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The Tasty Benefits of a Culinary Cruise

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The Tasty Benefits of a Culinary Cruise

By Justin Gibson

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Murano Restaurant on Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Chefs

It’s not just trendy restaurants in major cities that tout big-name celebrity chefs: Cruise lines are partnering with the rockstars of the culinary world to elevate their onboard offerings. Seabourn’s Earth & Ocean at The Patio™ is the culinary manifestation of master chef Tony Egger’s worldwide travels. And you’ll relish in the soulful concoctions of Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud when you sail with Celebrity Cruises. Master Chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Eric Barale co-chair Oceania Cruises’ culinary offerings, inheriting the mantle from the storied Jacques Pépin, founder of Oceania’s culinary philosophy of The Finest Cuisine at Sea^®.

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Prime Restaurant on Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Unique Restaurants

It’s not just the brains behind the menu that makes cuisine at sea so memorable — unique eateries and one-of-a-kind venues are the norm across the cruise industry, ensuring every meal is memorable on your trip. Every type of cuisine — steakhouses, Tex-Mex, Japanese, French, Italian and Mediterranean — are possible venues for dinner, depending on the ship. Savor classic French dishes at Sel de Mer on board Holland America Line. Or sample fine wines and quintessential Italian fare at Sette Mari at La Veranda aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Discover the gold standard of charcoal gastronomy with fine cuts of steak and fresh seafood at the open-air chophouse 7Aft Grill aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages. Certain cruise lines even go above and beyond in catering to foodie palates, with entire itineraries dedicated to the passion and craft of food. Such is the case with Celebrity’s Culinary Cruises, the Finest Cuisine at Sea^® with Oceania and the ever-intimate experience of The Chef’s Table with Azamara^®.

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Toscana Restaurant on Oceania Cruises

Healthy Options

Of course, whether you’re sticking with New Year’s resolutions, midway through a training plan or simply prefer salads, it’s not all steak and cheesecake when you’re at sea. Cruise lines have made it a point to provide a wide variety of dining possibilities, including healthy options. Shining examples of this can be found on just about every ship, but a few of our favorites include the Aquamar Kitchen aboard Oceania Cruises (where wellness meets indulgence), Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro (fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors for bright and breezy meals all throughout the day) and Avalon Waterways’ all-encompassing Avalon Fresh menu that ensures healthy creative cuisine is available at every meal.

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And again, these are just the givens — with the benefit of a travel agent and an itinerary from the Culinary Collection, you could also get exclusive perks like a market tour and private dinner, onboard dining credit, complimentary wine tasting, free Champagne and chocolates or a complimentary Chef’s Table meal for two. Our advisors know all the leading names in travel, so they can not only help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection, but they can also secure luxe perks and amenities.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Guest Contributor

Guest contributors to Travel Leaders have diverse backgrounds in publishing, travel, and vacations. They live across the globe and bring unique, first-hand experience to their writing.READ MY ARTICLES →

Justin Gibson

Justin Gibson grew up in the Dallas suburbia, but has since been transplanted to the D.C. area. He was schooled at Southern Methodist University, which was nice. He currently works as a copywriter, but longs to attempt riding a bull.READ MY ARTICLES →

Sofia Lust

Based in Montevideo, Sofia swapped architecture for writing when she realized words were more fun than blueprints. With a strong passion for cinema and a love for travel, she finds inspiration in every film she watches and every place she visits. Always ready for her next adventure, Sofia embraces life’s journeys with curiosity and creativity. READ MY ARTICLES →

Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.READ MY ARTICLES →

Lisa Vongphachanh

Her ideal travel day: visit a new place, do something unexpected and connect with locals.READ MY ARTICLES →

John Bell

John believes that travel creates some of the most significant memories of people’s lives and this fuels his passion and guides his work each day as the Senior Director of Marketing for Cruise Specialists.READ MY ARTICLES →

Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.READ MY ARTICLES →

Keith and Susie Boyland

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.READ MY ARTICLES →

Kim Jackson

Kim Jackson enjoys traveling to lesser known and iconic destinations around the world. So far, her favorite country to visit is Spain for the hospitality, the landscapes and the amazing cuisine.READ MY ARTICLES →

Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.READ MY ARTICLES →

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