Imagine cruising the Mediterranean Sea not just as a tourist, but as a culinary explorer. This is the promise of Epicurean Expeditions by Atlas Ocean Voyages. A blend of luxurious detail, cultural immersion and exquisite cuisine, these itineraries offer an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts.
My own Epicurean Expedition was a gastronomic journey through some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations, from the ancient ruins of Rome to the charming streets of Barcelona. Each port offered a unique culinary tapestry to explore. Here’s what to expect on cruises in this category.
“We engage [guests] with adventures in ports that are culinary-driven,” said Mara Papatheodorou, a tastes and traditions expert and guest speaker for some of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ epicurean cruises.
joy experiences such as wine and tapenade tastings, farm visits, truffle-hunting excursions, restaurant adventures and open marketplace walks (during which sampling is encouraged) on land. Onboard, guest lecturers like Papatheodorou are joined by guest chefs, who do live afternoon cooking demonstrations to further teach guests about their food specialties. And in the evenings, these guest chefs host cooking shows in the dining room.
On my sailing, chef Marcello Zaccaria of Academia Barilla served exquisite pasta dishes, and I got to chat with him personally. I learned that he’s the chef for the G7 Summit (which gathers the world’s political leaders), and that he was set to cook for the Pope soon, too.
Another great onboard activity was the Yachtsman Cook-Off Competition, a challenge that pits passengers against each other, with the guest lecturers and chefs acting as judges. Cruisers made pasta salad one morning; later in the voyage, there was a chocolate powerball competition. Guest lecturer Julieta Davey, aka “Mama Cacao,” tasted our creations.
Epicurean Expeditions also include a special cultural-immersion experience. Our event was an epic evening in the port of Nice, France, where we had dinner and cocktails on a hotel rooftop. Authentic French Riviera cuisine, delicious drinks and a gorgeous view made for a truly magical night.
My home for this culinary adventure was the luxurious World Traveller, which debuted in November 2022 and often sails to Antarctica. It holds 196 passengers and a crew of around 115. Thanks to the vessel’s size, we docked right at the port in Barcelona, where we watched some of the larger ships send passengers to shore via transfer boat, because they were farther away.
Onboard accommodations are elegant, from Veranda Suites with private balconies to spacious Penthouse Suites offering panoramic views. All cabins include a stocked in-room minibar, 24-hour room service (spirits, wine and beer included), Nespresso coffee and Kusmi Tea, still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles, L’Occitane amenities and binoculars, which are great for getting a closer look at any port where you might have to tender.
Since the views in the Mediterranean are simply stunning, I recommend booking clients in balcony suites. Few things in life are better than sitting on a balcony in the Med, eating a room service breakfast on a peaceful morning.
And after a few long days of walking (and eating) along the cobblestone streets of Italy, France and Spain, a trip to the onboard spa is highly recommended. With multiple massage options and services, it’s easy to find the perfect restful retreat. Luxury accommodations, as well as incredible food and amenities? That’s a winning combination.
Source: TravelAge West
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