Australians’ appetite for food has reached the high seas with P&O Cruises revealing a record number of families are sailing away on Food and Wine cruises.

In response to growing consumer demand, P&O is offering 21 food themed cruises this year, up from 17 in 2016 and a four-fold increase from 2014. Food and Wine cruises now represent about 20 per cent of P&O’s sea breaks each year.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the increase in groups of families and friends booking on foodie cruises could be attributed to popular cooking shows and growing culinary inspiration on Instagram.

“Whether it is sharing a meal or learning new skills in the kitchen, food brings families and friends together,” Mr Myrmell said.

“It is no surprise that a growing number of Australians are choosing a cruise that combines their passion for food and creating shared experiences with a relaxing cruise holiday.

“Each of our Food and Wine cruises varies, but on every itinerary guests can learn from expert culinary talent including top Australian chefs such as Luke Mangan and TV personalities Will and Steve from My Kitchen Rules and Masterchef 2016 winner Elena Duggan.”

P&O’s popular three-night Food and Wine cruises are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide with each offering a jam-packed program of food and wine presentations.

Will and Steve, who took out the 2016 series of My Kitchen Rules, will join the September 21, 2017 departure from Sydney on Pacific Explorer.