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Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Oceania Cruises holiday voyages are a gift for luxury-minded travelers
Wouldn't you rather toast the holidays at sea instead of hosting them at home? Oceania Cruises is betting you would. No prep work, no dishes, no stress. And a voyage to some of the most spectactular locations on the planet? Sounds like dream holiday in all the ways. Oceania Cruises is targeting travelers who'd rather skip the holiday chaos and set sail in style. The luxury line, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), just announced more than 40 festive-season voyages spanning its 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 calendars. From menorah lightings and gourmet feasts to champagne-fueled countdowns, the itineraries aim to turn December's most hectic weeks into high-end escapes across the globe. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. The move plays into a growing trend: consumers are trading traditional celebrations for experiential travel, and cruise lines are pivoting to meet the moment. Oceania's lineup includes sailings to destinations like the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. The excursions are all wrapped in the brand's signature blend of culinary excellence, small-ship elegance, and curated cultural discovery. "We're seeing more demand than ever for unique holiday getaways that blend luxury with ease," Chief Luxury Officer at Oceania Cruises Jason Montague, said in a statement. "These voyages are about reimagining beloved traditions in a setting that's both festive and far from ordinary." The holiday voyages include: A 24-day sailing from Cape Town to Singapore aboard Oceania Sirena, hitting Indian Ocean gems like the Maldives, Mauritius, and Réunion Island. A 19-day South Pacific voyage from Sydney to Tahiti aboard Oceania Riviera, offering holiday island-hopping through Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. A 10-day Caribbean escape from Miami aboard Oceania Insignia, perfect for sunseekers wanting to stay closer to home. A 77-day Grand Voyage from Los Angeles to San Diego aboard Oceania Vista, spanning Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Brazilian coast, including two nights in Rio de Janeiro over New Year's. These sailings aren't just about the destination. Onboard, guests will find a full slate of holiday programming, from carolers at embarkation to elegant Hanukkah ceremonies and New Year's Eve galas. That attention to tradition - paired with Oceania's culinary focus - positions the brand to capitalize on a key cruise segment: affluent, older travelers who value comfort and culture over crowds and chaos. Related: Oceania Cruises adds more solar eclipse sailings The strategy also reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry. As operators work to differentiate in a post-pandemic world, high-end holiday experiences are becoming a critical battleground. Brands like Viking, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas have all leaned into similar territory, offering all-inclusive seasonal sailings with curated shore excursions, elevated dining, and limited-capacity ships. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. With voyages ranging from seven to 197 days, Oceania Cruises offers holiday sailings to suit every schedule and sense of adventure, from sunny island escapes to epic journeys across continents. Choose from a week-long New Year's voyage through the Caribbean, or set out on a grand 77-day exploration spanning the Americas. Celebrate the holidays cruising the dramatic coast of South Africa, uncovering the cultural riches of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, or basking in the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Oceania Cruises' Riviera™ to Make its Debut in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
Luxury Cruise Line Expands Horizon with Immersive Itineraries Through Australia, Showcasing Australasian Gems and South Pacific Wonders MIAMI, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is preparing its luxurious 1,250-guest ship Riviera™ to sail its first-ever Australia and New Zealand season of voyages. Riviera will be the only Oceania Cruises vessel in the region to offer exclusive itineraries with a gourmet foodie focus. Guests can immerse themselves in the local culinary scene through a broad array of small-group shore excursions including visits to local markets, rice fields, and truffle farms, incorporating everything from Australia's globally revered seafood to New Zealand's world-famous lamb. The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026, featuring a diverse selection of itineraries ranging from 14 to 35 days, with departures from multiple ports across the region. Voyages combine hidden gems like Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Dunedin in New Zealand, and Kangaroo Island in South Australia, with iconic ports such as Sydney, offering travelers a perfect balance of discovery and familiarity. With hundreds of excursions available, guests can choose how they want to explore each port thanks to the line's expansive array of excursions in each destination. Among them, chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours™ to local restaurants or see a destination through the eyes of local fishermen and farmers. 'We are incredibly excited to bring Riviera to Australia and New Zealand for the first time,' said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises. 'This new chapter reflects our commitment to offering exceptional, immersive experiences that celebrate the region's diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Riviera's voyages will offer travelers an unmatched opportunity to savor the finest local cuisine while exploring some of the world's most iconic destinations in unparalleled comfort and style.' A Ship for Foodies, by Foodies Riviera features The Culinary Center, a state-of-the-art cooking school at sea where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes inspired by regional flavors. The award-winning culinary team has introduced a new class for this year designed to showcase local foodie highlights, the 'Down Under Abundance' – a culinary experience inspired by the richness of ingredients found in Australia and New Zealand. Carefully crafted in collaboration with Oceania Cruises' 'Down Under' chef colleagues, the class celebrates the freshest offerings from the sea, the mountains, and the vineyards of this extraordinary destination. Riviera boasts a remarkable selection of gourmet dining venues, each providing a unique culinary experience: Toscana - Authentic Italian cuisine utilizing seasonal ingredients Polo Grill - Elegant steakhouse in a refined setting Jacques - French bistro curated by Jacques Pépin Red Ginger - Innovative approach to pan-Asian gastronomy The Grand Dining Room - Where the menu is as sophisticated as the dining room itself Terrace Cafe - Open sky dining featuring a special destination-themed Chef's Market Dinner Waves Grill - Relaxed and casual deckside diner-style dining Horizons - Enjoy decadent high tea with 180-degree views Alongside the onboard Culinary Center, Riviera features the Artist Loft, an elegant creative space for artistic expression, plus an enticing array of enrichment and social activities, from mini golf and digital classes to a state-of-the-art fitness center. And for those who prefer pampering to paddle tennis, Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center offers a full suite of spa services. To enhance Oceania Cruises' exceptional itineraries, guests have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise land program, allowing them to immerse themselves further in the stunning destinations. Experience the Great Barrier Island Adventure in Auckland, New Zealand, which includes chartered fishing trips, star-gazing experiences, and a tour of Auckland's vibrant metropolis, or embark on a Scenic Journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, Australia, Here guests will soak up the breathtaking landscapes before joining an informative hike with a National Park Ranger who will share Dreamtime stories of the Aboriginal people who first inhabited the area. Australia and New Zealand/South Pacific Voyage Highlights: Komodos & Kangaroos: 22 days from Singapore to Sydney visiting Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Waingapu Sumba, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), Adelaide, Melbourne and Burnie. Departs November 18, 2025. South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete visiting Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Nuku'alofa, Vava'u, Apia, Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea. Departs December 10, 2025. Azure Atolls to Auckland: 18 days from Papeete) to Auckland visiting Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Alofi, Pago Pago, Apia, Suva, Nuku'alofa and Bay of Islands. Departs January 6, 2026. Maori Heritage Route: 14 days from Auckland to Sydney visiting Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne. Departs January 25, 2026. Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 days from Sydney to Bali visiting Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs February 8, 2026. Melanesian Marvels: 21 days from Bali to Sydney visiting Komodo, Kupang (West Timor), Darwin, Port Moresby, Alotau, Honiara, Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva and Noumea. Departs February 22, 2026. Kiwi & Coral Seascapes: 21 days from Auckland to Singapore visiting Bay of Islands, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs March 30, 2026. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises® is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises® has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 2029[1]. Oceania Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit
USA Today
13-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Silversea, Oceania reveal months-long world cruises in 2027, 2028
AI-assisted summary Silversea Cruises and Oceania Cruises announced new world cruises with itineraries lasting over 100 days. Silversea's 132-day cruise will visit 29 countries and Oceania's 180-day cruise will visit 46 countries. Both cruises depart from Miami in January of 2027 and 2028, respectively. Prices for both cruises start at over $70,000 per person. Two upscale cruise lines announced globe-spanning cruises this week, each visiting dozens of countries. Silversea Cruises revealed the details of its 2028 World Cruise on Thursday, which will visit 29 countries over 132 days. 'Our 2028 World Cruise, An Ode to the Moment, is designed to slow time, offering deeper exploration of each destination,' Bert Hernandez, the line's president, said in a news release. 'With our unrivaled destination expertise, we guide guests to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring they experience the world at its finest.' Oceania Cruises also announced a lengthy new itinerary on Wednesday, with its 2027 Around the World cruise scheduled to sail for 180 days with stops in 46 countries. 'Spanning six months at sea, this extraordinary voyage offers the rare opportunity to circumnavigate the globe while seamlessly connecting diverse continents, rich cultures, and authentic cuisines, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests,' Jason Montague, the line's Chief Luxury Officer, said in a separate release. Here's what to know about the itineraries. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. When are Silversea and Oceania's new world cruises? Silversea's cruise will depart from Miami on Jan. 5, 2028, on the line's 392-guest Silver Shadow ship. Oceania's sailing will also begin in Miami on Jan. 6, 2027, aboard Oceania Vista, which can accommodate 1,200 passengers at double occupancy. What is a world cruise? What's included, when to book and more Where will the cruises go? Silversea's itinerary will be divided into nine chapters, beginning with a deep exploration of the Caribbean en route to Cartagena, Colombia, followed by visits to the Panama Canal, Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi and more. Passengers will stop in 58 destinations in total, with 17 overnight stays, and can partake in activities like a Columbian Coffee Workshop and an exclusive evening of cuisine, music and dancing at Peru's Pedro de Osma Museum. The cruise will end in Nice, France. Oceania's cruise will also explore the Caribbean and make its way to the Panama Canal, 'island-hop' from Hawaii to Fiji, per the line's release, and transit along the coast of Australia to cities like Sydney, Cairns and Darwin. Guests will also spend over two months in Asia sailing around Thailand, Japan and more. Shore excursions for small groups, onboard art classes and more will be on offer, as well. Guests will disembark in London (they can also choose from longer 244-day and shorter 127-day options). How much do the cruises cost? Silversea's cruise currently starts at $74,900 per guest, based on double occupancy. Oceania's 180-day itinerary currently starts at $76,199 per person, based on double occupancy. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
OCEANIA CRUISES® ANNOUNCES ITS 2027 AROUND THE WORLD CRUISE ABOARD LUXURIOUS VISTA™
Embark on a sweeping world journey visiting more than 100 ports in 46 countries across six continents MIAMI, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises ®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is redefining luxury global exploration with its 2027 Around the World cruise. The highly anticipated voyage will span 180 days, visiting more than 100 ports across 46 countries and six continents aboard one of the line's newest ships, Vista. Bookings for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage are available beginning March 12. Setting sail from Miami on January 6, 2027, the 1,200-guest ship will embark on a transformative journey offering a carefully crafted itinerary that fosters enriching connections to diverse cultures, history, landscapes, and cuisine. Over the course of the six adventure-filled months, guests can explore more than 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites, inviting them to discover renowned cultural and natural wonders across the globe. Guests will transit the Panama Canal, island-hop through the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji and sail along Australia's stunning coastline. More than two months in Asia will unveil Thailand's golden temples, Hong Kong's vibrant markets, and Japan's cherry blossoms. After exploring the modern cities of the Arabian Peninsula, Vista will cruise the Mediterranean from Greece and Italy to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond to France before concluding her global trek in London. Two additional itineraries are also available: a 244-day Epic Global Adventure from Miami to New York, our longest option ever offered on a world cruise, and the shorter 127-day Continental Explorer sailing from Miami to Doha. 'Our Around the World cruise is an incredible way to explore the world in style, elegance, and comfort, and we're thrilled to offer this immersive journey in 2027 aboard Vista,' said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises. 'Spanning six months at sea, this extraordinary voyage offers the rare opportunity to circumnavigate the globe while seamlessly connecting diverse continents, rich cultures, and authentic cuisines, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.' Starting at $76,199 per person, Oceania Cruises' 2027 Around the World sailing features the Exclusive Prestige Package, a generous array of additional complimentary amenities, including a choice of Free Unlimited Wine, Beer, and Spirits or a generous Shore Excursion Credit, plus Exclusive Shoreside Events, a Free Visa Package and Free Luggage Delivery. These extra inclusions sit alongside the line's Your World Included™ amenities, which include all gourmet specialty dining, in-stateroom dining, unlimited Starlink® WiFi, and shipboard gratuities. Shipboard Highlights of Vista An epic journey calls for an equally exceptional ship, and Vista delivers with unmatched elegance. The 1,200-guest ship offers all-veranda accommodations, featuring the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, at an astounding 291 square feet. Vista boasts a market-leading staffing ratio of two crew members for every three guests, ensuring an unparalleled level of warm, personalized service. One chef for every 10 guests, meaning half of the onboard crew is dedicated to culinary experiences. From immersive Culinary Discovery Tours™ ashore to hands-on cooking classes on board in The Culinary Center, guests can savor the flavors of the world and learn new skills as they sail. Vista features 11 exceptional dining venues, including Aquamar® Kitchen, serving wellness-inspired dishes, The Bakery at Baristas, the classic Polo Grill Steakhouse, Italian Toscana, pan-Asian Red Ginger, and the elegant French restaurant Jacques. Vista offers an elegant onboard experience with eight sophisticated bars, lounges, and entertainment venues. Guests can unwind at the Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center and its serene Aquamar® Spa Terrace, ensuring every moment at sea is as enriching as the destinations themselves. Thousands of immersive small-group shore excursions and tours to choose from in destinations across the globe, offering the opportunity to see destinations through a new lens, whether the focus is food, wine, art, history, or architectural design. Diverting onboard enrichment, including art classes at Oceania Cruises' much-loved Artist Loft and numerous guest speakers. Food and wine pairing experiences, including demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier's Choice and Cellar Master's Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises® is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises® has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 2029 [1]. Oceania Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Associated Press
OCEANIA CRUISES UNVEILS 12 NEW CULINARY DISCOVERY TOURS FOR 2025
Charting the course for immersive gourmet experiences ashore in the world's most captivating destinations MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oceania Cruises ®, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has expanded its signature range of immersive Culinary Discovery Tours™ with the addition of 12 new gourmet excursions for 2025. The new chef-led tours are in diverse locations spanning the globe from Europe and the UK with new excursions in Amsterdam, Belfast, Invergordon, Valencia, and Valletta; to Asia with three new options for Japan sailings in Kobe, Kochi, and Shimizu, plus Busan in South Korea; and North America where new tours are available in Halifax, Quebec City, and Victoria. The additions mean Oceania Cruises now offers a total of 46 Culinary Discovery Tours, available on its four larger ships, Marina™, Riviera™, Vista™, and Allura™, which debuts in July 2025. The Culinary Discovery Tours are an integral part of the line's renowned food-focused enrichment program, which includes The Culinary Center, the first-ever hands-on cooking school at sea, offering unparalleled experiences for gourmands wanting to learn and to explore cultures through food. Limited to 18 guests and led by Oceania Cruises' team of expert Chef Instructors, each of the Culinary Discovery Tours goes beyond traditional sightseeing, providing access to local markets, acclaimed restaurants, and hands-on cooking classes, both on board and ashore. From foraging for wild sea herbs on Belfast's rugged coast to indulging in a plant-to-plate luncheon inside an Amsterdam greenhouse where ingredients are harvested moments before they reach a guest's fork, these tours give travelers an intimate look at local life through the lens of food and its impact on the culture and community. In Japan, witness the precision of traditional knife-making in Kobe before a teppanyaki feast of wagyu beef, or master the art of searing bonito over an open flame in Kochi. Uncover the secrets of authentic paella on a boat ride through Valencia's rice fields, or explore South Korea's famed seafood markets. Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises said: 'Our guests seek more than just incredible cuisine – they crave authentic connections with food, culture, and people. The Culinary Discovery Tours are true behind-the-scenes experiences, guided by top chefs who bring each destination to life and are eager to share epicurean secrets, one bite at a time. These unique excursions allow travelers to savor the essence of destinations in a way that only Oceania Cruises can deliver.' Chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises' Director of Culinary Enrichment, is the founder and driving force behind The Culinary Center and the chief architect of the robust range of Culinary Discovery Tours. She commented: 'Food has the power to connect people to places in meaningful ways and our fabulous Culinary Discovery Tours provide an insider's look at local markets, artisans, and traditions, allowing guests to take a piece of the destination home with them – not just in their memories, but in the skills and recipes they acquire along the way.' New Culinary Discovery Tour Highlights: KOBE: NEW CHEF-LED CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH KOBE (6 hours): Discover how traditional Japanese kitchen knives are masterfully crafted and watch chefs use these precision tools to expertly prepare dinner. Artisans forge the knives in different shapes and sizes depending on their specialized uses. For instance, a santoku blade is considered an ideal general-purpose knife while the sujihiki may be the best for slicing meats such as beef. Following this immersion into knife-making, dine at Teppan Grill Keyaki, an 18th-floor restaurant that overlooks medieval Osaka Castle. BUSAN: CHEF-LED BUSAN MARKETS TOUR (4 hours): To prepare traditional Korean dishes during the onboard cooking class, the Chef Instructor will lead guests through two local markets to forage for ingredients. First stop is the legendary Jagalchi Fish Market. Widely heralded as 'the ultimate place to see seafood,' this sprawling waterfront market is the largest of its kind in Korea. As travelers browse the seemingly endless stalls, they can expect to find every imaginable marine creature, including live eels, sea squirts, and skates, which are similar to stingrays. Using a 'seafood treasure map,' guests will identify and check off these unique local specimens. After touring the seafood market, stop in at the Gukje Market, known for its international selection of gourmet ingredients before returning to the ship to create authentic Korean dishes. BELFAST: CHEF-LED TOUR OF COASTAL FLAVORS OF COUNTY DOWN (4 1⁄2 hours): Join local chef Paul Cunningham – a competitor on the BBC cooking series 'Great British Menu' – along the shore to learn about locally sourced ingredients while sampling mussels and oysters and dining on a bowl of his seafood chowder at a nearby restaurant. A pint of Guinness or another stout will be perfectly paired to complement the meal. Afterwards, pause for photos at the atmospheric ruins of Dundrum Castle, a landmark since the 13th century. HALIFAX: CHEF-LED TOUR CIDER & CHOWDER: AUTHENTIC NOVA SCOTIA (3 hours): Learn about the 'chowder trail' and artesian cider trends that define the modern culinary scene in Nova Scotia. Guests will leave the ship and meet a local foodie guide for the first stop at the taproom of an artisanal cider maker where they will be served a flight of four vastly different hard ciders. These may be seasonal pours, year-round favorites, or mixed into cocktails such as the Apple Spice, a concoction of spiced cider, ginger kombucha, and cinnamon liqueur. Other possibilities include a non-alcoholic cranberry cider and a watermelon cider mimosa. A short walk will bring guests to a famed local restaurant, a 'fixture' in the trendy Dartmouth neighborhood, where they can watch the chefs preparing various dishes from their reserved seating area. INVERGORDON: CHEF-LED FORAGING & ONBOARD SCOTTISH COOKING CLASS (4 hours): Shop in Invergordon for ingredients traditionally found in a classic Scottish chowder and learn to prepare it in a hands-on cooking class onboard. The soup Cullen Skink is named for the nearby village of Cullen and skink, a term for the beef from the front legs of a cow. While shopping for haddock and other items at George Cockburn & Son, guests will sample the butcher's award-winning haggis, another classic Scottish dish. Select the vegetables for the soup at Black Isle, an organic brewery that also grows organic produce, before meeting back onboard and learning to prepare the soup. VALLETTA: CHEF-LED TOUR ARTISANAL MALTA TREASURES (3 hours): This carefully curated, small-group experience introduces guests to Maltese cuisine while sampling artisanal foods in a stunning grotto that was transformed into a restaurant decades ago. A short but scenic drive inland brings travelers to Rabat, where they will first visit a bakery that has been in the same family for generations. While showing how traditional Maltese breads are made, the baker will invite guests to help prepare a loaf and sample another bread straight from the oven. Indulge in more local specialties in the Grotto Tavern, which occupies a cave once used as a bomb shelter in World War II. In this unusual setting, guests will watch the chef prepare pastizzi – a flaky pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or curried peas – and then enjoy samples. As an accompaniment, local cheeses such as gbejna and a special tomato paste to slather on bread will be offered. Maltese wines that may include a ruby-red melqart will also be served. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly refined travel experiences, visit call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. Biography Chef Kathryn Kelly, Director of Culinary Enrichment Chef Kathryn Kelly is the founder and driving force behind The Culinary Center, overseeing Oceania Cruises' faculty of dedicated Chef Instructors. She is the chief architect of more than 100 unique culinary classes as well as Oceania Cruises' signature range of Culinary Discovery Tours™, immersive chef-led excursions offered in more than 40 destinations worldwide. Chef Kelly was one of the first members to be inducted into Oceania Cruises' Culinary Advisory Board in 2024 thanks to her inherent passion for food, for learning, and for sharing her incredible knowledge and skills in inclusive, lively, and informative ways. She serves alongside the Board's co-chairs – Master Chef Jacques Pépin, chef and television personality Giada De Laurentiis, and the line's two Master Chefs of France and Executive Culinary Directors, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale. Chef Kelly completed her doctoral studies in Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and holds two master's degrees in Community Medicine and Biostatistics. After a fulfilling career in health care, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a chef, graduating with honors from The Culinary Institute of America in the fifth decade of her life. Chef Kelly resides on Amelia Island, Florida, and in Austin, Texas. She is an avid golfer and the proud grandmother of her three 'little sous chefs,' Kate, Luke, and Jack. About Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises® is the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line's eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences are available aboard the designer-inspired, small ships, which call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents, on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises® has two additional ships on order scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 or 2029 1. Oceania Cruises® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit
