Oceania Cruises has long been praised for its gastronomic approach to travel, and in 2025, it's taking things to another level with an exciting expansion of its Culinary Discovery Tours. Known for bringing local flavours to life through expertly guided excursions and immersive onboard classes, the cruise line is adding 12 new food-forward tours across Asia, Europe, and North America. From seafood foraging on Irish shores to knife-forging sessions in Japan and cider trails in Nova Scotia, these new itineraries offer an even deeper dive into a destination's identity through its cuisine.
Oceania Cruises is making good on its promise to connect guests to cultures through cuisine. These new Culinary Discovery Tours will be offered in a variety of standout ports, including Valletta, Halifax, Busan, Kobe, and Amsterdam. Unlike typical sightseeing excursions, these are intimate, chef-led experiences that involve no more than 18 guests per outing. That small group size makes all the difference, offering exclusive access to market stalls, regional kitchens, historic restaurants, and artisan workshops.
Take, for instance, the upcoming tour in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Guests won’t just be sampling mussels at a waterfront pub; they’ll be guided by Paul Cunningham of Great British Menu fame, who will share his approach to foraging sea herbs along the rugged County Down coast. Or over in Japan, travellers will have the chance to witness knife-making artistry in Kobe, before indulging in teppanyaki wagyu beef with views of Osaka Castle. These are the sorts of elevated details that make Oceania's culinary programming a highlight for seasoned food lovers.
For guests sailing on Oceania’s larger ships—Marina, Riviera, Vista, and the upcoming Allura—these excursions tie seamlessly into onboard enrichment at The Culinary Center, the cruise line's hands-on cooking school at sea. Led by seasoned Chef Instructors like the renowned Kathryn Kelly, the centre has become a go-to for travellers who want to bring part of their journey home in the form of techniques, recipes, and stories to share.
This curated balance between onshore immersion and onboard instruction is what makes the Culinary Discovery Tours stand out. Guests might pick their own produce from an Amsterdam greenhouse before returning to the ship to cook with it. Or they could sip on hand-pressed ciders in Halifax, then recreate a Nova Scotian chowder alongside the ship's chefs. These aren't just meals; they're cultural connections.
The 12 new tours join a lineup that now includes 46 Culinary Discovery Tours offered fleetwide. Each destination highlights ingredients that are unique to its region and introduces travellers to the people behind the food.
In Valencia, Spain, guests can board a boat through its rice fields to learn the secrets of authentic paella from the farmers who grow the grains that go into it. Meanwhile, Kochi, Japan, offers a rustic take on the culinary experience as guests master the traditional searing of bonito over an open flame, a method that's as much about technique as it is about flavour.
Not to be outdone, Oceania has added another gem in Valletta, Malta, where a visit to a family-run bakery turns into a full-on Mediterranean feast inside a cave-turned-restaurant. With flaky pastizzi, cheese tastings, and local wines like ruby-red melqart on the menu, the experience is as atmospheric as it is delicious.
In the world of luxury cruising, food is often elevated—but Oceania's model is more than fine dining. It's about food as a gateway to understanding a destination's traditions, people, and history. That’s where the Culinary Discovery Tours shine: they turn a port visit into a sensory journey.
And it’s also about sustainability and legacy. By partnering with local chefs, artisans, and vendors, Oceania supports regional economies while giving guests an unfiltered taste of life as locals live it. Guests don't just sample dishes; they meet the makers, learn the craft, and take home an enriched palate and story.
With new tours in the likes of Quebec City, Shimizu, and Invergordon, Oceania is offering more reasons than ever to turn your next holiday into a gourmet getaway. Itineraries for 2025 are filling up quickly, especially on culinary-themed sailings where these tours are front and centre.
Whether you’re curious about foraging wild herbs, crafting sushi with a local Japanese chef, or sipping cider with Nova Scotian artisans, you can explore your options and compare itineraries with the help of our Cruise Finder. Already daydreaming about your next culinary escape? Discover the full scope of Oceania’s gourmet travel experiences with our planning tools and let your tastebuds lead the way.
Food and travel have always gone hand in hand, but with Oceania’s latest additions to its Culinary Discovery Tours, the experience becomes even more meaningful. These tours aren’t just enhancements to a cruise—they’re at the very heart of what makes these voyages unique. If you're ready to make your next holiday a deliciously educational one, speak with a travel expert and let us help you plan the ultimate gourmet cruise experience.