Oceania Cruises has chosen TV chef and restaurateur Cat Cora to be godmother of its newest ship, Riviera, which will be christened in Barcelona on May 11.  

The sister ship to Marina, which debuted in February 2011, the 1,250-guest Riviera is the second new ship launched by Oceania in under 18 months. Designed for epicureans, Riviera features 10 dining venues — six of which are gourmet restaurants — plus a Bon Appétit Culinary Center for hands-on learning and La Reserve by Wine Spectator, a professional facility for wine tastings and pairing dinners.

“Cat Cora’s passion for fine cuisine and her focus on the dining experience captures the essence of what we do every day,” said Oceania President Kunal S. Kamlani.

Cora became the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” and this spring, is co-host of Bravo’s new television show “Around the World in 80 Plates” with Curtis Stone debuting in May. The show follows 12 chefs competing in a culinary race across 10 countries in 44 days.

In addition to her television credits, Cora operates four restaurants: Kouzzina at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort in Orlando; CCQ, in partnership with Macy’s in Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Cat Cora’s Kitchen in San Francisco and Houston. A third Cat Cora’s Kitchen location will open at the Salt Lake City International Airport later this month. She also has her own branded olive oils, vinegars, sauces, tapenades and cookware, a collection of wines and is the author of three best-selling cook books and a children’s book. 

Cora also supports many philanthropic efforts. She is the president and founder of Chefs for Humanity, which she started in response to the tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004. The organization is dedicated to reducing hunger worldwide by supporting humanitarian relief and promoting nutrition education.

After the christening cruise concludes in Venice, Riviera sets sail on May 16 on her maiden voyage, a 10-day cruise that includes an overnight in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (gateway to Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.