101CRUISE by Paul McAllister

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Oceania’s new Allura to set sail early

Oceania Cruises announced that its newest ship, Allura, will enter service one week earlier than scheduled. Originally set to join the fleet in summer 2025, Allura's inaugural sailing will now depart from  Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025. This six-day voyage to Athens, Greece, will feature stops in Eastern Mediterranean destinations, including  Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. 

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Following her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will head to Canada and New England for a series of immersive voyages in North America before beginning her premiere winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in  Miami. For those new to the brand and curious about an ultra-premium vacation experience, the line has introduced a four-day "Taste of Oceania Cruises" roundtrip sailing from New York from September 30 to October 4, 2025.

Allura, the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises, is the line's second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, following her sister ship, Vista, which launched to great global acclaim in May 2023.

"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 of 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."

Oceania Cruises' newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, are collaborating with the line's talented team to revamp menus across all venues on board Allura. A special focus is on creating 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."

Chef Alex also revealed that there are many exciting culinary developments underway for Allura, including over 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," he added.

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