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Best Culinary Experiences at Sea
Written by Luxury Escapes
Live cooking demos, chef-led cooking classes and premium wine and spirit tastings – who knew cruises were such a gourmet affair?
Settling into a voyage at sea with the comfort of knowing your every whim will be taken care of is one of the main allures of a cruise. The cherry on top? The premium food and wine served onboard and the range of culinary experiences available. From unique cooking classes using local techniques to forums with top chefs and winemakers, and luxurious seven-course meals perfectly paired with wine, there’s something for every foodie and wine-lover on these world-class cruises.
Read on to discover the most unique and exciting culinary experiences at sea.
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European-inspired indulgence – Riverside Luxury Cruises
Take a cruise down the stunning Danube River aboard the Riverside Mozart and experience an ever-changing menu to go alongside the ever-changing scenery. As the ship moves from port to port, the specialties on board also change, inspired by the various regions along the river including modern interpretations of dishes from the former Habsburg Empire of Austria-Hungary. The Vista Grill & Bar is a particularly special place for those seeking a sumptuous meal with a view. Specialty grilled fish and steaks are prepared on the deck which is perfectly accompanied by a blood orange cosmopolitan.
Available on: Riverside Mozart
Port-to-table experience – Holland America Line
Sail the tropical Caribbean or Northern European seas with Holland America Line and be sure to try The Port-to-Table experience, which gives you the chance to not only experience unique destinations at each port, but sample true local cuisine. The onboard chefs work with local producers at various ports to create traditional flavours using ingredients sourced from the land and sea. Food and wine pairings along with live cooking demonstrations by guest chefs are sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie on board.
Available on: Holland America Rotterdam
Culinary demonstrations – Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises take place around the world, with boats docking in quaint European towns and bustling cities. Onboard, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy, including gingerbread-making classes for Christmas holiday season in Germany, al fresco cooking demonstrations with the shimmering water as a backdrop and Portuguese custard tart cooking demonstrations for those keen to learn. For adult passengers, why not dip your toe into the world of premium tipples with guided tastings of premium wine, whiskey and aquavit. These cruises also have one of the biggest selections of Armagnac at sea.
Available on: Entire fleet
Onboard cooking classes – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
On Regent Seven Seas Cruises, take home local recipes learned aboard your cruise with region-specific cooking classes. Discover traditional dishes from cruise destinations including the Greek Islands, Patagonia, Argentina and Chile. Due to set sail in 2023, 2024 and 2025, The Epicurean Spotlight Voyage will showcase some of the world’s most talented culinary figures. Visit five specialty restaurants, experience on-shore excursions and indulge in private fine wine and spirit tasting. Cooking classes, talks and presentations will also be on the agenda, ensuring guests leave with a first-class knowledge of global fine dining.
Available on: Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer
Sommelier seminars and ‘Culinary Centre’ – Oceania Cruises
Set sail on the Marina and Riviera cruises with Oceania Cruises and completely immerse yourself in a world of food and wine at sea. When you’re not busy taking art classes, watching live shows, or enjoying a dip in the pool, the hands-on cooking classes are the perfect way to enrich your journey. Held in a state-of-the-art kitchen, top chefs will teach you how to fine tune your culinary techniques enroute to the next port. Wine lovers will revel in pairings available during a seven-course dinner at the Culinary Centre. There are also sommelier-led seminars and wine tastings with a wine list that includes top-rated bottles from across the globe.
Available on: Marina and Riviera.
Meet the winemaker – Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has eliminated the need for wine connoisseurs to leave the boat to find out first-hand how their favourite vintage is made. Instead, the cruise invites the experts on board to share their knowledge and unique drops with guests. This will be the seventh year of the Meet the Winemaker series, which serves favourite vintages and gourmet food on the way to bucket-list destinations around the world. Take part in open-forum discussions, meet-and-greets and wine tastings that are sure to evolve your palate.
Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Joy & Norwegian Escape (select sailings only)
Feature image: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Cruise Line.
Ready to escape? Check out our exclusive range of cruises and tours here.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Five Reasons a Seacation is Better Than a Staycation (Sometimes).
