Seabourn to Partner With Michelin-Starred Chef & Introduce New Signature Restaurant

Seabourn, long a culinary leader in the cruise industry, offers award-winning cuisine and gourmet dining experiences that rival even the world's finest restaurants. Even so, dining on Seabourn ships is about to reach new heights as the luxury line announces its partnership with world-renowned American chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller. The culinary genius behind a trio of Michelin-starred restaurants—The French Laundry, Per Se, and Bouchon—Keller will bring his award-winning French and American cuisine to the ultra-luxury cruise line in 2015, adding new flavors and flair to complement Seabourn's already celebrated cuisine.

Chef Keller will develop an array of dishes, ranging from appetizers to entrees to desserts prepared with high quality ingredients and to exact specifications, for multiple dining venues aboard Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Quest beginning early fall 2015. In addition, Seabourn will partner with Keller to introduce a new signature restaurant that will be revealed early next spring on Seabourn Quest before being expanded to the entire fleet, including the line's two new ships—Seabourn Encore launching in late 2016 and Seabourn Ovation launching in early spring 2018. Keller will also advise on various aspects of the line's culinary operations, sharing his expertise and vision.

Keller is globally recognized for his culinary skills and exceptionally high standards, and has established a collection of 12 restaurants and bakeries that set a new paradigm within the hospitality profession. He is the only American-born chef to hold multiple three-star ratings from the prestigious Michelin Guide, as well as the first American male chef to be designated a Chevalier of The French Legion of Honor, the highest decoration in France. His countless accolades include The Culinary Institute of America's "Chef of the Year" Award and the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Chef" and "Outstanding Restaurateur" Awards.

"There is really no chef more accomplished or held in higher esteem than Chef Keller, and we are both honored and delighted to have a restaurateur of his stature take our onboard culinary offerings to an even higher level," said Seabourn President Richard Meadows. "His culinary talent and sophisticated cuisine are beyond compare and the perfect match for our guests. We have no doubt our guests will be as excited as we are to taste and enjoy Chef Keller's dishes on our ships."

Seabourn's intimate ships offer key elements that set the line apart: spacious, well-appointed suites, many with verandas; superb dining in a choice of venues; complimentary open bars throughout the ship; fine wines poured at lunch and dinner; outstanding service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. The ships travel the globe throughout the year, sailing to many of the world's most desired destinations and lesser-known ports and hideaways.

Seabourn Encore Pool Deck Image Courtesy Seabourn