Which UK cruises offer guided herb gardening workshops on board?

Cruising is no longer just about the stunning ocean views or exotic destinations awaiting the travel. The cruise industry has adapted and expanded to meet the unique interests and passions of its guests. One such fascinating development is the introduction of onboard gardening workshops. As you book your next dream voyage, you might wonder, "Which UK cruises offer guided herb gardening workshops on board?" In response, we delve into the world of cruise ship amenities, spotlighting those companies that help you cultivate your green thumb while you sail the high seas.

Onboard Gardening with Ponant Cruises

Ponant Cruises is one of the cruise lines that offer an intriguing option for green-thumbed guests. The company's focus on unique experiences makes it a perfect fit for those wanting to learn about herb gardening while on a cruise.

Ponant Cruises operates smaller ships, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. The gardening workshops are held on deck, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze while you learn about various types of herbs and their uses. Guided by expert horticulturists, you will get hands-on experience in maintaining and cultivating an herb garden. The workshops are planned to suit everyone from gardening novices to the more seasoned plant lovers, and everyone in between.

Ponant also incorporates the harvested herbs into their onboard dining menus. The freshness of the ingredients, picked right from the ship's herb garden, adds an extra layer of flavour to the meals. Imagine the satisfaction of dining on dishes garnished with herbs that you have had a hand in cultivating and harvesting.

Themed Cruises with Cunard

Cunard is another cruise line catering to the garden-loving travellers. They offer themed cruises, and one of their most popular themes is gardening. During these cruises, guests can participate in herb gardening workshops led by renowned horticulturists.

These workshops are included in the cruise fare, so guests don't have to worry about any additional costs. The workshops are held on various days throughout the cruise, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth ship boasts a stunning Garden Lounge. It is here that the workshops are held. You'll be able to enjoy the natural sunlight streaming in through the glass roof as you learn about and practice herb gardening.

Princess Cruises: A Royal Gardening Experience

Princess Cruises offers its guests an opportunity to engage in herb gardening in a rather regal setting. Onboard the Regal Princess, which is one of its newest ships, passengers can enjoy the SeaWalk. The SeaWalk is a glass-bottomed walkway extending from the ship's deck. It's an excellent spot for hosting herb gardening workshops, providing participants with panoramic views of the ocean whilst they cultivate their herbs.

These workshops are led by experienced gardeners who guide you, step by step, through the process of planting and caring for herbs. This hands-on experience includes sessions on how to use these herbs in cooking, further enriching your culinary skills.

In addition, the herbs grown on board are used in the ship's dining venues, offering the freshest flavours to the guests.

Celebrity Cruises: Eco-Friendly Gardening

Celebrity Cruises upholds its reputation for luxury and innovation by providing herb gardening workshops on its award-winning Solstice Class ships. These ships feature a live grass lawn on the top deck. Here, guests can participate in various outdoor activities, including herb gardening workshops.

Guided by professional horticulturists, you will learn about different types of herbs, how to plant and care for them, and how they can be used in various dishes. The workshops emphasize organic and eco-friendly gardening practices, an approach that aligns with Celebrity Cruises' commitment to environmental stewardship.

The herbs grown in these workshops are used in the ships' gourmet restaurants. This dining experience is a testament to Celebrity Cruises' commitment to fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.

P&O Cruises: Catering to the British Green Thumb

P&O Cruises, a British-American owned company, caters to the British love of gardening. Onboard the Britannia, the UK's largest cruise ship, guests can take part in herb gardening workshops.

Held in the ship's stunning atrium, these workshops are conducted by experienced gardeners. They guide you through the process of planting, nurturing, and using herbs in everyday cooking. The ship's chefs even provide demonstrations on how to incorporate the herbs into delicious dishes.

The workshops are not just educational but also offer a relaxing activity that you can enjoy at your leisure. The tranquil setting of the atrium, combined with the therapeutic act of gardening, creates a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling cruise ship.

Whether you're an avid gardener or a curious beginner, these cruises offer an enjoyable and educational experience. The chance to learn about and cultivate herbs while sailing the high seas is a unique opportunity. So, the next time you book a cruise, consider one that lets you grow your gardening skills along with your sense of adventure.

Enjoy the Suite Deck Life with Viking Cruises

Known for its luxury cruises, Viking Cruises is another cruise line that offers guests an opportunity to delve into herb gardening. Onboard the Viking Star, guided herb gardening workshops take place on the spacious suite deck, with breathtaking ocean views. This deck is a dream for every nature lover and brings out the gardener in you.

While the suite deck is a common area where passengers enjoy various activities, the herb gardening workshops add a unique touch. These workshops are conducted by experienced horticulturists who guide the guests through the process of planting, caring for, and using herbs in everyday cooking.

With Viking Cruises, the gardening workshops are not just a pastime; they are an immersive, educational experience. The workshops are divided into different themes based on colours and tastes. This format allows guests to gain in-depth knowledge about a specific herb or group of herbs in each session.

And the benefits of these workshops don't stop when the class ends. Viking Cruises offers a complimentary suite service that ensures that the herbs you've planted are well cared for even when you're off exploring destinations or enjoying the deluxe suite dreams package.

You'll also get to see your efforts come to life at the Bookmark Cafe, where traditional afternoon tea is served with a menu that changes based on the herbs harvested from the suite deck gardens.

Garden Learning with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a UK-based company, has always been known for its commitment to providing unique experiences for its passengers. One such experience is the herb gardening workshops available onboard their ship, the Balmoral. The workshops take place on the stateroom deck, a tranquil open space that provides a serene environment for learning about herbs.

The gardening workshops are guided by expert horticulturists who offer step-by-step instructions and hands-on experience in planting and nurturing herbs. The workshops are open to all, regardless of prior gardening experience. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just curious about the process, you'll find the workshops both enriching and enjoyable.

One of the highlights of these workshops is the opportunity to use the harvested herbs in the cruise ship's restaurants. The chefs onboard the Balmoral incorporate the fresh herbs into a wide range of dishes, letting guests enjoy the flavours they’ve helped to cultivate.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also offers a special "prestige stateroom" package for guests who participate in the herb gardening workshops. This package includes various perks like priority room service and a unique bookmark featuring information about the herbs you’ve helped to grow.

Conclusion

Cruising has indeed evolved to offer rich, personalised experiences that cater to the diverse interests of its passengers. Guided herb gardening workshops are an innovative amenity that many UK cruises, including Ponant Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, provide to their guests.

Not only do these workshops provide a relaxing and enjoyable activity onboard, but they also offer an educational experience, giving passengers the opportunity to learn about various herbs, their cultivation and uses. The addition of homegrown herbs in onboard restaurants also enhances the dining experience, adding a layer of freshness to the food and a sense of accomplishment for guests.

The pricing and availability of these workshops may vary based on the cruise line and the specific cruise ship. So, before you book your next cruise, don't forget to check if they offer herb gardening workshops and add a green touch to your ocean voyage. After all, what could be better than combining the thrill of travel with the joy of gardening? The seas are calling, and they have never been greener!