Shrimp entree
Photo: Shrimp entree / Windstar Cruises

The Verdict

There are two types of theme cruises: ones offered by the line with added special events, and ones chartered and fully catered to a specific type of passenger. These cruises are the former. And these “Epicurean Sailings” are just right for cruisers who are a fit for the Windstar style of cruising (check out our reviews here if you haven’t sailed before) and also consider themselves food lovers. The James Beard events are really offered in addition to the regular sailing, rather than the foundation fully taking over the ship. That said, the itineraries they choose to offer these on tend to be food-driven anyway, and our cruise through France, Spain, and Portugal included many food-filled ports. (We loved eating oysters on the shore in Cancale and trying Port wine in Porto.) Next year, the line expects to offer six similar sailings, one every other month.