Celbrity's Mediterranean Experience with Bon Appetit Magazine

What are two of life’s greatest indulgences?  Cruising and Food!  Now combine both with a culinary festival on Celebrity Cruises.  The cruise line known for recognizing, pampering and celebrating its guests is teaming up with the magazine known for celebrating the world of great food and sharing it with others. This year, Celebrity Cruises and Bon Appétit will present “Celebrity’s Mediterranean Experience with Bon Appétit,” an at-sea experience focusing on the joys of cooking and dining.

This tantalizing cruise experience will take place on the 2,038-guest Celebrity Summit, departing San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 18, 2009, sailing to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will call at several ports exemplifying Mediterranean flavors, including Tenerife, Canary Islands; Agadir, Morocco; Malaga, Spain; and Valencia, Spain.

The featured guest chef on the sailing will be Joey Campanaro, chef/owner of New York restaurants “The Little Owl” and “Market Table.” Known for his creative style, which combines the freshest seasonal ingredients with the bold, rich flavors of the Mediterranean, Campanaro will bring his lifelong affinity for Mediterranean cuisine to Celebrity’s guests.

During the sailing, Campanaro will lead several culinary demonstrations. He also will present an enrichment lecture, during which he will share various aspects of his culinary background. Campanaro also will add his flair to the ship’s main dining room’s menu, offering a specially-themed four-course set of selections showcasing the flavors of the Mediterranean. Selections from this custom menu will be available during some dinners in the main dining room, in addition to the regular menu items.

Activities onboard will reflect the focus on the region’s epicurean and cultural highlights. The ship’s casual restaurant will offer numerous Mediterranean-themed buffets throughout the voyage. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in Mediterranean-themed food/wine trivia competitions, a Mediterranean cooking class hosted by the cruise director and the ship’s executive chef, Spanish-language classes, regional dance classes, and a recipe contest.