Home » CRUISE NEWS » Oceania Sonata to Introduce Exclusive French Fine Dining and Vibrant Peruvian-Japanese Cuisine at Sea
Published on
December 3, 2025
Oceania Cruises®, globally recognized as a leader in culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruising, is set to elevate its onboard dining experiences with the introduction of two groundbreaking culinary concepts aboard its next-generation ship, Oceania Sonata. Slated for launch in August 2027, the announcement was made during a press conference at ILTM Cannes, highlighting the cruise line’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gourmet innovation at sea.
Oceania Sonata will debut La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, the most exclusive fine-dining restaurant ever featured on a cruise ship, alongside Nikkei Kitchen, an evening dining venue celebrating the vibrant fusion of Peruvian flavors with refined Japanese culinary techniques. Together, these two experiences promise to offer guests unprecedented gastronomic journeys, each reflecting Oceania Cruises’ signature blend of elegance, innovation, and authenticity.
La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France: A Global First in Luxury Cruise Dining
La Table will be a world-first in the cruise industry, earning the coveted seal of approval from the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (MCF), an internationally renowned association dedicated to preserving and promoting French culinary arts. This partnership marks an unprecedented milestone, with Oceania Cruises becoming the only cruise line in history to feature two MCF members as Executive Culinary Directors—Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale—overseeing its onboard culinary program.
Seating just 18 guests, La Table offers an intimate, elegantly appointed environment where diners will experience meticulously curated menus crafted in collaboration with a rotating roster of master French chefs from around the globe. Among its signature offerings is the celebrated Dom Pérignon Experience, a luxurious six-course tasting menu expertly paired with three vintage Champagnes, reaffirming Oceania Cruises’ reputation for delivering unmatched epicurean indulgence at sea.
Nikkei Kitchen: A Journey of Peruvian-Japanese Culinary Fusion
Complementing La Table, Nikkei Kitchen brings the dynamic and colorful world of Nikkei cuisine to Oceania Sonata. This culinary movement, born in the late 19th century when Japanese immigrants adapted their traditional recipes with Peruvian ingredients, is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh seafood, citrus notes, soy-based sauces, and subtle spice.
The menu for Nikkei Kitchen has been crafted in collaboration with Chef Gustavo Sugay, a celebrated expert with over 20 years of experience in this unique culinary style, alongside Chefs Quaretti and Barale. Guests can expect a selection of twelve innovative dishes that pay homage to the cultural heritage of both Peru and Japan, while embracing modern culinary experimentation. Designed with a bright, airy interior and an open kitchen concept, Nikkei Kitchen reflects the freshness and creativity of the dishes it serves, offering a casual yet refined dining atmosphere that complements Oceania Cruises’ always-included specialty dining program.
“Oceania Sonata represents an incredible opportunity to reimagine the future of our culinary program, while still offering the culinary concepts our guests know and love,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “La Table and Nikkei Kitchen are emblematic of what sets Oceania Cruises apart, thanks to our ability to pair world-class culinary talent with the creative freedom that results in unforgettable dining experiences. These new culinary concepts reflect our continued commitment to innovation, and our commitment to serve The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”
Chef Quaretti commented: “These restaurants are not just simply new onboard venues; they are the embodiment of Chef Barale’s and my shared dedication to our culinary craft, and we are so excited to share more about these special experiences in the coming months. La Table has allowed us to create a dining experience that honors the heritage of French gastronomy, a cuisine that we are passionate about, and propels it forward. With the addition of Nikkei Kitchen, we’re able to celebrate bold, global flavors in unexpected, fresh ways.”
Dining Excellence Across Oceania Sonata
In addition to these two new culinary highlights, Oceania Sonata will feature ten of the line’s signature dining experiences, including the Grand Dining Room, the sophisticated French restaurant Jacques, the pan-Asian Red Ginger, the classic Polo Grill steakhouse, and the Italian specialty restaurant Toscana. These venues reinforce Oceania Cruises’ dedication to delivering The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, ensuring that every passenger experiences a journey defined by gastronomic excellence.
Oceania Sonata: A Next-Generation Cruise Experience
Oceania Sonata will be the ninth ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet and the first of four 1,390-guest vessels in the new Sonata Class. Designed to offer the most spacious accommodations in the line’s history, 30% of all cabins will be suites, providing unparalleled comfort and luxury. Beyond its culinary offerings, the ship promises an array of world-class amenities, elegant design, and immersive experiences that capture the spirit of travel and exploration.
With its debut in August 2027, Oceania Sonata is poised to redefine the standard of luxury cruising, blending innovative dining, cultural sophistication, and exceptional comfort. Guests can look forward to a voyage where every meal becomes a celebration, every detail is meticulously crafted, and every experience embodies the essence of refined travel at sea.
Dining and Cooking