cunard special event cruises

Cunard Reveals 2025 Event Voyages Program

• June 9, 2024

Cunard has revealed its lineup of 2025 Event Voyages, sailing aboard the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.

These voyages feature a selection of experts in arts, gastronomy, wine and entertainment, offering an array of performances, Q&As and engaging workshops.

Cunard line will offer seven itineraries, ranging from five to 11 nights, beginning in February 2025. These include:

• Great Australian Culinary Voyage, the Queen Elizabeth: Features some of Australia’s most successful chefs, producers and food critics, as well as a three-course dinner and culinary shore experience in Hobart. Departing February 6, 2025.
• Film Festival at Sea, the Queen Mary 2: The seven-night voyage includes activities and events such as screenings, conversations with industry icons, quizzes and Q&A sessions. Departing March 8, 2025.
• 185th Cunard Anniversary Sailing, the Queen Mary 2: The seven-night itinerary celebrates Cunard’s history with insights from maritime historians and a commemorative dinner. Departing June 24, 2025.
• Dance the Atlantic, the Queen Mary 2: The seven-night transatlantic cruise features six dancers from the English National Ballet onboard, with performances from classic and contemporary ballets in the Royal Court Theatre. Departing August 8, 2025.
• Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra, Queen Mary 2: Guests on this seven-night sailing will enjoy the world of classical music, brought onboard by Anthony Inglis, conducting the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. Departing September 3, 2025.
• Voyage du Vin, the Queen Victoria: The 11-night voyage features talks, tastings and events with connoisseurs and industry experts. Departing October 13, 2025.
• Literature Festival at Sea, Queen Mary 2: The seven-night itinerary includes events curated by The Times and The Sunday Times, and the Cheltenham Literature Festival, with special guests such as journalist and broadcaster Sophie Raworth, and writer and broadcaster Richard Coles. Departing December 8, 2025.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

67 Ships | 172,156 Berths | $57.1 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Instant Access
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

Cunard Launches 2024 Event Voyages Program on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth

COURTESY Cunard: VALENCIA, Calif., July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Set sail with some of the greatest talents in gastronomy, art and entertainment next year, as Cunard announces its renowned Event Voyages for 2024.

“Cunard’s Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances.”

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 plays host to four of the seven newly launched themed voyages, offering guests an unbeatable experience to cross the Atlantic in style, while a further three take place on board Queen Elizabeth as she navigates Australia and Japan in early 2024.

Back by popular demand in June is “London Theatre at Sea,” an eight-night Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing of musical theatre in partnership with the Olivier Awards, with whom Cunard proudly partners every year in London. This unique crossing features immersive acting workshops, fascinating behind the scenes talks and award-winning performances, curated by Julian Bird OBE.

Also returning in November 2024 is “Literature Festival at Sea,” where book lovers can absorb themselves in seven days of inspiring literary events on this westbound Transatlantic Crossing, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, with whom Cunard also partners each year. Each “Literature Festival at Sea” features more than 20 acclaimed authors, with past headliners including Ian Rankin, Victoria Hislop and Simon Armitage.

New for 2024 is a unique opportunity to celebrate history in the making, as Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 embarks on her 400th Transatlantic Crossing in August from New York to Southampton – a journey that remains as iconic today as it was in 1840, when Cunard’s history began.

2024 also marks the 15th anniversary of Cunard’s spectacular National Symphony Orchestra voyages, brought to you by the eminent maestro Anthony Inglis. Guests will be able to rehearse with the choir by day and enjoy classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre by night, on board this unique nine-night Eastbound Transatlantic crossing via Newport and Boston in October.

Queen Elizabeth hosts the first-of-its-kind Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage in January 2024, which offers sports fans the chance to sail with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting superstars, including legendary cricketer Brett Lee and celebrated golfer Karrie Webb, as well as Amanda McLaren, owner of the eponymously named British luxury car company.

The Great Australian Culinary Voyage, also on Queen Elizabeth in January, promises to be an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest and award-winning chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah.

The extraordinary Big Band Ball voyage in May sees dance and music lovers from all over gather to celebrate the magnificent Swing era, in between exploring the enticing ports of Japan on this nine-night circumnavigation. Special guests include internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe.

“Cunard’s Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances.  Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening,” said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America.  “And of course, all offered with the luxurious backdrops of the Cunard Queens and all while enjoying the signature touches you can always look forward to with Cunard.”

2024 Event Voyages schedule:

Queen Mary 2:

London Theatre at Sea (M417), Eastbound Transatlantic, 15-23 June 2024

Queen Mary 2’s 400th Transatlantic Crossing (M426), Eastbound Transatlantic, 23-30 August 2024

Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra’s 15th Anniversary (M432A), Eastbound Transatlantic, 4-13 October 2024

Literature Festival at Sea (M436), Westbound Transatlantic, 13-20 November 2024

Queen Elizabeth:

Great Australian Culinary Voyage (Q402), Southern Australia, 5-12 January 2024

Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage (Q407), Southern Australia, 13-30 February 2024

Big Band Ball (Q416), Japan, 5-14 May 2024

Please note: speakers and activities are subject to change. Some activities may incur an additional charge.

About Cunard

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 183 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will enter service in 2024. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc.

Cover photo courtesy Cunard

See voyages  All Cunard Ships

Queen Anne Queen Elizabeth Queen Mary 2 Queen Victoria

Ed. Notes: CruiseCompete and its member travel advisors provide many curated cruise and land deals, offers and amenities on over 50 cruise lines with over 500 cruise ships sailing all around the world.

Browse All Cruise Ships and Cruise Lines

Sea Tales 2023 Family Cruise Travel Planner

Shore Excursions – Ports, Day & Weekend Trips

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

Subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Cunard: up to $2,000 Onboard Credit*

Cunard: up to $250 Onboard Credit for Military

Cunard Africa cruises from $1,629*

Cunard Line Special Events

Every once in a while Cunard Line will host themed cruises which include special activities, speakers and exclusive shore excursions.

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

WE’RE CELEBRATING 65 YEARS IN TRAVEL! Book your cruise by 30th September to enter a prize draw to win a £650 travel voucher!

02380 658 386

Sail from UK Sail from UK

Cunard Announces New Event Voyages For 2025 Cruise Calendar

Announcing brand new Cunard Event Voyages for their 2025 Cruise calendar!

Award-winning authors. Master composers. celebrated choreographers. Cunard’s Event Voyages invite you to sail with some of the greatest talents in the arts, gastronomy, wine, and entertainment. Curated in partnership with well-known names like Cheltenham Festivals, English National Ballet, and Corney & Barrow, these one-of-a-kind voyages blend live demonstrations and performances with Q&As and hands-on workshops, to truly immerse you in the things you love most.

Be a part of history on Cunard’s 185th Anniversary voyage. Celebrate the spoken word with likeminded literature lovers or share your passion for music, dance, or film. When you’re not watching the professionals on stage, why not join them for an interactive workshop, a thought-provoking panel discussion, or an informal meet and greet? You’ll find plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with these special guests. Some Cunard Event voyages even offer you the chance to sit in on rehearsals, giving you a rare glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes.

Film Festival At Sea

8 March 2025 • Queen Mary 2

Guests are invited to discover the world of film on this special Event Voyage in partnership with the British Film Institute . A thoughtfully curated schedule of activities and events will include screenings, conversations with industry icons, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Guests will be treated to a look behind the scenes of the British film industry and the London Film Festival.

On board programme highlights:

• A curated selection of films from the BFI to be screened on board
• Q&As and in-depth talks from industry icons and experts who’ll take guests behind the scenes of movie making
• Quizzes and other celebratory events on board, commemorating the history and prestige of the British film industry

185th Anniversary Event Voyage

24 June 2025 • Queen Mary 2

Celebrate 185 years of Cunard, and delight in all that Queen Mary 2 has to offer, plus enjoy a variety of experiences that will commemorate this special occasion. On this iconic Transatlantic route that’s been sailed by Cunard ships for decades, guests can relish days at sea being treated to the unique tales of maritime historians.

• Guests can hear fascinating insights from maritime historians joining the voyage
• Commemorative dinner to celebrate Cunard’s distinguished history
• A themed quiz to test our guests’ knowledge

Dance The Atlantic

8 August 2025 • Queen Mary 2

This unique Transatlantic Crossing celebrates the world of dance with English National Ballet. Dance the Atlantic will feature stunning performances and a spectacular programme packed full of Insights talks, workshops, access to rehearsals and classes, and a chance for guests to meet six leading dancers from English National Ballet.

• Six leading dancers from English National Ballet join guests on board
• Performances with extracts from classic and contemporary ballets in the Royal Court Theatre
• Classes and rehearsals, Insights talks, and dance workshops hosted by English National ballet choreographers
• A fascinating look behind the scenes at what it takes to dance for English National Ballet

Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra

3 September 2025 • Queen Mary 2

On this spectacular Event Voyage guests will be immersed in the exquisite world of classical music, brought on board Queen Mary 2 by eminent maestro Anthony Inglis, conducting the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. Two superb performances will celebrate classical music from both sides of the pond, and at Q&A sessions Inglis will share stories about his distinguished career. Guests will even have the chance to rehearse with the choir and join the group performance during the evening show .

• Anthony Inglis will conduct on this special crossing as well as offering Insights talks and a Q&A
• Anthony Inglis and the NSO will perform two classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre
• Guests can rehearse with the choir and join the group performance during the evening show

Literature Festival At Sea

8 December 2025 • Queen Mary 2

Guests will be absorbed in a true literary haven, surrounded by fellow book lovers, on the Literature Festival at Sea. This event, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival , sees authors, journalists, critics, and historians unite, bringing the spirit of the Festival this extraordinary voyage.

• In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, the world’s oldest literary festival
• A seven-day programme of inspiring literary events
• Join up to 20best-loved authors, thinkers and journalists for a range of unique workshops and experiences
• Hear literary greats in conversation about their life and work and get the chance to meet them at intimate author signings

Great Australian Culinary Voyage

6 February 2025 • Queen Elizabeth

In February 2025, Cunard’s much loved Great Australian Culinary Voyage sets sail for the third time, bringing an odyssey of culinary exploration to the high seas. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample delicious cuisine as you sail for the shores of Tasmania.

• A chance to listen and learn as some of Australia’s most-loved chefs, producers,and food critics shine a spotlight on the wonders of Australian cuisine
• Award-winning chef MattMoran will create an exclusive menu for The Verandah and special three-course dinner for the Britannia and Grills Restaurants
• Bespoke culinary shore experience in Hobart

Voyage du Vin

13 October 2025 • Queen Victoria

Take a closer look at the wonderful world of wine on this unique Event Voyage on Queen Victoria, in partnership with Corney & Barrow, one of the UK’s oldest independent wine merchants.

This 11-night Mediterranean sailing promises not only to transport you, physically, to some of the world’s leading wine producing countries, but you’ll also be treated to a whole host of events and experiences designed to delight oenophiles of all kinds.

• Insightful talks from connoisseurs and leading industry experts
• Tastings guided by renowned personalities

All this is on top of the signature Cunard experiences you can always look forward to. Find everything you need to create your perfect holiday both on and off the ship. Explore at your own pace or book a Cunard Shore Experience. You could push yourself at the gym by morning and glam up for a sparkling Gala Evening by night, maybe with a signature Cunard cocktail in between. An Event Voyage on a Cunard Queen is certainly a holiday like no other.

Ready to book your 2025 cruise holiday on a Cunard voyage? Call our cruise specialists on 02380 658 386 or start your search here .

Feeling Inspired?

Sign up to our newsletter.

Share this page:

Back to Top

Enquire Now

Amazing World Cruises

A World of Endless Travel Possibilities.

• Glamorous Gustavia 2024 Seven Seas Navigator December 13-23, 2024
• Colorful Caribbean Shores Seven Seas Grandeur March 5-19, 2025
• Play My Cruise
• Cruise Preferences Tell us about your cruise preferences and we’ll recommend the perfect voyage for you.
• Africa Cruises
• Alaska Cruises
• Antarctica Cruises
• Arabian Gulf Cruises
• Asia Pacific Cruises
• Australia Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises
• Canada Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Central America Cruises
• Eastern Europe Cruises
• Galapagos Cruises
• Hawaii Cruises
• Japan Cruises
• Mediterranean Cruises
• Mexican Riviera Cruises
• Northern Europe Cruises
• Panama Canal Cruises
• Repositioning Cruises
• South Pacific Cruises
• Transatlantic Cruises
• World Cruises
• 2025 World Cruises
• 2025 Cunard Queen Anne World Cruise
• 2026 World Cruises
• Luxury Cruise Line Guide

Cunard Announces Special Event Cruises for 2024

Book Your Next Amazing Cruise with Travel Leader, Jeffrey Cleary

Cunard Line, already known for its ultra luxurious appointments and classic style of cruising, has announced amazing special cruises with its Event Voyages for 2024.

These unique sailings offer immersive onboard experiences with top experts in different fields, giving guests the opportunity for in-depth exploration of popular topics and first-hand insights into the arts, sports, gastronomy, and more.

Cunard Line’s 2024 Event Voyages

While every cruise is an event unto itself, particularly on a renowned line such as Cunard, the special “Event Voyages” offer much more than typical cruise ship entertainment and activities.

For 2024, Cunard Line is offering seven themed voyages, each with spectacular opportunities that travelers will not find on land.

“Cunard’s Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances. Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening,” said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America. 

The line’s current flagship, Queen Mary 2 , will host four of the themed voyages, while the other three will be aboard Queen Elizabeth .

Queen Mary 2 Event Voyages

In June, an 8-night eastbound transatlantic sailing from New York to Southampton will offer a “London Theatre at Sea” musical theatre theme in partnership with the Olivier Awards, first established in 1976 to honor theatre, opera, and dance.

Onboard, guests can join in-depth acting workshops, participate in behind-the-scenes talks, and enjoy award-winning performances. The cruise will depart on June 15, 2024.

Queen Mary 2 ‘s 400th transatlantic crossing will be even more celebratory with its own anniversary theme, sure to evoke the rich history of Cunard Line’s transatlantic voyages . This momentous sailing is August 23-30, departing from New York and traveling to Southampton, and will pay homage to the cruise line’s lengthy history along the way.

The ship will welcome guests aboard the 15th anniversary of Cunard’s spectacular “National Symphony Orchestra” voyages from October 4-13, another eastbound transatlantic sailing that will be filled with choir rehearsals that guests can join as well as classical concerts in the evening for a musically enriching experience.

Finally, book lovers are sure to enjoy the “Literature Festival at Sea” voyage from November 13-20, 2024, a westbound transatlantic sailing featuring inspiring literary events and curated programing with more than 20 acclaimed authors. Writing workshops, literary discussions, and author Q&A sessions are sure to be part of this storied cruise.

For each of these amazing, immersive voyages, the 149,215-gross ton Queen Mary 2 can welcome as many as 2,695 guests, while 1,250 officers and crew members provide the luxurious service Cunard Line is so well known for offering.

Queen Elizabeth Event Voyages

The Vista-class Queen Elizabeth will host three Event Voyages in 2024, each with a different theme: culinary adventures, wellness journeys, and amazing nostalgic music.

From January 5-12, great tastes will rule the high seas with the “Great Australian Culinary Voyage,” an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah. Roundtrip from Melbourne, Australia, the 7-night voyage will visit Adelaide and Hobart along the way.

In February, the “Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage” will welcome special guests for sports fans with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting superstars, such as cricketer Brett Lee and golfer Karrie Webb.

Special sessions offering play tips and game insights are sure to be popular activities onboard the February 13-20 voyage, roundtrip from Sydney, Australia and calling on Hobart, Port Arthur, and Melbourne.

Read Also: Ocean Liner vs Cruise Ship – What are the Differences?

Finally, guests can dance the night away aboard Queen Elizabeth on the “Big Band Ball” voyage from May 5-14, when the swing era will be in full musical mode with special guests such as internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe. The unique musical voyage promises to be as exciting as its Japanese itinerary roundtrip from Tokyo.

The 90,901-gross-ton Queen Elizabeth can welcome as many as 2,547 guests on any of these three voyages, if booked to full capacity.

Each of these unique voyages is sure to sell out quickly, and interested guests should seize the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passions onboard so they don’t miss the opportunity to make truly one-in-a-lifetime cruise vacation memories.

Caribbean Cruises | Carnival Caribbean Cruises | Celebrity Caribbean Cruises | Cunard Caribbean Cruises | Disney Caribbean Cruises | Holland America Caribbean Cruises | MSC Caribbean Cruises | Norwegian Caribbean Cruises | Oceania Caribbean Cruises | Princess Caribbean Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Caribbean Cruises | Seabourn Caribbean Cruises

World Cruise  |  2024 Queen Mary 2 World Cruise  |  2024 MSC Poesia World Cruise  |  2025 Around the World Cruise  |  Amazing World Cruises  |  Luxury Cruising  |  Home

Recommended Posts

Boston Begins What Will Be a Record-Breaking Cruise Season

Cruise Line Makes It Easier for Passengers Who Lose Their Luggage

MSC Cruises and Emirates Extend Partnership

For Mother’s Day, Celebrate with a Family Trip

Carnival’s New Cruise Port Is Revitalizing Grand Bahama’s Economy

Seabourn Modifies Africa Cruise to Avoid Red Sea Region

Jeffrey Cleary is an experienced travel advisor and cruise specialist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Caribbean and World cruises. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Jeffrey has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor for those seeking unforgettable Caribbean and/or World cruise experiences. "I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in the cruise industry, along with real-world experience on many of the finest ships at sea. I love cruising myself, so I am often sailing (and reachable by clients) and experiencing the cruise lines first hand. I'll get to know you, your style, your ideal vacation and recommend an Amazing Cruise experience."

How cruise lines are revamping onboard dining with celebrity chefs and fresh foodie experiences

• Share on WhatsApp
• Share by email

Cruise lines are taking inspiration from some of the world’s best restaurants to give passengers exciting new ways to dine, finds Russell Higham

More people than ever are discovering the appeal, convenience and value of a cruise holiday, with this year already looking like a bumper one for agents. Iglu Cruise is forecasting market growth of 15% this year and that comes on top of a record-breaking year in 2023 for cruise sales.

The food on board has always been a major part of the attraction of cruising. For many clients, the quality – and quantity – of food available is one of the reasons they keep coming back every year. But potential new-to-cruise clients may need more persuading that they won’t find rigidly enforced dress codes and long, snaking queues to bland, uninspiring buffets.

Jonny Peat, senior commercial manager for cruise at The Advantage Travel Partnership, says: “Food is a key factor in the decision making and customers often want to know about the choices available before booking. The key questions are the number of restaurants, speciality options, dietary requests and whether the restaurants carry an extra cover charge.”

Additionally, younger generations’ willingness to spend more of their disposable income on memorable epicurean experiences means that they may be expecting higher standards of hospitality, cooking and service.

As the food scene at home continues to evolve, with a greater variety of cuisines and better-quality, more diverse ingredients on offer, younger clients are passionate about their food.

Images of beautifully crafted plates on social media also raise mealtime expectations among this demographic, so cruise chefs must create visual showstoppers as well as delectable dishes.

New foodie experiences on cruises

Fortunately, cruise lines have steadily been upping their game when it comes to food. Many now put their F&B operation at the heart of the cruise experience, making many of their food offerings a strong selling point for this type of potential customer.

Tony Andrews, managing director of Cruise.co.uk , says: “Cruise dining has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and it’s a testament to the industry’s dedication to providing exceptional food experiences. Onboard cuisine is no longer just about buffets and formal dining rooms, it’s a journey through local flavours, culinary innovation and personalisation.

We’re seeing cruise lines elevating dining options to new heights. From gourmet restaurants with celebrity chefs to street food markets, there’s something for every palate.

“Passengers can savour exquisite meals in elegant dining rooms, enjoy casual dining by the pool or embark on an experiential culinary adventure at speciality venues. But it’s not just about the variety of choices; it’s about customisation too. Passengers can tailor their dining experiences like never before. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply crave a particular dish, cruise lines are more accommodating than ever.”

Michelin star inspiration

Edward Dieusaert is director of food and beverage development at Cunard, a cruise line known for its regal connections and exacting standards. At a pre-launch event for its stunning 3,000-passenger ship Queen Anne, he explained how Cunard was ahead of the game in realising, respecting and catering for its customers’ increasingly sophisticated tastes.

“Looking back, we probably changed our approach to food beginning with the Queen Mary 2 in 2016,” he says, referring to the flagship’s £90 million upgrade, which included a complete redesign and refurbishment of all its restaurants.

“Before then, when we were looking at how to set the highest standards in dining – as well as cruising – we tended to reference our cruise line competitors and looked at what they were offering on board. But now that’s changed. Today we benchmark our onboard dining against the world’s very best restaurants in cities such as London and New York; not other ships.”

Dieusaert describes how he had the rather enviable job of sampling food from some of the finest chefs on the planet as he travelled the globe seeking inspiration for the menus of the 15 new eateries on board Queen Anne.

“For our new Indian-themed restaurant, Aranya (helmed by MasterChef India celebrity chef Surjan ‘Jolly’ Singh), I looked to places such as Bibi and Gymkhana in Mayfair.” Gymkhana has recently been awarded its second Michelin star and is considered the gold standard in Indian cuisine by many food critics.

For Queen Anne’s Japanese restaurant Aji Wa, inspiration came from Zuma in Knightsbridge and the Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda.

Cunard is not the only cruise line to realise the pulling power that comes from having a famous name in the kitchen. Seabourn teamed up with chef Thomas Keller, who has two three Michelin-starred restaurants, is a cookbook author and proprietor of one of Napa Valley’s landmark restaurants, The French Laundry. All members of the culinary team serving in Seabourn’s The Grill by Thomas Keller must first undergo training in Keller’s food philosophy by his chef de cuisine in California.

Restaurant collaborations on cruise ships

Norwegian Cruise Line, meanwhile, has collaborated with Scarpetta, the fashionable New York City-based Italian restaurant brand, whose London outpost, Sette, is located at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. Taking the first part of its name from the word for ‘wave’, Onda by Scarpetta features on selected vessels within NCL’s fleet, including Norwegian Prima and Viva.

Passengers can order the same signature dish – the deceptively simple but delicious “spaghetti, tomato and basil” – that pasta lovers in the swankiest parts of London and Manhattan can’t seem to get enough of.

Locally-sourced produce on board

And while cruise lines often receive criticism for not encouraging passengers to engage with local economies, many lines are solving this problem by offering food-focused shore excursions that take passengers to restaurants, local street food vendors and markets selling local produce.

Silversea’s Salt (Sea and Land Taste) programme, for instance, offers passengers on selected sailings the chance of a private audience with Italy’s most famous pizzaiolo, Franco Pepe from the Netflix series Chef’s Table: Pizza. He will even make pizza for you at his Pepe in Grani restaurant in Caiazzo, acclaimed as one of the best in the world.

Or, for something more hands-on, you could spend an afternoon with some of the chefs, bakers and gardeners of the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur in France, before dinner in the private tasting kitchen of the restaurant’s celebrated chef owner, Mauro Colagreco. He has just opened another flagship restaurant in one of London’s latest five-star hotel openings, Raffles London at The Old War Office.

Whichever cruise line your customers choose, the move towards a more interesting, sophisticated way of dining at sea couldn’t be any more pronounced. In fact, with so many food options available to guests on ships at all levels of the market, perhaps they’ll just have to book a longer cruise so they can try them all.

4 of the best cooking classes at sea

Cook up a storm with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has staked its reputation on serving fine food and drink at sea, so no wonder it’s also encouraging passengers to pick up a few skills to take home with them in the professional-level Culinary Center. Find it on board new ship Vista, along with refitted Marina and Riviera, and expect lessons in everything from classic French techniques to cooking the perfect steak. oceaniacruises.com

Explore Patagonian flavours with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Among the various classes on offer in the Regent Seven Seas’ Culinary Arts Kitchen is Patagonian cuisine. Guests receive hands-on instruction in the secrets of Argentine grilling, as well as Chilean roasting and baking. And since Patagonia is famous for its wine production, this class includes a special focus on sampling and pairing the region’s grape varietals. rssc.com

Learn from celebrity chefs with P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering a 14-night cruise around Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands aboard Britannia in the company of super-chefs Marco Pierre White and José Pizarro, who will host live cooking demos, Q&As and other activities, including masterclasses and dinners in The Cookery Club. pocruises.com

Master local dishes with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Guests aboard MS Europa 2 can learn from Hapag-Lloyd’s chefs in a professional-level kitchen equipped with Miele appliances. The onboard culinary school teaches amateurs and budding chefs de cuisine to cook classic dishes and specialities from the regions they’re passing through. hl-cruises.com

More Destinations

Q&A: Matthew Boyd, entertainment director on the Carnival Jubilee

How to cater for dietary requirements on a cruise

Are big cruise lines sailing away from Venice?

Which food-themed cruise is right for your clients?

Jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more .