P&O Cruises announces 2026 Food Heroes sailings, including all-star adventure with Marco Pierre White, José Pizarro and Olly Smith
P&O Cruises has confirmed its 2026 Food Heroes programme, revealing a special selection of sailings hosted by some of Britain’s most celebrated culinary names.
The curated schedule will feature nine Food Heroes cruises in total, including two sailings with the godfather of British cooking, chef Marco Pierre-White; four sailings hosted by wine expert Olly Smith; and two cruises with Spanish restaurateur José Pizarro.
The announcement also marks a major milestone for the brand, as Marco Pierre White celebrates 20 years working with P&O Cruises in 2026 – a partnership that has played a defining role in shaping the line’s elevated dining experiences at sea. The flagship sailing of this year’s programme stars all three Food Heroes together – offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the very best of P&O Cruises food and drink talent on a single holiday.
Across the Food Heroes sailings, guests can expect a programme of exclusive experiences designed to bring P&O Cruises culinary proposition to life – from special menus and celebration nights curated by Marco Pierre White – to hosted tastings, intimate talks and immersive events led by Olly Smith and José Pizarro. Each sailing is carefully crafted to deliver experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
P&O Cruises can announce its 2026 Food Heroes programme as follows:
• Olly Smith: Iona – Spain Portugal & Canary Islands, 14 nights (14 March departure)
• Olly Smith: Arvia – Mediterranean – Spain, France & Italy, 14 nights (12 April departure)
• Marco Pierre White: Britannia – Spain & France, 7 nights (17 April departure)
• Marco Pierre White: Britannia – Northern Europe & Scandinavia, 14 nights (8 May departure)
• José Pizarro: Arvia – Mediterranean – Spain, France & Italy, 14 nights (7 June departure)
• Olly Smith: Arvia – Mediterranean – Spain, France & Italy, 14 nights (5 July departure)
• Olly, Marco & José: Britannia – Northern Europe & Scandinavia, 14 nights (28 August departure)
• José Pizarro: Arvia – Mediterranean – Spain & France, 14 nights (13 September departure)
• Olly Smith: Arvia – Mediterranean – Spain & France, 13 nights (27 September departure)
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Food has always been at the heart of the P&O Cruises experience, and our Food Heroes programme brings that to life in a way that’s authentic, entertaining and genuinely distinctive. Celebrating Marco Pierre White’s 20th year with us – alongside José Pizarro and Olly Smith – is a powerful moment for the brand, and the all-star sailing in 2026 will be something truly special for our guests.
“These cruises aren’t just about incredible food and drink – they’re about the stories behind the menus, inspired by the amazing destinations we sail to, and the unforgettable experiences that stay with our guests long after they return home.”
Guests will also be able to take advantage of P&O Cruises new all-inclusive packages (including drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality dining credit) for these Food Heroes sailings. For example, guests can elevate their holiday with the Classic Package*, for £49 per person per day, a saving of up to 32% compared with buying the individual elements on board.
(P&O Cruises announces 2026 Food Heroes sailings, including all-star
adventure with Marco Pierre White, José Pizarro and Olly Smith)
