During this voyage he cooked signature dishes for the guests on board. Chef Arjan's participation is a highlight of the Maris project, a partnership between Swan Hellenic and JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, aiming to redefine high-end cruise gastronomy with exclusive culinary experiences.

Chef Arjan Kuipers from De Ertepeller restaurant in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, embarked on the Swan Hellenic SH Vega Cruise for 10 days. The cruise, titled "Old World Gateways to the Atlantic" sailed from Lisbon to Portsmouth, from the 14th to the 24th of May, 2024. Throughout this exceptional journey, guests had the privilege of indulging in Arjans signature dishes and attending a Gala Dinner featuring a specially curated menu personally presented by the chef. Additionally, he hosted a live cooking show and lead gastronomic excursions ashore, providing a unique opportunity to explore local culinary traditions and specialties like port, cider, Rioja wine, Portuguese cakes, Breton butter biscuits, and crepes.

During this Western Europe cruise, guests experienced Europe’s maritime history as they travel to lesser-known ports and cities along the Portuguese, Spanish, and French Atlantic coasts before exploring the rugged beauty of Brittany and finally landing in the historic Naval town of Portsmouth. Along the way, guests discovered old towns and medieval walled cities with steep, narrow streets and ramparts, fisherman’s quarters, long stretches of sand, and exotic gardens.

The collaboration seamlessly combines the culinary prowess of JRE chefs with Swan Hellenic's luxury ships. These innovative chefs blend culinary skill with a dedication to tradition, sustainability, and locally sourced ingredients, offering extraordinary interpretations of the regions explored.