Oceania Cruises' Alexis Quaretti...

The cruise line's senior culinary director has been honoured by the prestigious culinary association

Oceania Cruises has announced that its senior culinary director, chef Alexis Quaretti, has been inducted into the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.

Quaretti joins Oceania Cruises' Culinary vice president Eric Barale as a member of the programme, making Oceania Cruises the only major cruise line to boast two Master Chefs of France.

The association of Master Chefs of France was established in 1951 with the aim of supporting and promoting French culinary arts around the world. This mission is embodied by the chef members, who serve as ambassadors of French cuisine and culture and are responsible for relaying this heritage to their apprentices.

Commenting on the news, Oceania Cruises president Frank A Del Rio said: “It’s truly remarkable to have two Master Chefs of France leading our culinary team. Chef Eric and Chef Alexis are both long-standing members of the culinary team, Eric being one of the first members of Oceania Cruises’ culinary family and Alexis joining us shortly after in 2004.”

Quaretti added:“Being inducted into the Master Chefs of France is truly one of the biggest honours of my career, and I sincerely look forward to being part of this prestigious organisation. I've always been proud to represent French culinary ideals and am lucky to be able to bring the best of the best to Oceania Cruises.

"I would like to thank my friend and colleague Chef Eric Barale for being my godfather throughout the process and providing me with constant guidance and advice throughout my career.”

Quaretti and his talented team create approximately 300 new recipes each year to constantly revitalise and reinvigorate the onboard menus.

For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.com