You can take a European cruise that’s entirely focused on chocolate

Candy lovers, your next vacation is sorted. Thanks to Italian cruise line Costa Cruises (a Carnival Corporation brand) and annual chocolate exhibition Eurochocolate, you can take a chocolate-themed trip around Europe. Did somebody mention chocolate?

The eight-day cruise on the 3,780-guest Costa Pacifica stops in several European destinations, including Genoa, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Malta. But back to the chocolate…

First off, you get a candy-themed welcome package, filled with sweet stuff and chocolate-themed gadgets. While on board the cruise liner, you can learn how to make pastries and watch professionals create art out of chocolate. Special chocolate-based menus include “Tutto Cacao” and “Choco Aperitivo.” There are also chocolate tastings paired with wine, grappa and spirits and chocolate-based cocktails on offer. You’ll enjoy cocktails made especially for the cruise, too.

Not only will you get to attend master classes with chocolate artisans in different traditions, but you’ll also have the chance to participate in “an exclusive and engaging show” cooking with the famous food blogger Sonia Peronaci of Giallo Zafferano.

Here she is, with some delicious-looking creations, from her Instagram page at @soniaperonaci.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3RIBiEA-oG/

When the ship is docked, you can partake in events featuring some of the world’s most important chocolate makers, according to Insider. You can also take part in chocolate-themed excursions, visiting places like Barcelona’s renowned Museu de la Xocolata, shown below at its official Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byafpz8I6pk/

But wait, there’s more. Throughout the eight-day adventure, a Eurochocolate sculptor on the ship will turn an entire block of chocolate into an original work of art.

The Eurochocolate Cruise departs from Civitavecchia, Italy on April 16, 2020, and then begins officially in Genoa, Italy the following day. To be able to take part in the chocolate-themed events, guests must purchase a special package for 120 euros (around $133) on top of booking a basic or all-inclusive cabin. Prices for the cruise start from 499 euros (around $552) per person.

And if you need a break from chocolate, the Costa Pacifica also boasts an Aperol Spritz bar and several different restaurants. Plus, of course, you can enjoy all the R&R opportunities and entertainment you’d expect from a luxury cruise, such as a spa, theatrical productions and a dance club.

The Eurochocolate festival and cruise partner takes place every year in Perugia, Italy. “The biggest European chocolate festival,” as it bills itself on its website, finished in October but will be back next fall to celebrate all things chocolate.

Taste buds at the ready? Time to book your trip!