Princess Culinary Stars Cruise 2023 Guide

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Princess Cruises has a lot of great-themed cruises.  There are 80s-themed cruises and comedy star cruises.

But the most popular themed cruise has to be the Culinary Stars Cruise.  And if you missed it last year, you’ll want to make sure you take the cruise this year!

This year, it is a 7-Day Cruise.  It begins and ends at the Southampton, England, or London, port.  During the cruise, you’ll see France and Spain.  That in and of itself is exciting enough.

But you’ll also be joined on the cruise with culinary stars!  Legendary TV chef Ainsley Harriott MBE, Hairy Biker Si King, and popular French Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will be there.  So that makes this cruise incredibly special.  Not only will you get to visit exciting locations and take home memories of that experience.  But you’ll also get to take home tips and recipes you learn from the culinary demonstrations shared by the chefs onboard!

This is a 7-day cruise that departs on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 4:00 PM from Southampton (London), England.  It returns on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 7:00 AM.

There are four ports you’ll get to visit during your cruise.

Guernsey (St. Peter Port)

The first port is British isle of Guernsey.  You’ll be there on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands iand is located just eight miles off the coast of France.  Please note that unfortunately, a water shuttle is required for this port so wheelchair access is limited.

While you are there, you can pay extra for shore excursions.  This is a wonderful way to get a great feel for the area and culture in the limited time you are there.  There are ten excursions available for Guernsey:

  • Easy Guernsey
  • A Discovery Exclusive – The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society
  • German Military Occupation
  • Herm Island Walk
  • Guernsey West Coast Cycle Tour
  • Castle Cornet & St. Peter Port
  • RIB Expedition
  • Sark Island By Bicycle
  • Guernsey Island Drive & Sausmarez Manor
  • Sark Island & Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle is a gorgeous, unspoiled seaside town in France.  It is the second port.  You’ll be visiting there on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

There are optional shore excursions here, too:

  • Tour Of Saintes, Château De Cognac & Tasting
  • Local Connections: La Rochelle Highlights & Tasting At Château La Péraudière With The Normandin-Mercier Family
  • Walking Tour Of La Rochelle
  • Saintes & La Roche Courbon
  • Ile De Re
  • Cognac Camus – A Discovery Exclusive
  • Highlights & Bordeaux On Your Own
  • Bordeaux On Your Own & Cite Du Vin (Bordeaux Wine Museum)

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, Spain is the third port you’ll get to explore.  Bilboa has beautiful 19th-century buildings and bridges you can admire.  It is also known as the gateway to the Basque country.  You’ll be there on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Once again, there are optional shore excursions you can take part in while you’re in Bilboa which include:

  • Bermeo, Guernica & The Cantabrian Coast
  • Bilbao Highlights & The Guggenheim Museum
  • Easy Bilbao
  • Local Connections: Basque Cuisine Master Class
  • Bilbao Old Quarter Walk
  • Bermeo, Bizcaia Coast & City Drive
  • From Market To Plate
  • Bilboa On Your Own

La Coruña, Spain

La Coruña, Spain is your final port.  It takes place on September 21, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  La Coruña has an impressive and extensive history so it is fun to explore.

And of course there are available shore excursions, here, too, which includes:

  • City Drive & A Walk Through Old Town
  • Santiago De Compostela
  • Beer Museum & Tasting, La Coruña Tour
  • Discover Historic Lugo
  • Culinary Delights Of La Coruña
  • Best Of Santiago De Compostela
  • A Walk Through The Old Town
  • Santiago De Compostela On Your Own

Sky Princess

This cruise takes place on the Sky Princess cruise ship.  The Sky Princess is the newest addition to Princess Cruiseline’s ships.

This is a great cruise ship with lots of great amenities.  There are a lot of great dining options from quick service to buffet to fine dining to afternoon tea.  Restaurants include:

  • Chef’s Table Lumiere
  • Alfredo’s Pizzeria
  • Bistro Sur La Mer
  • Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
  • Crown Grill
  • International Cafe
  • The Salty Dog Grill
  • Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar
  • World Fresh Marketplace
  • Slice Pizzeria

Outside of dining, there are so many fun things to do on this cruise ship.  For example, there is the Discovery at SEA Programs.  This is where you can do fun activities themed to hit Discovery shows like Finding Bigfoot and Shark Week.

Other activities include:

  • Vegas Style Casino
  • Princess Theater
  • Pools
  • Movies Under The Stars
  • Sports Court
  • Vista Show Lounge
  • Art Gallery & Auctions
  • Guest Entertainers

There are also activities and areas for kids and teens, too.  So this can make for a great family vacation.

Cruise Discounts

What could make this cruise sound even more appealing?  How about booking it at a discount?

You can currently book it for a discount of up to 35% along with up to $150 to spend on the cruise if you click here.