5 cruises that are perfect for foodies
If you think cruising just means eating at the buffet, think again.
1. APT, Southeast Asia
Australian celebrity chef Luke Nguyen is an ambassador for APT and personally hosts several cruises each year. Travelling along the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia or on the Irrawaddy through Myanmar, Luke will take passengers to visit local markets, host masterclasses and cook special dinners. It’s an authentic and delicious immersion into the local culture.
2. Azamara Club Cruises, Europe
In 2015 Azamara launched a new program called Cruise Global, Eat Local aimed at foodie cruisers. The line has carefully chosen the best restaurants for an authentic local dining experience in ports around Europe, including Santorini, Split, Barcelona, Marseille, Lisbon, Dublin, Istanbul and more. Guests can combine a sumptuous meal with a food-inspired excursion, like a visit to a local winery or producer.
3. Royal Caribbean
Some lines like to keep the gourmet delights onboard and Royal Caribbean’s fleet of megaliners offer more dining options at sea than any other line. Jamie Oliver’s flagship Jamie’s Italian satisfies the necessary celebrity chef element, but that’s just the start. The largest ships will have more than 20 onboard dining options, ranging from luxurious degustations with matching wines to fresh sushi bars or hot dogs by the pool. You never have to eat at the same restaurant twice.
4. Avalon Waterways, France
Where better to indulge in gourmet delights than France? Avalon Waterways offers a number of culinary-themed cruises along France’s rivers, which include excursions to local cheese makers, farms and wineries. Onboard, guests can enjoy special wine matching dinners hosted by a Master of Wine, regional specialties on the menu and chocolate or pastry tastings.
5. Silversea
Luxury small ship line Silversea has a partnership with Relais & Chateaux, a global collection of hotels and restaurants recognised for their exceptional cuisine. The line runs a number of food and wine themed cruises around Europe, Asia, the USA and the Middle East that feature a mix of culinary excursions and special onboard activities. Join the chef for a tour of a local market before learning some new skills in the onboard cooking school, or just watch one of the master chefs at work while sipping on a perfectly matched glass of wine.
Related links:
7 tips for healthy eating while travelling
5 cruise ship buffets you have to see to believe
7 secrets to enjoying food on a cruise