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Oceania Cruises Set to Elevate Luxury Travel with Two New Cutting-Edge Dining Concepts on the Oceania Sonata, Launching in August 2027
Published on
December 3, 2025
Oceania Cruises is set to elevate luxury travel to new heights with the introduction of two groundbreaking dining concepts aboard its forthcoming ship, Oceania Sonata, launching in August 2027. These exclusive culinary experiences—La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Nikkei Kitchen—represent a significant leap in cruise dining, combining exceptional cuisine with innovative, destination-driven experiences. La Table, a fine-dining venue endorsed by the renowned Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, offers an intimate, Michelin-level experience at sea. Meanwhile, Nikkei Kitchen blends Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions, bringing a dynamic and contemporary flair to the ship’s dining options. Together, these additions reflect Oceania’s continued commitment to redefining luxury cruises by providing guests with not just world-class accommodations and destinations, but extraordinary culinary journeys that complement their voyage.
The first of these innovations is La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an ultra-exclusive fine-dining venue that will be the only restaurant at sea to be endorsed by the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (MCF), the revered association of master French chefs. This marks a historic first for any cruise line. La Table will feature an intimate dining experience, seating just 18 guests per evening. Its rotating menu will be curated by Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, both of whom are members of MCF, making Oceania Cruises the only line to have two MCF members overseeing its culinary offerings. The restaurant will also host the Dom Pérignon Experience, a signature six-course tasting menu paired with three vintage Champagnes, offering guests an unforgettable luxury experience.
The second culinary concept, Nikkei Kitchen, will bring a vibrant fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine to the ship. Nikkei cuisine, born from the blending of traditional Japanese techniques with fresh Peruvian ingredients, will celebrate the rich flavors of both cultures. The menu will feature fresh seafood, bright citrus, soy-based sauces, and bold peppers, all hallmarks of Nikkei cooking. Chef Gustavo Sugay, an expert in this dynamic cuisine, will collaborate with Chefs Quaretti and Barale to create an innovative menu that will evolve the traditional Nikkei experience. The modern, airy design of Nikkei Kitchen will feature an open kitchen, offering guests an immersive and interactive dining experience. This venue will be part of Oceania Cruises’ always-included specialty dining options, available on a first-come, first-served basis, without the need for reservations.
“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.”
These two exclusive venues will join a host of other exceptional dining options aboard Oceania Sonata. The ship will feature the elegant Grand Dining Room, as well as signature restaurants such as Jacques, which offers sophisticated French cuisine; Red Ginger, the brand’s renowned pan-Asian restaurant; Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse; and Toscana, which specializes in Italian favorites. With a diverse range of dining choices, Oceania Sonata will ensure guests have access to a variety of top-tier culinary experiences throughout their voyage.
Oceania Sonata will be the first of four new ships in the Sonata Class, marking a significant milestone in the line’s growth. The ship will carry 1,390 guests and will be the largest and most luxurious vessel in the Oceania Cruises fleet to date. It will offer spacious accommodations, with 30% of its staterooms designed as suites, catering to guests who expect the highest levels of comfort and sophistication. The ship’s design will showcase a refined aesthetic, with modern amenities and a focus on creating an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation.
Oceania Sonata is set to offer an unparalleled cruising experience, with a focus on the brand’s core passion for gastronomy, alongside luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. With its innovative dining venues, including La Table and Nikkei Kitchen, and its continued dedication to delivering The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, the new ship promises to be a true masterpiece in the world of luxury cruises.
Dining and Cooking