Australians’ growing appetite for food experiences has reached the high seas with P&O Cruises revealing a record number of holidaymakers are sailing away on Food and Wine cruises.
In response to growing consumer demand, P&O is offering 21 food themed cruises this year, up from 17 in 2016 and a four-fold increase from 2014. Food and Wine cruises now represent about 20 per cent of P&O’s sea breaks each year.
Amongst the guests on the Food and Wine cruises, family groups have been steadily increasing and now account for about a fifth of total numbers.
Meanwhile female groups are also driving the increase representing about a quarter of all Food and Wine cruise bookings.
P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the increase in groups of families and friends booking on foodie cruises could be attributed to popular cooking shows and growing culinary inspiration on Instagram.
“Whether it is sharing a meal or learning new skills in the kitchen, food brings families and friends together,” Mr Myrmell said.
“It is no surprise that a growing number of Australians are choosing a cruise that combines their passion for food and creating shared experiences with a relaxing cruise holiday.
“Each of our Food and Wine cruises varies, but on every itinerary guests can learn from expert culinary talent including top Australian chefs such as Luke Mangan and TV personalities Will and Steve from My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef 2016 winner Elena Duggan.”
P&O’s popular three-night Food and Wine cruises are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide with each offering a jam-packed program of food and wine presentations.
In addition to the inclusive multi-option dining available on each ship, guests can dine at a celebrity chef restaurant for a fraction of the price it costs on land. Dinner at Luke Mangan’s five-star eatery Salt grill costs just $49 per person.
A three-night Food and Wine cruise is priced from $299* per person quad share and includes meals and culinary demonstrations. Will and Steve, who took out the 2016 series of My Kitchen Rules, will join the September 21, 2017 departure from Sydney on Pacific Explorer.
For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.
SOURCE: P&O Cruises