CRUISES

Oceania Cruises® Reveals Two All-New Culinary Concepts Debuting Aboard Oceania Sonata™

Oceania Cruises will debut two new dining venues aboard Oceania Sonata in 2027: the ultra-exclusive La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France for 18 guests, and Nikkei Kitchen, celebrating Peruvian-Japanese fusion. The chef-led concepts mark a major step in the brand’s next-generation culinary evolution. (Image: Oceania Cruises)

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Oceania Cruises

09 December 2025. 

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, has revealed two spectacular new dining concepts that will debut aboard Oceania Sonata, the first ship in its highly anticipated Sonata Class, set to launch in August 2027. The announcement was made during a press conference at ILTM Cannes and signals a bold new chapter in the brand’s celebrated culinary evolution.

The two concepts — La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen — represent chef-driven passion projects designed to elevate luxury dining at sea to unprecedented heights.

(Image Source)

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Images: Oceania

La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France: The Most Exclusive Restaurant at Sea

La Table will stand as the most intimate and prestigious fine-dining venue ever introduced aboard a cruise ship. Seating just 18 guests per evening, the restaurant will be the only dining venue at sea officially launched under the seal of approval of the legendary Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (MCF) — a globally revered gastronomic association dedicated to safeguarding the heritage and excellence of French cuisine.

This groundbreaking partnership marks a world first for the cruise industry and further strengthens Oceania Cruises’ long-standing ties with elite culinary institutions. The line’s two Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, are both distinguished members of MCF, making Oceania Cruises the only cruise brand in the world with two Master Chefs of France at the helm of its global culinary program.

La Table will feature a rotating series of meticulously crafted tasting menus created by Chefs Quaretti and Barale in collaboration with a rotating roster of invited Master Chefs from France and beyond. The venue will also host the return of Oceania Cruises’ celebrated Dom Pérignon Experience, a six-course dégustation paired with three rare vintage Champagnes.

This nightly, reservations-only dining experience will be offered with a surcharge and promises an unparalleled journey through the artistry of French haute cuisine.

Nikkei Kitchen: A Bold Fusion of Peru and Japan

Joining La Table is Nikkei Kitchen, a dynamic new evening dining venue dedicated to the vibrant fusion of Peruvian ingredients and refined Japanese culinary technique. Rooted in the cultural blending that began in the late 19th century when Japanese immigrants settled in Peru, Nikkei cuisine is celebrated for its bold citrus, pristine seafood, umami-rich sauces and subtle heat.

The Nikkei Kitchen menu is being developed with the expertise of Chef Gustavo Sugay, a specialist with over 20 years of experience in the genre. Over the past year, Chef Sugay has collaborated with Oceania Cruises to introduce a series of Nikkei-inspired dishes at the line’s signature pan-Asian restaurant, Red Ginger, to outstanding guest acclaim.

Aboard Oceania Sonata, Nikkei Kitchen will offer a fresh, experimental menu that honors both culinary traditions while embracing modern creativity. Its bright, contemporary interior and open kitchen design will reflect the light, expressive nature of the cuisine. Unlike La Table, Nikkei Kitchen will be included in the cruise fare and operate on a capacity-controlled, first-come basis with no reservations required.

A New Culinary Era for Oceania Cruises

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said the new concepts represent the future vision of the brand’s culinary leadership:

“Oceania Sonata gives us a unique opportunity to reimagine the next era of our culinary program while continuing to deliver the dining experiences our guests treasure. La Table and Nikkei Kitchen perfectly reflect our philosophy of pairing world-class chefs with the creative freedom to push boundaries. These venues embody our relentless pursuit of innovation and our commitment to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”

Chef Alexis Quaretti added:

“These are not simply new restaurants — they represent our shared passion for craftsmanship, heritage and bold creativity. La Table allows us to honor the legacy of French gastronomy and move it forward in exciting ways, while Nikkei Kitchen gives us a canvas to explore vibrant global flavors in fresh, unexpected forms.”

Oceania Sonata and the New Sonata Class

Oceania Sonata will be the ninth ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet and the first of four 1,390-guest Sonata Class vessels, with sister ships scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2032 and 2035. Designed as the most spacious and amenity-rich ships the line has ever built, 30% of accommodations will be suites, underscoring the brand’s elevated luxury positioning.

In addition to La Table and Nikkei Kitchen, Oceania Sonata will feature ten established culinary venues beloved by guests, including:

• The Grand Dining Room

• Jacques (French fine dining)

• Red Ginger (pan-Asian)

• Polo Grill (classic steakhouse)

• Toscana (Italian specialties)

Each ship in the Sonata Class will continue Oceania Cruises’ long-standing reputation for destination-rich itineraries, intimate onboard atmosphere, and culinary excellence.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, operating a fleet of small, elegant ships carrying no more than 1,250 guests. The line sails to over 600 ports in more than 100 countries across all seven continents, offering voyages ranging from seven days to extended global journeys exceeding 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.