by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 9:55 AM ET, Wed October 8, 2025
Oceania Cruises is bringing back its signature French restaurant, Jacques, on board Oceania Allura and Oceania Vista.
To celebrate, the company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the restaurant’s namesake and the line's first-ever executive culinary director, chef Jacques Pépin.
The ceremony took place while the ship was in port in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 6.
Pépin was joined by his daughter Claudine Pépin, son-in-law Rollie Wesen and granddaughter Shorey Wesen, as well as chef Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises executive culinary director and master chef of France.
“We first debuted Jacques 14 years ago aboard Oceania Marina, and the following year on Oceania Riviera, and I am delighted to see this wonderful iteration of our much-loved culinary venue aboard our newest ship, Oceania Allura, and her sister ship, Oceania Vista,” said Pépin. “Oceania Cruises has built a legacy of culinary excellence, integrity and creativity, culminating in this new chapter of Jacques we are celebrating today.”
The restaurant’s menu has been reimagined to include new flavors and time-honored classics that have been on the menu since Jacques debuted. Guests can enjoy duck with a Grand Marnier-infused orange sauce, a veal medallion with a morel sauce and French desserts such as crêpes suzette and profiteroles.
New menu items include deviled egg topped with smoked trout rillette and sturgeon caviar, and tableside service for dishes including traditional beef tartare, and a decadent sea bass en croute which serves two.
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