NICOSIA, CYPRUS – 15 September 2025 – Swan Hellenic has officially confirmed the renewal of its highly successful “Maris” culinary discovery program for the 2026 season, continuing its strategic collaboration with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs. The announcement, made today from the line’s operational headquarters, ensures that guests aboard SH Diana and SH Vega will continue to enjoy exclusive gastronomic experiences curated by some of Europe’s most exciting young chefs.
The renewal comes as the 2025 “Maris” season approaches its conclusion, having delivered a series of sold-out voyages that seamlessly blended expedition travel with haute cuisine. The 2026 program is set to be even more ambitious, featuring a roster of new chef-hosts from the JRE network, which represents over 375 restaurants and 160 hotels across 15 countries.
A Fusion of Exploration and Gastronomy
The “Maris” concept goes beyond the traditional guest chef appearance. It is designed as a “parallel voyage of discovery,” where the culinary journey mirrors the geographical one. For 2026, selected voyages will feature a designated JRE chef who will not only curate special menus but also fully integrate into the onboard community.
Guests can expect a multi-sensory experience that includes:
Signature Gala Dinners: Each Maris voyage features a celebratory dinner where the hosting chef presents a tasting menu that reflects their personal culinary philosophy and the regions visited.
Interactive Cooking Shows: Chefs will lead live demonstrations, sharing professional techniques and the stories behind their signature dishes.
Culinary Shore Excursions: In a unique twist, the chefs will accompany guests on shore landings to explore local markets, foraging grounds, and fishing communities, offering a professional’s perspective on local ingredients.
Leadership Perspectives
The partnership’s renewal underscores Swan Hellenic’s strategy of positioning itself as the premier choice for the “culturally curious” traveller who values both adventure and sophisticated living.
“Swan Hellenic and JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs are united by an uncompromising quest to share experiences of the exceptional,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, reflecting on the success of the initiative. “So, we’re both delighted with how our Maris cruises are set to take the explorations of Swan Hellenic guests into new territory of gastronomic and cultural discovery. We’re confident that Maris will exceed all expectations and can’t wait to hear our guests’ reactions.”
Daniel Canzian, President of JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique platform the ships provide for his chefs. “We’re delighted to showcase the tremendous talents of our chefs for Swan Hellenic voyagers again… creating dining experiences that match and enhance their extraordinary explorations aboard and ashore.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the full lineup of 2026 chefs is yet to be revealed, the program is confirmed to span key deployment regions including the Arctic, the Mediterranean, and for the first time, select segments of the line’s new West African itineraries. The continued collaboration ensures that Swan Hellenic remains at the forefront of the luxury expedition market, offering a product where the food on the plate is as memorable as the view from the window.
