A Few of My Favorite Things on Oceania Cruises

I have met so many interesting people traveling with Oceania Cruises. There’s just something about being surrounded by a kind and attentive crew, fascinating guests, great food and fine wines that sets the table for a special dining experience - not to mention, unforgettable travel experiences. And I’m always honored when I get asked for my advice on what to see, eat, drink and do when sailing. Not to steal a line from Julie Andrews, but here are a few of my favorite things.

Favorite Meal
The Grand Dining Room offers a perfectly prepared Dover sole. But I would say my father’s herb-crusted rotisserie chicken, served with mashed potatoes and jus de roti, which is always on the menu, is what reminds me of family. That’s our comfort food.

Favorite Wine at Dinner
When I was teaching food and wine pairings at the French Culinary Institute, I discovered that sauvignon blanc goes with everything. I also love a white, bright, crisp, unoaked pinot grigio. I tend towards lighter styles in white and red. Wine should be fun and complement your food.

Favorite Shipboard Ritual
I get up at the crack of ten and head straight to Baristas. There’s nothing better than the perfect cup of coffee, a fresh, warm baguette and really good butter for breakfast.

Favorite Spot On Board
Terrace Café always feels so uplifting that we head there right after boarding. We love to see the crew, many of whom we now know, and all the new folks we’ll meet. It has such a relaxed vibe that people aren’t afraid to be themselves.

Favorite Destination
Portofino, Italy, is a standout for me. I find the cozy harbor, the way the colorful houses drape the hills and la dolce vita lifestyle very appealing. Some of the world’s best seafood dishes can be found in the little trattorias just steps from the Mediterranean.

Favorite Way to End the Day
I love to sit by the panoramic windows in Horizons and curl up with a glass of Dom Pérignon. After that, the delightful band always draws my husband, Rollie, and me to the dance floor.

I look forward to seeing many of you very soon on Sirena during my Signature Sailing in the Mediterranean. It’s going to be an incredible voyage! In case you haven’t heard, my 2024 Signature Sailing has also been announced – a fascinating itinerary visiting Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and more. Explore the details here and I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on board soon!

About Claudine Pépin, Godmother of Sirena
As a cookbook author and the daughter and longtime co-host of legendary Master Chef Jacques Pépin, Claudine Pépin has long been rooted in the culinary world – and the Oceania Cruises family. Claudine’s first cookbook, Let’s Cook French, was published in 2015 and is an homage to French family home cooking. She first began joining her father aboard Oceania Cruises in 2009 for cooking demonstrations and special events. Many came to know Claudine as she partnered with her father on his James Beard award-winning television series. Earlier in her career, she served as the brand ambassador for Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon Champagne in New York while teaching food and wine pairing at the French Culinary Institute (now known as the International Culinary Center) and the Sommelier Society in New York. In 2002, Claudine was honored by the Académie Culinaire de France – Filiale des Etats-Unis, which named her “Woman of the Year.”