- DEALS
- AUSTRALIA CRUISE DEALS
- AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST & INDIAN OCEAN CRUISE DEALS
- ALASKA CRUISE DEALS
- ANTARCTICA CRUISE DEALS
- ARCTIC CRUISES
- ASIA CRUISE DEALS
- ATLANTIC ISLANDS CRUISE DEALS
- CARIBBEAN CRUISE DEALS
- CENTRAL AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- CHRISTMAS CRUISES
- EUROPE CRUISES
- ICELAND CRUISES
- KIMBERLEY CRUISE DEALS
- MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE DEALS
- NEW ZEALAND CRUISE DEALS
- NORTH AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- NORTHERN EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA CRUISE DEALS
- OCEANIA & PACIFIC ISLANDS CRUISE DEALS
- SOLO TRAVELLER CRUISE DEALS
- SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE DEALS
- TAHITI, TONGA & COOK ISLANDS
- TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE DEALS
- LATEST PONANT CRUISE DEALS
- All dealsSee all
- DESTINATIONS
- SHIPS
- EXPERIENCES
- LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISES
- LUXURY YACHT CRUISES
- SMALL SHIP CRUISES
- EXPEDITION CRUISES
- LUXURY ADVENTURE CRUISES
- KIMBERLEY CRUISES
- POLAR CRUISES
- WILDLIFE CRUISES
- CULTURAL CRUISES
- PHOTOGRAPHY CRUISES
- SOLO CRUISES
- FAMILY LUXURY CRUISES
- LUXURY HONEYMOON CRUISES
- LUXURY CRUISES FOR COUPLES
- A DIFFERENT WAY TO CRUISE
- OUR VIDEOS
- PLAN YOUR CRUISE
- CRUISE THEMES
- ABOUT
A destination can be experienced through its landscapes, wildlife and culture—but sometimes, the best way to understand a place is through its food and wine.
From Mediterranean cuisine and French gastronomy to Asian flavours, Australian produce and island traditions, food can reveal the history, geography and culture of a destination.
A PONANT food and wine cruise offers an opportunity to combine luxury small-ship travel with culinary discovery. Depending on the itinerary, your journey may include local markets, regional specialties, food-focused shore excursions, wine regions, traditional cooking and opportunities to experience the flavours that make each destination unique.
For some travellers, food and wine are an enjoyable addition to their cruise. For others, they are a major reason for choosing a particular destination.
So, which PONANT culinary experience is right for you?
This guide explores the destinations, cuisines and experiences that can make a food and wine cruise especially rewarding—and helps you choose an itinerary based on the flavours you most want to discover.
| Factor | Food & Wine Cruise Guide |
|---|---|
| Best For | Travellers who enjoy cuisine, wine, local produce, markets and culinary traditions |
| Top Destinations | Mediterranean, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Europe, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific |
| Key Experiences | Local cuisine, wine regions, markets, food tours, culinary traditions and regional produce |
| Best Cruise Style | Luxury small-ship and destination-focused cruising |
| Best For Wine | France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mediterranean and selected European itineraries |
| Best For Food | Mediterranean, Asia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Australia |
| Best For Local Markets | Asia, Mediterranean and Europe |
| Important Consideration | Culinary experiences vary by itinerary, destination, season and shore excursion |
| Key Decision | Choose the cuisine or wine region you most want to experience, then match the destination and itinerary |
A food and wine cruise is not necessarily a cruise dedicated exclusively to cooking or dining.
Rather, it is a voyage where culinary discovery is an important part of the travel experience.
Depending on your itinerary, this could include:
- Regional cuisine
- Wine tasting
- Vineyard visits
- Local markets
- Food tours
- Traditional cooking
- Farm and producer visits
- Local seafood
- Regional specialties
- Artisan food producers
- Culinary demonstrations
- Gastronomic excursions
- Local restaurants
- Food and cultural experiences
The exact experiences available depend on the destination and departure.
That's why choosing the right itinerary is essential.
Food is much more than something we eat.
It can tell the story of a destination.
The ingredients reflect the local environment. Traditional recipes reveal generations of knowledge. Markets show what people eat every day. Wine reflects the soil, climate and agricultural traditions of a region.
A culinary-focused cruise allows you to experience these connections while travelling between destinations.
You might explore a Mediterranean market in the morning, enjoy regional cuisine ashore and return to your ship for an evening meal overlooking the coastline.
In another destination, the highlight could be a vineyard visit, a traditional food experience or a chance to discover ingredients you've never tasted before.
For food lovers, the destination becomes part of the dining experience.
| Destination | Culinary Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| France | French cuisine, wine, cheese, pastries and regional gastronomy | Classic gastronomy and wine |
| Italy | Pasta, seafood, regional cuisine, wine and local produce | Italian cuisine and wine |
| Spain | Tapas, seafood, regional dishes, wine and markets | Food, wine and local culture |
| Portugal | Seafood, regional cuisine, pastries and wine | Portuguese food and wine |
| Mediterranean | Seafood, olive oil, fresh produce, regional cuisine and wine | Food, wine and culinary diversity |
| Asia | Street food, markets, seafood, spices, traditional dishes and tea | Food markets and culinary discovery |
| Australia | Fresh produce, seafood, regional ingredients and contemporary cuisine | Local produce and modern Australian cuisine |
| South Pacific | Island cuisine, seafood, tropical produce and traditional food | Island flavours and local traditions |
For many travellers, France is synonymous with food.
From regional cheeses and pastries to fine dining and celebrated wine regions, French gastronomy offers extraordinary variety.
A French-focused voyage can allow you to explore culinary traditions that differ from one region to another.
Depending on the itinerary, you may discover:
- Regional French cuisine
- Wine-producing regions
- Cheese
- Pastries
- Seafood
- Local markets
- Traditional restaurants
- Artisan producers
Choose France if you want:
✓ Classic French gastronomy
✓ Wine
✓ Cheese
✓ Pastries
✓ Regional cuisine
✓ Markets and artisan producers
Italian cuisine varies dramatically from region to region.
Coastal areas celebrate seafood, while inland regions are known for different meats, cheeses, vegetables, pasta and traditional recipes.
Wine is equally diverse.
A voyage through Italy can therefore be a journey through multiple culinary identities rather than one single cuisine.
Choose Italy if you want:
✓ Regional Italian cuisine
✓ Wine
✓ Seafood
✓ Pasta and traditional dishes
✓ Local markets
✓ Fresh produce
Spanish food culture is closely connected to socialising.
Tapas, markets, seafood and regional dishes provide an excellent introduction to the country's culinary traditions.
Wine adds another dimension, with different regions producing distinctive styles.
A Spanish voyage can combine culinary discovery with architecture, history and vibrant local culture.
Choose Spain if you want:
❖ Tapas
❖ Seafood
❖ Wine
❖ Local markets
❖ Regional cuisine
❖ Food and culture
Portugal's relationship with the ocean is reflected in its cuisine.
Fresh seafood, traditional recipes, pastries and wine are central to the country's culinary identity.
A voyage along the Portuguese coast can combine food with historic towns, architecture and maritime heritage.
Choose Portugal if you want:
✓ Seafood
✓ Portuguese cuisine
✓ Wine
✓ Pastries
✓ Coastal food traditions
✓ Maritime culture
Asia offers an extraordinary range of culinary traditions.
From street-food markets and seafood to spices, noodles, rice dishes and regional specialities, food is deeply connected to everyday life.
For travellers who enjoy exploring local markets and trying unfamiliar flavours, Asia can be an especially rewarding destination.
Choose Asia if you want:
✓ Street food
✓ Markets
✓ Seafood
✓ Spices
✓ Traditional dishes
✓ Tea and culinary traditions
✓ Food as part of everyday culture
Australia's culinary identity has been shaped by its diverse landscape and multicultural population.
Fresh seafood, regional produce and locally sourced ingredients can all play a role in the Australian food experience.
For travellers exploring destinations such as the Kimberley, food can also provide insight into the relationship between people, Country and the environment.
Choose Australia if you want:
✓ Fresh seafood
✓ Regional produce
✓ Local ingredients
✓ Contemporary cuisine
✓ Australian food culture
✓ Food combined with nature and culture
The islands of the South Pacific have culinary traditions closely connected to the sea and the land.
Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, root vegetables and locally grown ingredients can feature in traditional food experiences.
Food can also provide an introduction to the customs and traditions of island communities.
Choose the South Pacific if you want:
✓ Seafood
✓ Tropical produce
✓ Island cuisine
✓ Traditional food
✓ Local communities
✓ Food combined with cultural discovery
For wine lovers, choosing the right destination can be just as important as choosing the ship.
Wine is deeply connected to place.
Climate, soil, altitude, farming practices and centuries of tradition all influence the character of a wine region.
A wine-focused voyage can provide opportunities to discover these connections through vineyard visits, tastings, local cuisine and conversations with producers.
France, Italy, Spain and Portugal are particularly appealing destinations for wine enthusiasts.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WINE CRUISE
When comparing itineraries, consider:
- Wine-producing regions visited
- Vineyard excursions
- Winery visits
- Wine tastings
- Local food pairings
- Regional wine traditions
- Time spent ashore
- Seasonal timing
If wine is your primary reason for choosing a voyage, check the individual itinerary rather than assuming every departure offers the same wine experiences.
One of the simplest ways to understand a destination's food culture is to visit a local market.
Markets can reveal:
- Regional ingredients
- Fresh seafood
- Seasonal produce
- Spices
- Cheeses
- Meats
- Baked goods
- Street food
- Traditional cooking
They also offer an opportunity to observe everyday life rather than simply visiting tourist attractions.
Asia and the Mediterranean can be particularly rewarding for travellers who enjoy food markets.
Don't just eat the food—discover its story
Every traditional dish has a story.
Ingredients may reflect the climate.
Cooking methods may have been developed because of available resources.
Recipes may have been passed down through generations.
And regional dishes may reveal the influence of migration, trade and cultural exchange.
This is why food can be such a valuable part of cultural travel.
Food and wine rarely exist independently from culture.
A traditional dish can reveal a community's history.
A wine region can reveal centuries of agricultural knowledge.
A market can show how people shop and eat.
A restaurant can demonstrate how traditional recipes have evolved.
For this reason, a culinary cruise can also be an excellent cultural cruise.
If you enjoy both food and cultural discovery, look for itineraries that provide a balance of culinary experiences and meaningful time ashore.
One of the advantages of cruise travel is the ability to experience multiple culinary traditions during a single journey.
Instead of staying in one region, you can wake up in a different destination and discover another cuisine.
A shore excursion might involve:
Morning: Visit a local market.
Midday: Discover regional ingredients and traditional dishes.
Afternoon: Explore a historic town or producer.
Evening: Return to the ship and enjoy dinner as you sail towards your next destination.
The food becomes part of the journey rather than simply something served between activities.
For many travellers, dining is an important part of the cruise experience itself.
When comparing PONANT ships and itineraries, consider:
- Dining venues
- Restaurant style
- Regional menus
- Dining times
- Wine offerings
- Special culinary events
- Dining atmosphere
- Included versus additional-cost experiences
Your onboard dining experience should complement your destination.
Food and wine can be particularly appealing for couples.
A market visit, vineyard excursion, long lunch or regional wine tasting can create shared memories beyond the usual sightseeing experience.
For couples who enjoy combining relaxation with discovery, a culinary-focused itinerary can provide a natural balance.
Food can also make cultural travel engaging for families.
Trying unfamiliar dishes, visiting markets and discovering how different ingredients are used can turn a destination into an informal classroom.
If travelling with children, look for itineraries with a good balance of culinary activities, sightseeing and other interests such as wildlife or adventure.
Food and wine are seasonal.
Harvests, local produce, festivals, markets and regional events can vary throughout the year.
Wine lovers may want to consider harvest periods.
Food enthusiasts may prefer destinations when specific seasonal ingredients are available.
When planning, consider:
- Wine harvests
- Food festivals
- Seasonal produce
- Seafood seasons
- Local markets
- Regional events
- Weather
Always check the specific departure rather than relying on a general destination season.
Choose the right food and wine cruise by considering the cuisine, destinations, local producers and culinary experiences you want to discover.
1. Start with the cuisine
What food do you want to discover?
French?
Italian?
Asian?
Mediterranean?
Australian?
Pacific Island cuisine?
2. Choose your wine region
If wine is a major priority, identify the wine-producing regions you most want to visit.
3. Look at the itinerary
Check which ports and destinations are included.
4. Review the shore excursions
Look specifically for markets, wineries, food tours, producers and culinary experiences.
5. Consider the season
Seasonality can influence food, wine and local events.
6. Choose the right ship
Your ship should match the level of comfort, dining and overall cruise experience you want.
7. Consider other interests
The best cruise doesn't necessarily need to be exclusively culinary.
You might want food and wine combined with culture, wildlife, photography or adventure.
| If You Want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| French gastronomy and wine | France |
| Italian food and wine | Italy |
| Tapas, seafood and Spanish wine | Spain |
| Seafood and Portuguese cuisine | Portugal |
| Mediterranean cuisine and wine | Mediterranean |
| Food markets and street food | Asia |
| Fresh Australian produce | Australia |
| Island cuisine and seafood | South Pacific |
💡 BlueSun Insight
Don't Choose a Culinary Cruise Based on the Food Alone
Don’t focus only on what you’ll eat. Consider the destination, culture, local ingredients and people behind the cuisine.
A vineyard is more meaningful when you see where the grapes are grown, while a traditional dish becomes more memorable when you understand its story.
Our advice: think destination first, cuisine second. Choose the region that interests you, then find the culinary experiences that bring it to life. If you’re torn between destinations, our PONANT experts can help you compare.
One of the great things about expedition and small-ship cruising is that experiences often overlap.
You can combine culinary discovery with:
Culture
Explore the history and traditions behind regional cuisines.
Photography
Photograph markets, food, vineyards, architecture and local life.
Wildlife
Discover seafood traditions and local food culture alongside wildlife encounters.
Adventure
Combine food experiences with hiking, kayaking and Zodiac excursions.
Expedition
Explore remote destinations while learning about local food traditions and communities.
This makes it possible to choose a cruise that reflects several of your interests, rather than having to select just one.
There isn't one perfect culinary cruise for everyone.
Your ideal experience depends on what you love to eat, drink and discover.
Choose France if your priority is:
✓ French gastronomy
✓ Wine
✓ Cheese and pastries
✓ Regional cuisine
Choose Italy if your priority is:
✓ Italian food
✓ Wine
✓ Regional specialties
✓ Fresh produce
Choose Spain if your priority is:
✓ Tapas
✓ Seafood
✓ Wine
✓ Markets
Choose Portugal if your priority is:
✓ Seafood
✓ Portuguese cuisine
✓ Wine
✓ Pastries
Choose the Mediterranean if your priority is:
✓ Seafood
✓ Wine
✓ Fresh produce
✓ Culinary diversity
Choose Asia if your priority is:
✓ Street food
✓ Markets
✓ Spices
✓ Traditional cuisine
Choose Australia if your priority is:
✓ Fresh produce
✓ Seafood
✓ Local ingredients
✓ Contemporary Australian cuisine
Choose the South Pacific if your priority is:
✓ Island cuisine
✓ Seafood
✓ Tropical produce
✓ Local traditions
Ultimately, the best food and wine cruise is the one that makes you excited to sit down at the table—and curious about what lies beyond it.
Planning a Food & Wine Cruise can be exciting, but choosing the right destination and culinary experience can feel overwhelming. Here are a few frequently asked questions that our PONANT experts have answered for you.
Have a read of some of these FAQs, but reach out to us any time: 1300 799 758.
A PONANT food and wine cruise is a voyage where culinary discovery forms an important part of the travel experience. Depending on the itinerary, this can include local cuisine, markets, wine regions, tastings, producers, traditional food and culinary excursions.
The best cruise depends on your culinary interests. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean are particularly appealing for travellers interested in European cuisine and wine, while Asia is excellent for markets, street food and diverse culinary traditions.
Wine lovers should consider itineraries visiting established wine-producing regions in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and other parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Specific wine experiences vary by departure.
Some itineraries and shore excursions may include vineyard or winery visits. Availability depends on the specific destination and departure, so check the individual itinerary before booking.
Culinary excursions can vary by destination and departure and may include local markets, food tours, regional producers, tastings and traditional cuisine.
Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe can be particularly rewarding for travellers interested in local markets. Market experiences vary by itinerary.
Absolutely. Food is closely connected to local history, traditions and communities. Many culinary experiences naturally overlap with cultural discovery
Yes. Culinary excursions, wine tastings, local markets and regional dining can be particularly enjoyable experiences for couples travelling together.
They can vary considerably. Some experiences are relaxed tastings or meals, while food tours, market visits and vineyard excursions may involve extended walking. Check the physical requirements of each excursion.
Yes. Many PONANT voyages combine multiple interests. Depending on the destination, you can experience food and culture alongside wildlife, photography, nature and adventure.
Consider the cuisine you want to experience, wine regions, destinations, shore excursions, season, ship and other interests you want to combine with food and wine.
PONANT Culture Cruises
Discover history, heritage, traditions and local communities.
PONANT Wildlife Cruises
Get closer to remarkable animals and natural environments.
PONANT Photography Cruises
Capture landscapes, wildlife, architecture and local life.
PONANT Expedition Cruises
Travel deeper into remote and extraordinary destinations.
PONANT Adventure Cruises
Add active exploration to your luxury cruise experience.
PONANT Polar Cruises
Discover the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of the world's polar regions.
The best culinary cruise isn't necessarily the one with the longest list of restaurants or tastings.
It's the one that takes you to a destination whose food, wine, culture and people genuinely interest you.
Whether you're dreaming of French gastronomy, Italian wine, Mediterranean seafood, Asian markets or island flavours in the South Pacific, the PONANT specialists at BlueSun Travel can help you compare your options.
Tell us what you love to eat, where you want to go and when you want to travel.
We'll help you find a PONANT itinerary that brings those interests together.
Start planning your PONANT culinary adventure today.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
Browse the Latest PONANT Cruise Deals
Speak with a BlueSun Expedition Cruise Specialist - 1300 799 758
Click on the button below to request a Personalised Cruise Recommendation
If you want to experience the world through PONANT Food & Wine Cruises, talk to our friendly PONANT experts today. We are specialists in Luxury Expedition Cruises and can help you find the perfect culinary journey.
Call 1300 799 758 now.
Call us 7 days a week!