CAPPUCCINO?! After lunch?”, scoffed our Italian guide. “If I ordered a cappuccino after midday my friends would think I was ill,” he exclaimed, laughing.

In Italy, it seems, it is not the done thing to drink anything other than espresso once morning is over.

This was just one of many culinary discoveries we made on our voyage around the Mediterranean.

Our food-based trip began aboard the Island Princess, in Athens, halfway through its two-week tour of the region.

The 964ft-long ship, part of the Princess Cruises fleet, features four pools, an open-air cinema, an ice cream and pizza bar, plus several bars and a London-themed casino.

Before indulging our tastebuds ashore, we had an opportunity to experience all the vessel had to offer during a day at sea, including an afternoon in the tranquil, exclusive haven that is the Sanctuary.

With nothing but blue skies above, blue sea ahead and the gentle sea breeze, it is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship and enjoy a peaceful outdoor spa setting, boasting signature cocktails and massages.

We were also lucky enough to go behind the scenes and take a tour of the ship’s kitchens with the man responsible for all the food enjoyed by passengers – master chef Alfredo Marzi.

While the staff present a serene atmosphere above deck, below there is a furious 24-hour operation, as hundreds of chefs ensure top-quality dishes are produced – all of it done from scratch.

A new twist to the menus in the lavish main dining rooms on board – of which there are two, with an anytime dining policy also in place – is the introduction of a selection of traditional choices from the regions the ship visits, giving passengers the chance to get a true taste of the countries they are sailing between.

My favourite came on the last night, as we headed towards Barcelona – a starter of crispy pork belly with orange glaze, with Spanish chorizo, breadcrumbs, garlic and sweet paprika. It was truly divine.

The first port on our trip, though, was Naples, from where we ventured towards Sorrento, stopping at a little olive farm, where we were greeted with delicious home-made cheeses, olives and red wine.

We got the chance to see how the olives are farmed and were given an insight into how their famous Limoncello is made – which, of course, necessitated a sample.

After purchasing some of the home-grown products, we headed into the heart of Sorrento, exploring the picturesque town that sits on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples with some breath-taking views.

Before returning to the ship, we visited Gragnano – the pasta-making capital of the world – to see one of the oldest pasta factories in Italy.

As well as being shown how this staple of Italian cuisine is made, we sampled three dishes, the best being their signature oven-baked pasta shells filled with ragu.

But you do not have to step off the ship to thrill your tastebuds.

The day was topped off with my favourite meal of the holiday, in one of the Island Princess’ two speciality restaurants, Sabatini’s. We enjoyed a five-course meal, with favourites including lobster three ways, and tiramisu, which my husband declared the best he had ever tasted – and he’s tried lots!

Our next stop was Livorno, where we took an excursion to a gorgeous farmhouse in the middle of Tuscany. Chef Carla and the My Tuscan Kitchen team took us through how to make a four-course meal – topping us up with snacks and wine along the way.

This included making our very own ricotta and spinach ravioli from scratch.

Later, we headed outside to enjoy the fruits of our labour in the Tuscan sunshine, overlooking the rolling countryside, while sipping on the odd glass of wine made just metres from where we were sat.

Next up on the cruise was the port of Civitavecchia, where we eschewed the popular tour into Rome and headed to a farm in the countryside, where we tasted delicious homemade cheeses and wine.

That night we ate in the ship’s second speciality restaurant, the Bayou Café and Steakhouse: the first New Orleans-inspired eatery at sea, serving up traditional Cajun and Creole influenced food with live jazz.

It was here where I dared to try crocodile ribs – which did taste like chicken – and where my husband faced his biggest challenge yet – a bourbon and smoked chili marinated 22oz porterhouse steak, with a side of lobster.

Tasting all this delicious food was thirsty work, so when we docked in Toulon, it was time for some French wine-tasting. First stop was the Chateau Vannieres vineyard, in Bandol, where we got to sample a selection of wines.

We then headed to Castellet, high in the hills, boasting stunning views, winding little streets and stone houses.

There’s an cruise saying that you gain a pound for every day on board and there can be few better ways of sampling Europe’s finest food and drink offerings than on a cruise.

Factfile

Island Princess cruises and prices: Panama Canal - prices start from £1,091 California & Pacific Coast - prices start from £211.92 Mediterranean - prices start from £999 Venetian Passage - prices start from £999 Alaska - prices start from £618.

Book at: princess.com/go

To book a Tuscan cooking experience visit: MyTuscanKitchen.com. Classes are not part of the ship’s organised excursions but can be organised independently