Australians’ growing appetite for food experiences and culinary delights has gone offshore, with P&O Cruises revealing a record number of holidaymakers are sailing away on Food and Wine cruises.

In response to growing consumer demand, this year P&O cruises is offering 21 food themed cruises, with Food and Wine cruises now representing about 20 percent of P&O’s sea breaks each year.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the increase in people booking on foodie cruises could be attributed to popular cooking shows and growing culinary inspiration on Instagram.

“Whether it is sharing a meal or learning new skills in the kitchen, food brings families and friends together,” Mr Myrmell said.

“It is no surprise that a growing number of Australians are choosing a cruise that combines their passion for food and creating shared experiences with a relaxing cruise holiday.

Each of P&O’s Food and Wine cruises varies, but on every itinerary guests can learn from expert culinary talent including top Australian chefs such as Luke Mangan and TV personalities Will and Steve from My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef 2016 winner Elena Duggan.

P&O’s popular three-night Food and Wine cruises are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide with each offering a jam-packed program of food and wine presentations.

The cruise company’s inclusive multi-option dining available on each ship is just the appetizer, as guests can dine at a celebrity chef restaurant for a fraction of the price it costs on land. Dinner at Luke Mangan’s five-star eatery Salt grill costs just $49 per person.

A three-night Food and Wine cruise is priced from $299* per person quad share and includes meals and culinary demonstrations. Will and Steve, who took out the 2016 series of My Kitchen Rules, will join the September 21, 2017 departure from Sydney on Pacific Explorer.

For more information visit the P&O Cruises website.