7 of the Best Cruise Lines for Foodies, According to Travel Experts

"While cruise ship cuisine used to get a bad rap, a lot has changed over the years. In fact, today, some onboard culinary programming can rival what you'd find on land in any major food city. Moreover, many cruise lines are taking food seriously, partnering with Michelin-starred chefs and the James Beard Foundation, using regional ingredients, and bringing respected land-based restaurants to sea."

"Some have reworked the traditional cruise model, folding what once counted as specialty dining into the base fare; others up the ante even further with culinary excursions and themed sailings spotlighting local flavors. From mainstream brands to small-ship luxury lines, we take a closer look at the cruise companies that are truly delivering when it comes to food, with insight from cruise experts."

Cruise ship cuisine has markedly improved, with onboard culinary programming rivaling what is available on land in major food cities. Many cruise lines partner with Michelin-starred chefs and the James Beard Foundation, emphasize regional ingredients, and bring respected land-based restaurants to sea. Several companies have reworked traditional models by folding previously specialty dining into the base fare, while others further elevate offerings with culinary excursions and themed sailings that spotlight local flavors. Offerings span mainstream brands to small-ship luxury lines, creating a broader range of high-quality, destination-driven dining experiences at sea.

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