Oceania hangs it’s hat, or rather it’s toque, on it’s culinary reputation, endorsed by Jacques Pépin and Bon Appétit, and it is a source of pride both at the dining table and in the classroom, where it offers the first ever at sea, hands-on culinary center that is absolute state-of-the-art. Available only on their custom built larger ships, Marina and Riviera, it is one of the reasons I would choose to cruise these vessels, as this program is so far unsurpassed, and a fun way to spend time during days at sea. The center is equipped with twelve cooking stations to accommodate two people each, complete with sink, two-burner induction cooktop, cooking utensils, and an able staff to prepare each station with mise en place, appropriate cookware, cutlery, and provide dishwashing.
A wide variety of classes are offered on sea days, a different one in the morning and afternoon, each lasting about two hours, and are packed with tips, techniques, knife skills, tastes, recipes, and camaraderie, taught by highly professional, approachable and fun CIA-trained chefs. If you ever think you have already learned it all…think again.
