By
Rebecca Gibson |
Acclaimed cookbook author and TV chef Claudine Pépin is to christen Oceania Cruises’ latest newbuild in Barcelona, Spain, next April.
Claudine, who is the daughter of TV chef and Oceania Cruises’ executive culinary director Jacques Pépin, will name the vessel Sirena during a dockside ceremony on 27 April next year.
“Claudine’s passion for food, wine, travel and deep family traditions make her the perfect choice for Sirena’s godmother,” said Jason Montague, president and COO at Oceania Cruises. “If the culinary world had a royal family, it would be the Pépin family. As we continue to expand upon our finest cuisine at sea offerings, we are excited to deepen our relationship with the Pépin family and absolutely thrilled to have Claudine serve as godmother for Sirena.”
Following the ceremony Claudine, who regularly co-hosts on Jacques’ PBS show Heart and Soul in the Kitchen and Oceania Cruises’ annual Jacques Pépin Cruise, will join her immediate family on Sirena’s maiden voyage.
During the cruise, she will join guests at cooking demonstrations and book signing events, while all passengers will receive a complimentary copy of her Let’s Cook French cookbook, which was published earlier this year.
“It’s truly an honour to be Sirena’s godmother, and to celebrate its christening and maiden voyage with my entire family,” said Claudine. “We’ll be cooking together, enjoying delicious food – and, of course, laughing as much as possible. It will be a pleasure to share this special experience with all guests aboard Sirena.”
Sirena, which is currently sailing as Princess Cruises’ Ocean Princess, will transfer to Oceania Cruises’ fleet in March 2016 and will immediately undergo a 35-day, US$40 million refurbishment in Marseille, France. The line will use the recent makeover of Insignia as a blueprint for the renovation.
The 684-passenger ship will offer six Owner’s Suites, each spanning nearly 1,000 sqft, and four Vista Suites. Guests booked at Concierge Level or above will be able to access new Bvlgari bath amenities, while those in Owner’s and Vista Suite will be given a keepsake gift box with Bvlgari toiletries.
Inspired by the recent renovation of Insignia, Sirena will feature Oceania Cruises’ specialty dining restaurants – Toscana and Polo Grill – and more recent venues such as Baristas and the grill at Terrace Café. The ship will also feature two new speciality restaurants – Tuscan Steak and Red Ginger – while guests will be able to enjoy a new Jacques Bistro gourmet lunch experience in the Grand Dining Room, which features some of Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes.
Sirena will enter service on 27 April 2016 and sail a 14-night cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy. During her inaugural season, the ship will offer Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries featuring a mix of classic destinations and 11 new ports of call including Gaeta, Italy; Golfito, Costa Rica; and La Paz, Mexico.