"I knew since I was a small boy I wanted to become a chef,” says Paul. “I did my first cooking class at the age of eight and when I was 14 I got my first job as a dishwasher in a local restaurant. I was immediately hooked on kitchen life and I love the hospitality industry.”

Creating a multi-dimensional culinary experience is what drives his approach to his work. “It’s amazing how creative you can be when preparing a dish,” he says. “The idea that we present an experience to guests – not just a meal – is something I value a lot.”

Though he creates complex dishes in the kitchen every day, Paul is a simple eater a heart. He prefers the flavours of his childhood and home nation. “A home, I am mostly eating curries, pastas and, being Dutch, a good stampot with a meatball or smoked sausage of course.”

One of the best ways to connect with a destination is through its delicacies. By purchasing local produce, you’re supporting the region as well as getting a tasty introduction to its culture. This is one of the reasons Scenic’s culinary team sources produce when they reach port, ensuring guests get an authentic taste of their destination.

“I’m a big fan of cooking local dishes and Scenic does exactly that by offering local flavours daily on their menus,” Paul says. By infusing the menu with tastes guests may not have experienced before, it creates a new dimension of cultural immersion. “It brings the destination alive,” he says.

On a Scenic river cruise, you could indulge in Avignon’s famous black truffles or oysters from Brittany. Enjoy the freshest vegetables from local farmers, creamy cheese in Holland or traditional Portuguese tarts along the Douro.

Rich menus infused with local produce are available at each of the five all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Scenic Space-Ship. At each meal, tantalise your tastebuds with the flavours of Europe.

From the elegance and contemporary Italian, French or Portuguese specialties (depending on your itinerary) of Portobellos to the relaxed a la carte menus of Crystal Dining, Scenic Space-Ships have something for everyone when it’s time to dine.

For a next level fine dining experience, Scenic Space-Ships also deliver an exclusive Table La Rive and Table d’Or, an intimate, invitation-only experience for up to 10 guests per evening.

“Food is such a personal preference for all of us, and I love the idea that by preparing a meal I get to touch on people’s memories, past and future experiences,” Paul says.