20/10/2026
👨🍳 From Florence to Queen Victoria: Meet Executive Chef Ottavio Bellesi
Every unforgettable dining experience onboard starts with a passionate team working behind the scenes.
As Executive Chef aboard Queen Victoria, Ottavio Bellesi leads a team of 134 chefs and 61 galley operations professionals, all dedicated to delivering the exceptional culinary experiences that our guests know and love.
Ottavio's journey began in Florence, Italy, where he graduated from culinary school before embarking on a career that would take him around the world. After starting his career at sea in 1990 and progressing through a variety of roles, his hard work and dedication led him to become an Executive Chef in 2012.
For Ottavio, the most rewarding part of his role isn't just creating world-class dining experiences. It's helping the next generation of chefs develop their skills, build their confidence, and achieve their career ambitions.
His advice for aspiring chefs?
✨ Be passionate. ✨ Stay curious. ✨ Never stop learning.
At Cunard, we're proud to have talented people like Ottavio inspiring our teams every day and helping create the memorable moments that make a Cunard voyage so special.