Why I Took a Luxury Cruise with My 10-year-old Son

"Guido Porrati had the swagger of a politician, greeting his customers with megawatt charm. "Ciao!" he shouted as he waved goodbye to a nonna who had just left ParlaComeMangi, his artisanal deli in Rapallo, on the Ligurian coast of Italy, with a bag full of groceries. There was much to choose from: local wines, tins of anchovies, farm-fresh eggs, and buffalo mozzarella."

"But our small group, an international crowd traveling aboard the 461-suite Explora II, was there for the pesto. Porrati, who moonlights as a chef, was taking us through a cooking demo in the courtyard outside his store under the bluebird sky. Porrati and his team served us focaccia, a 45-day-aged salami, and a light local white as he explained the proper way to make Liguria's renowned sauce."

Guests aboard the 461-suite Explora II visited Rapallo for a hands-on pesto demonstration by Guido Porrati, who recommended half a clove of garlic and combined basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, pecorino, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Hosts served focaccia, 45-day-aged salami, and a light local white. The Rapallo visit included stops at a produce market, a specialty pasta shop, and an old-school gelateria. Explora Journeys blends a hotel-like onboard vibe with European sensibilities, offering Italian and French fine dining, sleek residential-style cabins stocked with books, and a choice of wine and spirits.

Read at Travel + Leisure