Culinary Cruises: The Tastiest Itineraries at Sea

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

With the popularity of cooking and destination shows among television viewers, it’s no surprise that the culinary travel trend has spread to the cruise industry. A number of cruise lines are inviting celebrity chefs onboard for specially-designed menus, cooking demonstrations, and gastronomic events, while others are infusing culinary themes into specific itineraries. These seven cruises are ideal for foodie travelers.

Ponant’s Voyage from Portugal to Ireland

The luxury expedition cruise line, Ponant has established its culinary prowess with outstanding French-inspired menus and several gastronomy-themed cruises. This May, the Le Soléal sets sail on a seven-night voyage from Lisbon to Dublin. Guest chefs onboard include Patrick Jeffroy, who holds two Michelin stars, Pierre Yves Lorgeoux, who specializes in healthy, balanced cuisine, and Nathalie Beauvais, who uses cooking techniques from her hometown of Brittany, France.

Holland America’s Culinary Programs

The Holland America Line created a dedicated team of renown chefs from around the world (known as the “Culinary Council”) to design the menus onboard its vessels. There’s also a theater-style, culinary arts center that hosts hands-on cooking classes, appearances by guest chefs, mixology and wine lessons, regionally-inspired workshops, and even a culinary program for budding chefs ages eight and up.

Britain’s Food Heroes with P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises’ new ship, Britannia, will place an emphasis on gourmet cuisine, with hands-on culinary demonstrations in the cooking club and restaurant menus designed by some of Britain’s celebrity chefs. Two voyages with the “Food Heroes” include a 14-night cruise in June with James Martin and Charlie Turnbull to Spain, Monaco, and Italy and a 12-night, British Isles cruise with James Martin that embarks in July.

National Trust of Scotland’s Cultural Cruises

The National Trust of Scotland is a conservation charity that hosts two cultural cruises each year. In 2015, the group is also offering two mini voyages in May and June for a “taste of cruising.” During the “Scottish Fusion” sailing, well-known Scottish chef Tony Singh will be onboard giving cooking demonstrations and information about spices and Scottish ingredients. On the “Baking, Burns, and Birlin’ cruise,” passengers will learn to bake the perfect scone and witness a chef “bake-off.”

French Cuisine with Avalon Waterways

River cruise line, Avalon Waterways, is hosting two “Food Lover’s Special Interest River Cruises” this March. Voyages include food preparation tips from expert chefs, cooking demonstrations followed by tastings, as well as informational sessions and a visit to a traditional French farm. These activities are available on the “Grand France River Cruise,” and the “Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches” itinerary.

Shopping with Windstar’s Chefs and Culinary Tips

One feature of Windstar’s voyages is the opportunity to join the chef at the local markets to select fresh produce used in the dishes onboard. Windstar also recently partnered with SAVEUR to prepare culinary guides for ports of call. The company offers a variety of food and wine sailings, including the 10-night “Culinary and Wine Delights” cruise from Dover to Lisbon this September. Highlights include a choice of two complimentary food and wine-themed excursions, a guest chef, wine expert, and samples of local cuisine.

Meet the Executive Chef with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, Jacques Pépin, will be hosting a 10-night culinary voyage from Lisbon to Rome in July aboard the Oceania Riviera. During the “Iberian Inspiration” cruise, passengers will be treated to signature menus, engaging lectures, book signings, and culinary demonstrations. As the chef celebrates his 80th birthday, he will also be available for questions or just to mingle with guests.