Tag: Culinary Cruises

Atlas Ocean Voyages Just Announced an Impressive New Dining Experience

30 September 2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages is raising the bar on culinary travel with a newly enhanced dining program designed to immerse guests in the flavours and traditions of the destinations they explore.

Under the leadership of Corporate Executive Chef René Afleñzer, who recently returned from a sourcing journey across Argentina, the luxury cruise line has unveiled menus that spotlight locally inspired dishes and seasonal ingredients sourced directly from regional farmers, vintners and artisans.

“Food is an integral part of exploration,” said Chef Afleñzer. “Guests deserve a culinary journey as rich and inspiring as the destinations we visit. Our menus are designed to surprise and delight, blending creative presentation, exceptional quality and fresh regional flavours.”

A Taste of the World on Board

Guests can now enjoy Chef Afleñzer’s creations across all dining venues, including the elegant main restaurant, the alfresco 7Aft Grill, casual Paula’s Pantry, and 24-hour room service. Highlights range from raw Hamachi with soya-parsley and dill salad, to lobster ravioli with garlic butter sauce, to plant-based options such as roasted white onion with wild mushroom ragout and hazelnut cream.

The curated menus also include a standout dessert program featuring treats like infinity chocolate peanut butter cake and pistachio caramel sauce crumble. Beverage pairings, sommelier-led wine tastings and market-to-table dinners round out the expanded offering, creating a holistic dining experience designed to connect travellers to the culinary traditions of the regions they visit.

Expanding the Epicurean Experiences

Atlas Ocean Voyages has also announced the return of its popular Epicurean Expeditions for 2026 and 2027, sailing the Mediterranean with a line-up of guest chefs, wine pairings, market-to-table excursions and shoreside tastings.

“As one of the cornerstones of the Atlas experience, our culinary program continues to evolve,” said James A. Rodriguez, President & CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Our guests’ feedback and strong ratings confirm that dining with Atlas is truly exceptional.”

With its expanded menus, expert-led experiences and commitment to sourcing sustainably, Atlas Ocean Voyages is charting a course to make dining at sea as memorable as the destinations themselves.

The World’s Best Female Chef Was Named Godmother of This Cruise Ship

15 September 2025

Cruise ships are no strangers to star power — but usually it comes in the form of Broadway-style productions or celebrity guest speakers. Celebrity Cruises is taking a different tack with the launch of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. The line has tapped Janaina Torres, named World’s Best Female Chef 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, to serve as the ship’s godmother, a role steeped in maritime tradition and symbolism.

For those less familiar with the practice, a ship’s godmother is more than a ceremonial title. Historically, the godmother blesses and christens the vessel, embodying its spirit and values as it begins its journeys. In Torres, Celebrity Cruises has chosen a figure whose career is defined by hospitality, generosity, and cultural celebration — qualities that echo the brand’s own positioning at sea.

Torres is best known for her work at A Casa do Porco in São Paulo, a restaurant she co-founded with her husband, chef Jefferson Rueda. The restaurant, which pays homage to Brazilian pork cookery in inventive and democratic ways, has become a destination in its own right and is frequently ranked among the world’s best. What sets Torres apart isn’t only her culinary prowess but also her commitment to accessibility: fine dining that welcomes everyone, not just the privileged few. That philosophy resonates with Celebrity Cruises’ ambition to blend sophistication with inclusivity across its fleet.

The naming ceremony of Celebrity Xcel will, of course, involve the traditional champagne bottle-breaking moment, but the symbolism extends further. By aligning with one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Celebrity underscores its focus on dining as a central part of the travel experience. It’s not just about feeding passengers — it’s about turning meals into defining memories of a voyage.

Food has always been a major differentiator in the cruise industry, but this announcement feels like a declaration of intent. With Torres as godmother, travelers can expect food and beverage programming that reflects her influence — whether through chef collaborations, menu inspiration, or culinary events at sea. While details remain under wraps, the partnership hints at a future where dining on board is as destination-worthy as the ports of call.

As Celebrity Xcel prepares to set sail, Torres’s presence ensures it will carry not just passengers, but also a culinary legacy rooted in warmth, creativity, and connection. It’s a reminder that on the open sea, food is more than sustenance — it’s the heartbeat of the journey.