ROGER PAPERNO

Roger Paperno is a renowned photographer based in Southern California who has earned accolades for his diverse and captivating body of work. He began his journey in photography at seven years old when his grandmother gifted him his first camera, a Kodak Instamatic 124, sparking his lifelong passion for the art form. Paperno seeks to portray subjects authentically, whether it’s a special event like a birthday or an advertising campaign in remote locales, inviting viewers to connect with the captured moments. Inspired by influential photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dorothea Lange, his work is deeply influenced by the soulfulness of black and white photography. With a global following and connections spanning the world, his portfolio includes three published books in the Cafe Life series. Beyond his literary contributions, Paperno has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including The Gap, University of Miami, Banana Republic, Holiday Inn, Regent Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Sol Melia Resorts, Hard Rock Casino and many others.

BEN LEPOFF

As a seasoned drone photographer, Benjamin “Ben” Lepoff has over a decade of global experience capturing stunning imagery from above. Soaring the skies with his drone, he seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with an artistic vision. His expertise spans operations, aerial cinematography and post-production, all demonstrated through collaborations with renowned clients such as Sony, Ford, Syfy Network, The Florida Keys Tourism Board, Mohegan Sun Casino and more. His work reflects a steadfast commitment to storytelling through the distinctive lens of a drone. Beyond photography, a fervent interest in technology and the freedom of flight led him to establish and manage a prosperous drone repair retail store. Additionally, he owns a production and distribution house for television and film, showcasing his diverse contributions to the industry. Driven to push creative boundaries, he eagerly embraces new challenges, aiming to inspire through the dynamic art of drone photography.

CHEF MARTIN GIMENEZ CASTRO

Chef Martin Gimenez Castro is an Argentinean chef who has lived in Warsaw for 15 years. He is widely known as one of the best chefs in Poland and for his passion. He gained greater notoriety when he won the inaugural edition of Top Chef Poland and then appeared on Hell’s Kitchen as a sous chef. After that, he created SALTO, one of the most prestigious fine dining experiences in Warsaw. From there, a lifelong love of seafood inspired him to establish Ceviche Bar, which has become a popular stop for local foodies and fish lovers. He has spent the last 20 years honing his craft in kitchens around the world, including restaurants with three Michelin stars. With his expertise in fish, seafood and contemporary cooking techniques, Chef Castro opened his restaurant, Tuna, in Warsaw, Poland. Through freestyle cooking, it’s here he aims to explore and display the culinary potential found in oceans, rivers and lakes.

JULIETA DAVEY

Join Julieta Davey, known as Mamá Cacao, for a mix of culinary and artistic insights. In the lush Costa Rican jungles, Julieta Davey transformed her passion for cacao into expertise, crafting exquisite chocolates from the 'food of the gods.' Her journey, starting with rustic truffles in the late 1990s, evolved into a renowned brand. As a champion of ethical practices in the cacao industry and an advocate for sustainable farming, her workshops and farm tours offer a unique blend of culinary mastery with a commitment to ethical, environmental stewardship.

CHEF LUCIANA BERRY

Brazilian-born Chef Luciana Berry grew up in Salvador da Bahia in a traditional South American family, sharing a passion for food. She began a career in catering in London at one of the Harrow School boarding houses, opening her own catering company, Catering on the Hill, in 2005. She serves as an ambassador of Brazilian cuisine in Europe, showcasing ingredients integral to the culture’s culinary traditions. She also teaches a new generation of chefs at West London College and Langley College. Most recently she won Top Chef Brazil in 2020 and is competing in Bravo’s Top Chef: World All-Stars in 2023.

ANNA WILAMOWSKA

Pastry Chef Anna Wilamowska is a talented French pastry chef and chocolatier with a Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle, a state diploma recognized by the French Ministry of National Education. She is based in the beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth. She has trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and French pastry boutiques. Her passion for pastry is evident in every bite of her delectable creations. Chef Wilamowska collaborates with local artists and sculptors, bringing an artistic flair to her desserts. Her commitment to quality is unwavering, and she only uses the finest ingredients, including high-quality BIO eggs, Belgian chocolate, and French nut paste. She also caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts. Those with a sweet tooth or who are looking for a unique dessert experience are sure to be impressed by her creations.

CHEF DANNY DAVIES

Renowned for over two decades, British Chef Danny Davies is a celebrated figure in the superyacht culinary world, known for his visually stunning and delectable creations. Rising through the ranks in the British Armed Forces as a chef, he worked in some of the most prestigious Royal Regiments in the country, including as Royal Chef to Prince Harry and William, making him the perfect culinary maestro for our Epicurean Expeditions in Europe. With years of experience as a superyacht chef in the Caribbean, he has intimate insight and expertise into local markets and the culinary culture of the islands. He has been awarded the "Best Super Yacht Chef" at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, making him a master of his craft. But he is also a mentor of emerging talent through initiatives like the Future Chef Project. Chef Davies is excited to share his wisdom and passion for food with fellow explorers.

MARA PAPATHEODOROU

Master Foodie™ Mara Papatheodorou is a nationally established entertaining specialist. As a culinary specialist and historian, she highlights the diverse stories and connections of cuisine and culture worldwide through facts, flavors, flair and folklore. As a 12-year editor at Bon Appétit Magazine, Mara scouted and produced the “Entertaining with Style” section that highlighted how real people entertain around the world. She was the producer of their award-winning annual international Special Collector’s Editions that highlight Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Mediterranean Islands and the British Isles. She works as a Tastes & Traditions expert with food companies and Master Chefs developing recipes, menus and promotional consumer campaigns. She has produced stories about such celebrity chefs as Gordon Ramsey, Wolfgang Puck and many more. She contributes to National Geographic Traveler Magazine and is the author of the coffee table book Moments in Time, The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

BRIAN LISS

Brian Liss is an art dealer and curator at Liss Gallery in Toronto. He will illuminate unique perspectives through his in-depth knowledge of your destination’s art to expand your cultural understanding.

PROFESSOR ANDREW HOPKINS, PhD

Professor Andrew Hopkins, an expert in architecture and art, served as the Assistant Director of the British School at Rome between 1998 and 2002. Since 2004, he has been an Associate Professor at the University of L'Aquila. He earned his PhD from the Courtauld Institute in 1995, where part of his studies on Venetian architecture led to the Essay Medal of 1996 by the Society of Architectural Historians. He spent time as a fellow at Harvard University's Villa I Tatti in Florence from 2003 to 2004, and then as a senior visiting fellow in 2009 at the Paul Mellon Center for Advanced Studies in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. He has accomplished publishing many works, among them The Origins of Baroque Art in Rome (2010) with Arnold Witte and Alois Riegl, and the Venetian Baroque (2012) with Baldassare Longhena. Professor Hopkins’s lectures on the Viking history of Scotland and presentations on the vibrant culture of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, are just a couple of examples of how he brings the past to life with engaging talks that invite explorers to spark their curiosity.

MICHAEL “MIKE” & JANE KAYAT

The Kayats are an avid traveling duo who have sailed frequently together. Mike traveled a great deal as well during his time as a technology company executive. Prior to that, he worked a research astrophysicist in X-ray astronomy where he used sounding rockets to investigate supernovae. He holds a PhD in physics from Leicester University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. His wife, Jane, has enjoyed a diverse career that includes teaching high school French and German, being an air stewardess on two international airlines and being a partner of a home furnishing store. She holds a degree in Education from London University and double majored in French and German at the California Luther University. She enjoys home decorating, painting and spending time with her two grandchildren. Together, their presentations may cover topics such as navigational astronomy, including the history of how it was developed by the Arawaks and Caribs.

DR. BARBARA UDELL

Dr. Barbara Udell is an international speaker holding a Doctorate in Behavioral Health Education and a master's degree in social work. She is the former Director of Lifestyle Education at the Pritikin Longevity Center and has been the keynote speaker and consultant for Weight Watchers and Diet Centers of America. She is an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and a certified scuba diver. She is the Associate Producer for a PBS program on health and has produced a DVD and authored a book on healthy lifestyles. Her motto is, “Learn to be healthfully selfish!” She is an avid and experienced world traveler who loves to share her knowledge. She has also practiced family and individual counseling. Dr. Udell is married to Barton Udell, an international tax and real estate attorney. Together they have five children and 11 grandchildren. They reside in Miami, Florida.

JOHN HUGHES

From his earliest days, John has always grown plants with his main passion being cacti and other succulents. He went on to study Industrial Chemistry at university and stayed on for his PhD. He then embarked on a career as a Forensic Scientist, including work in Peru, where he fell in love with all things Latin and South America. He spent over three years there, often backpacking and learning about all types of plants from alpines to tropical. He has also been a long-term member of a field club that studies British flora and fauna in the countryside. He loves to share his passion for plants and has been a frequent speaker to various horticultural and garden societies. He has been a member of the Royal Horticultural Societies’ (RHS) Tender Ornamental Plant Committee since 2004, a judge at all the major RHS shows and in 2021 recognized for his contributions with the prestigious Vietch Medal. He has previously given presentations on cruise ships for companies including Voyages of Discovery, Voyages to Antiquity and Fred Olsen on garden related topics.

ERNEST “ERNIE” REA

Ernest “Ernie” Rea is a renowned British broadcaster who focuses on the history of religions and how faith influences the world. He is host to the radio program Beyond Belief, which won the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Program on British Radio. He worked for the BBC for 22 years on various productions and in editorial roles. He headed the Religious Broadcasting for the BBC from 1989 to 2001, during which time he also brokered co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters in the US. He played a key role in many national events, including the funeral service for Princess Diana. He speaks often at international interfaith conferences, academic lectures and literary festivals. He holds First Class Honors Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics, fueling his passion for studying world religions.

DR. AARON HUNTER PhD

Dr. Aaron Hunter is a guide-lecturer and visiting researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge. He is a life member at Clare Hall and an adjunct research fellow at the University of Western Australia. He is also a qualified Blue Badge Guide for London and a Green Badge Guide for the City of London and Oxford. He is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society where he lectures on the history of science. As a paleontologist, he is an expert on fossils and prehistoric life, from the first animals to appear on our planet to the marine life of the Jurassic. After obtaining his degrees in Geology and Paleobiology, he earned his PhD from the University of London. He worked as a research fellow in France, Germany and Japan and then as a Senior Lecturer in Malaysia and Western Australia.

WILLIAM “BILL” HEWITT

William “Bill” Hewitt graduated from Glasgow University in 1977 with an honors Degree in Geology and Chemistry. He joined a large international oil company, initially in Aberdeen, as an exploration geologist. Soon after, he worked on offshore assignments on 'Wildcat' wells in Scotland, Ireland, and Brazil as the increasing demand and political upheaval drove a worldwide boom in hydrocarbon exploration. In 1982, he and his growing family moved to Melbourne Australia for several years, followed by another long assignment in Stavanger Norway. During these times, he and his teams were involved in various licencing rounds, prospect evaluations and drilling of both exploration and production wells. He broadened his work into the fields of engineering, project management and learning, taking lead on projects in London, Glasgow, Anchorage and Houston. He moved back to London in 2003 where he took up the role of Manager of Learning and Development for Projects and Engineering staff worldwide.

PROFESSOR DAVID DREWRY

Professor David Drewry is an Honorary Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University where he was previously Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute. His research includes environmental science, climate change and the polar regions. He holds a Doctorate in Geophysics from Cambridge, and has honorary professorships at London University, Xiamen University, China and Krakow Academy, Poland. Professor Drewry is a Non-Executive Director at the UK Commission for UNESCO and Trustee Emeritus of the Natural History Museum in London. He was Director of the British Antarctic Survey, elected Founding Chair of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), President of the International Arctic Science Committee IASC), Vice-President of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He has led expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard and Franz Josef Land in the Russian Arctic. He has traveled extensively in Alaska, the Canadian Arctic and northern Scandinavia. He has a mountain and a glacier named after him in Antarctica.

PAULETTE MITCHELL

Chef Paulette Mitchell, author of 14 cookbooks, is internationally renowned for her series The 15-Minute Gourmet. Several of her books have received prestigious Gourmand World Media Awards. She is also the producer of a Telly Award-winning travel and culinary video series. Subjects include Food Markets of the World and educational videos about characteristic ingredients and cooking techniques of many international cuisines. Due to her success as an author, freelance writer, television personality, and spokesperson, Paulette has been a lecturer and culinary presenter on cruise ships since 1998. She is a culinary instructor, food and travel writer, photographer and recipe developer for websites and various publications. Aboard our Epicurean Expedition, she will engage explorers with culinary presentations including the Mediterranean diet as a way of life, showcasing fresh and natural ingredients sourced from local markets. Her cooking demonstrations will also highlight regional use of herbs, spices, and distinctive flavorings in traditional Italian dishes and easy-to-prepare recipes for typical Greek cuisine you can replicate at home.

CHEF MARTIN GIMENEZ CASTRO

Chef Martin Gimenez Castro is an Argentinean chef who has lived in Warsaw for 15 years. He is widely known as one of the best chefs in Poland and for his passion. He gained greater notoriety when he won the inaugural edition of Top Chef Poland and then appeared on Hell’s Kitchen as a sous chef. After that, he created SALTO, one of the most prestigious fine dining experiences in Warsaw. From there, a lifelong love of seafood inspired him to establish Ceviche Bar, which has become a popular stop for local foodies and fish lovers. He has spent the last 20 years honing his craft in kitchens around the world, including restaurants with three Michelin stars. With his expertise in fish, seafood and contemporary cooking techniques, Chef Castro opened his restaurant, Tuna, in Warsaw, Poland. Through freestyle cooking, it’s here he aims to explore and display the culinary potential found in oceans, rivers and lakes.

BOB SMOLIK

Bob Smolik is a veteran diplomat and scholar who has worked around the world at U.S. Embassies, investigating how local politics, economies and social structures function. As the University of Michigan’s Diplomat in Residence, he is an expert in economics and trade, as well as in UN human rights and NATO security issues. His work as an economic diplomat focused on opening foreign markets to U.S. trade and investment on a fair and equal basis. He also worked as a political advisor to U.S. military commanders in Africa and Europe, facilitating conflict mediation. He serves as an ambassador of American society and culture to help US leaders and politicians understand the political and economic dynamics of other nations. He has worked in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America as an international lecturer on anti-corruption and good governance. He has graduate degrees from Berkeley and Harvard, an undergraduate degree from Cornell, and is fluent in five Romance languages.

ANNA WILAMOWSKA

Pastry Chef Anna Wilamowska is a talented French pastry chef and chocolatier with a Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle, a state diploma recognized by the French Ministry of National Education. She is based in the beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth. She has trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and French pastry boutiques. Her passion for pastry is evident in every bite of her delectable creations. Chef Wilamowska collaborates with local artists and sculptors, bringing an artistic flair to her desserts. Her commitment to quality is unwavering, and she only uses the finest ingredients, including high-quality BIO eggs, Belgian chocolate, and French nut paste. She also caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts. Those with a sweet tooth or who are looking for a unique dessert experience are sure to be impressed by her creations.

CHEF PLUM

Chef Plum is a three-time Emmy Nominee and graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 30 years of culinary experience. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and has worked all over the East Coast in everything from five-star hotels to small neighborhood restaurants. He has over 20 Food Network appearances with wins on Chopped, Guy's Grocery Games and more. He is also the host and executive producer of the popular PBS series Restaurant Road Trip, nominated for three New England Emmys. Chef Plum is the host and producer of the acclaimed video series with Edible Magazine “On the Road,” focusing on where food comes from in an informative and comedic way that culminates with a recipe to end each episode. He hosts “Plumluvfoods Live,” a favorite among the culinary community on Itunes’ top 200 in the food category with over 300 episodes. He is also a contributor and regular on Fox Business, Great Day CT and more.

JUDY DUCKER

Judy Ducker has had a long career in the film industry as a prop buyer and set decorator. She has worked on films such as Oscar winners The Hours and Hugo, the BAFTA award-winning drama Fortunes of War and popular television series like Downton Abbey. While still actively pursuing her buying career, she also passes on her knowledge, experience and passion for this exciting career to the next generation of prop buyers through a course she teaches. She has also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Guild of Film Designers. Judy will tell stories about the use of food in films, showcasing how food can be used to convey humor, sensuality, elegance, disgust and a whole range of emotions. Alongside her husband John, they will immerse explorers in culinary explorations, magnificent storytelling and British culture.

JOHN DUCKER

John Ducker is a professional actor in the UK. While he has had a prolific career in entertainment, he is also a passionate and expert lecturer on food and wine pairings. John holds an accreditation from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, a global organization that arranges exams and courses on wine, beer, spirits and sake. He has contributed a chapter about teaching wine tasting in the book Educated Tastes: Food, Drink and Connoisseur Culture. Through cuisine and wine tastings, he will engage explorers in the cultural aspects of culinary traditions. Aside from diving into gastronomic adventures, John will also regale explorers with stories of his time working in the film industry, such as his time on the famous BBC television series Doctor Who. Alongside his wife Judy, they will immerse explorers in culinary explorations, magnificent storytelling and British culture.

CHEF CHRISTY ROST

Chef Christy Rost is the nationally televised host of the cooking and lifestyle series At Home with Christy Rost on Amazon Fire, Apple TV+, Roku, and other platforms. Christy also hosts and produces Celebrating Home, a series of 5-minute cooking segments broadcast on ABC, CBS, and NBC. Her one-hour holiday production A Home for Christy Rost: Thanksgiving has been featured on PBS and CREATE TV since 2009, reaching 91 percent of U.S. households. Christy was mentored by Master Chef Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook (PBS) and her early career garnered the guidance of Julia Child. Christy is widely acclaimed for her expertise in cooking and entertaining —from her luscious recipes to her signature style, decor, tablescapes, and food and wine pairings, ensuring every gathering is a memorable experience. She uses local and sustainable ingredients to create easy, but impressive recipes that dazzle tastebuds so viewers can successfully recreate them in their own kitchens. Christy has lived in Paris and her menus are influenced by her travels and conversations with farmers, vintners, distillers, and culinary artisans. Her cookbooks and TV productions are a testament to her passion for celebrating each day around the table. Based in Texas, Christy films primarily in her 1898 historic Colorado home "Swans' Nest."

CHEF DANNY DAVIES

Renowned for over two decades, British Chef Danny Davies— author of Vegan+ 2.0: Plant based food for the summer — is a celebrated figure in the superyacht culinary world, known for his visually stunning and delectable creations. Rising through the ranks in the British Armed Forces as a chef, he worked in some of the most prestigious Royal Regiments in the country, including as Royal Chef to Prince Harry and William, making him the perfect culinary maestro for our expeditions. With years of experience as a superyacht chef in the Caribbean, he has intimate insight and expertise into local markets and the culinary culture of the islands. He has been awarded the "Best Super Yacht Chef" at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, making him a master of his craft. But he is also a mentor of emerging talent through initiatives like the Future Chef Project. Chef Davies is excited to share his wisdom and passion for food with fellow explorers.

CHEF MARCELLO ZACCARIA

Executive Chef Marcello Zaccaria has worked as Academia Barilla’s executive chef since 2001. He organizes cooking courses and product presentations, supervises gala dinners and pasta parties, creates continuing education courses and collaborates in many gastronomic activities. He often takes part in research and development for new products. He is a member of the Italian Chef Federation and has participated in various television cooking shows, including Master Chef and Top Chef. He graduated as a chef at the catering college of Massa Carrara, Tuscany, Italy. Chef Zaccaria is passionate about cooking and pastry-making. He has worked in various Italian and foreign restaurants, from Tuscany to Switzerland, and has even collaborated with notary Italian chefs for a prestigious experience in Japan at a famous restaurant chain. He will bring this passion as an ambassador of Italian cuisine on board with Academia Barilla: Pasta Immersion.

CHEF STEPHAN PYLES

Stephan Pyles, 2-time James Beard award winner, celebrated chef and founding father of Southwestern Cuisine, shares his culinary legacy and passion for hospitality. He is a 4-time cookbook author and host of the Emmy-award winning PBS cooking series New Tastes from Texas. He has cooked for 6 American presidents, 7 First Ladies, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. A tireless philanthropist, Chef Pyles is a founding board member of No Kid Hungry, America’s largest private source of funding for childhood hunger and through his Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship, has awarded $250,000 to culinary students in Texas. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades and numerous prestigious awards, Chef Pyles brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the dining experiences aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages.

CHEF PAULA LAMBERT

Join Chef Paula Lambert, hailed as an American pioneer of artisanal cheesemakers. Her Dallas Mozzarella Company celebrates over 40 years of cheesemaking, and in 2022 she was named one of the Top 50 Cheesemakers in America by Food & Wine Magazine. Since its foundation in 1982, her company has grown to produce more than 30 artisanal cheeses, most of which she herself has created and developed. She is the author of The Cheese Lover’s Cookbook and Guide (2000) and Cheese, Glorious Cheese! (2007). Her many accolades include the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America, the Career Achievement Award from Mary Baldwin University, and Award of Excellence from the Dallas Historical Society for Creative Arts. Chef Paula is also a philanthropist and had funded many scholarships for travel and study abroad. Traveling extensively, she teaches cooking classes throughout the US, Italy, France and Ireland.

CHEF LUCIANA BERRY

Brazilian-born Chef Luciana Berry grew up in Salvador da Bahia in a traditional South American family, sharing a passion for food. She began a career in catering in London at one of the Harrow School boarding houses, opening her own catering company, Catering on the Hill, in 2005. She serves as an ambassador of Brazilian cuisine in Europe, showcasing ingredients integral to the culture’s culinary traditions. She also teaches a new generation of chefs at West London College and Langley College. Most recently she won Top Chef Brazil in 2020 and is competing in Bravo’s Top Chef: World All-Stars in 2023.