P&O Cruises announces 2026 Food Heroes sailings, including all-star adventure with Marco Pierre White, José Pizarro and Olly Smith
Monday 26 January, 2026
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.
For more information, please visit https://www.pocruises.com/themed-cruises/food-heroes#onboard
To book a P&O Cruises holiday, call 0344 338 8003, visit www.pocruises.com or visit a travel agent.
A selection of images can be downloaded, here.
P&O Cruises Wave offers
Guests booking applicable holidays can now take advantage of these limited time offers:
Up to £400 on board spending money if booked by 3 March 2026 (based on a 14-night balcony cabin), available on applicable Select Pricer holidays, which can be spent on shore experiences, speciality dining, spa treatments and more
Low deposits of £50 per person on all cruises* (if booked by 2 February, 2026). The offer is available across all cabin grades, as well as Select Price and Early Saver fare types that are outside of the balance-due period.
Additional guests sail from £49 per person, if booked by 3 March 2026 (on selected cruises).
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
*Full details of all promotions can be found here: https://www.pocruises.com/deals/promotion-terms-and-conditions
For further press information please contact:
Michele Andjel, michele.andjel@carnivalukgroup.com 07730 732 072
Sam Balls, sam.balls@pocruises.com 07879 198864
About P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is Britain’s favourite cruise line, welcoming guests onboard its seven ships to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes. With a proud history spanning more than 187 years, each ship has its own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults with every sailing delivering each guest a holiday like never before.
With over 180 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike. P&O Cruises prides itself on working with top culinary talent; Food Heroes include chefs Marco Pierre White and José Pizarro as well as award-winning drinks expert Olly Smith.
Recent awards for P&O Cruises include:
Wave Awards 2025 – Best Advertising & Marketing Campaign
British Travel Awards 2025 – Best Cruise Line for Family Holidays
The Travel Industry Awards 2025 by TTG – Industry Marketing Campaign of the Year
Sailawaze Awards 2025 – Best in Entertainment
Best in Cruise Awards by Cruise Critic Awards 2025 – No-Fly Cruise Line (Ocean Category)
The company is part of Carnival Corporation & PLC (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).