Windstar Cruises renewed and strengthened its relationship as Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation. The non-profit organization is on a mission to celebrate, support and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity and sustainability, which aligns with the small ship cruise line’s commitment to fresh and local epicurean experiences around the world.

The two partnered for the past five years, and this renewal extends until 2025, including three themed cruises per year hosted by a James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef. These cruises begin in 2022, with exact dates and chefs to be announced soon.

“The long-term partnership is a result of past successes of the unique travel-culinary program, which hand-picks acclaimed culinary experts to share their knowledge of cuisines of the world with travelers, and showcases exclusive recipes on sailings across Windstar’s fleet of six elegant yachts,” said Christopher Prelog, president, Windstar.

The themed cruises include chef demonstrations and a hosted four-course dinner. The featured cruise chefs provide recipes for the sailing, which are then featured on Windstar’s menus across the fleet and sailing regions. There will also be a variety of events and cross-marketing promotions included in the partnership, like sponsorship status for the James Beard Awards in 2021.

“After so much time eating in our homes, we’re excited to travel and taste the best the world has to offer again. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Windstar allowing us to pair James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs with sailings to some of the world’s most delectable destinations,” said Kris Moon, president and COO, James Beard Foundation.

Windstar is returning to operations in a phased manner, with vaccines required for guests and crew, in addition to other health and safety precautions. Four of Windstar’s six yachts have returned to cruising.