Oceania Allura: A First Look at the Ship That Redefines Relaxed Luxury

What does modern, refined cruising look like? We recently got a firsthand look while sailing aboard Oceania Allura during its highly anticipated christening voyage. As the second ship in the line’s Allura Class and sister to Vista, this 1,200-guest vessel is designed for guests who value quality, space, and culinary excellence. With boutique elegance, elevated service, and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere, Allura is poised to be a standout in the premium-plus space.

Here are the highlights from our experience: the standout features, best bites, and thoughtful design elements that make Allura one to watch.

Built with the feel of a luxury hotel and the attention to detail that defines Oceania Cruises, Allura welcomes guests into a world of refined minimalism and airy design. It features Italian marble accents, residential-style furnishings, and artfully lit common areas that exude understated glamour.

From the moment we stepped aboard, we could feel the difference. The ship's public spaces, such as the Grand Staircase and the welcoming atrium, created an upscale tone without being showy. This ship felt more refined and luxurious than many other inaugural sailings we’ve attended.

Dining is at the heart of Oceania’s brand promise, and Allura delivers with 12 distinctive culinary venues, including the signature Grand Dining Room, specialty options like Red Ginger and Toscana, and new additions such as Ember and Aquamar Kitchen. We were lucky enough to experience a preview of that culinary excellence during the special Grand Brunch hosted for the christening.

They had caviar, foie gras, crab legs, imported cheeses, everything. The brunch not only showcased the variety and quality of ingredients, but the culinary presentation and service were top-tier.

The dish that stood out above the rest to us? A5 Wagyu – probably the best thing we ate onboard. It was an unexpected and luxurious addition that showcased the brand’s commitment to high-end dining.

With only 1,200 guests and a high crew-to-passenger ratio, Allura offers more space and personalized service than many ships its size. Cabins onboard range from 290-square-foot Veranda cabins to expansive suites with oversized bathrooms and walk-in closets. We stayed in a Concierge Level Veranda Cabin, which includes extra perks like free laundry, priority boarding, and access to the Concierge Lounge.

It was an absolutely spacious room, and even with two people, it never felt tight. Our biggest takeaway? The layout was smart, with plenty of storage and a large bathroom. Every detail felt intentional, from the plush bedding to the soft-close drawers.

They even put chocolates on the pillows at the end of the day. Those little touches made the cabin feel like more than just a place to sleep. It became part of the luxury experience.

Oceania is known for its culinary offerings, and that extends even to its coffee bar. Baristas, located just off the Grand Lounge, is a European-style café serving espresso, pastries, and small bites throughout the day. The space includes cozy seating and a wraparound view of the sea. It is the perfect way to start or end your day.

It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit every morning, which we definitely did. Whether catching up on emails or enjoying a quiet moment before brunch, Baristas quickly became one of our favorite corners of the ship.

While Allura offers enrichment classes, spa treatments, and quiet lounges, it does not chase entertainment trends or thrill-based attractions. This is a ship designed for peaceful indulgence, not packed schedules. You won’t find waterslides or loud pool parties. Instead, guests can enjoy afternoon tea, wine tastings, or lectures in serene spaces.

We felt there’s enough to do, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. That balance of activity and space helped create a calm yet engaging onboard experience for us. Service was a highlight too, as we noticed that the staff always seemed to know when you needed another drink but didn’t linger. That level of attentiveness made each interaction feel effortless.

Allura delivers a refined blend of modern design, elevated dining, and a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere.

From the moment you step onboard to the last bite of an exceptional meal, Oceania Allura is a ship that values calm, connection, and curated comfort. Whether you’re new to cruising or a longtime Oceania fan, this vessel invites you to slow down and savor the sea in style.

Want to experience Allura for yourself? Connect with an Avoya Travel Personal Travel Advisor to explore upcoming sailings, discover exclusive offers, and plan the luxury escape that’s perfect for your travel style.