Oceania Cruises unveiled a culinary first aboard its next-generation ship Oceania Sonata in 2027: La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, the only restaurant at sea to launch with official approval from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, the prestigious institution safeguarding French gastronomic heritage.
The 18-seat, reservation-only venue represents a landmark collaboration that underscores Oceania's standing as the industry's culinary heavyweight. The line is the only cruise operator with two Master Chefs of France in leadership—Executive Culinary Directors Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale—who will helm rotating menus created alongside invited Master Chefs globally.
"At Oceania Cruises, our dedication to cuisine is rooted in continual refinement and respect for tradition, a philosophy mirrored by the storied Maîtres Cuisiniers de France organization. Through La Table, Chefs Quaretti and Barale bring this extraordinary and industry-leading collaboration to life. It will be a true celebration of culinary heritage, mastery and modern luxury, in ways which are both meaningful and unmistakably Oceania Cruises," said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer.
The menu spotlights classical technique with contemporary flair—think langoustine tartlets with Granny Smith apple, escargot-stuffed Dover sole with rosace vegetables, and spider crab potato rolls crowned with Sturia Oscietra caviar. Chef Quaretti emphasized the venue's rigor: "This restaurant is deeply personal for us. It reflects the values that Chef Barale and I share, regard for technique, appreciation of flavor and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Set within the calm, understated elegance of this new space aboard Oceania Sonata, La Table will offer guests a truly memorable dining experience."
Jean-Louis Dumonet, President of the USA and Canada delegation of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, positioned the partnership as custodial: "La Table represents a natural evolution of the rich culinary tradition long associated with luxury ocean travel. Through our collaboration with Oceania Cruises and its culinary leaders Chefs Eric Barale and Alexis Quaretti, we've brought this heritage to life with authenticity, craftsmanship and deep respect for French gastronomy. La Table reflects our shared commitment to creating refined, memorable dining experiences where culinary artistry is central to the voyage."
La Table will also host Oceania's Dom Pérignon Experience, pairing six courses with three Champagne vintages. The venue joins Oceania Sonata's dining portfolio—which includes Nikkei Kitchen, the Grand Dining Room, Jacques, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, and Toscana.
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