Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis has been announced as Oceania Cruises Brand and Culinary Ambassador.

The Italian-American chef, author and restaurateur will co-chair a new culinary advisory board alongside Master Chef Jacques Pépin with support from Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Directors chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale.

The Culinary Advisory Board will focus on guiding, developing and reinforcing Oceania Cruises’ commitment to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea.

This role will also include inviting acclaimed chefs and artisans from around the world to join the initiative as Oceania Cruises develops the next chapter in its culinary legacy.

“Having set sail with Oceania Cruises as Godmother of Vista, I immediately connected with the line’s extraordinary commitment to food and the entire dining experience,” said De Laurentiis.

“The people were so warm and welcoming; the entire onboard experience was incredibly inviting, and everyone truly starts to feel like family. Oceania Cruises’ mission aligns perfectly with my own. Travel and food are the ultimate ways of bringing people together – to savour unique flavours, experience different destinations and create shared memories. I couldn’t be more excited to expand my relationship with Oceania Cruises.”

Chef Eric Barale, Giada De Laurentiis, Chef Jacques Pépin and Chef Alexis Quaretti.
Chef Eric Barale, Giada De Laurentiis, Chef Jacques Pépin and Chef Alexis Quaretti.

Food a universal language

In addition, co-chairs De Laurentiis and Pépin will work closely with Oceania Cruises’ two Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. They will play key roles in developing the scope of the Culinary Advisory Board.

“Food has forever been a universal language, transcending boundaries and bringing people, literally, to the table,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.

“With a legacy deeply rooted in family and a passion for gastronomy, it seems only fitting that Oceania Cruises furthers its relationship with Giada. I am thrilled that she and our culinary patriarch, Jacques, will helm our Culinary Advisory Board to further evolve and innovate, redefining the boundaries of the onboard dining experience.”

Oceania Cruises is also a leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s
eight small, luxury ships carry a maximum of 1250 guests and feature “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe.

Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days.

For more details, click here.

eft to Right: Claudine Pépin, Chef Eric Barale, Chef Jacques Pépin, Giada De Laurentiis, Chef Alexis Quaretti, Frank A. Del Rio
Left to Right: Claudine Pépin, Chef Eric Barale, Chef Jacques Pépin, Giada De Laurentiis, Chef Alexis Quaretti, Frank A. Del Rio.