Cruise life Ships Food and drink

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. 

6 min 15 Jul 2026

Editorial Team

Author

Since 2006, Marco has been at the heart of our culinary story, helping us redefine what it means to dine in style at sea. From that very first signature dish, our partnership has continued to evolve, growing from simply delicious dining into a full foodie adventure that can define the P&O Cruises holiday experience.

 

To mark the occasion, we’re looking back through the archives while setting the stage for a year of sensory delights. Marco’s influence is felt fleet-wide through his curated Celebration Night menus and his role has grown to become a defining part of life on board. Today, our collaboration is brought to life through masterclasses, hosted events and unforgettable moments, particularly on our flagship, Britannia. 

A seat at the table with a British icon

Marco Pierre White holds a seat at the table of the world’s most influential chefs. Arriving in London as a 19-year-old with ‘£7.36, a box of books and a bag of clothes’, he began his training as a commis under maestros Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. By the age of 33, he had taken the restaurant scene by storm, becoming the youngest chef in history to be awarded three Michelin stars.

 

On a Food Heroes holiday, Marco’s presence on board brings a sense of theatre to every interaction. Whether he’s sharing the secrets behind a perfectly cooked côte de boeuf or talking about the importance of provenance, his passion turns every conversation into something memorable. It’s this combination of expertise and authenticity that has made his partnership with us so enduring. 

 

Photo Credit - [On Board With Rankin]

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Masterclasses and memories in The Cookery Club

Marco’s role truly comes to life as patron of The Cookery Club on Britannia – the heart of our immersive culinary journeys at sea. In his hosted masterclasses, the kitchen becomes a place of discovery. Under Marco's expert guidance, you will learn to cook restaurant-quality dishes before sitting down to enjoy the finished creation together.

 

Equally memorable are his hosted dinners, where watching Marco at work creates a true sense of occasion. Complete with lively conversation and carefully paired wines, these evenings capture the spirit of his 20-year legacy. Even when Marco is not sailing, his influence remains through year-round club sessions inspired by his classic recipes and techniques.

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Signature style on the high seas

You do not need to don an apron to enjoy Marco’s flair. His Celebration Night menu brings his signature style to every guest’s table across the fleet, featuring meticulous dishes developed alongside our talented chefs.

 

For those dining on Arcadia, his speciality restaurant Ocean Grill delivers the sophisticated atmosphere of a high-end London steakhouse. Whether you are enjoying a New England split lobster in the main dining room or indulging in a "Wally Ladd" sherry trifle, every dish reflects a legacy that has completely reshaped the way our guests dine at sea.

Your chance to join the anniversary festivities

With 2026 proving to be our most delicious year yet, there is no better time to plan your next escape on one of our Food Heroes holidays. For the ultimate celebration, our flagship B620 cruise stands out as the spectacular, all-star sailing of the programme. It brings Marco Pierre White, Olly Smith and José Pizarro together on board to mark the 20th anniversary of Marco's partnership with us.

 

The excitement begins the moment you depart Southampton, with a lively schedule of culinary entertainment designed to set the stage. You can test your knowledge at a themed trivia quiz, immerse yourself in a curated photography exhibition, or enjoy an energetic, interactive cooking challenge.

 

When our Food Heroes join the cruise alongside special guest Tom Parker Bowles, there’s a full line-up of intimate hosted dinners, hands-on masterclasses, and lively Q&A sessions. The crown jewel is a ticketed headline event in the Limelight Club, featuring a bespoke menu crafted by Marco and José, perfectly paired wines by Olly and capped off with an intimate interview panel.

 

As you can imagine, remaining availability for this milestone sailing is limited so be sure to secure a place while you still can.