Luxury travel has always been about discovering the world. Increasingly, however, travelers are seeking a deeper connection to the places they visit, and one of the most meaningful ways to do that is through culinary experiences.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises understands this shift. With the debut of Seven Seas Prestige™, the line’s first new ship class in a decade, Regent is expanding its culinary enrichment program in ways that will appeal to travelers who believe that some of life’s best memories are made around a table.

Rather than simply serving exceptional cuisine, Regent is creating opportunities for guests to learn, taste, explore, and engage with the culinary traditions of destinations around the globe. The result is a travel experience that extends well beyond the dining room.

When Food Becomes Part of the Journey

For many travelers, the flavors of a destination can be just as memorable as its landmarks.

A perfect paella in Spain. Fresh olive oil in Mallorca. A bustling local market in Barcelona. These experiences tell the story of a place in a way that guidebooks never can.

Recognizing the growing popularity of culinary travel, Regent Seven Seas is introducing an extensive collection of culinary experiences aboard Seven Seas Prestige, including dozens of hands-on cooking classes and chef-led destination experiences designed to connect guests with local cultures through food.

The focus is not simply on recipes. It’s about understanding the history, traditions, and ingredients that shape a region’s identity.

A Culinary Classroom at Sea

At the heart of the new program is Regent’s Culinary Arts Kitchen, a dedicated teaching space where guests can sharpen their cooking skills while sailing some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Seven Seas Prestige will feature a professional-grade culinary facility equipped with individual cooking stations and instruction from specially selected chef educators.

The lineup includes 64 culinary classes scheduled through early 2029, covering a wide range of global cuisines and techniques. Guests may find themselves exploring the bold flavors of Latin America, diving into Mediterranean cooking traditions, or tracing the evolution of Australian cuisine through its diverse cultural influences.

What makes these experiences particularly appealing is that they are designed for both enthusiastic home cooks and those who simply enjoy great food. The emphasis is on participation, storytelling, and practical skills that can be recreated long after the voyage ends.

Taking Culinary Exploration Ashore

Of course, some lessons are best learned where the ingredients originate.

That is where Regent’s Epicurean Explorer Tours come into play.

These small group excursions allow guests to step directly into the culinary life of a destination. Guided by culinary experts, travelers may browse local markets, meet regional producers, sample authentic specialties, or dine at acclaimed restaurants that showcase the area’s distinctive flavors.

Several itineraries in Spain highlight the concept particularly well. Experiences include market visits and tapas tastings in Bilbao, gastronomy-focused explorations in Barcelona, and culinary adventures in Mallorca, including visits to local olive producers.

Many excursions continue after guests return to the ship, where tastings, demonstrations, or hands-on classes provide additional context and insight. The result is a richer understanding of both the destination and its culinary heritage.

The Luxury of Small Groups

One detail that luxury travelers will particularly appreciate is the intimate nature of these experiences.

Both the Culinary Arts Kitchen classes and Epicurean Explorer Tours are intentionally limited in size. Rather than being one more crowded onboard activity, they are designed to encourage conversation, individual attention, and meaningful engagement.

That small-group environment aligns perfectly with what Regent guests have come to expect: personalized service, thoughtful experiences, and opportunities that feel curated rather than mass-market.

A New Way to Experience Luxury Travel

What excites us most about this announcement is that it reflects a broader evolution in luxury travel itself.

Today’s discerning travelers are not necessarily looking for more things. They are looking for better experiences. They want stories, connections, and authentic moments that help them understand the destinations they visit.

Regent’s expanded culinary program embraces that philosophy beautifully.

It transforms a cruise from simply visiting a destination to truly engaging with it. You might return home with new cooking techniques, a favorite regional wine, or a deeper appreciation for a culture you thought you already knew. More importantly, you’ll return with memories rooted in experience rather than observation alone.

For travelers who believe that the best journeys engage all five senses, Seven Seas Prestige is shaping up to be one of Regent’s most intriguing new offerings yet.

And for food lovers, that next unforgettable travel memory may start not with a landmark or a museum, but with a perfectly prepared dish enjoyed in exactly the place where it belongs.

Ready to explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises? Contact a Covington Travel advisor to learn more about Seven Seas Prestige and discover the voyage that’s right for you.