Emerald Princess Inaugural

[Marc]

The following paragraph peaked my interest with respect to the Emerald Princess:

A number of new culinary enhancements also debut on the ship, including a special Chef's Table dinner, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and an afternoon "cookies and milk break" featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of Princess' renowned homemade pizza.

Does anyone have additional information about the Chef's Table Dinner? Is this in the main galley or the galley to a specialty restaurant? How many can it seat? Is it a special menu or just the same menu being served that night?

I really like this concept and it would be fun to experience it.

By the way, the smokestack on the stern of this ship seems awfully large. Here is the picture from the news article:



With that smokestack, how can the ship get beneath bridges? Do they have bungee jumping from the top?

[mehawk]

Great picture

[Paul Motter]

That isn't a smokestack - it's the disco!

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Paul Motter

That isn't a smokestack - it's the disco!

Paul, do you take a "zip line" down from the disco to the pool deck at the end of the evening?

[msblackjack]

Originally Posted by Marc

Paul, do you take a "zip line" down from the disco to the pool deck at the end of the evening?

Yes and the crane will return you back up to the disco.

[Mike M]

This is from PRNEWSWIRE: and the Princess website

3/27/2007
Intimate Chef's Table to Debut on Emerald Princess
Culinary Enthusiasts Can Savor a Private Gastronomic Gathering with Executive Chef

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 27, 2007) - When Emerald Princess sets sail for the first time this spring, she'll offer "foodies" a unique treat: a rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley by the executive chef for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a specially prepared multi-course tasting dinner in the dining room.
While many passengers are able to enjoy a tour of the ship's galley during the quiet off-hours, the new Chef's Table offering will give a select group of gourmands the opportunity to visit the galley at its most busy time - during dinner - and treated to a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation. After the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley and introduces them to the executive chef, the group will enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef will preview the details of the menu he created for them that evening, and the group will be welcomed to their special table in the dining room.

The multi-course menu will be specially created at the chef's choice, and will not be offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Red and white wine, selected by the Maitre d' to complement the meal, is included in the evening.

During the dessert course, the chef will rejoin the group at their private table to participate in a lively discussion about the evening's meal, answer any questions the guests may have, and share culinary secrets that have been perfected through the chef's many years of experience at sea and on land. On average, Princess' chefs have been honing their culinary arts skills both shipside and shoreside for at least 25 years, and all chefs are also members of the prestigious international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society.

"Our chefs are continuously asked by passengers how they manage to create such an impressive culinary experience for thousands of passengers each voyage," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "This will give a select group of guests an incredible close-up view of how our dishes are created and served, as well as introduce them to our talented executive chefs. They're sure to come away with a memorable experience, and perhaps some cooking secrets as well!"

Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is now available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef.

The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers on select nights during the sailing, at a cost of $75 per person. After its debut on Emerald Princess, Chef's Table will be gradually introduced on all Princess ships fleet wide.

The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess, a sister ship to the line's Crown Princess, will make its debut April 11 and offer an inaugural summer season of cruising in the Greek Isles and Mediterranean. The ship will feature the many design innovations introduced aboard Crown Princess last year including a dramatic piazza-style atrium with casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.


It sounds like an interesting evening.

Take care,
Mike

[Marc]

Mike, thanks! It does sound wonderful although it would be better if you got to eat in the galley. One of our favorite dinners was at Victoria & Alberts at Disney where we had the Chef's Table in the kitchen. We got to watch them prepare all the food and take pictures.

I think the price is kind of low given the demand it will generate. It will be interesting to hear the reports from Emerald Princess to see how it is received.

Again, thanks,