Oceania Cruises is embarking on a new journey, announcing celebrated Italian-American chef, author, restaurateur and Emmy award-winning food personality Giada De Laurentiis as its Brand and Culinary Ambassador.
De Laurentiis will also co-chair the line’s new Culinary Advisory Board alongside renowned chef Jacques Pépin, a founding member of Oceania Cruises’ culinary team and the line’s original Executive Culinary Director. The Culinary Advisory Board will focus on guiding, developing and reinforcing Oceania Cruises’ commitment to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. This role will 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 Giada 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 savor unique flavors, experience different destinations and create shared memories. I couldn’t be more excited to expand my relationship with Oceania Cruises.”
Co-Chairs De Laurentiis and Pépin will work closely with Oceania Cruises’ two Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale, who 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.”
