Review: Oceania Allura

Having sailed twice on Oceania Cruises’ Vista (now known as Oceania Vista), I was eager to experience the upscale line’s newest ship, Oceania Allura. 

At first glance, the sister ship appears to be a carbon copy, but there are plenty of subtle changes and improvements throughout.

Onboard Dining Highlights

One such update: Jacques is back.

The eponymous restaurant from Oceania’s founding executive culinary director, Jacques Pepin, replaces Vista’s Ember, and it’s a welcome homecoming for the fine-dining-focused brand. I was surprised to see the decor of the venue had not changed since the first vessel in the series, but the refined, rustic, brick-adorned setting surrounding a faux fireplace works well for the French bistro’s return. Most importantly, the food was just as excellent as I remembered from previous ships: My lobster thermidor entree was my favorite of the whole cruise, and the new tableside-prepared beef tartare was an equally worthy starter.

This is also where passengers can find the line’s latest culinary offering, the extra-cost Gerard Bertrand Food and Wine Pairing lunch — a magnificent, six-course affair that satisfied us beyond belief with innovative yet familiar flavor profiles. The Venetian risotto riced calamari (yes, calamari prepared in the shape and texture of rice) was a perfect example, paired with premium vintages.

RELATED: Review: Oceania Cruises’ Vista 

According to the line’s current executive culinary director, Alexis Quaretti, Oceania is focused on “authenticity” as opposed to being overly “fancy.” But that’s not to say Oceania isn’t evolving.

Mostly unchanged since Vista, Red Ginger now features new Nikkei (Japanese and Peruvian) menu items. I especially enjoyed the perfectly marinated chicken anticuchos (skewers) and bright causa cevichera — Mediterranean sea bass on mashed potatoes. But my cazuela de arroz Nikkei (miso scallops) was a bit bland compared to the restaurant’s always-exceptional miso-glazed sea bass.

Loyal clients will be happy to find Toscana (Italian) and Polo Grill (steakhouse) remain on Allura, rounding out the complimentary specialty restaurant lineup. Other returning favorites include The Grand Dining Room (with updated menus), the Terrace Cafe (the buffet, with outstanding regional Chef’s Market Dinners), Waves Grill (poolside burgers and pizza) and Aquamar Kitchen (healthy alternatives).

The most noticeable upgrade from Vista is Allura’s expanded Baristas coffee shop and its bakery, which now includes an extra creperie where the library once stood (now relocated to the former conference room near the observation lounge). The result is a contiguous culinary compound, connected by a passthrough corridor, for even more delightful daily snacks, such as bubble waffles and crepes. The banoffee crepe, topped with sliced banana, salted caramel sauce and whipped cream is a must-try.

Also conveniently connected with its own passthrough (unlike on Vista) is the Founders Bar directly off the casino, allowing its bespoke cocktails to be delivered to the Grand Lounge.

Meanwhile, The Culinary Center is back, offering hands-on cooking classes. While the staff takes care of the most time-consuming prep, Oceania’s “Passport to” series has taught me enough over the years to become moderately proficient in the rest of the kitchen — including my course focused on the flavors of Greece, which I participated in during my latest sailing.

RELATED: Here’s How Oceania Cruises Is Remaining Uniquely Food-Focused From Ship to Shore

Entertainment, Accommodations and Amenities 

On the entertainment side, Allura delivers noticeable improvements. “Our World,” in particular, exceeded my expectations for small-ship performances. Backed by a live orchestra (complete with both brass and strings), the talented vocalists and dancers performed a lovely international musical showcase featuring creative mashups such as “Bamboleo”/“Volare” and “Desert Rose”/“Jai Ho.” The searing arrangements made famous by classical crossover quartet Bond also brought the house down.

Best of all, Oceania’s signature comforts carry through on Allura. Staterooms and suites, as perfected on Vista, make for marvelously configured bathrooms, generously sized showers and bedrooms, plush bedding, ample storage and plenty of electrical outlets and USB charging ports at every vanity desk and nightstand.

The cherry on top: Allura reprises Oceania’s sublime Aquamar Spa facilities (now the name behind all ship-wide toiletries) and its exquisite, resort-style pool deck, dotted with first-come-first-served shaded day beds.

Although Allura completes Oceania’s current class, the line is not resting on its laurels. A new series of four ordered ships is on the way — each touting even better passenger-to-space ratios — starting with Oceania Sonata in 2027.