The cruise liner’s second edition of the popular voyage will feature esteemed chefs such as Karen Martini, Mark Olive, and Darren Purchese.

Foodies looking for a culinary experience at sea may wish to join Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth, as she sets sail from Melbourne in January 2024.

The seven-night cruise will offer exceptional food and drink experiences that highlight Australia’s culinary talent, which includes Karen Martini, Mark Olive, Darren Purchese, and Gary Mehigan.

Martini, the celebrated television chef, restaurateur, and author, will be at the helm of The Verandah restaurant on board QE, curating a five-course degustation menu for the sailing. Dishes will include ajo blanco, burnt butter scallop, lime pearls, trout roe, onion ash, dill parsley oil, cucumber pickle and ricotta raviolo with spanner crab, crema, caviar, bonito jelly, bottarga with white radish, bronze fennel, sorrel.

Martini will also create a three-course dinner with some of her classic dishes in the ship’s main dining room on Gala Nights.

“The Great Australian Culinary Voyage is only in its second year and has already established itself as a highlight on the Australian foodie calendar and will be an unforgettable week of culinary indulgence for our guests,” said Katrina McAlpine, Director Cunard Australia and New Zealand.

“Our esteemed chefs and personalities will not just shine the spotlight on all aspects of our country’s unique produce through their menus on board, they will also be on-hand to personally talk to guests about their love of food, give insightful tips and even take them on carefully curated shore excursions.”

Authentic Experiences

Some of the experiences and entertainment just announced for the trip include an appearance from the award-winning New Zealand entertainer and presenter of The Great Australian Bake Off, Cal Wilson; live cooking demonstrations from Gary Mehigan and Mark Olive; masterclasses and an onshore excursion to McLaren Vale with wine expert, Katie Spain; gin masterclasses with Four Pillars; a shore excursion led by Darren Purchese in Melbourne; and culinary tours to Maggie Beer’s Farm, MONA, and a lavender farm in Port Arthur.

The Great Australian Culinary Voyage departs Melbourne on 5 January 2024, stopping in Adelaide and Hobart before journeying back to Melbourne.

cunard.com