Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises will sail into 2008 with an increased schedule of voyages featuring the Viking Cooking School Aboard Silversea.
The fragrant spices of Arabia and the Far East, the roasted chiles of Mexico and the wine-inspired sauces of Bordeaux are just a few of the gastronomic specialties that guests may encounter in cooking demonstrations or market tours hosted by the chefs of the Viking Cooking School on 12 select voyages visiting virtually every corner of the globe next year.
"Our new Viking Cooking School theme cruises are generating such great feedback from guests that we're rolling out a more expansive schedule next year," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "This is a really fun enrichment program that lets guests discover new cooking techniques and sample regional dishes prepared on top-of-the-line Viking Range equipment, including culinary products and utensils they may have in their own kitchens at home."
VIKING-EQUIPPED CULINARY THEATER
Through the company's unique partnership with Viking Range Corporation, whose ultra-premium appliances grace the luxury kitchens of those who truly enjoy the finer things in life, each Silversea ship features a demonstration culinary theater custom-designed by Viking and equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances -- plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils.
VIKING COOKING SCHOOL
A cornerstone of the alliance between the two luxury brands is the exclusive Viking Cooking School culinary teaching method and curriculum presented to Silversea guests on select voyages hosted by Viking chefs. The curriculum for each cruise is carefully designed to echo the cultural flavor of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; a "Lunch and Learn" event giving groups of 12-16 guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and a "Market to the Plate" experience (offered on certain voyages when the itinerary permits) that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class.
All Viking instructors are accomplished chefs and culinary industry leaders who bring many years of expertise and knowledge to the classroom. When Viking chefs are not on board, the culinary theaters serve as venues for the international guest chefs of Relais & Chateaux to show off their extraordinary talents on select Culinary Arts cruises. On all other voyages, Silversea's own master chefs take the stage to host cooking demonstrations and dynamic competitions.
Each designated Viking Cooking School voyage will feature a culinary curriculum perfectly paired to the region explored on the itinerary.
