Oceania Cruises is sailing forward for foodies with the launch of its newest ship, Riviera. Travel Agent was on hand last night at the Bon Appetit test kitchen, where we learned that Riviera will be christened by chef sensation godmother, Chef Cat Cora. Chef Cora will name the ship in Barcelona at an invitation-only ceremony on May 11, which will culminate with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of champagne.
Described by Kunal S. Kamlani, Oceania Cruises' president as a "fraternal twin" to ship Marina, Riviera is poised to take its place as another "game-changer" for the upper-premium segment. It will be able to accommodate 1,250 guests, and will feature 10 dining venues, six of which are gourmet restaurants, plus a Bon Appetit Culinary Center for hands-on learning.
"I am very very careful about what I put my name on or what my name is being used for," Chef Cora says. "But sometimes its a very easy decision. Iron Chef? Right away I said Yes. TV show on Bravo? Right away I said Yes. Oceania Cruises. Right away i said yes."
Chef Cora operates four restaurants: Kouzzina at Disney's Boardwalk Resort in Orlando; CCQ in California; and Cat Cora's Kitchen in San Francisco and Houston.
For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com.
