Beginning in 2022, the new relationship will last through 2025 and will include three themed cruises each year led by a James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef (dates and chefs to be announced soon).
Windstar Cruises, a small ship cruise line located in the United States, has extended and enhanced its connection as the James Beard Foundation’s Official Cruise Line. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to honor, support, and elevate the people who shape America’s food culture and to advocate for a standard of good food based on talent, equity, and sustainability, which aligns with the small ship cruise line’s commitment to fresh and local epicurean experiences around the world.
For the last five years, Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation have collaborated in various capacities. Beginning in 2022, the new relationship will last through 2025 and will include three themed cruises each year led by a James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef (dates and chefs to be announced soon).
Chef demos and a catered four-course meal will be included on the themed cruises. Each cruise chef will prepare recipes for the voyage, which will be included on Windstar’s menus throughout the fleet and sailing locations. The collaboration will involve a range of events and cross-marketing initiatives, as well as sponsorship of the 2021 James Beard Awards.
“The long-term partnership is a result of the unique travel-culinary program’s past successes, which hand-picks acclaimed culinary experts to share their knowledge of world cuisines with travelers and features exclusive recipes on sailings aboard Windstar’s fleet of six elegant yachts,” Windstar President Christopher Prelog continues.
“After spending so much time dining at home, we’re eager to travel and sample the finest that the world has to offer. We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Windstar, which enables us to connect James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs with sailings to some of the world’s most delicious destinations,” says Kris Moon, President and Chief Operating Officer of the James Beard Foundation.
Windstar Cruises will resume operations in phases, requiring vaccinated passengers and staff in addition to a slew of other health and safety procedures. Four of the line’s six yachts are presently sailing.