Victory Cruise Lines Appoints James Beard Award-Winning Chef as Culinary Curator

Victory Cruise Lines has appointed James Beard award-winning chef, restaurateur, and Emmy Award-winning TV personality Michelle Bernstein as its culinary creator and chef partner. Created exclusively for Victory Cruise Lines, the new role positions Bernstein as a key creative partner in shaping the brand’s culinary vision.

Working alongside the company’s culinary leadership, she will guide the development of signature menus, elevate dining concepts across the fleet, and create immersive culinary experiences that celebrate the unique flavors, ingredients, and traditions of the Great Lakes and Canadian coastal regions. Her influence will extend throughout the guest journey—from curated dishes and handcrafted cocktails to chef demonstrations, tasting events, digital storytelling, and select hosted sailings.

“Though I wasn’t born in the Midwest, it’s always felt like home to me,” said Chef Bernstein. “My father was from Minnesota, and my husband David spent half his life there; to this day, we both still have family who call the Midwest home. “For us, this cruise isn’t just a trip—it’s going back to be with family, and I can’t wait to bring that love straight to the table.”

Bernstein is renowned for her bold, globally inspired cuisine rooted in her Jewish and Latin heritage. Throughout her career, she has championed fresh, locally sourced ingredients and built a reputation for creating approachable, vibrant cuisine that reflects the character of each destination. While internationally recognized for her innovative culinary style, Bernstein has long embraced America’s diverse regional food traditions, drawing inspiration from local producers, seasonal ingredients, and the stories behind every place she visits.

As Culinary Curator & Chef Partner, Bernstein will help shape Victory Cruise Lines’ evolving culinary vision. She will introduce regionally inspired menus that celebrate the flavors of the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts, develop signature dishes for the Coastal Dining Room and The Grill, collaborate on handcrafted cocktails featured in the Tavern, and create seasonal culinary offerings that reflect the unique character of each voyage.

Each evening in the Coastal Dining Room, guests will enjoy a curated selection of exclusive Michelle Bernstein signature dishes, integrated into the dinner menu and available only aboard Victory Cruise Lines. These signature selections will become a defining feature of the Victory Cruise Lines dining experience.

In addition to shaping Victory Cruise Lines’ culinary program, Bernstein will appear on select voyages throughout the season, hosting exclusive culinary events, chef demonstrations, tastings, and interactive experiences that give guests the opportunity to meet her and experience her passion for regional cuisine firsthand. Her partnership will also extend beyond the ship through original digital content, destination-inspired storytelling, and other exclusive experiences designed to inspire guests before, during, and after their voyage.

“Food has always been one of the most memorable parts of any journey, and Michelle understands how to connect people to a destination through extraordinary cuisine,” said David William Kelly, president and COO of Victory Cruise Lines. “She isn’t simply developing recipes—she is helping define the culinary identity of Victory Cruise Lines. Michelle isn’t lending us her name—she’s lending us her talent, her creativity, and her passion. Our guests will taste that difference every evening, and on select sailings they’ll have the opportunity to experience it alongside Michelle herself. Her partnership reflects our continued commitment to investing in every aspect of the guest experience and setting a new standard for small-ship cruising.”

Bernstein’s appointment marks another significant step in Victory Cruise Lines’ continued investment in delivering immersive, destination-focused travel. By combining extraordinary cuisine with authentic regional storytelling, Victory Cruise Lines continues to redefine the small-ship cruising experience throughout the Great Lakes and Canadian coastal regions.

Guests will begin experiencing Michelle Bernstein’s culinary creations ginning August 2026.