Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced that its newest ship, Allura, will enter service a week earlier than planned. Originally set to join the fleet in the summer of 2025, Allura’s inaugural voyage will now depart from Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025. This six-day cruise to Athens, Greece, will include stops in the Eastern Mediterranean at Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.
Additionally, the line is opening sales for a unique four-day voyage departing from New York City in September 2025. Guests who were booked on the original inaugural voyage scheduled for July 24, 2025, have been given first access to book the new maiden sailing before it becomes available to the public.
After her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for a series of immersive voyages in North America, followed by her first winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami.
For travelers new to the brand, Oceania Cruises is offering a four-day “Taste of Oceania Cruises” roundtrip from New York from September 30 to October 4, 2025.
“Thanks to the progress made by our valued partners at Fincantieri, we are thrilled to bring Allura into service a week earlier than planned,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President, Oceania Cruises. “I’m excited to be able to present Allura on a one-time taster voyage to showcase the ship to aspirational travelers who are looking to sample an ultra-premium cruise experience, and even better, sailing from downtown Manhattan, the heart of New York City.”
The newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, are collaborating with the line’s team to revamp the menus across all dining venues on board Allura. A special focus will be on creating an array of delectable treats for the new Crêperie – a first for the brand.
“Oceania Cruises is a cruise line founded by foodies, for foodies, and food is at the heart of everything we do,” said Chef Alex. “The team and I are busy testing and tasting a wonderful array of waffles and crêpes, which will be enjoyed by our guests next year aboard Allura. Our guests will be able to customize their waffles and crêpes, which will all be made to order, to be perfectly personalized.”
“We have lots of exciting culinary developments underway for Allura, including more than 300 new recipes in active development for The Grand Dining Room, across all three meal services. I am excited to reveal more in the coming months.”
Allura is Oceania Cruises’ eighth vessel and the second in its 1,200-guest Allura Class, following her sister ship, Vista, which launched to great acclaim in May 2023. Highlights of Allura include:
– A wide range of dining options, including eight specialty restaurants and four casual dining venues
– A luxurious spa and wellness center
– A state-of-the-art fitness center
– A variety of entertainment venues, including a theater, a casino, and a nightclub
– A spacious pool deck with two swimming pools and four whirlpools
– A variety of staterooms and suites, including 189 suites with private balconies
