Home » CRUISE NEWS » Oceania Cruises Celebrates the Return of Jacques Restaurant Aboard Oceania Allura with Chef Jacques Pépin’s Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Published on
October 8, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Oceania Cruises®, renowned for its destination-driven luxury cruises, recently marked a momentous occasion with the reopening of its signature French restaurant, Jacques, aboard its newest ship, Oceania Allura™. The event was highlighted by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, graced by the restaurant’s namesake—Chef Jacques Pépin. As Oceania Cruises’ first-ever executive culinary director, Chef Pépin has played a key role in shaping the brand’s celebrated culinary philosophy.
During the ceremony, the legendary chef shared heartfelt remarks with an intimate group of guests, recounting the history of Jacques, a restaurant that first debuted aboard Oceania Marina 14 years ago. “It is a proud and deeply humbling moment to share with cherished friends, family, and colleagues,” said Chef Pépin, reflecting on his role in building the culinary legacy at Oceania Cruises. His daughter, Claudine Pépin, son-in-law Rollie Wesen, and granddaughter Shorey Wesen joined him on stage for the event. Chef Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director and Master Chef of France, also participated, marking a proud moment for the culinary community.
This event also marks the return of Jacques aboard Oceania Allura, following its success on sister ship Oceania Vista. Known for offering a sophisticated yet approachable French dining experience, Jacques remains a fan-favourite among passengers. Its menu reflects a seamless blend of time-honoured classics and bold new flavours, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience at sea.
Jacques Restaurant: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
The launch of Jacques aboard Oceania Allura brings forth a new chapter in the brand’s long-standing culinary legacy. Chef Pépin, whose partnership with the cruise line goes back to its early days, has seen Jacques evolve into a staple on Oceania’s luxury ships. He expressed his delight at witnessing the new iteration of Jacques, which combines the best of both worlds—heritage and innovation. “Oceania Cruises has built a legacy of culinary excellence, integrity, and creativity,” he stated.
For cruise enthusiasts and food lovers alike, Jacques remains a symbol of culinary craftsmanship, with each dish offering an experience that tantalizes the taste buds while reflecting the rich traditions of French cuisine. The restaurant’s legacy lives on, not just in its exceptional food but also in the bonds created between chefs, passengers, and the wider culinary community.
A New Era of Dining with Jacques’ Reimagined Menu
The reimagined Jacques menu offers both loyal guests and newcomers a variety of French-inspired dishes, expertly prepared with an artistic flair. Classic favourites such as duck with Grand Marnier-infused orange sauce, veal medallion with morel sauce, and iconic French desserts like Crêpes Suzette and profiteroles have returned to the menu, ensuring that guests can continue to enjoy the timeless tastes of Jacques.
In addition to these favourites, guests can expect new menu items that offer bold and exciting flavours. A standout new dish is the deviled egg topped with smoked trout rillette and sturgeon caviar, which combines classic French ingredients with modern twists. For a true show-stopping experience, Jacques now offers tableside service for traditional beef tartare and the decadent sea bass en croute—two dishes that are perfect for sharing.
This updated menu represents a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, blending Chef Pépin’s foundational dishes with new inspirations from Oceania Cruises’ talented culinary team. As the menu evolves, so does Jacques’ reputation as the finest dining experience at sea.
Chef Pépin’s Vision: Inspiring Future Generations
As Oceania Cruises continues to expand its fleet and its culinary offerings, Chef Pépin’s influence on the cruise line’s philosophy remains steadfast. Since the launch of Jacques on Oceania Marina in 2011, Chef Pépin has helped build a reputation for Oceania Cruises as a cruise line focused on providing “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.” His culinary philosophy is ingrained in the day-to-day operations of the ships, inspiring hundreds of chefs across the fleet.
Chef Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, expressed his honour in carrying forward Chef Pépin’s legacy. “Chef Pépin not only embodies our philosophy of serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea, but he is the patriarch of the doctrine guiding hundreds of chefs across the Oceania Cruises fleet,” said Barale. With the leadership of Chef Pépin and his successors, the culinary team ensures that every meal served aboard Oceania Cruises is a work of art that reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The Cultural Importance of French Cuisine at Sea
French cuisine has long been regarded as one of the world’s finest, and Jacques embodies the elegance and sophistication that is synonymous with the country’s culinary heritage. For Oceania Cruises, offering an authentic French dining experience is not just about serving food—it’s about delivering a cultural experience. From the traditional techniques used to prepare each dish to the impeccable service and attention to detail, Jacques offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the flavours and culture of France while sailing the seas.
As cruise lines continue to refine and expand their culinary offerings, Jacques stands as a beacon of the luxury dining experience at sea. By combining exceptional flavours with an unforgettable dining atmosphere, Oceania Cruises ensures that every meal at Jacques is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of French culture and culinary mastery.
A Bright Future for Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Innovation
With Jacques now aboard Oceania Allura, passengers can look forward to more unforgettable dining experiences. The line’s commitment to high-end cuisine and destination-focused travel ensures that guests not only enjoy world-class food but also have access to curated experiences that reflect the destinations they visit. The return of Jacques reinforces Oceania Cruises’ position as a leader in luxury cruising and culinary excellence.
For those planning a voyage with Oceania Cruises, Jacques is an experience not to be missed. Whether you are a long-time fan of the restaurant or a first-time cruiser, the reimagined menu and refined dining experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, the reopening of Jacques aboard Oceania Allura is a monumental moment for Oceania Cruises and the culinary world at large. With Chef Pépin’s leadership, the restaurant continues to set the standard for dining excellence at sea. As the cruise line continues to grow, the legacy of Jacques will undoubtedly play a key role in its future, inviting guests to experience the finest French cuisine in the world.
Dining and Cooking