Nothing inspires memories of travel more than the recollection of a particularly great meal – and our captains have had their fair share on their travels with P&O Cruises. Here, Captain Derek Gray shares his favourite foodie experiences in destinations dear to his heart.

The Captain’s table: foodie favourites from around the world

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 A Greek treat

<h2>1. A Greek treat</h2>
<p>I love the Greek island of Santorini. It sits in the caldera of a volcano and offers breathtaking views. The white and blue buildings add to the magic. It is truly stunning. Archaeological, seismological, and vulcanological evidence has been presented linking the Atlantis myth to Santorini. Reconstructions of the island's pre-eruption shape and landscape frescos located under the volcanic ash both strongly resemble classical Greek scholar Plato's description. There is nothing finer than sitting in these idyllic surroundings enjoying a chicken souvlaki with a fresh Greek salad.</p>


Pizza in Naples

<h2>2. Pizza in Naples</h2>
<p>Naples is one of my favourite Italian ports as it’s so easy to get off the ship and walk into town. Also, Naples is where pizza comes from. My two favourite places to enjoy a pizza are Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, which is believed to be the oldest pizzeria in the world, and also Pizzeria Brandi. This is where the Margherita pizza was born. Created to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created the ‘Pizza Margherita’, a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to represent the national colours of Italy. These two restaurants still take the making of pizza very seriously: they only use San Marzano tomatoes, grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, and when drizzling the olive oil and adding the tomato topping, they only do so in a clockwise direction.</p>


Best of Barcelona

<h2>3. Best of Barcelona</h2>
<p>Talking of my favourite restaurants makes me think of Los Caracoles (The Snails) in Barcelona. It’s located in the heart of the old Gothic district. As you arrive, you walk through the kitchen and can feel the heat from the flames. You feel like you’re entering another world. They make the best <i>Crema Catalana</i> (a baked Catalan cream pudding) anywhere. I also like to sit on Las Ramblas at a tapas bar enjoying some <i>Gambas al Ajillo </i>(garlic prawns), <i>Pulpo a la Gallega </i>(Gallician octopus), <i>Zamburiñas</i> (scallops) and <i>Papas Arrugadas</i> (‘wrinkly’ potatoes) and just watching the world go by.</p>


Flavours in Norway

<h2>4. Flavours in Norway</h2>
<p>I love Norway, wandering along the waterfront in Bergen and exploring the lively open-air market. The Norwegians love their seafood and have many ways of preparing fish. Enjoying a fresh herring sandwich from one of the seafood stalls there, at an open-air table next to the boats, is an unforgettable experience. Another is taking in vistas of the fjords over a simple cup of coffee. One of the best has to be the one I enjoyed at 305m above the fjord in Olden at the top of the tramway. It was made with such care in a classically Scandinavian glass-faced café. </p>


Pride of the fleet

<h2>5. Pride of the fleet</h2>
<p>Of course, there’s so much amazing food to enjoy on ship. With so many of our chefs hailing from India, it’s no surprise that we enjoy world-famous curries on our ships. Our chefs take such pride in presenting their wonderful home dishes. I always look forward to a good curry from our outstanding culinary team and can’t wait to enjoy one when we start sailing again.</p>


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Tom Parker Bowles joins our Food Heroes on Britannia

Award-winning food critic Tom Parker Bowles joins all three of our Food Heroes on Britannia's 14-night Northern Europe and Scandinavia holiday this August, for Hosted Dinners at The Cookery Club and a specially curated evening at The Limelight Club.

Untamed flavour on Spain’s Atlantic coast

Northern Spain, or España Verde, is a food lover’s dream hiding in plain sight. From oysters in Vigo to pintxos in Bilbao, every port tells its own delicious story.

A taste of what’s new at Epicurean and Sindhu

We’ve updated the menus at two of your favourite on-board restaurants. Our development team tell us how it all came together and give us an inside look at the flavours you can savour on your next holiday. 

Marco Pierre White. P&O Cruises Ventura. Marco on The White Room terrace. 16th July 2010. Photography by Steve Dunlop. www.stevedunlop.com

Twenty years of culinary magic with Marco Pierre White

There’s a certain kind of excitement that comes with a milestone anniversary. This year, the air on board our ships feels even more celebratory as we mark two decades of partnership with the godfather of British cooking, Marco Pierre White. 

Dining updates: what’s on the menu for summer 2026

Hungry for something new? We’re adding more choice, new experiences and even better quality to your on-board dining experience. Find out what’s cooking…

Wine tasting masterclass

Ever wondered what goes on in a wine tasting masterclass at The Glass House? Let wine expert, P&O Cruises Food Hero and masterclass host Olly Smith be your guide

Wine tasting masterclass masterclass

An insider’s guide to Time Out Market Barcelona

If you’ve never been to a Time Out Market, then firstly: what are you doing? But secondly: you’re in luck! In the summer of 2024, we opened a brand-new market in the beautiful, sun-drenched city of Barcelona

José Pizarro’s Barcelona for foodies

From market eats to upscale treats, P&O Cruises Local Food Hero and renowned Spanish chef José Pizarro takes us on a tapas trail in the Catalan capital.

Marco Pierre White photographed by Alun Callender for P&OC commissioned by Sunday

A Masterclass with Marco in The Cookery Club

Fancy cooking alongside one of Britain’s most iconic chefs? At The Cookery Club on Britannia, you can do just that. Here’s how to whip up memories with Marco Pierre White 

Wine and travel: the perfect pairing

We catch up with Olly Smith while he’s on Arvia for a Food Heroes cruise to find out why nothing beats globe-trotting while exploring the world of wine

A Taste of Barbados is back

Savour the flavours of Barbados on your next Caribbean adventure on P&O Cruises. Discover exclusive local chef events, curated dining experiences, and signature cocktails on Arvia and Britannia.

Spotlight on Food Heroes cruises

Ever wondered who our P&O Cruises Food Heroes are or what happens on a Food Heroes cruise?

Chef’s table

Meet Chef Paul Watts, the creative force behind P&O Cruises’ new menus. Discover his top dishes and the exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience onboard.

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See what our guests are saying about our Food Heroes cruises

What’s it like getting up close and personal with culinary legends on a Food Heroes cruise? From tips and tricks picked up at cooking demos to dining on delectable dishes, our guests tell us what made their on-board experience so special.

What type of Caribbean traveller are you?

Caribbean adventures await! Discover the shore experiences offered by P&O Cruises and find out which ones suit your travel style.

Everything you need to know about on-board spending money

We break down some common questions about on-board spending money – what it is, how to get it and how to spend it.

Adventurous activities in the Caribbean

The Caribbean islands provide the perfect environment for adventure sports with crystal clear waters, endless coral reefs, and a biodiverse terrain. From the shipwrecks of Barbados to the rugged terrains of Tortola, St. Lucia's volcanic peaks, and Antigua's vibrant reefs, there's a variety of activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush. 

How to experience Barbados like a local

Barbados, one of the most eastern islands in the Caribbean, offers more than Bajan punch and pristine beaches. The people, with their charm and zest for life, make this densely populated island a lively place. 

A foodie's guide to Valletta

Perfectly perched in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a unique culinary scene cultivated over centuries. Flavours from North Africa and all across Europe coalesce to create flavours found nowhere else in the region.

A cocktail lover's guide to the Caribbean

When we think of a Caribbean holiday, most people imagine themselves lounging by the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail. From a classic rum punch to a refreshing beer shandy, here are some must-try cocktails from Barbados, Tortola, St. Lucia, and Antigua to inspire you to book your next holiday.

Memorable Moments in the Med

As this year’s BAFTA Television ceremony draws near, we’re sharing just a few dazzling holiday destinations you can discover with us where the stars come out… Sail out of Southampton or choose a fly-cruise to find the finest sights and tiniest islands favoured by big screen names and famous faces.  

Meet our Food Heroes

Get to know our incredible Food Heroes from the Godfather of British cooking, Marco Pierre White to the queen of contemporary Caribbean cooking, Shivi Ramoutar

A view to dine for: Restaurants with great views on board

There are so many places on board our ships where you can gaze over the waves while you dine, from snacks to multi-course meals. Here are a few of our favourites.

Place time on pause in Oasis Spa

Ease yourself into a world of wellness and relaxation at Oasis Spa, a haven of tranquillity you can find on board each of our ships. Whether you want to soothe a particular ailment, spoil yourself with a revitalising beauty treatment or simply enjoy some serenity, you can find your own way to unwind and recharge. 

Panoramic of multi colored beach huts seafront, Long Bay, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean, Leeward Islands, West Indies

Caribbean Diaries: Tortola

Find your island paradise in Tortola. The British Virgin Islands gem offers relaxation, exploration and the warmest of welcomes, as we find out with local guide Cumba Smith. 

Inspiring Antigua

Get to know this idyllic Caribbean paradise, from local cuisine, music, a historic past and new influences

Island Spirit: Get to know Golden Tide

A blend of the finest Caribbean rums and Jersey botanicals, Golden Tide rum is an ode to sun, sea and sustainability.

4 Reasons our new drinks packages hit the spot

P&O Cruises is giving you even more reasons to say cheers with our refreshing new drinks packages, which can be used in all the restaurants, bars and cafés on board. So, what’ll it be?

6 unique food and drinks experiences to add to your travel bucket list

Tasting something unique or traditional to the destination you’re visiting can be the building blocks of great travel memories – these experiences make great bucket list additions.

A taste of the world on board

We bring authentic dining experiences on board our ships, both by collaborating with native leading chefs – our Local Food Heroes – and offering places to dine on board that give you a taste of some of the world’s most dynamic destinations. So, while you’re travelling the world, why not get a taste of it on board, too?  

Five must-try Caribbean dishes

With its mouthwatering mix of exotic local flavours and historic influence, Caribbean cuisine is a melting pot of culinary cultures, reports Peter Swain

A taste of the Caribbean

There’s a food revolution under way in the Caribbean. St Kitts chef Orlando Satchell urges Peter Swain to tuck in.

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Bryggen, a row of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings on the Vagen harbour in Bergen, Norway

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The Captain’s table: foodie favourites from around the world

Santorini cruise holidays

Bergen, Norway cruise holidays

Barcelona cruise holidays

Naples cruise holidays

Explore Topics

Your dream cruise might only be an email away...