Today, Cunard announced a spectacular line-up of Australian culinary talent for the second edition of its highly sought-after Great Australian Culinary Voyage departing Melbourne on 5 January 2024.
This line-up of culinary experts will include various special interactive dining events, live talks, engaging activities and carefully curated experiences on board and ashore.
"We are immensely honoured to be able to present our guests with such an incredible group of culinary royalty for the second edition of Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Voyage. We are really looking forward to creating unique experiences and memorable interactions that our guests and talent don't get to experience every day. For us, a successful event voyage is when our guests and talent disembark feeling that they had the best time, and they can't wait to share that with their friends and family," said Katrina McAlpine, Director of Cunard Australia and New Zealand.
Legendary Indigenous chef Mark Olive will return to Queen Elizabeth and delight guests with his extraordinary creations. Olive will once again spotlight native Australian ingredients when taking over one of the ship's restaurants for bespoke dinners.
Olive will also take to the stage for insightful live talks and interactive culinary demonstrations, offering guests a unique opportunity to learn about cooking with natives first-hand.
"I had such a fantastic time on board the Queen Elizabeth in January, and I cannot wait to return for the 2024 Great Australian Culinary Voyage. Once again, I'll showcase Australia's native ingredients within speciality dishes. I look forward to working with the ship's fantastic galley crew and my fellow culinary colleagues who'll be jumping aboard. I absolutely loved being part of such a unique travel experience and have so many special memories of meeting the wonderful guests on the ship. I have no doubt next year will be even bigger and better!" said Olive.
Pastry chef extraordinaire Darren Purchese will also return aboard one of the world's most famous ships. Purchese will celebrate an exclusively crafted selection of sweet delights whilst putting a twist on Cunard's famous Afternoon Tea featuring his tasty Glamingtons, Gin & Tonic scones, and more.
During a culinary demonstration and live talk, Purchese will reveal the tricks of the trade. For the eager foodies, Purchese will host a bespoke culinary tour of his hometown Melbourne, a compelling experience not to be missed.
"Last year was an absolute treat for me and the guests on board. I am very much looking forward to delighting foodies once again with my bespoke creations, interacting with them on board and during an excursion of my hometown Melbourne," stated Purchase.
One of Australia's most loved TV presenters, chefs and cookbook authors, Gary Mehigan, will join Cunard's culinary line-up for the first time.
Best known for his role as a former judge and co-host of MasterChef Australia, Mehigan will share insights about his long and successful career as a chef, restaurateur and TV Host before sharing his passion for travel, culture and food.
Mehigan will host live cooking demonstrations and several insightful sessions with fellow culinary royalty in the ship's Royal Court Theatre.
"What a sensational opportunity to join this culinary extravaganza with many fellow foodies. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and show off my cooking skills on board the beautiful Queen Elizabeth!" said Mehigan.
Katie Spain is one of Australia's leading wine and drinks experts, writers, and journalists. During exclusive masterclasses and a tailored shore excursion of one of South Australia's celebrated wine regions, Spain's expertise will shine through when educating guests on everything worth knowing about the latest wine and drink trends.
Cunard's Great Australian Culinary Voyage returns in 2024.
Departing Melbourne on 5 January 2024, the 7-night Great Australian Culinary Voyage will see Queen Elizabeth chart an itinerary to some of the country's most vibrant foodie destinations, including Adelaide, Hobart, and Melbourne.
The four sea days will boast a raft of culinary experiences whilst the port of calls will offer guests the chance to explore the local food and drink scene through bespoke excursions.
At 90,900 tonnes, The Queen Elizabeth is Cunard's fleet's second-largest ship ever to sail. The ship is home to just over 2,000 guests and 1,000 crew. It features over ten restaurants and cafés, daily Afternoon Tea, white-gloved service, a Games Deck, a two-storey library, a ballroom, and the Royal Court Theatre featuring West End-style entertainment.
