The excitement was palpable at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, as Oceania Cruises marked a significant milestone in the construction of its latest luxury vessel, the Allura.
This 1,200-guest ship, designed to elevate the standards of culinary and destination-focused cruising, has reached the pivotal stage of its construction known as the "float out." This momentous event, which took place on July 1, 2024, signifies that Allura has been successfully moved from the dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where her luxurious interiors will be completed.
A Moment of Reflection
The float-out ceremony was a mix of tradition and respect. Father Stefano, the shipyard’s chaplain, blessed Oceania Cruises’ Allura, marking the occasion with a solemn ceremony in honour of the recently deceased General Claudio Graziano, Chairman of Fincantieri. Caterina Romeo, a designer in Fincantieri's technical department and the shipyard's Madrina for Allura, christened the ship, bestowing blessings upon the vessel and its future passengers.
Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, expressed heartfelt sentiments: “Our hearts and minds are with the entire team at Fincantieri as they mourn the passing of General Graziano. The float out is an important moment for all at Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, as we progress closer to Allura joining our family. Now that we have completed her shell, we are excited to get started on her interior. We have lots of exciting enhancements on Allura, our eighth vessel, further elevating our offerings and firmly cementing Oceania Cruises as the only ultra-premium cruise brand.”
Entering the Final Stages
With the exterior construction complete, Allura is now transitioning to the final stages of outfitting. This phase focuses on her opulent suites, sophisticated lounges, and exceptional restaurants. Each element of the ship is designed to embody Oceania Cruises' commitment to culinary excellence and immersive destination experiences. Once complete, Allura promises to set new standards in the cruise industry, offering a refined design and innovative offerings.
Culinary Excellence Onboard
Allura’s culinary offerings are set to be unparalleled. A new onboard crêperie will serve freshly made-to-order crêpes and waffles, along with decadent ice cream sundaes in the afternoon. This venue is just one of the highlights among the ship’s extensive dining options, which include five specialty restaurants at no extra cost. Guests can look forward to dining experiences at the new signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, further showcasing Oceania Cruises’ dedication to culinary excellence.
In addition to the specialty restaurants, the ship will feature an expansive hands-on Culinary Center and an accompanying Chef's Studio, where passengers can learn culinary secrets from talented onboard chef instructors. The presence of one chef for every ten guests and 50% of crew members dedicated to culinary experiences underscores the cruise line’s commitment to providing the finest dining experiences at sea.
Luxurious Accommodations and Enrichment
Allura will boast the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, each measuring an impressive 291 square feet. The ship will also feature a luxurious new library with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, oversized chairs, and plush residential furnishings. This serene space will be located just steps away from LYNC Digital Center, the ship’s digital and social hub, and the ever-popular Horizons lounge.
Guests onboard Allura will be served by a crew of 800 members, ensuring a high level of personalised service. The ship will offer a variety of immersive shore excursions, onboard enrichment programs, art classes at Oceania Cruises' Artist Loft, guest speaker sessions, and sommelier demonstrations.
Inaugural Voyages
Allura is scheduled to enter service from Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025, with a six-day cruise to Athens, Greece. This maiden voyage will call at picturesque destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. Following the Mediterranean season, Allura will sail to Canada and New England before spending the winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. A special four-day voyage from New York City in September 2025 is also part of her inaugural collection.
Embark on a Journey with Oceania Cruises
The launch of Allura heralds a new era in luxury cruising, promising unmatched culinary experiences and immersive journeys to some of the world’s most captivating destinations. As Oceania Cruises' newest vessel, Allura is poised to set a new benchmark for ultra-premium travel.
At S.W. Black Travel, we pride ourselves on offering personalised boutique travel services tailored to your needs. For your future travel plans, please contact us. Our expert travel consultants are eager to help you create unforgettable experiences. Set sail with Oceania Cruises and let us bring your travel dreams to life.
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