Why a cruise on Oceania Allura floats my boat

Stepping onto the Oceania Allura in Miami this past November, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, especially as I had never cruised before. I might well have been the last person on the planet not to have experienced such an adventure.  

Friends were upbeat about my upcoming trip, eyebrows were raised, and the most common retort was  “nice” in a slightly higher tone than normal. I was encouraged by them and the ship’s reputation for “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”

The “Uncrowded” Luxury of Allura

One of the immediate and pleasant surprises on board Allura was the sense of space and serenity. With a guest capacity of roughly 1,200 and a high crew-to-guest ratio, it felt intimate. Whether I was grabbing a cocktail at the Founders Bar or finding a quiet corner in the library, there was always room to breathe.

The bartender remembered my name and my favourite tipple. The entertainment, too, was surprisingly sophisticated; instead of cheesy lounge acts, the shows were high-energy and polished, providing the perfect end to a day at sea.

Plush Staterooms

I settled into my spacious ocean-facing stateroom, elegant in neutral tones, with its double bed, a balcony, a walk-in shower, a mini bar, and a TV all within a generous 291 sq ft. The Cabin Steward was so devoted to my comfort that he became my new BFF. 

The Food Options

The heart of the Allura experience is, without question, the food; a gastronomic tour de force. Speciality dining was included, and I sampled world-class menus every night.

Here are the standout options that made the trip unforgettable:

• The Grand Dining Room: The “Grande Dame” of the ship. I was blown away by Jacques Pépin (French chef and USA  television personality) signature dishes, particularly the herb-crusted rotisserie chicken and the decadent lobster bisque. As for the Sunday ‘Brunch’, well, I cannot think of any item of food you could desire that was not available. Be it whole poached salmon, king crab legs (delicious), hand-carved roasts, Wagyu beef and a bakery that would put most Parisian boulangeries to shame. All of the very highest quality and served with aplomb.
• Red Ginger: This pan-Asian venue is a work of art. The miso-glazed sea bass is legendary for a reason—it’s buttery, sweet, and perfectly cooked. The spicy duck and watermelon salad was a refreshing surprise.
• Polo Grill: The classic American steakhouse. The USDA Prime steaks were aged to perfection, and the tableside Caesar salad service added a touch of old-world glamour.
• Toscana: Authentic Italian at its finest. From the custom olive oil menu to the hand-rolled gnocchi, it felt like dining in a family ristorante in the Piazza del Campo in Siena.
• Aquamar Kitchen: My go-to for breakfast and lunch. It leans into the “wellness” trend with incredible acai bowls, yellowfin tuna tacos, and fresh-pressed juices that kept me feeling energised. Needless to say, I didn’t touch any of those and indulged in more prosaic fare.
• The Creperie & Baristas: A new addition to the Allura. Having a freshly-made French crepe or a perfectly pulled espresso while watching the turquoise Bahamian waters go by became my favourite daily ritual. And who could ignore the fabulous range of Ice creams – not me.
• Terrace Café: Even the “informal” buffet was top tier, featuring a daily rotation of fresh sushi, grilled lobster tails, and carving stations.

Adults-Only

Since my trip, Oceania has officially transitioned to an adults-only cruise line (for all new bookings as of January 2026). I enjoyed the quiet, child-free atmosphere. The focus is on meaningful conversation, culinary exploration, and an unhurried pace. For me, this is a huge plus—it preserves the “country club casual” atmosphere that makes the ship so relaxing.

My only gripe is that at that port stop in Nassau, the lovely capital of the Bahamas, from the stern of the ship, I observed a scene that was more like a coastal invasion than a tropical escape. With six other massive cruise liners already docked, the port was disgorging nearly 15,000 passengers at once, flooding the narrow colonial streets of a town roughly the size of Richmond. I stayed on board and enjoyed more of the fabulous food.

Verdict

The Allura felt more like a private club than a floating hotel, ideal for both seasoned and first-time cruisers. The culinary experience genuinely rivals some of the best land-based restaurants I’ve ever visited. I am still thinking about that miso sea bass.

How much: Sample cruise Miami to Miami: 14 Days Onboard Oceania Allura, 21 March – 4 April 2026 from £3904 per guest

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