Its Medieval fortifications look like something out of Game of Thrones —or, given their crenulated towers, 'Rapunzel.' The narrow lanes of the city are filled with souvenir shops and cafes, not to mention an outsize number of museums. The National Postal Museum, for example, was surprisingly fascinating, full of commemorative Olympics-themed stamps, distinctive San Marino euro coins, and an exhibit on Abraham Lincoln, who was granted Sammarinse citizenship in 1861. The San Marino National Gallery had an intriguing array of contemporary art, including a riveting installation by the Italian artist Enzo Mari. The State Museum was filled with historical artifacts, both from San Marino and, in the case of some Egyptian antiquities, far far away. Interesting as they were—who knows anything about San Marino, really—I was more charmed by the back-in-time feel of the pedestrian streets and the climb to the famous 'Three Towers' of the city. The pulse-quickening hike up to Guita, the first of the city's towers, afforded stunning views of the Italian countryside which completely surrounds the microstate of San Marino. As I stood at the top of Guaita, a towering fort that dates to the 11th century, I could just make out the bell tower of Rimini in the distance. Beyond the coastal city was the Adriatic Sea—which is how I came to San Marino, though few would consider the city-state a convenient place to reach by ship. But, for Oceania Cruises, taking guests off the beaten path is a key part of delivering a great vacation. 'We go to probably twice as many unique ports of call and have twice as many itineraries as our competitors,' says Nathan Hickman, the line's SVP of global marketing. 'That's just our philosophical approach.' Oceania Allura off the coast of Montenegro. Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure I met with Hickman aboard Allura , the newest ship in the Oceania fleet, and a sibling to Vista , which launched recently to rave reviews. I hopped aboard in Trieste, Italy, for a week-long sailing to Athens that would give me just enough time to get to know the line's style of service—and to explore all the bells and whistles on the new, 610-cabin ship, which accommodates 1,200 passengers. I came away impressed. Oceania doesn't consider itself a luxury line; "my fear personally is that when you say 'luxury,' does that repel some people?' Hickman explains. Nevertheless, Allura has many of the trappings of high-end cruise vessels, including a half-dozen specialty dining venues, an expansive pool deck, and plenty of live entertainment. This is the second vessel in Oceania's Allura ship class, which notably offers more space, more amenities, and a leveled-up pool-and-sports complex in contrast to the line's older ships. 'The way we describe 'luxury' is authentic to us,' Hickman says. 'Where we're coming to it is, 'the luxury of choice.' We have the most included dining options of any cruise line. You can be in a standard room or you can be in a 2,000-square-foot Owner's Suite. You can take a seven-day cruise or 180-day cruise. It's all about choice.' I certainly felt that, particularly when it came to the excellent restaurants on board, including Jacques, a French bistro that feels straight out of the 8th arrondissement. More than anything, though, I just love being at sea, with an ever-changing palette of blues out every window and access to some of the most in-demand destinations such as Dubrovnik, Croatia, without the hassle of waiting in lines or figuring out ticketing arrangements. (Oceania's contracted tour guides took care of all that for guests on pre-arranged shore excursions.) Like all good cruises, my July sailing aboard Allura managed to feel comfortable and familiar—while taking me to places I never would have experienced otherwise. San Marino: who knew? Read on for more details about Oceania Allura , including specifics about its staterooms, restaurants, amenities, and wellness facilities. Allura has a wide selection of rooms and suites, with entry-level accommodations that are still comfortable while being affordable and high-end spaces that come with top-notch services not offered to every cabin type. In all, the ship has six different room categories, which range from Veranda Stateroom to Owner's Suite. Upgrading to a Concierge Level room affords guests additional amenities, not least of which is access to a private lounge, staffed by can-do personnel, who can assist with on-ship and off-ship requests, whether a dinner arrangement or details on, say, hiking routes around Montenegro's Bay of Kotor. My cabin, 8129, was a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, which offered 291 square feet of room, including an oversize balcony outfitted with two chairs, a table, and a chaise lounge. Inside, there was enough space to lounge comfortably, with a sitting area and writing desk, plus an excellent bed with a Matermoll mattress fitted with crisp new, 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. (Oceania sells its so-called Tranquility beds, with mattresses starting at $3,625.) The spacious bathroom had storage galore—including a clever set of drawers and cabinets in one corner—plus a rainfall showerhead and the line's custom Aquamar bath products, which have a subtle vetiver scent. All in all, I found the room functional and well proportioned, if a bit understated in terms of the grey and pale aqua color palette. Food is a point of pride for Oceania, which for many years partnered with Jacques Pepin as a culinary ambassador. Today, chefs Eric Barale and Alex Quaretti carry on the tradition, overseeing a lineup of specialty restaurants that are, among guests, regarded as some of the best at sea. I was certainly wowed by Jacques, a stunning bistro with an open kitchen and a menu of elevated Parisian classics like lobster Thermidor, French onion soup, and veal medallions in a morel mushroom sauce. Red Ginger, a pan-Asian concept, is probably the toughest reservation on the ship, and I unfortunately wasn't able to get a table during my six-night cruise. Other passengers were raving, as my T+L colleague did when she tried the restaurant on Vista, the sibling ship of Allura, in 2023 . Other specialty dining options include Toscana, with a large menu of Italian favorites, and Polo Grill, a chophouse with an elegant vibe. The Grand Dining Room has classic Continental dishes, many of which were excellent—a delightful contrast to the sometimes-disappointing 'main dining' cuisine found on other cruise lines. I was somewhat underwhelmed with the buffet, which is less of an occasion given that the ship offers so many other choices, except for one evening, when the crew went all out for an Italian theme night, complete with fresh pasta made to order, a caprese salad station, and an over-the-top display of antipasti. Aquamar Kitchen, with its smoothies, fresh juices, and health-conscious bowls and veggie-forward sandwiches was a welcome alternative to more formal (and decadent) dining around the ship. Similarly, Baristas, with its light bites and excellent coffee, was a terrific hangout both early in the morning and mid-afternoon. A nearby Crêperie is new for Oceania, doing trendy bubble waffles and classic crêpes. I didn't have time for Waves Grill, which does burgers and the like, near the pool—but it was often full of happy guests. Rijeka, Croatia, seen during a shore excursion. Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure While Oceania puts an emphasis on its cuisine, the brand has also heavily invested in making more excursions in more ports available to guests. (T+L reported on Oceania's 'vast catalogue of outings' in 2022, when contributor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon sampled many of the line's 'Go Local' tours in Greece.) On my weeklong trip, there were 51 choices available in the four intermediate ports we visited, with options that included introductory walking tours, active adventures like sea kayaking, and wine- and food-focused options that would ferry guests to languid lunches in the Croatian countryside. 'Our guests don't want to be passive participants in their vacation,' says Hickman, the Oceania executive. Besides my day spent in San Marino, which was a highlight, there were several other worthwhile tours on my sailing. In Dubrovnik alone, there were 21 choices, including a Game of Thrones –themed tour and a sea-kayaking expedition that took me (and around 20 other participants) around the city walls to the remarkable Betina Cave. In Rijeka, Croatia, a number of guests took a trip to Hum, which bills itself as the smallest town in the world, a bitsy agglomeration of medieval walls and, frankly, not much else. I stayed in the city proper and found myself pleasantly surprised by a well-done walking tour that seamlessly connected Roman history, the region's 20th-century struggles, and information about contemporary life in what is now Croatia's third-largest city. Oceania Allura will sail in southern Europe, on the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, in the summer, and winter in the Caribbean with a home port of Miami. This year, when the ship crosses the Atlantic, it will spend some time cruising in Canada and New England before heading south. An herbal ball massage in the Aquamar Spa. Allura is big enough that it offers plenty to do on board, including lots of sports, fitness classes, stage shows, live music, dancing, and other cruise-ship pursuits like trivia, needlepoint meetups, and art classes. Sorry, but if you're bored, you're not trying hard enough. The pool deck has plenty of daybeds in addition to chaise lounges, with a main swimming pool and two whirlpools, plus a bar and grill. Also on the open decks are several well-done sports facilities, including the nicest minigolf course I've ever seen on a ship, a pickleball court, Baggo sets, shuffleboard, and table tennis; there's a running track, too. The fitness center, which is full of the latest Technogym machines and plenty of free weights, was often very busy but not so much so that you couldn't work in. In the evening, guests bop between the several bars on board, which play host to various musicians, who do classical, piano-bar standards, and revues of pop hits. The casino, with its table games, roulette, and slots was bustling most nights. A compact spa had plenty of treatments—massages, facials, wraps—as well as steam and sauna facilities. Guests can also access the quiet Aquamar Spa Terrace at the bow of the ship, with two whirlpools and a plunge pool. One other notable amenity were several guest launderettes, scattered around the ship, with free washing machines, dryers, and ironing equipment. They were among the most well-appointed I've ever seen on a ship and proved popular among passengers. Oceania doesn't have anything in the way of kid-specific entertainment, but I noticed and spoke with several families with younger children on my sailing, including one couple who told me they were relieved their kids weren't the only ones on board. There were also lots of families traveling with adult children or in groups of three generations; another couple I spoke with told me the ship was ideal for their multigenerational gathering of more than a dozen. The official policy of Oceania is that the company does 'not provide services for the care, entertainment, or supervision of children,' which makes the line better suited to more mature and independent kids. (The one exception is Oceania's Alaska Explorer Youth Program, for kids aged 5 to 12, which is exclusive to itineraries in that state; there are currently no plans for Allura to operate in Alaska.) Allura is accessible to those with mobility challenges, a spokesperson for the brand tells T+L. 'Aboard all Oceania ships, amenities are accessible by elevators; no guests should encounter stairs as a barrier to experience Oceania's on-board amenities. Staff is trained to accommodate additional needs on an individualized basis to ensure all guests are comfortable and safe. Allura has ADA-accessible staterooms/suites in the following categories: French Veranda, Veranda, Concierge, and Penthouse. Additionally, all destinations have ADA-accessible shore excursions.'
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Stronger Than Fentanyl: A Drug You've Never Heard of Is Killing Hundreds Every Year
LONDON—Fentanyl fueled the worst drug crisis the West has ever seen. Now, an even more dangerous drug is wreaking havoc faster than authorities can keep up. The looming danger is an emerging wave of highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which often pack a far stronger punch than fentanyl. Nitazenes have already killed hundreds of people in Europe and left law enforcement and scientists scrambling to detect them in the drug supply and curb their spread. The opioids, most of which originate in China, are so strong that even trace amounts can trigger a fatal overdose. They have been found mixed into heroin and recreational drugs, counterfeit painkillers and antianxiety medication. Their enormous risk is only dawning on authorities. Europe, which has skirted the kind of opioid pandemic plaguing the U.S., is now on the front line as nitazenes push into big heroin and opioid markets such as Britain and the Baltic states. At least 400 people died in the U.K. from overdoses involving nitazenes over 18 months until January of this year, according to the government. 'This is probably the biggest public health crisis for people who use drugs in the U.K. since the AIDS crisis in the 1980s,' said Vicki Markiewicz, executive director for Change Grow Live, a leading treatment provider for drugs and alcohol in the U.K. Particularly worrying, she said, is that most people take nitazenes unwittingly, as contaminants in other drugs. The U.K.'s National Crime Agency has warned that partly due to nitazenes, 'there has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs.' In the U.S., where fentanyl dominated the opioid market, nitazenes had as of last year been found in at least 4,300 drug seizures since 2019, usually in fentanyl mixtures, and have led to dozens of deaths. But reporting on the drugs is sparse and relies on self-reporting. Many overdose toxicology tests don't include nitazenes. The Drug Enforcement Administration has warned that Mexican cartels could use their existing relations with China-based suppliers to obtain nitazenes and funnel them into America. The most common street nitazenes are roughly 50 to 250 times as potent as heroin, or up to five times the strength of fentanyl. They are likely much more prevalent than official statistics suggest, due to limited testing. Authorities say official death tolls are almost certainly undercounts. On an early summer morning in 2023, police arrived at Anne Jacques's door in north Wales. Her 23-year-old son had died in his sleep in his student apartment in London, they told her. Her son, Alex Harpum, was a rising opera singer and healthy. Police found Xanax tablets in his room, and evidence on his phone that he had bought pills illegally, which Jacques said he occasionally did to sleep while on medication for his attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Yet, the coroner established the cause of death as unexplained cardiac arrest, known as sudden adult death syndrome. Jacques, not satisfied with the explanation, researched drug contaminants and requested the coroner test for nitazenes. Seven months after her son's death, police confirmed that his tablets had been contaminated with the potent opioid. 'I basically had to investigate my own son's death,' Jacques said. 'You feel like your child has been murdered.' Harpum wasn't alone. While most known overdoses affect heroin users, nitazenes have also been found in party drugs like cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy, in illegal nasal sprays and vapes, and detected in benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. In May, two young Londoners died after taking what authorities believe was oxycodone laced with nitazenes upon returning home from a nightclub. 'I basically had to investigate my own son's death,' says Anne Jacques. Dealers aren't trying to kill customers, but the globalized drug trade leads gangs to traffic a wider variety of increasingly potent substances, partly because smuggling gets easier as the volumes involved shrink. U.K. National Crime Agency Deputy Director Charles Yates said dealers are driven mainly by greed. 'They buy potent nitazenes cheaply and mix them with bulking agents such as caffeine and paracetamol to strengthen the product being sold and make significant profits,' he said. Nitazenes are also ravaging West Africa as a prevalent ingredient in kush, a synthetic drug that has killed thousands of people and led Sierra Leone and Liberia to declare national emergencies. 'It's an international concern. They have been detected on every continent,' said Adam Holland, an expert on synthetic opioids at the University of Bristol. 'You can produce them with different chemicals that are relatively easy to get a hold of, and you can do it in an underground laboratory. And because they're so potent, you need less for the same size of market so they're easier to smuggle.' Chinese suppliers sell nitazenes openly on online marketplaces sometimes using photos of young women as their profile picture. They list phone numbers, social-media handles and business addresses linked to China or Hong Kong. The drugs are sometimes labeled as research chemicals but also often explicitly as nitazenes. The Wall Street Journal found nearly 100 profiles on the Pakistan-based web marketplace TradeKey selling different types of nitazenes, including etonitazenes, estimated to have 15 times the potency of fentanyl. Four suppliers told a Journal reporter they could send any quantity to Europe, including the U.K., and promised they could evade customs. A spokesperson for TradeKey said the company has a 'zero-tolerance policy toward the listing or sale of any controlled substances, including synthetic opioids such as nitazenes.' It said it had added various types of nitazenes to its banned products registry and blocked hundreds of accounts seen to violate its compliance rules. On 'rare occasions,' a prohibited product may pass initial approvals and get listed, but the company worked to routinely clean the site, it said. 'We take this issue very seriously and are fully committed to ensuring our platform is not misused in any way. We also cooperate with regulatory and law enforcement bodies as needed,' the spokesperson said. Nitazenes were never approved for medical use in Europe. Developed in the 1950s, they were found in trials to cause fatal breathing problems. They were detected sporadically over the years: in a lab in Germany in 1987; in 1998 in Moscow, where they were linked to a dozen deaths; and in 2003 in Utah, where a chemist manufactured them apparently for personal use. Nitazenes appeared in drug seizures in Europe and the U.S. beginning in 2019, and began spreading quickly in Europe in 2023, their high potency leaving a trail of fatal overdoses even among seasoned drug users. In Scotland, whose population of 5.5 million has the highest overdose death rate per capita in Europe, nitazenes have been involved in 150 to 200 drug-related deaths in the past two years alone, said Austin Smith, head of policy with the Scottish Drug Forum charity. 'Imagine mixing salt in sand on a beach, it's impossible to do that evenly,' he said. Europe's medical practices have protected it from fentanyl, which first took off in the U.S. in the 1990s due to private prescriptions and aggressive marketing. However, Europe is vulnerable to opioids in ways that echo the American experience. The second big boost in fentanyl usage in the U.S. came in the 2010s, when drug cartels began adulterating the heroin supply with fentanyl. So far, nitazenes appear to be supplied by individual brokers and sellers, but Europe is rife with international drug gangs that could turn to nitazenes. 'Synthetic opioids in the U.S. have not been driven by demand, they have been driven wholesale by supply,' said Vanda Felbab-Brown, senior fellow and expert on the global opioid trade with the Brookings Institution, a think tank. 'If large criminal groups such as Albanian mafia groups, Turkish criminal groups or Italian or Mexican groups get into supplying nitazenes to Europe on a large scale, we can anticipate a massive public healthcare catastrophe.' They may be prompted to do so. Since the Afghan Taliban most recently banned in 2022 the cultivation of poppies, which supplied about 90% of the world's heroin, experts have warned that a heroin shortage could lead gangs to cut the drug with other, more dangerous substances. Nitazenes are at the top of the list. 'If the heroin supply is interrupted, that will have a knock-on effect on drug use within Europe, and on things users can turn to in the absence of heroin, such as synthetic opioids and synthetic crystal meth,' said Andrew Cunningham, expert on drug markets with the European Union Drugs Agency. The tiny nation of Estonia has firsthand experience of what that is like. When the Taliban first banned poppy cultivation in 2000, fentanyl flooded the Estonian drug market as a replacement for heroin. Drug-related deaths grew fourfold in two years, and put the Baltic country in a fentanyl grip that it was unable to shake. For a decade, from 2007 to 2017, Estonia had the highest per capita overdose death rate in Europe. And Estonia is already feeling the influx of nitazenes, which since 2023 have been involved in nearly half of all drug-induced deaths in the tiny Baltic nation. When a batch of drugs contaminated with nitazenes hits the streets, it often results in a cluster of overdoses. Late last year, about 80 people overdosed and needed medical treatment in Dublin over a weekend. In March of this year, at least 31 users overdosed over a few days in Camden, north London. One of them, Tina Harris, 41, who has been using heroin since her early teens, said she bought a £5 bag of what she thought was fentanyl from a drug dealer in Camden. 'He told me, 'be careful because it's strong.' I thought he was just chatting sh—,' she said. After smoking the drug, she passed out, and survived only because a friend administered shots of naloxone, an antidote that users carry for emergencies, until the ambulance arrived. Harris woke up in the hospital, rattling from withdrawal. Since then, she has twice saved the life of friends who mistakenly took nitazenes, by providing naloxone and CPR. She has become increasingly worried about the drug supply in London, but said her addiction is impossible to kick. 'It's a devil's trap,' she said. Write to Sune Engel Rasmussen at and Ming Li at
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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. 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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I went on the Oceania's new foodie cruise ship with James Bond-like bars, 10am pasta and free TikTok classes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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 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. 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 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. 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.
