OCEANIA CRUISES EXPANDS CULINARY DISCOVERY TOURS FOR 2025

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has expanded its renowned Culinary Discovery Tours™ with 12 new gourmet excursions set to launch in 2025. These chef-led tours immerse travelers in the culinary traditions of some of the world’s most captivating destinations, from Europe and Asia to North America.

The new tours span a diverse range of locations, including:

• Europe and the UK: Amsterdam, Belfast, Invergordon, Valencia, Valletta
• Asia: Kobe, Kochi, Shimizu (Japan) and Busan (South Korea)
• North America: Halifax, Quebec City, Victoria

With these additions, Oceania Cruises now offers a total of 46 Culinary Discovery Tours, available exclusively on its four larger ships: Marina™, Riviera™, Vista™, and the highly anticipated Allura™, debuting in July 2025.

Learn how Oceania Cruises elevates fine dining at sea with Allura

A Deeper Culinary Experience at Sea

The Culinary Discovery Tours™ are a key feature of Oceania Cruises' award-winning food-focused enrichment program. Led by expert Chef Instructors, these small-group experiences (limited to just 18 guests) go beyond traditional sightseeing, offering behind-the-scenes access to local markets, hands-on cooking classes, and exclusive restaurant experiences.



From foraging for wild sea herbs on Belfast’s rugged coastline to savoring a plant-to-plate lunch in an Amsterdam greenhouse, each tour allows travelers to engage deeply with local food culture.

Read our companion culinary article - Jacques Restaurant expands on Oceanias new ship

Learn more about Oceania Cruises inaugural 'Culinary Masters' Cruise

New Culinary Discovery Tour Highlights

Kobe: A Deep Dive into Japanese Knife-Making and Wagyu (6 Hours)

Experience the mastery behind Japanese kitchen knives, with an exclusive look at their traditional forging process. Witness how chefs use these precision tools before indulging in a teppanyaki feast of premium wagyu beef at Teppan Grill Keyaki, overlooking Osaka Castle.

Busan: Exploring Korea's Seafood Markets (4 Hours)

Navigate the legendary Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, with a Chef Instructor. Guests will identify exotic marine delicacies using a "seafood treasure map" before stopping at Gukje Market for gourmet ingredients. The experience concludes with a hands-on cooking class on board.

Belfast: Coastal Flavors of County Down (4.5 Hours)

Join Chef Paul Cunningham, a competitor on Great British Menu, for a foraging adventure along the Irish coast. Sample freshly harvested mussels and oysters before dining on his signature seafood chowder paired with a pint of Guinness.

Halifax: A Taste of Nova Scotia - Cider & Chowder (3 Hours)

Embark on a journey through Nova Scotia’s renowned "chowder trail," beginning with a tasting at an artisanal cider taproom. Sample four unique ciders, including cranberry cider and a watermelon cider mimosa, before indulging in a chef-prepared seafood chowder.

Invergordon: Scottish Foraging & Cooking Class (4 Hours)

Visit a local butcher and organic farm to source fresh ingredients for a traditional Scottish Cullen Skink chowder. The experience concludes with a hands-on cooking class aboard the ship

Valletta: Artisanal Maltese Treasures (3 Hours)

Discover the flavors of Malta in a stunning grotto-turned-restaurant. Learn to prepare traditional pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or curried peas) while sampling local wines and cheeses.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises, shared:

"Our guests seek more than just incredible cuisine – they crave authentic connections with food, culture, and people. The Culinary Discovery Tours are truly behind-the-scenes experiences, guided by top chefs who bring each destination to life through its culinary heritage."

Read our Oceania Cruises Riviera Cruise Review

Chef Kathryn Kelly: A Visionary in Culinary Enrichment

Chef Kathryn Kelly, Director of Culinary Enrichment, is the visionary behind Oceania Cruises’ The Culinary Center and the driving force behind the development of the Culinary Discovery Tours.

About Chef Kathryn Kelly

Chef Kelly has curated over 100 unique culinary classes, shaping Oceania Cruises' industry-leading food enrichment programs. She serves on the Culinary Advisory Board alongside Master Chef Jacques Pépin, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, and Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale.



Before pursuing her passion for the culinary arts, Chef Kelly had a distinguished career in public health, earning a doctoral degree in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins and two master's degrees in Community Medicine and Biostatistics. She later graduated with honors from The Culinary Institute of America and has since become a global advocate for culinary education.

 Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® is the world's premier culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, known for its luxurious small ships, exceptional cuisine, and immersive travel experiences. With a fleet of eight designer-inspired ships, Oceania Cruises visits more than 600 destinations across seven continents, offering voyages from seven to 200+ days.

Each Oceania Cruises ship features The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, with menus crafted by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. The line's culinary innovation extends beyond its onboard experiences to include exclusive shore excursions, such as the Culinary Discovery Tours™, which provide an insider’s perspective on global food culture.

Oceania Cruises boasts a fleet of luxurious ships, each offering unique experiences for travellers.

• Regatta: Launched in 1998.
• Insignia: Launched in 1998.
• Nautica: Launched in 2000.
• Sirena: Launched in 1999.
• Marina: Launched in 2011.
• Riviera: Launched in 2012.
• Vista: Launched in 2023.
• Allura: Scheduled to debut in July 2025.

Each ship reflects Oceania Cruises' commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences and destination-focused itineraries.

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