Oceania has described its eighth ship – and the second in its Allura class – as ‘the most innovative and luxurious to date’. Rebecca Barnes went on board to find out if it lives up to the claim.
Oceania is already well-known for its best-in-class ratio of two staff members for every three guests, and one chef for every eight passengers, and it’s a favourite of those who seek upscale cruising on small, designer-styled ships.
One of Oceania unique selling points is its food, and those who enjoy gourmet cuisine will be pleased to know that the majority of dining options are included in the cruise fare, along with tips, wifi and soft drinks.
A foodie highlights is the Culinary Center, which was also the first-ever hands-on cookery school at sea when it launched in 2011. On Allura, there are 24 cooking stations and more than 60 classes – I joined a class led by executive chef Kathryn Kelly and made a perfectly edible lemon spaghetti dish and crêpes Suzette, which was a triumph for this amateur cook.
Other activities include the interactive culinary space The Chef’s Studio, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, a jogging track, cultural and destination enrichment, a spa offering a menu of rather spendy treatments, and of course, the main pool and sundeck.
There are no large-scale theatre productions, like you’d find on larger ships, but I did catch a couple of shows in the Allura Lounge.
What’s new?
Like sister ship Vista, Allura is a step up in contemporary styling and understated luxury compared to the line’s older vessels, and it’s easy to navigate. I certainly noticed the subtle differences, including the original artworks on the walls and a lighter, more airy feel in some venues.
With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an air of a private member’s den, The Library is in a tranquil new location near the new LYNC Digital Centre, which offers complimentary classes spanning smartphone photography to social media and photo editing.
Unsurprisingly, much of the newness comes from culinary innovation. My sugar cravings were satisfied at The Crêperie, which serves treats including crêpes Suzette and Bruxelles waffles, while one of my personal favourites, the Pan Asian restaurant Red Ginger, features 12 new Nikkei dishes celebrating the best of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, along with a lighter décor.
As an aside, if you do dine here, be sure to order the legendary lobster pad Thai, which, according to Executive Culinary Director Alexis Quaretti, will never be taken off the menu.
Indoor-outdoor buffet venue Terrace Cafe now includes a sushi bar, an Indian Corner, and new Mediterranean lunch options. I tended to gravitate to the terrace for breakfast or lunch with a side of vitamin sea.
Lovers of fine wine have not been overlooked: the new Gerard Bertrand Wine Pairing Luncheon provides a sommelier-curated journey through the portfolio of the celebrated French winemaker.
The accommodation
There are six accommodation categories, and Allura claims to offer the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, measuring more than 290 square feet – typically 10% larger than other lines. All accommodation is outside-facing — there are no inside staterooms.
The colour palette is neutral with accents of deep blue, and guests can expect elite beds, spacious marble bathrooms with roomy walk-in showers, ample storage and Aquamar Spa Collection amenities including bath products, robes, and slippers.
My well-appointed and super stylish Penthouse Suite, on deck 11, right opposite the Executive Lounge, had a boutique feel, with a large terrace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with double vanity basins. I loved the blue motion-activated nightlight and bedside USB ports.
It’s worth booking a suite for the perks, and there are many advantages to scaling up: guests booked into suites (Owner’s, Vista, Oceania and Penthouse) enjoy priority luggage delivery, Executive Lounge access and 24-hour butler service amongst other privileges, while Concierge Level guests enjoy free laundry service, an expanded room service menu, access to the Concierge Lounge, and unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace.
Food and drink
With half of the ship’s crew dedicated to culinary operations, the cruise line serving ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’ is owning its rather bold claim: on Allura you’ll find bread freshly made three times a day (and it’s bloody good, too), and revamped versions of much-loved dishes, including more than 270 new recipes in the Grand Dining Room.
The return of beloved signature French restaurant Jacques is a highlight, as it enters a new chapter with refreshed menus and immersive touches, including tableside preparation of hand-cut beef tartare. The food here is indeed excellent, with the herb-roasted lamb rack and goat’s cheese soufflé two of my personal favourites.
Other signature venues including Toscana, Polo Grill, Aquamar Kitchen, Baristas, The Bakery and Waves Grill means there’s temptation literally around every corner. The Chef’s Market Dinners showcase regional cuisine inspired by the ship’s itinerary, while the rather OTT Gala brunches (on selected sailings) have enough food to feed an entire ship for a week — think kilos of seafood and desserts as far as the eye can see — and did make me wonder about wastage.
Guests can also enjoy cocktail programmes, mixology experiences and food and wine pairing experiences including the truly special Dom Perignon Experience, which I have been lucky enough to try (it’s a hard job…) and pairs three champagne vintages with a six-course dinner; The Odyssey Menu, seven-courses of global flavours paired with fine wines; and Private Dining in Privée — multi-course wine pairing dinners for just eight guests per evening.
Where Allura sails
The inaugural season includes 26 cruises across 92 destinations, including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Canada and New England.
Top Tips
-
Allura is a great choice for wellness fans: one of my favourite tranquil spots is the Aquamar Spa Terrace, which has a large hydrotherapy pool with massage jets, plus hot tubs and loungers for relaxing before or after a spa treatment.
-
With smoothies, avocado toast and my go-to energy bowls on the menu, Aquamar Kitchen offers healthier alternatives for those counting cruise calories, although the spicy Indian chai tea was surprisingly in the form of a rather basic tea bag. Also, look out for the Aquamar Vitality Cuisine options on the Grand Dining Room menu.
-
For the most creative cocktails, check out Founders Bar. Want to snap a shot for the ‘gram? Ask for a ‘Luna’, containing Bombay Bramble gin, limoncello, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice and egg white — a bubble is balanced on top of the drink which magically bursts, leaving a trail of smoke. Post dinner drink and dance? Head to Horizons on deck 14.
Images courtesy of Rebecca Barnes
