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December 6, 2025

Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes a significant new step forward in the evolution of onboard culinary experiences. With the announcement of the new Epicurean Enrichment Studio, the company is redefining the concept of culinary enrichment at sea, transforming cuisine into a true tool for cultural exploration.

This innovative offering will debut exclusively on Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, providing guests with a structured program of immersive experiences that blend flavors, traditions, history, and storytelling. The Epicurean Enrichment Studio is not just a new physical space, but a full-fledged concept that allows travelers to discover the world through a gastronomic lens, guided by the expertise and vision of Regent’s master chefs.

The project, conceived by Kathryn Kelly, Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will make its official debut on Seven Seas Mariner during the World Cruise 2026, and will subsequently be introduced on Seven Seas Voyager starting in May 2026.

The Epicurean Enrichment Studio was created to meet the expectations of an increasingly discerning audience, for whom travel is not only about geographic discovery but also cultural and sensory exploration. While Regent Seven Seas Cruises has always placed gastronomy at the heart of its offerings, this new initiative represents a natural evolution, elevating cuisine into a narrative and educational tool.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, emphasized that culinary exploration is an integral part of a meaningful journey. According to Montague, the Epicurean Enrichment Studio allows guests to experience destinations through the eyes of the chefs, participating in activities designed to foster an authentic connection with the regions visited. From the art of spice blending in India to discovering Mediterranean extra virgin olive oils, each activity is crafted to tell stories, convey traditions, and highlight local identities through taste.

To accommodate the new Epicurean Enrichment Studio, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has planned extensive renovations on both ships. On Seven Seas Mariner, the studio will be located within the Stars’ Lounge, while on Seven Seas Voyager, the space previously occupied by Club.com, including the internet area and boutique, will be transformed. These upgrades are part of a broader multi-million-dollar refurbishment program, designed to keep the ships at the forefront of the ultra-luxury cruise market. The Epicurean Enrichment Studio will be designed as a true culinary theater, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, fostering interaction, learning, and social engagement.

At the heart of the new concept is a framework built around five pillars, which together create a coherent, in-depth, and highly immersive culinary journey.

The cornerstone of the entire program, the Epicurean Passport Series, offers a series of immersive lessons dedicated to the world’s cuisines. Each session focuses on a specific region, exploring its culinary history, signature ingredients, and most representative recipes. Participants receive a personalized culinary passport, stamped upon completion of each gastronomic area, along with illustrated handouts featuring recipes and in-depth insights. With over twenty regions included—ranging from Polynesia and Southeast Asia to the Iberian Peninsula, India, and Patagonia—each cruise becomes a global culinary journey.

Exclusively for participants of the Epicurean Passport Series, the Chef’s Circle delivers a dynamic program that changes according to the itinerary and the chef leading the session. Activities include culinary quizzes, book presentations with authors, advanced mixology workshops, culinary-themed film screenings, and storytelling moments. This pillar is designed to foster a community of enthusiasts, encouraging dialogue, sharing, and deeper exploration in an informal yet highly curated setting.

The Chef’s Table program consists of two complementary components. On one hand, small thematic lessons address specific topics such as “Olive Oils 101” or “World Spices,” with ample time for questions and direct interaction with the chefs. On the other hand, live cooking demonstrations showcase iconic dishes from the regions visited, including paella in Spain, biryani in India, and gravlax in the Scandinavian countries. These sessions offer an interactive, convivial experience, allowing guests to observe techniques, ingredients, and culinary secrets up close.

With over 70 meticulously curated culinary excursions, the Chef-Led Epicurean Enrichment Tours extend the gastronomic experience to land. Guests have the opportunity to explore local markets, renowned vineyards, and authentic kitchens accompanied by Regent chefs. On some occasions, these excursions are followed by onboard debrief sessions in the Epicurean Enrichment Studio, providing context and reflection on the day’s discoveries.

The journey culminates with Chef-Hosted Dining: exclusive, invitation-only dinners for a maximum of eight guests per evening, held in the fleet’s specialty restaurants. Each experience begins with a cocktail and an introduction to the cuisine, guided directly by Regent’s culinary team. These intimate moments represent the pinnacle of the Epicurean Enrichment experience, offering direct dialogue between chefs and guests within an atmosphere of absolute culinary excellence.

Kathryn Kelly emphasized that Regent guests increasingly want to experience the world through food. According to the chef, the Epicurean Enrichment Studio represents the natural evolution of the company’s culinary program, blending history, flavor, and authentic experience into every journey. This approach reflects a modern, mindful vision of luxury, where value is measured not only by exclusivity but by the depth of experiences offered. Cuisine thus becomes a universal language, capable of conveying regions, peoples, and traditions in an immediate and engaging way.

With the launch of the Epicurean Enrichment Studio, Regent Seven Seas Cruises reaffirms its position as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise sector, introducing a concept that elevates the culinary experience to a form of art and cultural exploration. Through dedicated spaces, structured programs, and the direct involvement of its chefs, the company offers guests a new and profound way to travel, where every dish tells a story and every flavor becomes a destination.

Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager are transformed into true laboratories of taste, where a journey is measured not only in nautical miles but also in emotions, knowledge, and sensory discoveries.

Stay tuned to Cruising Journal for news, updates, and reviews of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, complete with photos, videos, and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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