Thursday, May 29, 2025
Oceania Cruises Unveils Exclusive 2026 Specialty Cruises Featuring Culinary Icons and Immersive Experiences
Oceania Cruises, renowned worldwide for its focus on exceptional cuisine and enriching destination experiences, has announced its highly anticipated 2026 Specialty Cruises lineup. These unique voyages combine expert-led onboard programming with thoughtfully curated itineraries, offering travelers the chance to explore captivating ports across the globe while indulging in world-class culinary delights. Guests will enjoy exclusive events, intimate shore excursions, and meaningful cultural interactions, all crafted to elevate the cruising experience to new heights.
The 2026 Specialty Cruises showcase Oceania’s commitment to immersive travel and outstanding gastronomy. Returning to lead these voyages are celebrated culinary personalities including Claudine Pépin and Sara Moulton, alongside Oceania’s own Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. Their expertise will guide guests through interactive cooking demonstrations, lively discussions, and chef-hosted dinners, making each journey a feast for the senses.
One of the highlights is the Sara Moulton Cruise, a 12-day culinary adventure sailing from Lisbon to Paris aboard the elegant Oceania Marina. Departing May 12, 2026, this voyage invites guests to join celebrated chef, author, and television host Sara Moulton, a valued member of Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Advisory Board. Throughout the trip, Moulton will share her passion and knowledge through special events and select shore excursions. Diners will savor carefully curated menus in The Grand Dining Room, designed by Moulton herself, elevating every meal to a memorable experience.
In July 2026, the Oceania Riviera sets sail on a 12-day journey from Seattle to Seattle, hosted by acclaimed cookbook author Claudine Pépin. As godmother of the Oceania Sirena and president of the Jacques Pépin Foundation, Pépin brings her warmth and expertise to the ship. Guests will engage in exclusive activities, including Q&A sessions, cooking demonstrations, and a Chef’s Market Dinner celebrating the finest fresh ingredients. Pépin will also lead select shore excursions, allowing travelers to explore destinations through the eyes of a culinary master.
“At Oceania Cruises, we believe that travel is most memorable when it engages all the senses and our 2026 Specialty Cruises are a perfect embodiment of that philosophy,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “With the return of celebrated culinary talents like Claudine Pépin and Sara Moulton, along with our own Master Chefs of France, these voyages offer guests opportunities to enjoy the finest cuisine, discover rich cultures, and create lasting connections both on board and ashore. We are still working to confirm the last details for a couple more Specialty Cruises for 2026 and will share details of these, and more on the engaging onboard events, in the coming months.”
September’s Culinary Luminaries Cruise offers an unparalleled 10-day voyage from Belfast to Lisbon aboard the Oceania Marina. This itinerary is hosted by Oceania’s Executive Culinary Directors, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, both Master Chefs of France. Food lovers will delight in vineyard visits beyond Bordeaux, including a special tour of Cognac’s historic cellars at Château Royal de Cognac. Onboard, guests can participate in live cooking demonstrations, destination-themed Chef’s Market Dinners at the Terrace Café, and engaging culinary panel discussions that deepen appreciation for regional flavors and traditions.
Rounding out the 2026 Specialty Cruises is the exclusive Oceania Club Reunion Cruise, a 10-day Mediterranean journey from Barcelona to Rome departing November 5 aboard the Oceania Marina. Hosted by Neli Arias, Head of the Oceania Club, alongside other team members, this elegant voyage celebrates the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean. Highlights include an enchanting evening at the iconic 1863 Casino de Monte Carlo, featuring a multi-course meal in the luxurious Salon Rosé with stunning sea views. Guests will also enjoy Oceania Cruises’ signature gala brunches, cocktail receptions, exclusive dinners, and curated shore excursions revealing both famous landmarks and hidden gems throughout the region.
Each 2026 Specialty Cruise embodies Oceania Cruises’ passion for creating transformative travel experiences that blend cultural immersion with culinary excellence. From the icy beauty of Alaska to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines, these voyages offer diverse itineraries designed to satisfy every traveler’s wanderlust and palate.
Onboard programming goes beyond traditional cruising. Guests can expect dynamic cooking demonstrations by world-class chefs, enlightening guest speaker sessions on regional history and culture, and unique dining events that highlight local ingredients and culinary traditions. Shore excursions are carefully selected and often hosted by the featured chefs themselves, providing rare access to local markets, vineyards, and artisan producers.
Oceania Cruises continues to lead the luxury cruise industry by seamlessly integrating gourmet cuisine and cultural discovery. The 2026 Specialty Cruises represent the pinnacle of this philosophy, offering travelers meaningful connections with destinations, the opportunity to learn from renowned culinary experts, and the indulgence of exquisite dining in elegant surroundings.
Whether guests seek to journey through Europe’s storied landscapes with iconic chefs or reunite with fellow Oceania enthusiasts in the Mediterranean’s dazzling settings, these Specialty Cruises promise unforgettable moments and lifelong memories. Booking for the 2026 voyages is now open, inviting discerning travelers to secure their place on these exceptional culinary and cultural adventures.
With its unmatched blend of world-class cuisine, expert hosts, and carefully crafted itineraries, Oceania Cruises’ 2026 Specialty Cruises set a new standard for immersive luxury travel. Guests can look forward to exploring the globe’s most captivating destinations while celebrating the art of food, friendship, and discovery at sea.