Mara Papatheodorou will join select Atlas Epicurean Expeditions

'Our new Epicurean Expeditions provide an immersive culinary experience for explorers who enjoy food and wine,' said James Rodriguez, the line's president and CEO. 'Mara is a "master foodie" and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Atlas Ocean Voyages family.'

Depending on the expedition, gastronomic guests include authorities to provide insights into Continental delicacies and guest chefs who specialize in regional cuisine. Gastronomic guests will also accompany complimentary culinary-focused cultural immersion tours.

Aboard eight cruises

Papatheodorou will be aboard World Navigator on eight departures: May 29; June 1, 4, 17 and 30; and July 10, 19 and 28.

An editor for Bon Appétit magazine for 12 years, Papatheodorou scouted and produced the 'Entertaining with Style' section that highlighted how real people entertain around the world. She was the producer of their award-winning annual international Special Collector’s Editions that highlight Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Mediterranean islands and the Brish Isles.

Tastes and traditions expert

A nationally known entertaining specialist, Papatheodorou is a 'tastes and traditions expert' who develops recipes, menus and promotional consumer campaigns. She also creates custom-designed food and wine-tasting events for private and business groups.

Prior to Bon Appétit, Papatheodorou was based in London as a columnist for the European edition of W and Harpers & Queen. She is also the author of the coffee table book 'Moments in Time, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa,' a contributor to Naonal Geographic Traveler magazine and a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Les Dames d’Escoffier.

For a limited time, two free excursions

For a limited me, Atlas passengers will receive two free culinary or wine-themed shore excursions on the April 15, April 22 and April 29 departures. Depending on the ports, they might discover Portugal’s pastel de nata pastry, savor Madeira at a wine tasting in Madeira or sample local wines at a famous cellar near the San Antonio Volcano.