The culinary experiences aboard cruise ships are so central to many holidaymakers’ overall enjoyment of the holiday, cruise lines are pumping millions into developing new menus, restaurants and dining options. Many of the world’s top cruise lines are enlisting the help of globally-renowned chefs, respected in the industry and beloved by the general public. Here we look at the famous faces who have shaped the meals you enjoyed on your last cruise holiday.
Marco Pierre White
P&O Cruises
All the ships of the P&O fleet feature signature dishes from Marco Pierre White during gala evenings in the main dining rooms. White has been dubbed the godfather and the enfant terrible of the UK restaurant scene, and became the youngest ever chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. Combining British, French and Italian cooking styles; White has been a regular presence on UK TV starring in shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef and even made an appearance in Celebrity Big Brother.
Atul Kochhar
P&O Ventura and Azura
The upcoming P&O Britannia will play host to another Atul Kochhar restaurant, demonstrating the popularity of his current restaurants with the line – East on the Ventura and Sindhu on the Azura. Kochhar’s modern take on traditional Indian dining has made him one of the most critically acclaimed chefs in Britain and became the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star. The chef has attracted a devoted following with his regular appearances on Saturday Kitchen and popular range of books.
Michael Schwartz
Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas
Gastropub favourite Michael Schwartz has been employed by Royal Caribbean as the experience advisor for the upcoming Quantum Class of ships. Michael’s Genuine Pub mixes relaxed public house surroundings with modern twists on traditional favourites. The first Michael’s Genuine Pub was opened in 2007 in the design district of Miami offering homemade dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
Geoffrey Zakarian
Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway
One of America’s best known chefs, Zakarian appears on a wide range of shows on the Food Network and owns famed restaurants in New York City and Atlantic City. Zakarian describes his style of cuisine as ‘dynamic American’ and has noted roots in French flavours. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway and Breakaway will benefit from his careful eye overseeing their seafood-focussed restaurants and the chef will also offer on-board cooking demos and workshops.
Todd English
Queen Mary 2
English line, Cunard took the controversial step of appointing an American to pioneer the cuisine aboard their flagship when Boston-based Todd English was selected to open his eponymous restaurant on the Queen Mary 2. English is best known in his native America for his chain of restaurants, Olives, which specialise in Mediterranean cuisine. English also owns restaurants in the W Hotel in New York and the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Guy Fieri
Carnival Cruises
Guy Fieri is somewhat the odd one out on this list, the Food Network favourite is better known for monster burgers, chicken wings, BBQ and beer than haute cuisine or molecular gastronomy. Appealing to the masses, Fieri was an ideal choice for family-focussed Carnival Cruises when revamping their dining services. Fieri lends his burger making expertise to the Guy’s Burger Joints aboard the Carnival Liberty, Breeze, Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Sunshine and Triumph.
Jamie Oliver
Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas
When he’s not campaigning for better school food or tearing around London markets on his scooter; Jamie Oliver has been growing his dynasty of Italian restaurants: Jamie’s Italian. The Quantum Class of ships will be the first to bring the restaurants to the seas, offering Jamie’s own twist on pizza, pasta, steak and seafood dishes.
If this list has whetted your appetite, visit the Cruise1st website for a full range of deals or call our dedicated sales team on 0808 2746 777.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: David Fiske, Find Your Feet, Breville USA, Tom Mascardo, Kim, a_marga
