Oceania Cruises, known for its dedication to fine dining and culinary excellence, has announced two key appointments to its newly formed Culinary Advisory Board: Sara Moulton, renowned chef, cookbook author, and television personality, and Kathryn Kelly, Oceania Cruises’ Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment. These two accomplished chefs join an esteemed lineup led by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, Giada De Laurentiis, and the line’s Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale. This new initiative aims to deepen Oceania Cruises’ commitment to offering the Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
With the Culinary Advisory Board now in place, Oceania Cruises is poised to further elevate its culinary enrichment programs. Both Chefs Kelly and Moulton bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for creating engaging, hands-on culinary experiences that resonate with travellers who seek more than just luxury—they seek learning and discovery through gastronomy.
Chef Kathryn Kelly: A Visionary in Culinary Enrichment at Sea
Chef Kathryn Kelly is a trailblazer in the world of culinary education at sea. As the founder of The Culinary Center, the first hands-on cooking school to be offered aboard a cruise ship, she revolutionised the way guests engage with food while travelling. Since its debut in 2011 on Oceania Cruises’ Marina™, the Culinary Center has offered over 100 unique culinary classes, with Chef Kelly overseeing a talented team of Chef Instructors.
One of Chef Kelly’s most popular initiatives is the creation of Culinary Discovery Tours™, which offer guests immersive, chef-led excursions in more than 40 destinations around the world. These tours allow travellers to explore local food markets, sample regional cuisine, and even bring their discoveries back to the ship to cook dishes inspired by their culinary adventures.
After pivoting from a career in healthcare, Chef Kelly pursued her culinary dreams, graduating with honours from the Culinary Institute of America. Her passion for adult learning and culinary exploration has enriched the travel experience for thousands of Oceania Cruises guests. Chef Kelly’s contributions to the Culinary Advisory Board will help further integrate hands-on learning experiences and gastronomic discovery into the heart of the Oceania Cruises experience.
Sara Moulton: A TV Personality and Culinary Pioneer
Sara Moulton brings an extraordinary level of expertise to Oceania Cruises, shaped by her illustrious career as a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. As a protégé of Julia Child and a friend of Jacques Pépin, Moulton’s culinary journey is deeply intertwined with some of the most iconic figures in the food world. Her warm, accessible style and dedication to teaching have made her a beloved figure on public television.
Moulton’s television series, "Sara’s Weeknight Meals," has been sponsored by Oceania Cruises since 2018, with several episodes filmed aboard the line’s luxurious ships. Known for her ability to translate complex culinary techniques into approachable recipes, Moulton has led numerous specialty cruises aboard Oceania, engaging guests with cooking demonstrations, culinary tours, and hands-on learning sessions.
Her close connections to both Julia Child and Jacques Pépin—along with her experience hosting thousands of cooking show episodes—make Moulton an invaluable addition to the Culinary Advisory Board. With her focus on making gourmet cooking accessible to all, Moulton will play a vital role in shaping the direction of Oceania Cruises’ culinary offerings.
Enhancing Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Legacy
As Oceania Cruises prepares to launch its newest ship, Allura™, in 2025, the Culinary Advisory Board is tasked with ensuring the line’s culinary program remains at the forefront of the industry. Under the guidance of Chefs Kelly and Moulton, along with Master Chefs Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale, Oceania will continue to expand its culinary offerings, focusing not only on world-class dining but also on culinary education and experiential travel.
The Culinary Center, along with Culinary Discovery Tours™, will continue to evolve, with more classes and tours planned across the fleet. As Chefs Kelly and Moulton take on leadership roles within the Culinary Advisory Board, guests can expect even more dynamic, inclusive culinary experiences both on board and in port.
Oceania’s philosophy of “built by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies” is reflected in every aspect of the cruise line’s dining experience. From fine dining restaurants like Polo Grill and Toscana to more exclusive venues such as Privée and La Reserve, guests are treated to exquisite culinary journeys curated by the world’s most talented chefs.
A Culinary Future Rooted in Expertise and Innovation
With the addition of Sara Moulton and Kathryn Kelly to the Culinary Advisory Board, Oceania Cruises is positioned to deepen its commitment to offering not just the Finest Cuisine at Sea® but also the finest culinary learning experiences. As Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, notes, “Both chefs bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a desire to inspire others to discover the world through gastronomy.”
The culinary program at Oceania Cruises is set to grow, with more acclaimed chefs and artisans expected to join the Culinary Advisory Board in the coming months. Together, they will help shape the future of dining at sea, ensuring that every meal on board is an opportunity for guests to learn, taste, and connect with the world through food.
For more information on Oceania Cruises’ culinary offerings or to experience a culinary-focused voyage, book a call with a travel adviser today. Let us at S.W. Black Travel to plan your perfect getaway, crafting a journey filled with delicious discoveries and unforgettable culinary experiences.
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