Atlas Ocean Voyages Reveals Culinary Experts for 2025 Epicurean Expeditions

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 3:50 PM ET, Thu March 13, 2025

Yacht expedition cruising leader Atlas Ocean Voyages is set to delight travelers with a star-studded lineup of chefs and culinary experts for its 2025 Epicurean Expeditions in Europe. This exclusive series of voyages promises to immerse guests in the culture, cuisine and wines of the region, all while sailing aboard an intimate ship catering to fewer than 200 guests. With visits to both boutique and iconic ports, the voyages will feature on-board culinary demonstrations, tastings, and unique dining experiences hosted by experts and world-renowned chefs.

Guests will have the chance to experience local culinary traditions through exclusive shore excursions. Local guides will take them through farmers' markets, regional eateries,and the cultural heart of each destination. Additionally, the Josper Grill Dining Experience at the 7Aft Grill, a Yachtsman Cookoff challenge, wine tastings and culinary presentations will be highlights of the trip. Some select expeditions will also feature a Taste & Traditions Expert, offering deep dives into the cultural significance of regional foods.

The diverse array of culinary experts lined up for these voyages includes:

Chef Paulette Mitchell (World Traveller: April 15, 2025): A celebrated author, culinary instructor, photographer and recipe developer, Mitchell will present on the Mediterranean diet as a way of life, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes from Italy and Greece. Her expertise in using herbs and spices will provide guests with inspiration for replicating these dishes at home.
Pastry Chef Anna Wilamowska (World Navigator: April 20, 2025): Wilamowska, an award-winning French pastry chef and chocolatier, will delight guests with her artistic and delectable desserts, offering a range of vegan and gluten-free options.
Chef Phillip “Ippy” Aiona (World Voyager, May 27, 2025): Aiona is known for blending his Italian-American and Hawaiian roots while relying on his culinary creativity and personal flair. He prepares cuisine that offers a unique fusion that celebrates both cultures.
Mara Papatheodorou (World Navigator: June 7 and July 20, 28, 2025; World Voyager: May 27 and September 1, 2025): A culinary historian and food expert, Papatheodorou will guide guests through the history and connections between global cuisines, sharing her wealth of knowledge from her time at Bon Appétit Magazine.
Chef Jeff Durham (World Navigator: June 7 and 14, 2025): A Napa Valley native, Durham combines his winemaking background with a deep understanding of hospitality, offering a unique perspective on pairing food and wine.
Jon Schlegel (World Navigator: July 12, 2025): CEO of Attimo Winery Jon Schlegel, who moved to Italy to pursue his dream of winemaking, will share his experiences and insights on wines from his family’s Barolo vineyard.
Chef Luciana Berry (World Navigator: July 12 and 20, 2025): Celebrated for her bold Brazilian flavors, Berry (who claimed the title of Top Chef Brazil in 2020) brings the vibrant ingredients of her homeland to life with innovative cooking techniques and a passion for tropical fruits.
Chef Bobby Marcotte (World Navigator, July 28, 2025): Marcotte is an award-winning chef whose restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, while he himself has competed in Tournament of Champions and Fire Masters Canada.
Chef Peter Campbell (World Navigator: July 28, 2025): Campbell, who was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, founded Red Wagon Pizza Company in 2012 and later launched Pizza with Pete, an interactive cooking class. His restaurant now ships bake-at-home pizzas nationwide.
Chef Massimo Capra (World Navigator: September 1, 2025): With his roots in Italian cuisine and his role as a television personality, Capra will offer guests an immersive experience in traditional Italian cooking.
Chef Stephan Pyles (World Navigator: September 27, 2025): A two-time James Beard award winner, author of four cookbooks and pioneer of Southwestern cuisine, Pyles now hosts the Emmy-award-winning PBS cooking series New Tastes from Texas will bring his distinctive culinary style to Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Chef Paula Lambert (World Navigator, September 27, 2025): Lambert, a two-time author, founder of Dallas Mozzarella Company, and one of Food & Wine's Top 50 Cheesemakers, will share insights from 40+ years of artisanal cheese-making.
Chef Plum (World Navigator: October 22, 2025): A popular podcast host and TV personality, Plum will engage guests with his fun and insightful approach to food, mixing culinary expertise with humor.
Chef Christy Rost (World Navigator: October 11, 2025): Rost, host of At Home with Christy Rost and the long-running PBS special A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving, brings a global culinary perspective shaped by mentorship from Julia Child and Martin Yan, her time spent in Paris and conversations with artisans worldwide.