This October, Oceania Cruises will welcome culinary stars and wine experts on two 10-day “Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival” European cruises. Chef Stephen Lewandowski of New York’s famed Tribeca Grill and Chef Ken Oringer of Clio in Boston – ranked one of “America’s Best New Restaurants” by Esquire – will offer demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes and market tours in select ports along with wine tastings and dinners featuring recipes from Bon Appétit.

Part of the line’s new Signature Sailings program, the Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival voyages depart Oct. 14 from Athens to Rome with Chef Lewandowski and Oct. 22 from Athens to Istanbul with Chef Oringer.

Chef Stephen Lewandowski, executive chef of Drew Nieporent’s famed Tribeca Grill in downtown Manhattan, has polished his craft at Gotham Bar & Grill and then with Ritz Carlton for several years. His earthy, elegant contemporary American cuisine is the hallmark of Tribeca Grill, winning acclaim for Chef Lewandowski and the restaurant.

James Beard Award winner Chef Ken Oringer has worked in some of the finest kitchens in the U.S., including alongside accomplished chefs such as Jean-George Vongerichten and David Burke. Chef Oringer has created distinctive culinary experiences at his six restaurants in Boston and one in Maine, each showcasing an original and inventive cuisine that reflects his international travels and adventures.

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Lewandowski and Chef Oringer onboard Marina and Riviera. Both have vast culinary experience to share with our inquisitive, culinary-minded guests,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “These new ‘Signature Sailings’ offer a special opportunity for guests to delve more deeply into their passion for fine cuisine.”

Hands-On Cooking and Learning Opportunities

Chef Lewandowski and Chef Oringer will host several cooking demonstrations throughout their sailings. For aspiring cooks, both chefs will also be guest instructors at the Bon Appétit Culinary Center as well as lead Culinary Discovery Tours to local markets in select ports.

The October 14 festival with Chef Lewandowski is Oceania Cruises’ Ancient Grandeur cruise, which visits Kusadasi (Ephesus), Monemvasia, Cephalonia (Argostoli), Taormina, Sorrento/Capri, an overnight in Livorno (Florence/Pisa/Tuscany), Marseille (Provence) and Monte Carlo, on the line’s new Riviera, which launches in May 2012.

Chef Oringer will host the October 22 Temples & Palaces voyage onboard Marina, which calls at Patmos, Ashdod (an overnight stay provides time to visit Jerusalem), Haifa, Limassol, Rhodes and Kusadasi (Ephesus) with an overnight in Istanbul prior to disembarkation.

Discover the World in Comfort and Style

The 1,250-guest Marina and, launching this May, Riviera are purpose-built for epicureans with six open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including a French bistro by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand staircase, elegant public rooms, spacious accommodations and Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

The Bon Appétit Culinary Centers on board both ships – the only hands-on cooking schools at sea – feature 24 fully equipped work stations. Classes cater to all levels of aptitude, from beginner to master-chef level.