For the cruising family who wants a taste of the foods of one or more regions without the hassle of lugging their bags around over multiple ports of call, a meaningful culinary shore excursion is the way to go about it. And for many families, the best part of cruising is disembarking as soon as possible and getting straight down to explore the local sights and landmarks on a land-based day trip.

Having said that, shore excursions come in all shapes and sizes, from tours to iconic monuments to hiking and biking the towns and cities. But when it comes to creme de la creme, a compelling gastronomic-focused shore excursion is hard to beat.

Whether you are tasting local wines or taking the family on a guided market tour with a chef, or maybe trying your hand at cooking authentic dishes from scratch, a culinary shore excursion can offer an unparalleled way to dive straight into the local food culture.

Local flavours: Beyong onboard dining

Naples, Italy : Pizza and pasta

Being the birthplace of pizza, no shore excursion is complete without learning the art of this world famous dish. Join a cooking class where you will prepare a Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta followed by a celebratory glass of wine.

Cozumel, Mexico: Street food tour

Besides the beaches, Cizumel is known for its excellent Mexican street food and the legendary tacos, tamales, churros and fresh ceviche. Anyone on a cruise to Cozumel can enjoy this simple food but be sure to book a shore excursion in advance to secure a spot.

Santorini, Greece: Wine and cooking tour

Some of the best wine is produced on the volcanic island of Santorini, but if you combine the experience with a traditional Greek cooking class to make dishes with fava beans and capers, it is double the fun. This shore excursion offers a blend of history and culture with gastronomy, in order to allow you to savor the true taste of Aegean flavours.

A perfect Greek salad with olives, green peppers and feta cheese in Oia, Santorini

Barcelona, Spain: Tapas with market tour

A guided tour of the famous La Boqueria in Barcelona will be a food discovery experience like no other. Taste tapas dishes like jamón ibérico and patatas bravas, sample cured meats and fresh seafood. This excursion combines sightseeing and food to experience the country’s diverse food scene.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Olive oil and wine tasting

The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia is known the world over for its olive oil and extensive vineyards which produce some of the finest brands in Europe. On your shore excursion, you can visit a local farm for wine tasting sessions, paired with artisanal bread and a variety of cheeses to enjoy the regions culinary highlights in a relaxing and picturesque setting.

Tips for foodie families when booking a cruise 

• Research destinations for particular foods and choose excursions accordingly
• Popular found shore excursions sell out fast, so book early
• Bring an appetite as these tours are about tasting and savoring each and every bite.