Cruise Advice
Whether you prefer locally-inspired fare or refined, fine-dining menus, there's no denying that one of the best parts of a luxury cruise is the fantastic culinary experiences that come along with it - which are often all included in the price. Whether it's dining at Chef's Tables, taking part in cooking workshops or sampling farm-to-table cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chefs, read below to discover the most impressive chef partnerships with luxury cruise lines - and how you can experience their menus for yourself.
Crystal Cruises: Nobu Matsuhisa
Dining was key to the Crystal Cruises experience, and with the relaunch of the line set for later this year, we were thrilled to hear the news that this also means the return of Nobu Matsuhisa and his iconic UMI UMA by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Available on board both of Crystal's newly-refurbished ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, UMI UMA offers guests a range of classic dishes created by the legendary chef, served in an elegant, modern setting. Think black cod, Chilean sea bass, wagyu beef fillet steak and the finest sushi.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Alain Roux
Regent's all-inclusive culinary experience has long been among the most impressive in the industry, and the line's new Epicurean Spotlight Voyages showcase different cultures and culinary niches both on board and ashore with chefs lead small-group experiences, from local markets tours and spice farm visits to foraging, cooking classes and wine tasting. A stand out is the special August 2025 sailing on board Seven Seas Splendor that will include an appearance from world-renowned British Michelin-starred chef Alain Roux on board. The son of the late Michel Roux OBE, Alain is Chef Patron at The Waterside Inn in Berkshire which holds three Michelin stars - an accolade they've held longer than any other restaurant in the world outside France.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Sven Elverfeld
Ritz-Carlton's first foray into the sailing world has brought with it all the luxuries that you'd expect from the five-star hotel chain, and their dining offering on board ship Evrima is no different. Three-Michelin star chef Sven Elverfel of Aqua - the three Michelin-star restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany - has designed European-inspired tasting menus, available only at onboard restaurant S.E.A., for a specialty dining experience in an ultra-contemporary setting.
Windstar: Anthony Sasso
Windstar offer a whole host of food-focused delights including culinary shore excursions, regional onboard cuisine and local market tours, and with the addition of their Spanish restaurant Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso three years ago on board Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, their culinary experience sits among the industry's best. Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso partners with chef Sasso, one of the youngest Michelin chefs in the world, who uses his experiences and travels across the Iberian Peninsula to create modern and innovative Spanish menus - think jamón ibérico, pulpo gallego and Galician-style octopus - with a chef's counter and communal tables for small-plate and family style dining.
Aqua Expeditions: David Thompson
On board the luxurious Aqua Mekong that sails the Mekong River, Cambodia and Vietnam, Aqua Expeditions offer a locally-inspired dining experience on board curated by Michelin-starred chef and restauranteur David Thompson. Australian-born Thompson originally gained his star at Nahm restaurant in Bangkok, focussing on South East Asian flavours, and now creates exciting, seasonal menus for Aqua guests, with flavours like coconut, lemongrass, coriander and turmeric used heavily. Intriguing dishes such as lamb curry with Khmer spices and Vietnamese sugar cane prawns are generally served in an authentic, communal dining style, and guests can take part in on-board cooking demonstrations and chef-led shopping in buzzing local markets.
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