New Albany, Ind. (July 21, 2026) – Victory Cruise Lines, the leader in all-inclusive, small-ship cruising on the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts, today announced the appointment of acclaimed chef, restaurateur, Emmy Award-winning television personality, cookbook author, and James Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein as its Culinary Curator & Chef Partner. The long-term partnership represents a significant investment in the company’s culinary program and reinforces its commitment to delivering destination-inspired dining experiences that are as memorable as the voyages themselves.
Created exclusively for Victory Cruise Lines, the role of Culinary Curator & Chef Partner 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 thoughtfully 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. 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.” said Chef Bernstein. “Over the years we’ve built our own traditions there too, from vacations on Lake Minnetonka to the spot in Chicago where David asked me to marry him. 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.”
A Miami native and one of America’s most celebrated chefs, 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, working alongside the company’s culinary leadership to elevate every aspect of the onboard dining experience. 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, thoughtfully integrated into the dinner menu and available only aboard Victory Cruise Lines. Inspired by the destinations visited and crafted with Michelle’s distinctive culinary style, 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.
Guests can expect thoughtfully crafted cuisine that blends classical technique, fresh regional ingredients, and Michelle’s signature approach to storytelling through food, creating memorable dining experiences that deepen their connection to every destination they visit.
“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 exclusive culinary creations aboard Victory Cruise Lines beginning August 2026.
For reservations or additional information, contact your travel advisor or call 1-855-556-7193. Visit www.VictoryCruiseLines.com.
About Victory Cruise Lines
Victory Cruise Lines® is committed to delighting travelers with the joy of all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts. Comprising the Victory I® and Victory II®, the 190-guest ships are purpose-built to cruise on all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the French-Canadian Maritimes. Service and cuisine. Entertainment and enrichment. Discovery and adventure. Explore legendary lakes and coastal ports showcased with captivating insight and intimate perspectives with Victory Cruise Lines—Discover Beyond®.