Oceania Cruises Appoints Executive Culinary Directors

Oceania Cruises has announced that it will appoint its two Master Chefs of France, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale, as its two executive culinary directors. The two chefs succeed Jacques Pépin, famed chef and founding father of Oceania Cruises' culinary philosophy, ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’. 

"It's truly remarkable to have two Master Chefs of France leading our culinary team," said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. "Chefs Alex and Eric are the next generation of our culinary innovation and will continue the evolution of our foodie story, carrying forward Jacques' incredible legacy." 

Chef Pépin will remain a crucial part of Oceania Cruises with a new role as the cruise line’s Executive Culinary Adviser. The cruise line will continue to work with the philanthropic efforts of The Jacques Pépin Foundation.

"I am so proud to be passing the baton to these two phenomenally talented chefs who have worked alongside me for the past twenty years. It's a true pleasure to see how the line's culinary innovation flourishes year after year and I look forward to championing Chefs Alex and Eric further by being here for any advice or guidance needed. I look forward to dedicating more of my time to my charitable undertakings through The Jacques Pépin Foundation," said Jacques Pépin. 

Both Chef Alex and Chef Eric are long-standing members of the Oceania Cruises culinary team, Eric being one of the first members of Oceania Cruises' culinary family and Alex joining shortly after in 2004. According to the cruise line, their complementary skill sets, experience, and shared vision will create a perfect partnership. Following this announcement, Oceania Cruises becomes the only cruise line to boast two Master Chefs of France, as both Chef Alex and Chef Eric have been inducted into the prestigious echelons of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. 

"With Allura launching in 2025, we will have eight ships in the fleet and more than 40 restaurants constantly circulating the globe, and having these two talented executive culinary directors at the helm means we can maintain our laser focus on serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea," added Del Rio.

Chefs Alex and Eric will join other world-renowned chefs at the upcoming Jacques Pépin Foundation Gala in New York City on April 4, 2024. 

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