Luxury cruise operator Oceania Cruises is elevating the onboard culinary experience with the introduction of a new exclusive Gérard Bertrand Food & Wine Pairing Dinner, launching aboard its newest vessel, Oceania Allura, on her maiden voyage on July 18, 2025. The announcement reflects Oceania’s continued focus on curated epicurean moments that blend fine wine, refined cuisine, and destination immersion.
The six-course gourmet journey, presented in collaboration with Gérard Bertrand, one of France’s most celebrated winemakers from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, will be available to a select number of guests in the line’s signature Jacques Restaurant. This elevated dining experience will expand to Oceania Vista in September 2025, with Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera following in 2026.
Celebrating the Flavours of Southern France
Gérard Bertrand, renowned for his sustainable and biodynamic viticulture, brings the essence of Southern France to the high seas. The wine-paired menu has been meticulously curated to reflect the rich terroir of the Languedoc region and is matched by exquisite dishes crafted by Oceania’s expert culinary team.
The exclusive tasting menu includes:
- Potato Fritter with Sturia Ossetra Caviar, paired with Clos du Temple Rosé
- Venetian Calamari Risotto, paired with Château l’Hospitalet La Clape White Blend
- Duck & Foie Gras Pâté en Croute, with Grand Vin Syrah/Grenache/Mourvédre Blend
- Braised Beef Short Rib, accompanied by Minervois La Livinière Clos d’Ora
- Cervelle de Canuts Goat Cheese, served with Kosmos 888 Red Blend
- Callebaut Gold Chocolate Cake, matched with a rare 1975 Maury Tuile Vieille Reserve
This pairing dinner is open to 8 to 40 guests per seating and offers a rare opportunity for both seasoned oenophiles and culinary adventurers to enjoy an intimate, educational, and decadent experience at sea.
Jacques: The Culinary Stage
Set within Jacques, the French fine-dining venue named after famed Master Chef Jacques Pépin, this pairing dinner is designed to reflect the ambience of an authentic Parisian bistro infused with Mediterranean elegance. Guests will enjoy white-glove service, elegant plating, and insights from Oceania’s sommeliers on each wine’s origin and profile.
Expanding Oceania’s Wine-Centric Offerings
The Gérard Bertrand dinner is part of a growing portfolio of premium wine experiences offered by Oceania Cruises, reinforcing its reputation for The Finest Cuisine at Sea™. Additional offerings include:
- Moët & Chandon Champagne Experience: A three-course tasting with rare champagnes.
- Dom Pérignon Pairing Dinner: A six-course culinary exploration with vintage champagnes.
- Connoisseur Wine Pairing Lunches: Mediterranean cuisine meets expert wine curation.
- La Reserve Dinners: Intimate wine journeys with up to eight guests.
Each program invites guests to explore global wine culture with luxury and sophistication, ensuring every voyage becomes an immersive gastronomic journey.
Why Oceania Cruises Leads in Culinary Cruising
Oceania Cruises has long stood out for its culinary focus, with onboard dining rivaling Michelin-starred establishments. From regionally inspired menus to exclusive cooking classes and shore excursions, the brand caters to travelers who crave not just luxury, but cultural enrichment through food.
The line’s commitment to small ship luxury allows for personalised service, open-seating dining, and culinary innovation across all venues. The addition of the Gérard Bertrand pairing continues this legacy.
Aboard the New Oceania Allura
Debuting in 2025, Oceania Allura is the second Allura Class vessel following Vista. With a capacity for 1,200 guests, the ship showcases next-generation luxury features, such as:
- Elevated public spaces designed with residential elegance
- Expanded Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center
- New signature restaurants and wine experiences
- Advanced sustainability measures
The Allura will sail itineraries across Europe and the Americas, making it an ideal platform for culinary storytelling at sea.
Conclusion: A Must for Culinary Travelers in 2025
With its exclusive collaboration with Gérard Bertrand, Oceania Cruises is setting a new benchmark in food and wine at sea. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a love for fine wine, or simply indulging in life’s finer pleasures, the Gérard Bertrand Food & Wine Pairing dinner is a luxurious addition to any voyage.
As bookings open for Allura’s maiden season, this extraordinary culinary experience is sure to become a highlight for epicurean travelers.
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