ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES WELCOMES FOOD NETWORK CHAMPION CRISTA LUEDTKE AND FOOD & WINE EXPERT ANTHONY GIGLIO TO 2027 EPICUREAN EXPEDITIONS

Celebrated culinary personalities return alongside new talent for a season of immersive gastronomic journeys across the Mediterranean and Europe

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlas Ocean Voyages, the leader in intimate, yacht-style expeditions, announces its 2027 Epicurean Expeditions guest chef lineup, welcoming celebrated chef, restaurateur and Food Network champion Crista Luedtke alongside acclaimed Food & Wine Contributing Editor and author Anthony Giglio. The two new additions join a distinguished roster of returning guest chefs and culinary experts, including Massimo Capra, Bobby Marcotte, Ippy Aiona, Martin Gimenez Castro, Anna Wilamowska and Julieta Davey.

Sailing aboard World Traveller, World Navigator and World Voyager, the 2027 Epicurean Expeditions invite guests to discover destinations through the flavors, ingredients and culinary traditions that define them. From the spice markets of Morocco and the vineyards of Portugal to the coastal kitchens of Italy and the Adriatic, each journey pairs immersive destination experiences with the insights of culinary professionals whose individual specialties complement the regions explored.

"Our Epicurean Expeditions celebrate the connection between cuisine, culture and discovery," said James A. Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "Crista Luedtke brings a passion for seasonal ingredients and the relationship between food and place, while Anthony Giglio has an extraordinary ability to make wine approachable through the stories of the people and regions behind every bottle. Together with our returning culinary experts, they enrich the journey with authentic perspectives that allow guests to experience each destination beyond the traditional sights."

With fewer than 200 guests aboard each yacht, Atlas offers an unusually personal setting for culinary discovery. Guests can engage directly with visiting chefs through cooking demonstrations, tastings, interactive discussions and the popular Yachtsman Cook-Off, while exploring the regional ingredients, traditions and culinary heritage that define each destination.

Crista Luedtke | Food Network Champion, Chef & RestaurateurWorld Traveller – April 15, 2027 | 8-night Las Palmas to Málaga

Making her Atlas Ocean Voyages debut, Crista Luedtke brings a dynamic combination of culinary creativity, television recognition and hospitality entrepreneurship. The first-ever Triple G Grand Champion on Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games, Luedtke is also a familiar face on Tournament of Champions and has appeared as both a competitor and judge on Food Network. Her cooking philosophy emphasizes seasonal ingredients, approachable creativity and the connection between food, people and place.

Luedtke's expedition from Las Palmas to Málaga explores the diverse culinary influences of the Canary Islands, Morocco and southern Spain. From Moroccan spice markets and traditional cooking methods to Andalusia's olive oils, fresh seafood and Mediterranean produce, the itinerary provides a natural complement to her ingredient-driven approach, inviting guests to consider how local agriculture, culture and tradition influence what reaches the plate.

Anthony Giglio | Food & Wine Contributing Editor, Author & Wine EducatorWorld Traveller – August 20, 2027 | 9-night Livorno to Dubrovnik

Joining Atlas as a featured Guest Wine Expert, Anthony Giglio has devoted his career to making wine more accessible, engaging and enjoyable. A longtime Contributing Editor at Food & Wine, Giglio is an accomplished sommelier, educator and author of 11 books, including the annual Food & Wine Wine Guide, Passport to Italian Wine and Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide. Known for his entertaining, unpretentious approach, he encourages wine enthusiasts to trust their own palates rather than be intimidated by complicated terminology or traditional rules.

Giglio joins a nine-night voyage from Livorno to Dubrovnik, offering an exceptional introduction to the diversity of Mediterranean wines. From Tuscany's renowned vineyards and the distinctive wines of Corsica and Sardinia to Sicily's volcanic terroir and the emerging wine traditions of Montenegro, the itinerary provides an ideal backdrop for his engaging approach to wine appreciation. Through tastings, discussions and food-pairing insights, Giglio will help guests better understand how geography, climate and local traditions shape the wines they enjoy.

Massimo Capra | Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur & Cookbook AuthorWorld Navigator – April 17 and April 27, 2027World Traveller – October 9, 2027

Chef Massimo Capra returns to Atlas with his passion for authentic Italian cuisine and the time-honored traditions of Mediterranean cooking. Known for his approachable yet refined interpretations of Italian classics, Capra emphasizes fresh seasonal ingredients, regional specialties and the simple pleasure of bringing people together around the table. The acclaimed restaurateur and cookbook author is also recognized for television appearances on Restaurant Makeover, Chopped Canada and Gourmet Escapes.

Capra's three voyages showcase the breadth of Mediterranean and Atlantic culinary influences. His April 17 Canary Islands and Madeira expedition and April 27 journey from Las Palmas to Lisbon introduce flavors shaped by island agriculture, fresh seafood, Moroccan spices and Iberian traditions. He returns October 9 aboard World Traveller for an eight-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Lisbon, exploring the culinary heritage of the French Riviera, Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Throughout these journeys, Capra's appreciation for traditional Mediterranean cooking provides a natural connection to the olive oils, seasonal produce, seafood and regional preparations encountered along the way.

Bobby Marcotte | Food Network Champion, Restaurateur & Culinary InnovatorWorld Voyager – April 16, 2027 | 9-night Seville to Casablanca

Known for his bold approach to contemporary American cuisine, Chef Bobby Marcotte returns to Atlas with a culinary philosophy grounded in quality ingredients, inventive flavor combinations and exceptional meat preparation. The creative force behind restaurant concepts including Hop + Grind, Rise + Grind and The Barn at Merry Hill, Marcotte also helped establish The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery as a destination for elevated comfort food and expertly prepared meats. His creativity and competitive spirit earned him the title of champion on Guy Fieri's Guy's Grocery Games: Triple D Legends Tournament, adding to his recognition as a competitor on Food Network's Tournament of Champions.

Marcotte will join a nine-night expedition from Seville to Casablanca, where the rich culinary traditions of Andalusia and Morocco complement his bold cooking style. From Spanish tapas and expertly grilled meats to Moroccan spice blends, slow-cooked tagines and centuries of Moorish culinary influence, the journey offers a flavorful backdrop for exploring regional techniques, ingredients and the traditions that shape contemporary cuisine.

Ippy Aiona | Hawaiian Chef & Contemporary Fusion Cuisine SpecialistWorld Traveller – April 23 and May 1, 2027

Chef Philip "Ippy" Aiona returns to Atlas with a cooking style that celebrates his Native Hawaiian and Italian American heritage. Blending island ingredients, family traditions and classical culinary training, Aiona brings a creative perspective to contemporary fusion cuisine. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, he gained national recognition as the youngest finalist on Food Network's Food Network Star and was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the Food & Wine category.

Aiona will join the April 23 voyage from Málaga to Nice and the May 1 voyage from Nice to Naples. From the distinctive spices and preparations of Morocco and Spain to the olive oils, seafood, herbs and regional specialties of the French and Italian Rivieras, these journeys offer a flavorful setting for a chef whose cooking reflects the exchange of culinary traditions across cultures.

Martin Gimenez Castro | Top Chef Poland Winner & Seafood SpecialistWorld Navigator – May 7, 2027World Traveller – June 27, 2027

Argentine-born Chef Martin Gimenez Castro returns with his expertise in contemporary seafood cuisine and a commitment to responsible sourcing. The first winner of Top Chef Poland and the creative force behind Warsaw's acclaimed Ceviche Bar and Tuna, Castro is recognized for combining international influences with innovative techniques that celebrate the natural flavors and textures of seafood. As an ambassador for the Marine Stewardship Council, he also champions greater awareness of sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation.

Castro's May 7 expedition from Lisbon to Bordeaux explores the Atlantic coast, where Portugal's seafood traditions, Galicia's celebrated shellfish and the pintxos culture of Spain's Basque Country complement his passion for fresh ingredients and inventive seafood preparation. He returns June 27 aboard World Traveller for an 11-night Athens roundtrip exploring the Greek Islands and Turkish coast, where Mediterranean seafood, olive oil, citrus and herbs provide further inspiration for his culinary presentations.

Anna Wilamowska | Acclaimed Pastry Chef & Master ChocolatierWorld Voyager – April 6, 2027World Traveller – June 7 and August 20, 2027

Returning guest pastry chef Anna Wilamowska brings a refined approach to the art of desserts and chocolate making. Trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and distinguished French pastry boutiques, Wilamowska combines classical European pastry techniques with contemporary presentation, artistic precision and a thoughtful exploration of flavor and texture. Her creations draw inspiration from sculpture, design and the natural world, transforming familiar ingredients into sophisticated desserts and chocolate experiences.

Wilamowska returns for three Epicurean Expeditions, beginning April 6 aboard World Voyager from Las Palmas to Seville, where the traditions of Spanish and Moroccan confectionery provide a fascinating cultural backdrop. On June 7, she joins World Traveller from Naples to Athens, exploring the Mediterranean's heritage of citrus, nuts, honey and regional sweets. Her August 20 sailing from Livorno to Dubrovnik adds another dimension to the program as she joins Guest Wine Expert Anthony Giglio. Together, their expertise offers guests a perspective on the relationship between fine chocolate, desserts and the wines of Italy and the Adriatic.

Julieta Davey | Cacao Expert & Founder of Mamá CacaoWorld Traveller – May 9, 2027 | 7-night Naples to Valletta

Julieta Davey, founder of Costa Rica's Mamá Cacao, returns to Atlas with a passion for the origins, craftsmanship and cultural significance of chocolate. Her work celebrates the connection between cacao growers, sustainable agricultural practices and the artisans who transform cacao into fine chocolate. Through her ingredient-focused approach, Davey offers a perspective on chocolate that extends beyond confectionery to explore its history, production and role in cultures around the world.

Davey will join a seven-night expedition from Naples to Valletta, visiting southern Italy, Sicily and Malta. The voyage's rich traditions of confectionery, including Sicily's celebrated pastries and chocolate heritage, provide an engaging setting for examining cacao's journey from its origins to contemporary European chocolate making. Her expertise adds another layer to the region's broader culinary story, shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange across the Mediterranean.

A More Personal Way to Discover the World Through Cuisine

Atlas Ocean Voyages' Epicurean Expeditions are designed for travelers who believe that understanding a destination begins with experiencing its culture, traditions and cuisine. Carefully curated itineraries feature opportunities to discover regional markets, vineyards and culinary landmarks, with onboard programming that brings these discoveries to life through the perspectives of visiting chefs and culinary experts.

From engaging demonstrations and expert-led tastings to the guest-favorite Yachtsman Cook-Off, these experiences offer meaningful opportunities to interact with renowned culinary personalities in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of an intimate yacht.

For more information or to reserve an inaugural voyage, contact your preferred travel advisor or call 1-844-44-ATLAS. Discover more at www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages and www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages.

About Atlas Ocean VoyagesAtlas Ocean Voyages is the luxury expedition cruise line brand of Mystic Invest Holding, offering year-round exploration aboard its World-class fleet: World Navigator, World Traveller, and World Voyager. Atlas Adventurer, an innovative class of luxury expedition sailing yacht, is set to debut in 2028. These luxurious vessels are expertly designed to explore some of the world's most remote and captivating destinations while providing exceptional boutique hospitality. Guests can expect an ambiance of refined elegance on board, complemented by immersive adventures ashore that enable deep connections with diverse cultures and communities. Atlas Ocean Voyages creates transformative experiences that resonate with travelers, connecting them meaningfully with people, places, and cultures around the globe.

SOURCE Atlas Ocean Voyages