by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Mon October 13, 2025
Oceania Cruises is sharing more details about the godparent of its newest ship, Oceania Allura.
As previously announced, Oceania Cruises selected alumni from Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs program to be the godparent of the vessel, which debuted in July and will be christened in Miami on November 13.
Now, the company is sharing which alumni will represent the franchise at the ceremony. Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes and Lawrence "LT" Smith will perform the time-honored tradition of breaking a Champagne bottle across the ship’s bow, bestowing good fortune on Oceania Allura and all who sail aboard her.
“At Oceania Cruises, our ships are a celebration of rich culture, exceptional cuisine and global discovery, and Oceania Allura is no exception,” says Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises. “Paying homage to the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program and having its alumni represent as her godparents reflects our belief that food lies at the heart of global exploration. These visionary chefs embody the spirit of culinary excellence, and we are honored to have them join the Oceania Cruises family.”
Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs program has honored nearly 400 rising culinary stars since it launched in 1988. The partnership between Oceania Cruises and the franchise runs deep, with 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni Aisha Ibrahim leading the line’s inaugural Best New Chefs Cruise in Alaska in August 2025.
“For nearly four decades, Food & Wine Best New Chefs have shaped dining in America and inspired the way we experience food,” says Tom Bair, publisher of Food & Wine. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this legacy with Oceania Cruises, a partner that shares our passion for extraordinary cuisine and discovery, and to make this milestone christening with journeys where food is every bit as memorable as the destinations.”
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