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April 30, 2025

Oceania Cruises expands its range of gastronomic experiences with new culinary excursions planned for 2025, further enriching its travel program for food lovers. 

These new proposals offer guests the opportunity to enjoy immersive experiences that combine the discovery of local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and interaction with industry experts, making the journey not just a leisure activity, but also a cultural and sensory enrichment. 

In Kobe, Japan, guests will observe the craftsmanship of artisans forging traditional kitchen knives, followed by a refined dinner at Teppan Grill Keyaki, overlooking Osaka Castle. In Busan, South Korea, the itinerary leads through the famous Jagalchi Market to select ultra-fresh ingredients and continues to the Gukje Market before returning onboard for a Korean cooking class.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, offers an authentic taste of County Down’s coastline with Chef Paul Cunningham, who will guide guests through oyster farms and a seafood chowder tasting, paired with a pint of Guinness. In Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada), the experience is dedicated to the “chowder trail” and artisanal ciders: a selection of unique ciders introduces the visit to a Dartmouth restaurant to discover local cuisine. 

In Scotland, the excursion in Invergordon combines foraging with a hands-on onboard class, where guests will prepare the traditional Cullen Skink soup after purchasing fresh ingredients from local markets. In Malta, the culinary journey weaves through an ancient bakery in Rabat to learn the art of bread-making, ending at the evocative Grotto Tavern—a restaurant carved into a cave—where guests will enjoy local specialties like pastizzi, paired with traditional cheeses and wines. 

With the addition of these new itineraries, Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Discovery Tours program now includes a total of 46 exclusive experiences, available aboard the ships Marina, Riviera, Vista, and the new Allura, debuting in July 2025. 

The main goal of these unique experiences is to offer learning opportunities that go beyond simply “tasting” allowing participants to gain deep knowledge of local ingredients, traditions, and preparation techniques. 

The Culinary Discovery Tours are part of a broader culinary enrichment program that also includes The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school at sea. This state-of-the-art teaching space allows guests to experiment directly with gourmet preparations, guided by highly qualified Chef Instructors. 

Each tour, limited to a maximum of 18 participants at a time, guarantees an intimate and personalized experience where guests can visit local markets, attend exclusive demonstrations, and practice the techniques learned—both on board and ashore. 

The new excursions include authentic and engaging experiences, allowing travelers to deeply connect with local culinary culture. In Belfast, for example, participants will forage wild herbs along the coast and learn how to turn them into delicious dishes. 

In Amsterdam, an immersive greenhouse experience allows guests to harvest fresh ingredients and use them immediately to create authentic recipes. In Kobe, visitors can witness the artisanal crafting of traditional kitchen knives, followed by a teppanyaki dinner featuring premium wagyu beef.

In Kochi, guests will discover the flame-grilling technique of bonito, a fish typical of local cuisine. Valencia offers a unique experience with a boat ride through the rice fields to uncover the secrets of authentic paella, while in Busan, the tour leads to the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market, where participants will select fresh ingredients to prepare traditional Korean dishes. 

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, emphasized how these experiences are designed for those who seek more than just culinary tourism, aiming for authentic connections between food, culture, and people. With guidance from expert chefs, passengers will not only explore new destinations but also gain practical skills they can bring into their own kitchens, making the trip both an educational and inspiring experience. 

These exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours were conceived and developed by Chef Kathryn Kelly, Director of Culinary Enrichment at Oceania Cruises and founder of The Culinary Center. Convinced that food is a universal means of connection, Chef Kelly designed the excursions to provide experiences that not only leave a lasting memory but also offer deeper understanding of the cultures visited. 

Each stop is crafted to offer full immersion into the local gastronomy, providing guests with an authentic taste of the traditions and stories behind every dish. With its combination of luxury, exclusive culinary exploration, and an unparalleled gastronomic offering, Oceania Cruises confirms its place as a major player in the high-end cruise sector. 

For those who seek a journey that blends the joy of culinary discovery with the comfort of a luxury cruise, these new experiences represent an unmissable opportunity. 

Don’t miss more updates, news, and cruises from Oceania Cruises on our website, Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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