P&O Cruises has announced a new programme of Norwegian shore excursions led by the line's "Food Heroes"

(11 a.m. GMT) -- Chef Marco Pierre White, patissier Eric Lanlard and wine expert Olly Smith will host small groups of passengers on tours to learn about local food delicacies and take part in cookery classes on select P&O sailings to the Norwegian Fjords from 2019.

The excursions will be available on seven cruises between May - September and on the line's new ship Iona, which will sail the Norwegian Fjords on its maiden season in 2020. 

In Stavanger Marco Pierre White will take passengers to a local farm to select seasonal ingredients followed by a hands-on cookery demonstration at the Fish & Cow restaurant run by Norwegian celebrity chef Kjartan Skjelde.

Eric Lanlard will team up with Stavanger chef Mary-Ann Skjeie at the Tango restaurant for a dessert-making masterclass and in Bergen Olly Smith will lead a brewery tour and tasting session.

P&O Cruises' president, Paul Ludlow, said: "We know our guests want to immerse themselves in new cultures and enjoy authentic experiences that provide a sense of the locality they visit. Food has an unmatched ability to communicate a unique sense of place, with local cuisine providing a direct connection to the history of a region, the soul of its people and the rhythm of daily life.

"Our Food Heroes will deliver a unique menu of experiences for the most appetising of adventures."

Food Heroes cruises also feature onboard cookery demonstrations, masterclasses, hosted dinners, book signings and Q&A sessions.

Marco Pierre White will host excursions on seven-night sailings departing on May 18 and June 29, 2019, Eric Lanlard’s tours will be available on seven-night cruises departing April 27, June 8 and August 31, 2019, and Olly Smith will lead the brewery tour on an 11-night itinerary departing September 7, 2019.