We are proud to partner with Windstar Cruises as our official cruise line.
Now in our 10th year of partnership with Windstar Cruises, we have created a series of food-themed itineraries hosted by James Beard Foundation–-recognized chefs that immerse guests in epicurean adventures and bring together the best of travel and cuisine around the globe. The past decade of voyages has featured nightly dishes curated by the headlining chef, who also performs cooking demonstrations, interacts with guests, and leads off-ship excursions to local markets and other sights. Through these experiences, Windstar has taken the James Beard Foundation around the world!
Scheduled Dates
March 2025
Windward Ways & Tobago Cays on the Star Pride
Those who love watersports, snorkeling, and diving will be on cloud nine on this cruise through the Windward and ABC islands. Swim with vibrant fish and friendly sea turtles as you visit ports in Tobago Cays Marine Park, Bonaire National Marine Park, and the proposed Speyside Marine Protected Area. Paddleboard right from the on-board watersports platform and visit smaller ports and less-visited bays away from the crowds. And, when you’ve had your fill of ocean action, head to shore and explore colorful harbors, sugar white beaches, and mouthwatering island cuisines.
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Pittsburgh-based chef Jamilka Borges developed an interest in art and food early in her life. As the executive chef and owner of Lilith, Borges has parlayed that interest, honed over many years in professional kitchens, into an exciting and unique dining experience. Borges is a James Beard Award semifinalist® and Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™ alum.
April 2025
Spanish Symphony on the Windsurf
Perched just north of the African continent, Andalusia hugs the southern coast of Spain and embraces cultural influences from both sides of the strait. This is the birthplace of Don Juan and Carmen, evening paseos by women in lace mantillas, and cape-twirling matadors. The beaches of the Costa del Sol are legendary. And behind lie the equally magnificent mountain ranges sheltering picturesque “white villages.” Here you won’t find cookie-cutter castles but amazing cultural amalgams like the Alhambra and Alcazar. On your elegant ship, you will cruise past larger vessels right to the heart of old town and to the steps of friendly bodegas.
Host chef Jose Mendin contributed to the openings of Nobu Miami and Nobu London in 2001. After culinary stints in Spain, he co-founded Mosaico and later held pivotal roles at Sushisamba. In 2010, Mendin, Sergio Navarro, and Andreas Schreiner founded The Pubbelly Restaurant Group, earning the StarChefs Rising Star Restaurateur Award in 2016. Mendin has since expanded his success with various Miami restaurants including La Placita, Casa Isola, Hitchihaika, and June Burgers, with plans for more ventures in Puerto Rico and Florida. Mendin is a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist® for the Best Chef: Southeast Award.
June 2025
Baltic Beauty on the Star Legend
Explore Central Riga’s UNESCO Art Nouveau buildings, Medieval churches, and the Dome Square, prior to taking in breathtaking city views from the spire atop the Latvian National Library. Stroll Tallinn’s narrow cobblestone Old Town paths on your way to sample Estonian artisan cheeses paired with rich and nutty local Rye bread. Dip a kayak blade in the clear waters of a pristine archipelago teeming with seabirds and Baltic wildlife outside Helsinki, Finland. Float past Stockholm’s Old Town museums and monuments while snacking on Swedish appetizers and cocktails.
Chef and cookbook author Jennifer Hill Booker has taken her Southern culinary heritage, belief in healthy, seasonal foods, and classic French training to create a unique cuisine: “modern Southern healthy cuisine with a French accent.” She wears many culinary hats as chef; cookbook author of Field Peas to Foie Gras: Southern Recipes with a French Accent and Dinner Déjà Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow; reality TV personality; culinary educator; and business owner of the lauded German food and beer garden Bauhaus Biergarten in Springdale, Arkansas. Booker sits on the James Beard Foundation’s Food Waste Advisory Council, is an alum of the James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program and Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™, and has cooked at the James Beard House® many times throughout her career.
August 2025
Adriatic Archipelagos and Greek Goddesses on the Wind Surf
Greek temples, rugged coastal mountain ranges and rustic, tile-roofed villages dotting the eastern Adriatic shoreline define this exceptional voyage with an overnight stay in Kotor, Montenegro. Toast the benefits of Croatian micro-climates during a wine tasting near rocky vineyards outside Zadar. Sail, swim, and snorkel at a pristine archipelago near Hvar, or rise early to pick fresh, organic vegetables for your family-style Croatian breakfast in the village of Hora. Master Montenegrin cuisine under the guidance of a decorated restaurant chef in Kotor. Admire the royal ambiance of Achillion, the Greek mansion of a former Austrian empress on Corfu. And enjoy Greek music performances and take your mark on the hallowed grounds of Olympia, the birthplace of Greek and global athletic competitions.
No stranger to competitions of the culinary variety, James Beard Award winner® Jennifer Jasinski of Denver, Coloardo will be the chef host for this voyage. Her restaurants, including her twenty-year-old flagship, Rioja; Bistro Vendome; Ultreia; and Stoic & Genuine consistently rank amongst Denver’s top establishments, and her turn on Top Chef Masters brought even more national recognition.
October 2025
Southeast Canadian Explorations on the Star Pride
Quebec’s French-flavored history, Nova Scotia’s fusion of Acadian and Scottish cultures—each Canadian province distills its own blend of Old World and New, bucolic and urbane. Arrive in Quebec City and browse the ships and boulangeries along picturesque Petit Champlain, the oldest street in North America. Fall under the spell of Halifax with it’s lively pub culture and majestic Citadel. Indulge in fresh lobster in Portland, Maine and make reservations at James Beard Award–winning restaurants during overnights in both Portland and New York City.
Legendary chef and James Beard Award winner® Larry Forgione has been called “The Godfather of American Cuisine” for his role in changing the way Americans eat today. He embraced the virtues of our national cuisine and used only seasonal, local ingredients, beginning the entire farm-to-table movement. Forgione opened An American Place in 1983 and his cookbook for the restaurant won a James Beard Award in 1997. The Culinary Institute of America presented him the Pioneer of American Cuisine Award for his far-reaching influence. We’re honored that the legendary Forgione will join us on this cruise!
Previous Trips
Previous Trips
February 6, 2022
In the Wake of the Spanish Armadas
An eight-day culinary-themed cruise from Oranjestad to Colón with James Beard Foundation Chef's Boot Camp for Policy Change alumna and cookbook author chef Jennifer Hill Booker.
May 10, 2022
West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza
A ten-day culinary-themed cruise exploring the West Coast's most intriguing ports of call and cuisines with Chef Tanya Holland, chef and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen and alumna of the JBF Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.
October 14, 2022
Southeast Canadian Explorations
An 11-day culinary-themed cruise from Montreal to Boston exploring the fusion of Acadian and Scottish cultures in Nova Scotia with six-time James Beard Rising Star Chef Award nominee Irene Li.
March 4, 2023
Spanish Treasures Via the Panama Canal
A seven-day culinary-themed cruise along the southern edge of the Caribbean with 2019 40 under 40 and James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic nominee Chef Jerome Grant.
June 17, 2023
Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddesses
September 2023
Grand Japan
A nine-day culinary themed cruise of Japan's iconic islands with James Beard Foundation Bootcamp for Policy & Change, Womens’ Entrepreneurship Leadership Program, and 2020 Best Chef Northeast nominee Chef Tracy Chang.
February 2024
Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf
A 10-day culinary-themed cruise exploring Rome to Barcelona with 2023 Best Chef: Greak Lakes Semifinalist Nominee, chef Omar Anani.
May 2024
Cuisines & Cultures of Spain, Portugal, and France
A 9-day culinary cruise adventure through Western Europe, including Bordeaux with chef Tanya Holland: chef/owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen, Top Chef contestant, and “Tanya’s Table” podcast host.
August 2024
Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddesses
An 8-day culinary delight onboard Wind Surf through Croatia, Montenegro, and less visited Greek ports with 2023 Best Chef: Midwest Semifinalists nominee, chef Loryn Nalic.
