Six-Star Gourmet Getaways

Cruising is as much about the food as it is the ship or even your destination. After all, having all your meals expertly designed, prepared and served by some of the most talented chefs in the world is all part of the adventure.

Luxury cruise lines are offering more foodie experiences than ever before, bringing guests closer to the produce and flavours of some of the world’s most incredible destinations. From culinary masterclasses to exceptional restaurants, the latest Luxury Editorial is here to whet your palate for some of the most incredible gourmet experiences on the ocean waves.

Silversea – S.A.L.T.

When Silversea launched S.A.L.T., it was fair to say that gourmet getaways went up a notch. Sea And Land Taste, to give it its full name, has already been a huge hit on Silver Moon and Silver Dawn, and will also feature on Silver Nova when she launches – but what exactly is it? Hailed as an immersive culinary experience, the idea is to give guests a true taste of the destinations they visit. S.A.L.T. Kitchen is one of the main restaurants on board, where local food and wine is served up straight from the region in which you’re sailing. If you want to try a local cocktail, you will find these meticulously crafted in S.A.L.T. Bar.

And it doesn’t stop there. S.A.L.T. Lab is a Masterchef-like area of the ship, complete with individual cooking stations and chefs who’ll teach guests how to cook a local delicacy. S.A.L.T. Excursions are also part of Silversea’s offering, where you’ll head ashore and be immersed in local food culture, which might involve visiting a local farm to see how produce is grown. You will then get the chance to indulge in a beautiful meal at a local restaurant – and what could be more authentic than that?

Discover all Silversea cruises that include the S.A.L.T programme here

Regent Seven Seas – Prime 7

Is there anything finer than an incredible steak? Probably not, and with Regent Seven Seas, you’re in for a real treat. Prime 7 is hailed as one of the most delectable, where all the meat is derived from prime cuts and dry-aged for at least 28 days to ensure ultimate tenderness and flavour. Popular dishes include lobster, filet mignon, jumbo lump crab cakes and classic steak tartare. Prime 7 is open for dinner and occasional lunchtimes, and you’ll need to make a reservation, at no extra cost, to avoid missing out.

While the steaks in Prime 7 are undoubtedly the true stars of the show, the setting is also well worth a mention. Intimate elegance is the order of the day here; lower yourself into a leather wing-backed chair, surrounded by polished woods and rich, earth-toned fabrics. An attentive waiter will tend to your every need, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and wait to taste one of the best steaks at sea.

View all Regent Seven Sea’s cruises featuring Prime 7 here

Oceania – Red Ginger

Red Ginger is fast gaining a reputation as providing some of the finest Asian cuisine at sea. Special mention has to go to the interiors; feng shui dictates the feel of the space, while contemporary Asian artwork gives you something other than the food to marvel at.

Modern meets traditional is also the theme of the food in the Red Ginger restaurant on board Marina, Riviera and Sirena. Start your meal with a spicy duck and watermelon salad, or enjoy a seared salmon and scallop ceviche. Lobster pad thai and seven spices crusted lamb rack are among your main course options, but whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to excite every single one of your senses. The Asian inspired restaurant will also feature on the much anticipated Vista which will set sail in April 2023.

View Oceania’s Red Ginger cruises onboard Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista here

Seabourn – Sushi

Sushi is the perfect place to satisfy your more exotic tastes on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. This Japanese restaurant is receiving rave reviews – and with good reason. The freshest Hamachi, tuna, shrimp and other fish are shipped from Japan, allowing for a truly authentic experience.

In the evening, you’ll be treated to caviar and small plates, alongside maki rolls, sashimi and, perhaps unsurprisingly, sushi. Fancy something a little different for lunch? Sushi provides three bento boxes once midday rolls around – meat, seafood and vegetarian. No matter what you choose, it’ll be served up fresh with Seabourn’s incredible service.

Discover the Sushi concept onboard all Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation cruises here

Scenic – Taste of Southern France culinary cruise

One of the best ways to truly experience a destination is through its food, and Scenic make this possible with extra-special itineraries. The Taste of Southern France culinary cruise explores some of the country’s most fascinating foodie destinations and, because it’s a river cruise, you’ll be transported right into the heart of the cities and provinces.

You will have the opportunity to sample fresh produce right on the spot where it’s grown and discover the art of winemaking in some of the world’s most iconic vineyards. You can also try your hand at a cooking class; visit the 3 Michelin star restaurant, Georges Blanc, for a once-in-a-lifetime demonstration or shop with a chef on a guided visit to a local food market, before visiting Scenic Culinaire. Scenic promises the opportunity to enjoy five-star cruising your own way, with the option to tailor your journey to your own specific interests.

Click here to view the Taste of Southern France culinary cruises.

Windstar Cruises – Culinary Shore Excursions

Enjoying the flavours, cuisines and ingredients of a destination is one of the highlights of any cruise. Windstar’s fleet of intimate, luxury ships brings these experiences closer than ever with a selection of culinary shore excursions, available at a range of incredible destinations throughout your journey.

While docked in the Estonian capital of Tallinn, for example, there’s an opportunity to taste local delicacies including pickled pumpkin and Estonian schnapps. Panama also serves up a number of foodie experiences to Windstar Cruises guests, such as coffee and chocolate tasting, as well as a local cookery demonstration. Take your dinner parties to the next level by learning how to make an authentic Panamanian seafood cocktail and crispy fried plantains – this culinary masterclass will inspire your dishes for years to come.

Click here to view all Windstar cruises. Culinary shore excursions are available on select sailings, call our luxury cruise experts on 01246 819 819 for full details.