When planning an unforgettable trip, few things can rival the joy of experiencing a destination through its flavors. Imagine tasting freshly caught seafood along the Mediterranean coast, enjoying Polynesian delicacies on a Moorea foodie Cruise Tour, or sipping exclusive regional wines onboard following a day in some of the world’s most renowned vineyards. Luxury meets culinary adventure with Windstar Cruises, the go-to choice for food lovers and wine connoisseurs who want to enjoy the ultimate epicurean voyage.
A More Intimate Culinary Cruise Experience
Windstar Cruises combines its intimate small-ship experience with unparalleled culinary offerings, making it a must-add to every foodie’s travel bucket list. An intimate cruise experience awaits, with yachts hosting just 148–342 guests. Many find traditional cruise lines a bit impersonal; Windstar flips that script with voyages blending thoughtfully curated itineraries and a passionate focus on culinary and cultural discovery.
Local ingredients and culturally significant dishes take center stage on Windstar’s itineraries, ensuring that travelers not only see the world but also taste it. Dietary restrictions? No problem. Windstar’s vegetarian and vegan programs are seamlessly integrated into the daily menu rotation, providing everyone with inspired dishes using the freshest local produce. Each bite on board tells a story steeped in the heritage and traditions of destinations encountered along the voyage. In many ports, you can even join the chefs on local market tours to learn about regional specialties and select fresh ingredients for upcoming menus.
Culinary Excellence with the James Beard Foundation
One of the standout features of Windstar Cruises is its exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation (JBF). This collaboration celebrates chefs and culinary leaders that make up America’s vibrant food culture. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar’s chefs seamlessly blend fine dining with the authentic flavors of the regions visited.
Curious about what sets this collaboration apart? Each James Beard Foundation cruise includes specially curated culinary events, ranging from cooking demonstrations to shopping at local markets with chefs affiliated with the JBF. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this one-of-a-kind partnership, where special chefs—like Larry Forgione, known as the "godfather of American cuisine"—will join select sailings to provide new culinary delights and insights. Chefs also leave their recipes with Windstar, allowing you to sample their dishes on all Windstar voyages if unable to attend select sailing dates. If you seek an immersive experience, Windstar ensures you leave not just with a full stomach but a deeper cultural appreciation and culinary knowledge.
Exclusive Wine-Tasting Adventures
For wine enthusiasts, Windstar is the ultimate tasting experience. Committed to unique epicurean experiences around the globe, guests will enjoy a variety of curated wines while receiving an in-depth look at various spirits on select itineraries. Collaborations with renowned wineries ensure that you savor some of their most exclusive bottles.
Every wine-themed cruise features two exclusive wine-tasting workshops, making it an interactive and enriching experience for all onboard. Learn about the intricate notes of a cabernet from a knowledgeable sommelier and then compare them to the vineyards in ports you visit along the way. These details make cruising with Windstar a full-bodied, sensory adventure. Even for the casual wine drinker, these tastings not only whet your appetite for travel but also open your palate to new, exciting flavors.
A Signature Cocktail Experience at Sea
Wine isn’t the only fine spirit on offer. Prepare to be dazzled by Windstar’s curated collection of smoked cocktails, which blend tantalizing flavors with pure artistry. For cocktail aficionados, these signature mixed drinks elevate shipboard imbibing to unprecedented heights.
Try the bold Smoked Goose Martini, made with Grey Goose L'Orange, Cointreau, and a dash of Laphroaig—perfectly garnished with an orange twist. Alternatively, savor the creative twist of Windstar’s Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned, a sophisticated take on the classic. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, don’t miss the Smoked Spicy Margarita Sour infused with mezcal and egg white. When traveling to Tahiti or the Mediterranean, dive into Windstar’s exclusive regional lists. Smoked, stirred, or shaken, these cocktails are designed to elevate evenings at sea while showcasing the cruise line’s flair for unmatched culinary creativity.
Perfect Your Foodie Bucket List with Windstar
Windstar Cruises doesn’t just take you on journeys through the oceans—it takes you on culinary voyages across the world. Whether you're sampling local treats in Asia, attending a James Beard cooking class, or sipping on limited-edition wines onboard, every moment of the Windstar experience is thoughtfully designed for food lovers and adventurers.
Cruising year-round in Europe means exploring seasonal flavors across the Mediterranean, from socca and warm mulled wine in Nice, France, to savory moussaka and flaky spanikopita at a cooking class in the sunny Greek Isles. Luxurious, intimate, and undeniably delicious, a Windstar cruise makes each meal a celebration of culture and each drink a sensory escape. The question isn’t whether your next trip will be with Windstar—it’s where you’ll choose to explore first.