Tuesday, March 1, 2011

New Premium Options Expand Celebrity Cruises’ Culinary Offerings

Top shelf dining experiences built Celebrity Cruises reputation as a culinary leader in the cruise vacation industry and the premium line has reinforced its position once again with its latest introductions: an authentic, world-class high tea experience called “Champagne High Tea,” and industry-first premium kosher meals.

“We know how precious consumers’ vacation time is, and we’re committed to offering an exceptional dining experience to make those rare vacations even more special,” said Celebrity’s Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden. “Our Champagne High Tea is designed in the tradition of the most highly regarded afternoon tea experiences in the world.”

Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea takes place once on every 7-night sailing, and at least twice on an 8-night or longer cruise. Held in Celebrity’s elegant specialty restaurants, amidst live music performed by a string quartet, the event’s delectable selections include premium Forte’ teas; Lavazza coffees, including espressos, lattes and cappuccino; savory sandwiches and desserts–including pastries, scones, truffles and pate de fruit–all served on Wedgewood china and in Riedel Crystal. Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea cover charge of $25 per person–an exceptional value when compared with land-based high tea experiences–includes all culinary selections and a glass of champagne. Reservations for Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea can be made onboard by dialing the ship’s “dining reservation” number. In addition to the line’s longtime, complimentary tea service in the main dining room, Champagne High Tea is offered across the Celebrity fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, the line’s megayacht sailing year-round in the Galapagos Islands.

The good news for guests who require kosher meals is that Celebrity has introduced another industry first: premium kosher meals, offered as an option amidst the brand’s vast array of other dining selections. Among Celebrity’s premium kosher entrees are herb-roasted salmon, BBQ quartered chicken, beef brisket, citrus-glazed chicken breast, and citrus-glazed tilapia, while breakfast items include traditional lox and bagels, Belgian waffles, wild mushroom omelettes, or pancakes. Kosher wines and champagne also are available, with Celebrity’s highly skilled sommeliers poised to offer recommendations. All selections are Glatt Kosher certified and made from scratch in kosher kitchens under the strict supervision of the O.U. and USDA. Celebrity’s premium kosher meals are available for a fee, while the line’s more limited, complimentary kosher selections also continue to be available. Vacationers interested in kosher meals are asked to notify Celebrity of their interest 60 days in advance of departure. Guests participating in the premium kosher program then can make their specific menu selections for each day onboard, 24 hours in advance of dining. Guests with bookings on any Celebrity vacation are invited to submit requests for kosher meals or any special dietary needs in advance of their cruise, by contacting SpecialNeeds@celebrity.com, or calling 1-800-722-5242, ext. 34492.

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