What are Janis Elspas’s signature techniques for creating memorable culinary experiences aboard Oceania Cruises?

One of my signature “techniques” is actually emotional: I build rituals around meals. On Oceania Cruises, that meant getting dressed up and dining together every night with my four college-age kids in the Grand Dining Room. The consistency turns dinner into an anticipated event, not just a meal.

I also lean into storytelling through food. I highlight the artistry of Jacques Pépin–inspired cuisine, the elegance of the Riviera’s table settings, and even fun touches like my daughter’s ketchup-and-mustard food art for the crew. Those personal, playful details make the experience feel uniquely ours.

Would you like ideas for how to recreate that kind of cruise-style dining experience at home?