What are Food Hero cruises?

A cruise with our Food Heroes adds a dash of discovery and authenticity to your holiday, leaving you with even more memories to take home and savour.

Discover their tricks of the trade, hear their stories and enjoy exceptional food and wine in their company at special events.


Will it be a live cooking demo with Marco Pierre White or a Q&A with José Pizarro to hear his tapas top tips? Or perhaps an Olly Smith wine-tasting masterclass to learn new skills? Get set for your foodie adventure.

 

Reasons to book a Food Heroes cruise

From menus and wine lists crafted by culinary greats to live cookery demonstrations and intimate hosted dinners, our Food Heroes add an exciting and enriching dimension to your time on board. 

Take your holiday to the next level

A Food Heroes cruise brings you all the excitement of a P&O Cruises holiday with a little something extra on the side. Days at sea can be filled with experiences that leave you with stories and memories to last a lifetime. It’s the kind of souvenir you won’t find in any shop.

Learn from the best

Imagine telling your friends ‘I learned this trick from Marco Pierre White’ at your next dinner party? You’ll share personal, authentic encounters with some of the brightest lights on the culinary scene – cooking masterclasses, Q&As, book signings and bespoke menus will teach you something new and help elevate your home cooking.

See the world in a new way

We’re big believers that food can bring you closer to the places you visit. And once you’ve heard Shivi Ramoutar’s tales of growing up in Trinidad or tasted José Pizarro’s tapas, their knowledge and passion will give you a new perspective on the destinations you sail to.

Indulge in the extraordinary

At the end of the day, it’s all about the food. Whether you’re savouring an elegant six-course Norwegian dinner by Kjartan Skjelde at Epicurean, sipping wine with Olly Smith in The Glass House or getting one-on-one tips from Marco Pierre White in The Cookery Club, you’ll head home full of memories.

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What can you expect on board?

One day you’re soaking up the sun in southern Spain, and the next watching José Pizarro cook up a Spanish feast; by morning you’re lounging by the pool, and by night you’re lingering over dinner with Marco Pierre White. 

Included

Cookery demonstrations

These demos are an ideal way to learn top tips from true experts. Our Food Heroes will talk you through how they create the dishes you love, and walk you through some of their signature on-board creations. As they cook, they’ll also regale you with stories from their careers and give you first-hand advice on how to get the best from each culinary creation.

Included

An Audience with…

Here’s your chance to get to know our Food Heroes and ask them that burning foodie question you’ve always wanted to ask. Our Food Heroes chat with a member of the Entertainment team, revealing a more personal view of their lives and careers. Look forward to frank discussions, fun true-life stories and invaluable insider cooking tips.

Additional

Wine tastings

Join an exclusive tasting session in The Glass House with world-famous wine expert Olly Smith. Olly will guide you through a selection of superb wines he’s handpicked specially for the occasion. He’ll explain each wine’s terroir and how to judge a wine’s quality as you sample each variety. You’ll also find out how to pair wines with foods to enjoy the best of both.

Additional

Venue hosting at The Glass House

Join multi-award-winning wine expert Olly Smith and Spanish chef José Pizarro in the convivial and stylish surroundings of The Glass House. Olly is there to help with choosing the best wines to go with mouth-watering menu selections created by José.

Additional

Book / menu signings

Our on-board book signings give you the chance to meet our Food Heroes, say ‘hi’ and request a personal message and signed copy of their latest cookbook or on-board menu. What better way to meet these famous food experts and leave with a memento of your cruise.

Tom Parker-Bowles

We’re delighted to announce that, in 2025, we’ll be joined on selected holidays by a very special guest, food writer Tom Parker Bowles, who’ll be on board for two of our Food Heroes sailings.

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The Glass House

The Glass House is headed up by the irrepressible, award-winning wine expert and passionate foodie Olly Smith. Here, you can enjoy an authentic tapas menu created by Local Food Hero and acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro.

Epicurean

On Iona’s holidays to the Norwegian Fjords the flavours of the region will spring to life at Epicurean with a six-course tasting menu created by Local Food Hero and award-winning chef Kjartan Skjelde.

The Beach House

On Arvia’s and Britannia’s holidays to the Caribbean, our Local Food Hero and queen of contemporary Caribbean cooking Shivi Ramoutar has created exclusive dishes so you can taste your way around the region’s idyllic islands.

Ocean Grill

Marco’s philosophy is clear to see at Ocean Grill – to create something special and memorable but, above all, wholly enjoyable. Available on board Arcadia for a small cover charge. A supplement is also payable on selected dishes.

Freedom and Club restaurants

Enjoy moreish breakfasts, a wide selection of British and international lunch options, and superb evening meals. On Celebration Nights, you’ll also be wowed by a special five-course dinner created by the legendary godfather of British cooking, Marco Pierre White.

Taste 360

On Arvia’s holidays to the Caribbean and Iona’s holidays to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, you can taste authentic dishes from the destinations you’ll visit.

2025 Food Hero cruise dates out now!

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