Atlas Ocean Voyages Elevates 2026 European Sailing Season With Epicurean Focus

Atlas Ocean Voyages has released a heartfelt statement which demonstrates its increasing status as an immersive luxury travel experience. The company has announced its 2026 European season which will feature a special culinary program that includes internationally recognized guest chefs and culinary experts and pastry specialists and a master sommelier. The small yacht voyages which operate with a capacity of less than 200 passengers have been designed to provide both scenic exploration and culinary experiences which will satisfy travelers who want to learn and explore during their time at sea.

Epicurean Expeditions: A Gourmet Way to Explore Europe

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Epicurean Expeditions are structured around enriching eating and learning experiences that go beyond traditional cruising. Guests aboard the expedition yachts, World Traveller, World Navigator and World Voyager will have opportunities to participate in live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and interactive culinary workshops led by visiting professionals. These gourmet activities showcase regional ingredients, cooking techniques and local food cultures that reflect the destinations visited during each sailing.

The small‑ship format allows for personal interaction with the visiting chefs and sommeliers, enhancing onboard events such as the signature Yachtsman Cook‑Off, where guests prepare dishes under the guidance and evaluation of culinary talent. This hands‑on cooking competition is a highlight for many travellers and has become a beloved tradition on Atlas’s Epicurean programmes.

Star‑Studded Culinary Talent at Sea

This season’s culinary roster reads like a who’s who of global cooking talent, each bringing unique flavours and expertise across various sailings. Among the featured guests are:

• Chef Philip Ippy Aiona, whose Italian‑American and Native Hawaiian influences fuel inventive dishes and who gained national renown as a finalist on Food Network Star.
• Chef Luciana Berry, a celebrated ambassador of Brazilian cuisine and winner of Top Chef Brazil, adding cultural flair to the Mediterranean sailings.
• Regina Charboneau, widely recognised for her Southern American style and known as the Queen of Biscuits, offering soulful culinary insights.
• Massimo Capra, a familiar face from television and Italian venues, who brings classic Mediterranean sensibilities to his appearances.
• Martin Gimenez Castro, a seafood specialist and sustainability champion with Michelin‑recommended restaurants, reflecting modern eco‑savvy cooking.
• Anna Wilamowska, a French‑trained master chocolatier and pastry expert perfecting artful desserts.
• Christian Orner, whose Michelin‑star kitchen experience and European influences enrich culinary conversations.
• Mara Papatheodorou, a culinary historian connecting cuisine with cultural narratives.
• Master Sommelier Peter Neptune, offering deep dives into regional wine traditions.

A Shore‑Centred Culinary and Cultural Adventure

Epicurean Expeditions extend beyond the decks to immersive shore excursions that complement onboard activities. In Mediterranean ports such as Barcelona, Bordeaux, Livorno, and Kotor, guests can explore local markets, participate in vineyard tastings or join cooking masterclasses that highlight the region’s unique flavours and culinary heritage.

These experiences are designed to help passengers feel the essence of each locale through the senses, from sampling Basque pintxos in Bilbao to truffle hunts in the Tuscan countryside. Every shore activity emphasises discovery and connection, blending travel with a deeper understanding of food and wine traditions.

Comfort, Community and Culinary Craft on Board

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ yachts are designed to facilitate social interaction and comfort. With elegant lounges, panoramic windows and inviting dining spaces, travellers can savour each meal while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean’s coastlines. Onboard programmes also include lectures and demonstrations from visiting experts, integrating culinary education with broader cultural insights.

The boutique atmosphere fosters an intimate community of like‑minded travellers, where conversations around food, wine and travel flow freely. Whether it’s a cooking demonstration in the ship’s galley or a casual tasting at sunset, these experiences are central to the line’s ethos of meaningful travel.

Exclusive Offers Add Value to the Voyage

To enhance the overall package, Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering Explorer’s Choice promotions on select 2026 departures. For a limited period, guests who book by the end of March 2026 can enjoy enhanced amenities, including additional onboard perks that enrich the cruise experience. This limited‑time offer adds value to the already immersive journey of culinary discovery and cultural exploration.

Why These 2026 Epicurean Voyages Matter for Travellers

For tourists and passengers seeking a truly distinctive way to explore Europe, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 2026 Epicurean Expeditions present more than scenic routes, they are curated cultural and culinary immersions. Every voyage invites participants to engage with local culinary traditions, develop new skills, and build memories grounded in the shared joy of tasting and discovery.

This blend of small‑ship luxury, expert‑led programming and destination‑focused excursions ensures that travellers return home not just refreshed, but enriched with stories and flavours that resonate long after the voyage ends.

Image Credit: Atlas Ocean Voyages

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