Celebrating 20 Years of Marco Pierre White

There’s a certain kind of excitement that comes with a milestone anniversary. This year, the air on board our ships feels even more celebratory as we mark two decades of partnership with the godfather of British cooking, Marco Pierre White.

Since 2006, Marco has been at the heart of our culinary story, helping us redefine what it means to dine in style at sea. From that very first signature dish, our partnership has continued to evolve, growing from simply delicious dining into a full foodie adventure that can define the P&O Cruises holiday experience.

To mark the occasion, we’re looking back through the archives while setting the stage for a year of sensory delights. Marco’s influence is felt fleet-wide through his curated Celebration Night menus and his role has grown to become a defining part of life on board. Today, our collaboration is brought to life through masterclasses, hosted events and unforgettable moments, particularly on our flagship, Britannia.

A seat at the table with a British icon

Marco Pierre White holds a seat at the table of the world’s most influential chefs. Arriving in London as a 19-year-old with ‘£7.36, a box of books and a bag of clothes’, he began his training as a commis under maestros Albert and Michel Roux at Le Gavroche. By the age of 33, he had taken the restaurant scene by storm, becoming the youngest chef in history to be awarded three Michelin stars.

On a Food Heroes holiday, Marco’s presence on board brings a sense of theatre to every interaction. Whether he’s sharing the secrets behind a perfectly cooked côte de boeuf or talking about the importance of provenance, his passion turns every conversation into something memorable. It’s this combination of expertise and authenticity that has made his partnership with us so enduring.

One of the highlights of Marco’s work with P&O Cruises is The Cookery Club on Britannia, where guests can take part in hands-on masterclasses inspired by his recipes and techniques. Whether he’s sharing cooking secrets, hosting special dinners or engaging with guests through Q&A sessions, Marco brings a unique sense of occasion to every experience.

His impact extends far beyond hosted sailings. Guests across the fleet continue to enjoy dishes inspired by Marco through curated Celebration Night menus, while Ocean Grill on Arcadia offers a dining experience influenced by his signature approach to modern British cuisine.

Working alongside renowned chef Marco Pierre White gives our galley team the opportunity to prepare and serve dishes inspired by one of Britain’s most celebrated culinary experts. Develop your skills, learn high culinary standards, gain valuable cruise ship hospitality experience and take pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences to thousands of guests at sea.

Learn more about galley opportunities here.