Miami Tourism Spotlight: Oceania Cruises Combines Global Travel with World-Class Culinary Education Aboard its Luxury Ships – Travel And Tour World

Oceania Cruises®, renowned for its culinary and destination-focused luxury, proudly marks the 15th anniversary of The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea. Launched aboard Marina™, the first foodie-centric ship in the fleet, the Culinary Center has expanded to four of the line’s elegant ships, including Riviera™, Vista™, and the forthcoming Allura™, set to debut in summer 2025.

This milestone celebration brings an enticing array of new classes for 2025, featuring regional culinary journeys spotlighting the Pacific Northwest, Polynesia, and Australia. The Culinary Center continues to be a hallmark of Oceania Cruises, offering immersive experiences where guests can learn to prepare destination-inspired dishes under the guidance of world-class chefs.

Culinary Innovation on the High Seas

Since its inception, The Culinary Center has redefined culinary travel with its state-of-the-art facilities, boasting more than 60 unique classes. Equipped with professional-grade kitchens, the program enables guests to explore regional cultures through food or sharpen their culinary skills with expert guidance. The program’s visionary, Chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ Director of Culinary Enrichment, leads a team of 11 accomplished Chef Instructors. Chef Kelly’s innovative approach has cemented The Culinary Center as a leader in gastronomic education at sea.

Chef Kelly also spearheads the Culinary Discovery Tours™, exclusive chef-led excursions in over 40 global destinations. These tours combine visits to local markets with hands-on cooking sessions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the culinary traditions of their ports of call. Additional tours are being planned for 2025, promising exciting new opportunities for food enthusiasts.

2025 Class Highlights

Oceania Cruises has introduced several exciting new classes to commemorate 15 years of culinary excellence:

1. Culinary Northwest Passage
   Explore the Pacific Northwest’s celebrated farm-to-table cuisine with dishes inspired by the region’s chefs, from Seattle to Anchorage. This class focuses on fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and decadent signature desserts.
2. Down Under Abundance
   Dive into the rich culinary traditions of Australia and New Zealand. Guests will prepare dishes that highlight the region’s prized meats, diverse seafood, and exceptional wines.
3. It’s a Dessert Party
   Enjoy a delightful evening class featuring decadent desserts like lava cakes paired with Champagne or crêpes Suzette paired with Grand Marnier spritzers.
4. South Seas Salt Life
   Celebrate Polynesian cuisine with fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and a cultural exploration of family traditions. Guests will embrace the “salt lifestyle” in this tropical culinary adventure.
5. Snow Days Brunch
   Embrace the cozy charm of winter with classic comfort dishes like cinnamon rolls and egg casseroles, paired with warming cocktails crafted by Oceania’s expert mixologists.

Global Culinary Expertise

The Culinary Center team represents a rich tapestry of experience, with backgrounds ranging from executive chef roles in television productions to designing food programs for tech giants like Google. Graduates of prestigious institutions like The Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu bring unparalleled expertise to the program. The team’s global footprint ensures they stay at the forefront of culinary trends, delivering fresh and innovative experiences to Oceania Cruises’ guests.

A Culinary Legacy

“We are the only cruise line built by foodies, for foodies,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “From our ship designs to our unparalleled dining experiences, food is at the heart of everything we do. The Culinary Center remains a testament to our commitment to culinary innovation and excellence.”

Chef Kathryn Kelly reflected on the program’s evolution, noting the expanded facilities aboard Vista and Allura, which feature twice the number of individual cooking stations. “It’s been an incredible journey,” said Kelly. “I’m thrilled to continue working with such a creative team to introduce new dishes and themes for our curious guests.”