I suppose it was only a matter of time. There are cruises dedicated to music lovers of all genres: country, heavy metal, Broadway (Seth Rudetsky’s cruises are supposed to be fabulous), ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s (my husband and I went on the Disco Cruise, twice!).
Now Food Network and Norwegian Cruise Line have joined forces for the first-ever food and wine festival at sea. The event features an all-star roster of Food Network chefs, including Michael Symon, Marcus Samuelsson, Andrew Zimmern, Robert Irvine, Anne Burrell and many more! It sets sail from Miami March 25 through 29, 2024.
The four-night all-inclusive culinary cruise will be the ultimate getaway for those with an appetite for unique opportunities to taste and learn from some of the industry's most acclaimed culinary talents. Chefs Making Waves will welcome aboard many of the world’s best chefs and wine and spirit producers to offer passengers a premier gastronomic celebration at sea. The event will feature tastings, cooking demonstrations, curated dinners, late-night parties, brunches, lunches, mixology experiences, and more, all led by award-winning Food Network chefs, TV personalities, cookbook authors, food activists, and restaurateurs.
In addition to the previously named chefs, Aarón Sánchez, Scott Conant, Marc Murphy, Buddy Valastro, and Maneet Chauhan from Food Network will be joined by popular South Florida chefs including Ana Quincoces, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi, Eileen Andrade, and Lauren Noblitt, as well as beloved content creators, food curators and spirit storytellers Gio Gutierrez and Gabe Urrutia.
Each night in the dining room will feature menus curated by Maneet Chauhan & Robert Irvine, Anne Burrell & Aarón Sánchez, Scott Conant & Marcus Samuelson, and Michael Symon & Marc Murphy. Passengers looking to sharpen their culinary skills can grab a seat at one of the three cooking demos on board and learn how to make primo pasta like a pro with Scott Conant and Giorgio Rapicavoli, taste “Global Grubs” with Marcus Samuelson and Andrew Zimmern, and learn to “Bake like a Boss” with Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro. Grilling enthusiasts will be able to join the Beachside BBQ hosted by Andrew Zimmern & Marc Murphy on the sands of Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Not to be missed, free-flowing events will take place around the clock. The Pool Deck and Garden Cafe will host late-night takeover events with decadent sweets and sounds of the ‘70s at the Dessert Disco with Buddy Valastro; munch on Mexican street tacos, savory samosas, and everything in between at International Street Eats with Aarón Sánchez and Maneet Chauhan. Passengers can experience the dancing, culture, and cuisine of Cuba with Gio Gutierrez, Ana Quincoces, and more at Cabana Cubana.
Passengers will be able to work off the calories at fitness classes such as yoga, pickleball, or a cross-fit workout class. For those who choose to forgo the fitness regimen and sleep in, there will be a Bloody Mary Bingo hosted by Anne Burrell for refreshing beverages and breakfast fun. Post-dinner events include interactive culinary games such as “The Newly Flame Game” hosted by Ana Quincoces, “Robert’s Culinary Chaos”, a celebrity chef sing-off, and food-inspired movie screenings.
This cruise takes place on Norwegian’s Pearl, with just over 1,000 cabins, making it one of the most exclusive ships on the sea. This ocean liner provides guests with concierge service, a world-class tranquil spa, a dazzling casino, unforgettable nightlife, and countless bars and lounges. For more information visit chefsmakingwaves.com.
