james beard foundation

Set Sail with the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation

It’s the perfect pairing. Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation are collaborating to bring you culinary experiences that are 180 degrees from ordinary. Through this program, Windstar works with the James Beard Foundation to bring together some of the most talented chefs on themed cruises and in our dining program.

Imagine dining on dishes created by not just one celebrity chef, but a list of all-stars with the likes of Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab), Evan Hanzcor (Egg), and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao) every single night in our main Amphora dining room. For a truly beyond ordinary experience, join us on our themed cruises featuring James Beard Foundation chefs and beverage experts, a foodie’s dream, with chef demos, dishes created by chef themselves, and market tours. And learn their secrets as you watch demos of their recipes on every sailing.

The James Beard Foundation was created to recognize and celebrate the chefs, writers and restaurateurs who advance America’s culinary arts. This emphasis on innovation and excellence pairs perfectly with Windstar’s superior service, intimate ambiance and drive to constantly innovate its cuisine. The James Beard Foundation nominates and chooses winners of the James Beard Awards, referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry.

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, we’re able to work with over 20 of the best chefs to create the extraordinary dishes on our nightly menu and in our culinary demos. Windstar is celebrating the 10th anniversary of our collaboration in 2025. To mark this special occasion, we're thrilled to announce the return of several beloved chefs who have sailed with us in the past.

Sail with a Chef

Imagine going on a grocery trip with your favorite chef to pick out ingredients for dinner at a local market and then learning techniques that they use to create a perfectly seasoned dish, where the flavors sing in harmony and notes of spices spark off your tongue. Listen to their stories and ask for their recommendations on their favorite restaurants and recipes. It’s not just about the food and wine, but also getting to know these epicurean experts on a personal level. This is Windstar’s James Beard Foundation Culinary Themed Cruise experience, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to taste dishes from some of the most sought-after James Beard Foundation chefs.

Each Themed Culinary Cruise Features:
Demos by the chef of some of their recipes.
Hosted dinner with a James Beard Foundation chef, including wine pairings.
Shopping at the local market with the chef.
Wine, spirits, or beer tastings.
James Beard Foundation Culinary Collection
These once-in-a-lifetime culinary events feature some of the top chefs and upcoming talent. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn tips and insider knowledge from your favorite chef.
James Beard Foundation & Wine Cruise: Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast
James Beard Foundation & Wine Cruise: Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast
Wind Surf - Oct 7, 2026
Chef David Uygur
Lucia Restaurant (Dallas)
Denner Vineyards (Paso Robles)
James Beard Foundation: Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway
James Beard Foundation: Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway
Wind Surf -March 14, 2026
Chef Belinda Bishop
Belinda's at the Tower Estate (St. George, Granada)
World Central Kitchen
James Beard Foundation: French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine
James Beard Foundation: French Feast: Normandy, Brittany & Aquitaine
Star Legend – Aug 19, 2026
Chef Gabriel Kreuther
Gabriel Kreuther (New York City)
James Beard Foundation: Mayan Legacies
James Beard Foundation: Mayan Legacies
Wind Surf - Feb 9, 2025
Chef Jose Garzon
Bad Chancla (Seattle, WA)
James Beard Foundation: Scenic Alaska
James Beard Foundation: Scenic Alaska
Star Seeker - May 15, 2026
Chefs Kirsten and Mandy Dixon
Tutka Bay Lodge (Kenai Peninsula, AK)