It’s the perfect pairing. Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation are partnered to bring you culinary experiences that are 180 degrees from ordinary. Through this program, Windstar works with the James Beard Foundation to bring together some of the most talented chefs on themed cruises and in our dining program.

Imagine dining on dishes created by not just one celebrity chef, but a list of all-stars with the likes of Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab), Evan Hanzcor (Egg), and José Mendín (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao) every single night in our main Amphora dining room - an intimate, open-seating yacht dining experience unlike typical cruise dining. For a truly beyond ordinary experience, join us on our themed cruises featuring James Beard Foundation chefs and beverage experts: a foodie’s dream with dishes created by the chefs themselves and chef-accompanied market tours. And learn their secrets as you watch demos of their recipes on every sailing.

The James Beard Foundation was created to recognize and celebrate the chefs, writers and restaurateurs who advance America’s culinary arts. This emphasis on innovation and excellence pairs perfectly with Windstar’s superior service, intimate ambiance and drive to constantly innovate its cuisine. The James Beard Foundation nominates and chooses winners of the James Beard Awards, referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry.

As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, we’re able to work with over 20 of the best chefs to create the extraordinary dishes on our nightly menu and in our culinary demos. Windstar is celebrating the 10th anniversary of our partnership in 2025. To mark this special occasion, we're thrilled to announce the return of several beloved chefs who have sailed with us in the past.