Oceania Cruises is introducing a new multi-year training programme for its onboard chefs. The Floating Pastry Academy is the first of its kind for the cruise industry and has been created in partnership with The Butter Book digital training platform.
The new partnership will train more than 200 Oceania Cruises pastry and bakery chefs. The three-year programme mixes theory with practical assessments, both online and in person, onboard vessels.
The Floating Pastry Academy establishes a long-term model for pastry and baking education at sea. It aims to provide Oceania Cruises’ culinary talent with a structured pathway to deepen technical expertise and refine their craft.
The collaboration underscores the cruise line’s commitment to preserving and advancing French gastronomic heritage, reinforcing the classical foundation which defines Oceania Cruises’ culinary identity.
The curriculum features: multi-year learning pathways tailored to pastry and bakery roles; mandatory foundations for new team members; role-based specialisation with defined progression; chef-led digital courses, quizzes and hands-on assessments; and certification at each stage to strengthen long-term culinary careers.
The partnership with The Butter Book was the brainchild of Chef Eric Barale, Oceania Cruises Executive Culinary Director, and Chef Sébastien Canonne, the digital training platform’s founder.
Chef Barale is a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France), while Chef Canonne has been awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the country’s highest designation of professional excellence – it is bestowed upon the nation’s finest craftspeople.
“This new academy reflects the respect we share for the traditions that shaped us, and for a passion for culinary excellence at sea. Culinary excellence starts with our people, and this new programme will reinforce the consistency, refinement and artistic precision our pâtisserie demands, while nurturing the professional growth of our chefs,” said Chef Barale.
Chef Canonne commented: “Investing in your people is essential to sustaining luxury. This academy creates a model designed for enduring excellence and innovation, supporting the fleet’s growth without compromising on technique or quality.”
