Silversea Unveils Details of Culinary and Wine Cruises

Over the course of 2015 and 2016, twenty six Silversea cruises will feature either a culinary or wine focus, with four voyages including both of these pairings.

Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only L'École des Chefs by Relais & Châteaux cooking school at sea.

The programme, which is offered completely free of charge, provides a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction, and entertaining events.

The experience is hosted by acclaimed culinary trainer David Bilsland, a former instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London.

Highlights include specialised workshops covering an array of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, followed by a cooking class on board or at an actual Relais & Châteaux property.

"Our culinary and wine voyages add an extra dimension that enriches our guests' experience, and can deepen their understanding of a region's culture," said Steve Odell, President of Silversea for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

On each wine cruise, discerning travellers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special complimentary tastings and lectures conducted by Silversea wine ambassador Lawrence d'Almeida, a wine production expert and former winemaker.

On select itineraries, guests may also have the opportunity to explore some of the world's most celebrated wine regions on optional guided shore excursions, and, as on all Silversea sailings, guests will be able to enjoy an extensive complimentary selection of fine red and white wine pairings with both lunch and dinner.

Guests can experience the perfect pairing of culinary and wine enrichment programmes on select voyages, including two on Silver Spirit: Voyage 5534, a 15-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale departing 9 November 2015, and Voyage 5603, a 21-day Brazil-focused sailing from Barbados to Buenos Aires departing 25 January 2016.