Following its inaugural year, the Chefs Making Waves (CMW) food and wine festival at sea – presented by Sixthman, Agency 21 Consulting (A21), and EBG – is back with an unparalleled lineup for the 2025 voyage. Sixthman, known for curating unforgettable experiences on land and sea since 2001 with festivals such as The Rock Boat, Cayamo, and many others, has carefully curated a generous serving of culinary endeavors for this four-night all-inclusive culinary cruise featuring the top celebrity chefs, personalities, authors, and more.
Setting sail from the Port of Miami on May 5–9, 2025, aboard Norwegian’s Gem, Chefs Making Waves heads to Cozumel, Mexico, promising a distinctive, flavor-packed voyage for food lovers. The sailing blends gourmet experiences, lively entertainment, and hands-on workshops with an impressive roster of culinary talent.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with A21 and EBG once again to bring our second Chefs Making Waves food cruise to life,” said Jeff Cuellar, Vice President of Sixthman Partnerships. “With the first sailing, we came out of the gates with a bang, blowing foodies away with a stellar lineup of talent and programming that we actually broke the record for the fastest-selling themed cruise in our portfolio. Our goal for 2025 is to continue to elevate the sailing experience and take the cruise to the next level.”
A Celebrity-Studded Culinary Lineup
This year’s cruise welcomes an array of award-winning chefs and personalities from the world of food, wine, and spirits. The lineup includes Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Geoffrey Zakarian, Richard Blais, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathan Waxman, Scott Conant, Nyesha Arrington, and many more.
Throughout the voyage, guests can enjoy:
- Live cooking demonstrations with take-home recipes
- Walk-around tastings
- Restaurant takeovers featuring curated menus by celebrity chefs
- Mixology sessions hosted by Bacardi
- Wine tastings featuring top-tier producers such as Sosie Wines and McKinney Family Vineyards
One of the newest additions is the Buffet Spotlights, where dishes are curated exclusively by the onboard chefs, giving guests a chance to sample elevated bites throughout the day. Also new this year, the Secret Sauce Speakeasy, presented by Justin’s House of Bourbon, offers an intimate bourbon tasting experience at sea.
Entertainment and Wellness at Sea
Evenings onboard will feature late-night takeovers, themed parties, and entertainment, including a Silent Disco presented by San Bernardo. Guests will also be able to participate in culinary game shows like Robert Irvine Live: Culinary Chaos, where lucky audience members may be selected to join the fun on stage.
Those looking to balance indulgence with wellness can take part in high-energy fitness classes with Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, sunset fun runs, morning yoga, or opt for Bloody Mary Bingo in place of a workout.
Luxury Meets Convenience
Unlike traditional food festivals, all standard programming is included in the cost of your stateroom. That also includes a Premium Plus Beverage Package, offering unlimited top-shelf cocktails, wine, beer, juices, specialty drinks, and Starbucks® coffee.
The ship itself—the Norwegian Gem—offers an intimate atmosphere with just over 1,000 cabins, plus a full-service spa, casino, multiple bars and lounges, and six onboard restaurants that will each host chef takeovers.
An Escape to Cozumel
In addition to everything happening onboard, the itinerary includes a full day in Cozumel, Mexico, where cruisers can snorkel, visit Mayan ruins, or sign up for culinary-themed shore excursions like chocolate-making and traditional cooking classes.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a luxurious and flavorful escape, Chefs Making Waves offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dine, sip, and sail alongside some of the most celebrated names in the culinary world.
To reserve your cabin or learn more, visit www.chefsmakingwaves.com.
Every stateroom includes access to most onboard programming, as well as a Premium Plus Beverage Package with top-shelf spirits, specialty drinks, wine, beer, and more.
The 965-foot Norwegian Gem offers just over 1,000 cabins, concierge service, a full spa, casino, and multiple bars, restaurants, and lounges.
A Culinary Stop in Cozumel
When the ship docks in Cozumel, guests can explore Mayan ruins, snorkel, or choose from optional culinary excursions such as cooking classes and chocolate tastings.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or a casual fan of great meals and good company, Chefs Making Waves offers a uniquely immersive vacation experience.
For more details or to reserve a stateroom, visit www.chefsmakingwaves.com.
