Four Culinary Cruises Perfect for Foodie Travellers

We love cruises for the experience of travelling on the high seas, visiting multiple exotic ports in a single vacation, and the convenience of the many on-board amenities. There are always plenty of great food options to indulge in too! Modern cruise lines go to great lengths to provide guests with a variety of dining experiences. From casual to fine dining, international cuisines, buffets, cafes, in-cabin or alfresco, there is something for every taste. 

For some travellers, however, food isn't just fuel for the adventure, it is an essential part of the experience. More of us are looking for quality and authenticity in the meals we enjoy while exploring the world, and for a growing segment of travellers, sampling new flavours and trying different cuisines is at the very heart of their exploration.  

If you are one of these culinary adventurers, here are four cruise lines offering gourmet travel experiences. To speak to a CAA Travel Consultant and book your next great vacation, call 1-855-660-2292 or visit your local CAA Store.

Oceania Cruises. 

Oceania Cruises prides themselves on the culinary experiences they offer guests. Their Executive Culinary Director is Master Chef Jacques Pepin. Under his direction, distinguished chefs are selected from the world’s finest restaurants to accompany you on your journey. Regardless of where you choose to dine or what you order, you will experience the luxury of cuisine renowned as the finest at sea aboard Oceania Cruises.

On Oceania's Culinary Discovery Tours™ travellers are treated to an insider’s experience of the local culinary culture and regional cuisine during your trips ashore. You get to tour the traditional markets, dine at renowned restaurants and then hone your skills at The Culinary Center. This is an onboard hub designed to offer expert instruction while bringing the local culture to life. Passionate, knowledgeable instructors will show you the secrets of local cuisines and allow you to participate in hands-on culinary workshops.

Discovering the tastes of the world is an essential part of your Oceania adventure. 

Holland America Line.

Holland America offers guests the opportunity to explore a wide range of delicious onboard dining options - everything from a burger and fries by the Lido pool to the Pan-Asian flavours of Tamarind to the ultimate in refined and luxurious dining at Pinnacle Grill. You will find something for every taste. 

A team of world-class celebrity chefs is charting an exciting course for dining across the Holland America fleet. With their global traditions and diverse culinary interests, they're always adding inspired new signature dishes to their menus. 

If you want to see how these masterpieces are conjured, you can experience America’s Test Kitchen’s enticing array of live onboard cooking shows and hands-on culinary workshops. Master advanced techniques for creating pies, pasta, egg dishes, as well as decorating cakes along your journey. You'll come home with a new appreciation for food – and some expert skills as well.  

AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways knows how to make sure that guests savour their adventures. This cruise line has a team of expert chefs who craft menus featuring exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine to enhance your travels, as well as the traditional favourites you might be craving. 

Local specialties could include goulash while cruising through Hungary, the famous bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or Camembert cheese while on the Seine. Of course, you can always opt for something more familiar, like your favourite comfort foods such as steak, salmon, chicken and salads. No matter what your preference, on AmaWaterways you'll find the food to be just as much a part of the adventure as are the landscapes and ports you'll visit. 

For an intimate experience of culinary skills, you can join a few of your fellow travellers at The Chef’s Table, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the chef prepare a delightful, multi-course meal right before your eyes.

Cunard.

Life is more refined onboard a Cunard ship. Conversation takes place over cocktails, and dinner is served at linen-covered tables by waiters wearing white cotton gloves. Dining is a highlight of Cunard voyages, and this is never more evident than in the Britannia Restaurant. Experience a stylish and lively atmosphere while enjoying freshly prepared dishes ranging from twists on traditional favourites to contemporary creations. Whatever you choose, you'll experience fine or casual dining with elegance and style. 

For a royal treat, experience a traditional afternoon tea. Indulgent finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries accompany Twinings fine leaf teas as the orchestra provides a melodic setting. Cunard's famous traditional afternoon teas can be made even more tempting with indulgent varieties to choose from such as the Champagne or Godiva Chocolate options. So, take the opportunity to dress up a little in the afternoons and delight in this quintessential British culinary experience. 

Culinary trips can be a fantastic way to not only taste local flavours and exotic ingredients, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of a destination through its food and drink. 

Make your next trip a delight for the senses. Cruise to exotic shores, enjoy authentic local delicacies, world-class gourmet dining and discover new worlds of culinary delights with a vacation that caters to the those of us who see food as an essential part of the travel experience. To book your next great adventure, call 1-855-660-2292 or visit your local CAA Store and speak with a CAA Travel Consultant today!