Brought to you by Oceania Cruises

Yes, one of the biggest questions when booking a cruise is: where are we headed? But perhaps equally important for the foodies in the room is: what are we eating on this cruise? And it’s a good question! Because, while cruise ships will take you to gorgeous and exotic places, part of the adventure is the on-board experience. The team at Oceania Cruises is well aware of this fact, which is why they strive to offer a range of services – including exceptional culinary programmes, led by Chef Alexis Quaretti.

Previously a senior executive chef for Oceania Cruises, Chef Alexis has also gained extensive experience at various Michelin-starred restaurants in France. But earlier this year, he returned to the cruise world as the director of culinary programmes and development at Oceania Cruises. The blend of food and travel is a natural fit for the chef, who says he does a lot of research by travelling around the world. “When I join ships, I spend time in the city, eating in the destination, and then try to replicate the flavours, giving them our own signature.”

Chef Alexis says they’ll also work with chefs who specialise in a particular cuisine, to give guests as authentic an experience as possible.

Succulent prime rib from the Polo Grill restaurant

The life of a chef on the sea

Being a chef on-board a ship comes with unique challenges and Chef Alexis says when evaluating a new dish, he always has to ask himself: “Can I adapt it to the chef’s operations?”

“There are certain specifications and constraints within which we have to operate. For example, we are not allowed to have food come into contact with wood,” he explains. Time and incorporating local ingredients are other factors to bear in mind.

“I, myself, have been known to go fishing at 4am in Polynesia to source the finest, freshest seafood, and we’ll be introducing new prime Galicia beef cuts from the Basque Butcher on-board the Vista,” Chef Alexis shares as two examples.

This sort of attention to detail is very much in line with what Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista, will be offering its guests. The stylish design and harmonious spaces evoke the wonders guests will discover ashore right on board the ship, with The Finest Cuisine at Sea^®, along with several unique dining experiences, part of the experience. Vista will be launching in May 2023.

Must-try dishes on your next cruise

So with the vast range of restaurants and cuisines on-board an Oceania cruise liner, which ones should you add to your bucket list?

Chef Alexis says items such as their baguettes and croissants are always popular because they use flour that is specially made for them in France, and they’re working on a new French bakery concept.

If you love Asian food, the miso-glazed sea bass and watermelon-and-duck salad at the Red Ginger restaurant is a must. For French food, head to Jacques for the soufflé and foie gras, and for Italian, try the lasagne and tiramisu.

The watermelon-and-duck salad from Red Ginger

“In the case of the latter, we experimented with removing the tiramisu from the menu once upon a time, but quickly reinstated it when our guests demanded its return!” says Chef Alexis.

For more info or to book you next Oceania cruise, contact your nearest travel agent or visit www.oceaniacruises.com.

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