Courtesy of Silversea Cruises.
Silversea Cruises, known for its exotic worldwide itineraries, luxurious all-suite accommodation, gracious service and sumptuous gourmet cuisine, has taken the wraps off a new collection of 10 Culinary Arts theme cruises to be offered this year — featuring some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and rising stars.
These unique culinary theme cruises showcase the artistry of award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including the internationally acclaimed chefs of Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants.
Two of these famed chefs will soon team up to host one extraordinary sailing: Silver Shadow’s 30-day circumnavigation of Australia. Departing from Sydney 19 January, the ship will follow a counterclockwise course 
around the vast island continent before returning to Sydney on 18 February. Joining an expansive enrichment programme on this special voyage are: George Francisco, executive chef of Jonah’s, one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic establishments and a Relais & Châteaux member property, who will join the ship 19 to 25 January, Sydney to Port Douglas, to host culinary presentations; and
Mathew Macartney, executive chef of the Yarra Valley’s famed Chateau Yering and a Relais & Châteaux member property. He will present cooking demonstrations on the Port Douglas-to-Darwin segment, 25 to 29 January.
On the Culinary Arts enrichment voyages, celebrity chefs will display their exceptional talents during dynamic and informative cooking demonstrations where guests can taste 
and learn firsthand the secrets of enticing signature dishes. These voyages also feature escorted provisioning trips to international markets (when the itinerary permits), food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner. Throughout these special sailings, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.
Aboard Silver Shadow (6-21 December, Singapore to Sydney), Silversea guests will have the chance to sample the Korean cuisine specialities of Anna Kim, a celebrity chef judge of the LG ‘Life Tastes Good’ global cooking competition. She apprenticed at world-renowned chef Joël Robuchon’s restaurant in Paris and held esteemed positions at Nobu, Gordon Ramsay and the Four Seasons Hotel in the US.
And Emanuele Vallini, executive chef of La Carabaccia restaurant, Pisa, Italy, will showcase the slow food concept in a culinary programme for guests aboard Silver Spirit (a World Cruise segment), 20 January-1 February, Los Angeles to Papeete.
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Further highlighting the roster of Culinary Arts voyages are the following distinguished chefs affiliated with Relais & Châteaux properties from around the globe:
- Alois Vanlangenaeker, Il San Pietro hotel, Positano, Italy
- Jutamas Theantae, The Eugenia hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
- Alec Lomas, The Pavilions resort, Phuket, Thailand
- Deepak Kumar Rai, Neeleshwar Hermitage retreat hotel, Kerala, India
- Yannick Upravan, Satri House hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos
And two additional voyages in 2011 will bring together an array of yet-to-be-named Relais & Châteaux chefs to host culinary festivals at sea:
- “World of Relais & Châteaux,” featuring American and European chefs
- “World of Relais & Châteaux,” featuring American and Asian chefs
Rudi Scholdis, Silversea’s director of culinary development, said: “Our Culinary Arts voyages are enriching lifestyle experiences offering a great way to travel and learn. Because we’re able to bring together so many stellar chefs through our exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, these theme cruises continue to grow in popularity with our guests.”
About Relais & Châteaux
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting 
outstanding properties with a truly unique character. It is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony.
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