Celebrated culinary personalities return alongside new talent for a season of immersive gastronomic journeys across the Mediterranean and Europe
Imagery may be downloaded here.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Ocean Voyages, the leader in intimate, yacht-style expeditions, announces its 2027 Epicurean Expeditions guest chef lineup, welcoming celebrated chef, restaurateur and Food Network champion Crista Luedtke alongside acclaimed Food & Wine Contributing Editor and author Anthony Giglio. The two new additions join a distinguished roster of returning guest chefs and culinary experts, including Massimo Capra, Bobby Marcotte, Ippy Aiona, Martin Gimenez Castro, Anna Wilamowska and Julieta Davey.
Sailing aboard World Traveller, World Navigator and World Voyager, the 2027 Epicurean Expeditions invite guests to discover destinations through the flavors, ingredients and culinary traditions that define them. From the spice markets of Morocco and the vineyards of Portugal to the coastal kitchens of Italy and the Adriatic, each journey pairs immersive destination experiences with the insights of culinary professionals whose individual specialties complement the regions explored.
"Our Epicurean Expeditions celebrate the connection between cuisine, culture and discovery," said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "Crista Luedtke brings a passion for seasonal ingredients and the relationship between food and place, while Anthony Giglio has an extraordinary ability to make wine approachable through the stories of the people and regions behind every bottle. Together with our returning culinary experts, they enrich the journey with authentic perspectives that allow guests to experience each destination beyond the traditional sights."
With fewer than 200 guests aboard each yacht, Atlas offers an unusually personal setting for culinary discovery. Guests can engage directly with visiting chefs through cooking demonstrations, tastings, interactive discussions and the popular Yachtsman Cook-Off, while exploring the regional ingredients, traditions and culinary heritage that define each destination.
Crista Luedtke | Food Network Champion, Chef & Restaurateur
World Traveller â April 15, 2027 | 8-night Las Palmas to Málaga
Making her Atlas Ocean Voyages debut, Crista Luedtke brings a dynamic combination of culinary creativity, television recognition and hospitality entrepreneurship. The first-ever Triple G Grand Champion on Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games, Luedtke is also a familiar face on Tournament of Champions and has appeared as both a competitor and judge on Food Network. Her cooking philosophy emphasizes seasonal ingredients, approachable creativity and the connection between food, people and place.
Luedtke's expedition from Las Palmas to Málaga explores the diverse culinary influences of the Canary Islands, Morocco and southern Spain. From Moroccan spice markets and traditional cooking methods to Andalusia's olive oils, fresh seafood and Mediterranean produce, the itinerary provides a natural complement to her ingredient-driven approach, inviting guests to consider how local agriculture, culture and tradition influence what reaches the plate.
Anthony Giglio | Food & Wine Contributing Editor, Author & Wine Educator
World Traveller â August 20, 2027 | 9-night Livorno to Dubrovnik
Joining Atlas as a featured Guest Wine Expert, Anthony Giglio has devoted his career to making wine more accessible, engaging and enjoyable. A longtime Contributing Editor at Food & Wine, Giglio is an accomplished sommelier, educator and author of 11 books, including the annual Food & Wine Wine Guide, Passport to Italian Wine and Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide. Known for his entertaining, unpretentious approach, he encourages wine enthusiasts to trust their own palates rather than be intimidated by complicated terminology or traditional rules.
Giglio joins a nine-night voyage from Livorno to Dubrovnik, offering an exceptional introduction to the diversity of Mediterranean wines. From Tuscany's renowned vineyards and the distinctive wines of Corsica and Sardinia to Sicily's volcanic terroir and the emerging wine traditions of Montenegro, the itinerary provides an ideal backdrop for his engaging approach to wine appreciation. Through tastings, discussions and food-pairing insights, Giglio will help guests better understand how geography, climate and local traditions shape the wines they enjoy.
Massimo Capra | Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur & Cookbook Author
World Navigator â April 17 and April 27, 2027
World Traveller â October 9, 2027
Chef Massimo Capra returns to Atlas with his passion for authentic Italian cuisine and the time-honored traditions of Mediterranean cooking. Known for his approachable yet refined interpretations of Italian classics, Capra emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients, regional specialties and the simple pleasure of bringing people together around the table. The acclaimed restaurateur and cookbook author is also recognized for television appearances on Restaurant Makeover, Chopped Canada and Gourmet Escapes.
Capra's three voyages showcase the breadth of Mediterranean and Atlantic culinary influences. His April 17 Canary Islands and Madeira expedition and April 27 journey from Las Palmas to Lisbon introduce flavors shaped by island agriculture, fresh seafood, Moroccan spices and Iberian traditions. He returns October 9 aboard World Traveller for an eight-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Lisbon, exploring the culinary heritage of the French Riviera, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Throughout these journeys, Capra's appreciation for traditional Mediterranean cooking provides a natural connection to the olive oils, seasonal produce, seafood and regional preparations encountered along the way.
Bobby Marcotte | Food Network Champion, Restaurateur & Culinary Innovator
World Voyager â April 16, 2027 | 9-night Seville to Casablanca
Known for his bold approach to contemporary American cuisine, Chef Bobby Marcotte returns to Atlas with a culinary philosophy grounded in quality ingredients, inventive flavor combinations and exceptional meat preparation. The creative force behind restaurant concepts including Hop + Grind, Rise + Grind and The Barn at Merry Hill, Marcotte also helped establish The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery as a destination for elevated comfort food and expertly prepared meats. His creativity and competitive spirit earned him the title of champion on Guy Fieri's Guy's Grocery Games: Triple D Legends Tournament, adding to his recognition as a competitor on Food Network's Tournament of Champions.
Marcotte will join a nine-night expedition from Seville to Casablanca, where the rich culinary traditions of Andalusia and Morocco complement his bold cooking style. From Spanish tapas and expertly grilled meats to Moroccan spice blends, slow-cooked tagines and centuries of Moorish culinary influence, the journey offers a flavorful backdrop for exploring regional techniques, ingredients and the traditions that shape contemporary cuisine.
Ippy Aiona | Hawaiian Chef & Contemporary Fusion Cuisine Specialist
World Traveller â April 23 and May 1, 2027
Chef Philip "Ippy" Aiona returns to Atlas with a cooking style that celebrates his Native Hawaiian and Italian American heritage. Blending island ingredients, family traditions and classical culinary training, Aiona brings a creative perspective to contemporary fusion cuisine. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, he gained national recognition as the youngest finalist on Food Network's Food Network Star and was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the Food & Wine category.
Aiona will join the April 23 voyage from Málaga to Nice and the May 1 voyage from Nice to Naples. From the distinctive spices and preparations of Morocco and Spain to the olive oils, seafood, herbs and regional specialties of the French and Italian Rivieras, these journeys offer a flavorful setting for a chef whose cooking reflects the exchange of culinary traditions across cultures.
Martin Gimenez Castro | Top Chef Poland Winner & Seafood Specialist
World Navigator â May 7, 2027
World Traveller â June 27, 2027
Argentine-born Chef Martin Gimenez Castro returns with his expertise in contemporary seafood cuisine and a commitment to responsible sourcing. The first winner of Top Chef Poland and the creative force behind Warsaw's acclaimed Ceviche Bar and Tuna, Castro is recognized for combining international influences with innovative techniques that celebrate the natural flavors and textures of seafood. As an ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council, he also champions greater awareness of sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation.
Castro's May 7 expedition from Lisbon to Bordeaux explores the Atlantic coast, where Portugal's seafood traditions, Galicia's celebrated shellfish and the pintxos culture of Spain's Basque Country complement his passion for fresh ingredients and inventive seafood preparation. He returns June 27 aboard World Traveller for an 11-night Athens roundtrip exploring the Greek Islands and Turkish coast, where Mediterranean seafood, olive oil, citrus and herbs provide further inspiration for his culinary presentations.
Anna Wilamowska | Acclaimed Pastry Chef & Master Chocolatier
World Voyager â April 6, 2027
World Traveller â June 7 and August 20, 2027
Returning guest pastry chef Anna Wilamowska brings a refined approach to the art of desserts and chocolate making. Trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and distinguished French pastry boutiques, Wilamowska combines classical European pastry techniques with contemporary presentation, artistic precision and a thoughtful exploration of flavor and texture. Her creations draw inspiration from sculpture, design and the natural world, transforming familiar ingredients into sophisticated desserts and chocolate experiences.