Celebrity Cruises, the first cruise line to open land-based pop-up restaurants and to cook at New York’s legendary James Beard House, is reprising its indulgent and engaging “Excite the Senses” cruises this year. Each of these voyages will offer foodies a comprehensive sensory experience, including in-depth demonstrations, robust and enriching tastings, food and beverage pairing dinners and behind-the-scenes culinary experiences, led by Celebrity’s talented team of chefs, sommeliers and beverage experts and presented within Celebrity’s signature modern luxury restaurants, lounges and other inviting public spaces.
“The Indian cruise traveler has always been curious about the cuisines available onboard and food features high on our priority list. Excite the Senses sailings strengthen appreciation for the artistry of cooking, eating and entertaining. These cruises take food and drink exploration to unchartered levels and transform everyday enjoyment into an in-depth immersion.” says Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing and exclusive representative of Celebrity Cruises in India.
Celebrity will offer four ‘Excite the Senses’ cruises this year. The first started March 9, 2013, and is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on the brand-new, 3,030-guest Celebrity Reflection, sailing roundtrip out of Miami. Steenrod and Celebrity’s James Beard-featured director of culinary operations, Chef John Suley will lead participating guests through a savory lineup of activities.
For the first time, one-of-a-kind dinners replicating Celebrity’s 2012 James Beard menu and 2013 New York pop-up restaurant menu will be presented in a degustation format hosted by Scott Steenrod and prepared by Chef Suley and corporate executive chef W. Thomas Szymanski. Culinary demonstration highlighting various techniques will be presented in the main theater. Corporate executive chef and South Africa native Steve Van Der Merwe will host a traditional “braai” at the Lawn Club Grill on the ship’s top deck. Corporate executive