Cruises

Cunard’s culinary cruise itinerary for 2025 is as deliciously exclusive as you’d expect

A once in a lifetime experience foodies will love.

Cruising and gourmet delights often go hand in hand, but some experiences are a cut above the rest… If you truly love unapologetic luxury, lavish travel and indulgent cuisine, get ready to embark on a journey unlike any other as Australia’s culinary royalty bring their cooking prowess and gourmet expertise to the luxurious decks of Cunard‘s next Great Australian Culinary Voyage.

Following on from the resounding success of previous editions, the 2025 voyage promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring masterfully crafted dishes, exquisite wines, and immersive culinary experiences.

An exquisite experience

Set to sail on a five-night round trip from Sydney on 6-11 February 2025 you’ll cruise to Hobart and sail past the breathtaking Great Oyster Bay.

It’s a totally unique voyage on board arguably one of the most beautiful and iconic ships in the world.

Step on board Queen Elizabeth for this gourmet voyage of a lifetime.

Guests will enjoy the stunning scenery alongside an unforgettable culinary experience on board the magnificent Queen Elizabeth, curated by a stellar lineup of culinary luminaries led by renowned restaurateur, chef, TV host, and author Matt Moran, alongside esteemed Indigenous chef Nornie Bero from Melbourne’s Mabu Mabu, pastry maestro Darren Purchese, MasterChef Australia winner Julie Goodwin, and acclaimed wine connoisseur Katie Spain.

Exceptional exploration of gastronomy

Once on board, tantalise your tastebuds with delectable creations highlighting local treasures from land and sea as each chef brings their own special menu to the voyage. Match the indulgent meals with iconic wines to swirl and sip that capture the essence of Australia’s famed vineyards.

For a truly special epicurean treat Matt Moran himself will be taking over The Verandah to create an exclusive menu* for guests, as well as curating exclusive dishes for the Britannia Restaurant.

Matt Moran will create an exclusive menu* for guests at The Verandah.

Matt is a pioneer in Australia of the ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy and a firm believer in the importance of us all being connected to the source of our food. At the heart of every one of Matt’s endeavours lies a passion for fresh, seasonal produce. This philosophy is showcased in his award-winning contemporary Australian menus that emphasise seasonal ingredients, balanced flavours, and premium-quality produce.

Once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience

Joining Moran is Nornie Bero, a passionate advocate for Indigenous cuisine and the driving force behind Mabu Mabu, a native food business and restaurant celebrating Australia’s rich culinary heritage. Drawing upon her Torres Strait Islander roots, Bero will showcase her unique perspective on Australian cuisine, highlighting native ingredients as the stars of the culinary show.

“I’m an ocean girl at heart and have fond childhood memories of fishing with my father on my home island of Mabu Mabu where we often caught octopus in the reef. I’m excited to be creating a contemporary feast for the senses while at sea while sharing my knowledge and passion of First Nation flavours with food enthusiasts on board Queen Elizabeth,” Nornie tells.

And to add an extra layer of deliciousness to this voyage, there are opportunities to chat with your favourite chefs whilst on board, too.

“I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to talk about food with like-minded foodies and I am excited about being on

board with my fellow chefs, who inspire me,” shares Nornie.

On board Queen Elizabeth, Nornie will showcase her unique skills by creating a fabulous native Australian menu during a takeover of the Lido Alternative dining venue*. She’ll also be hosting talks and a cooking demonstration so that guests can learn first-hand about Australia’s native produce and cuisine.

Top notch talent

Darren Purchese, renowned for his creative sweet creations and culinary innovation, will dazzle guests with his vibrant desserts and exclusive hands-on experiences on his third time on board.

“I cannot wait to come back aboard and reconnect with the team. Meeting new food loving guests is something I cannot wait to experience again, and docking at some amazing food destinations in Tasmania is so exciting,” Darren shares.

Meanwhile, Julie Goodwin, Australia’s first-ever MasterChef Australia winner, will share her culinary expertise through interactive cooking workshops and engaging discussions.

Don’t miss Katie Spain, one of Australia’s leading wine and drinks experts, who will guide guests on a journey through Australia’s renowned wineries and regions. From educational masterclasses to a curated shore excursion, Spain’s passion for wine will elevate this culinary experience to new heights.

Sit back, relax and indulge in a rich tapestry of Australian cuisine on Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage 2025. Book now.

*[Disclaimer] Some experiences are not included in the cruise fare and charges apply. Experiences must be booked prior to sailing. Spaces are limited and guests are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Guest speakers and chefs are confirmed to date, but may change at Cunard’s discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.

Related stories