Celebrity Cruises and Food Network Offer Ultimate Foodies

Everyone knows that one of the great things about cruise travel is the food. But for serious foodies, Celebrity Cruises and the Food Network has combined to put together the ultimate food cruise.

The inaugural Food Network at Sea cruise on the mega ship Celebrity Solstice will leave Fort Lauderdale (map) on August 22nd, heading for the Caribbean, with planned ports of call at San Juan (map), St. Thomas (map) and St. Maarten (map).

During the seven day cruise, Food Network chefs provide interactive culinary demonstrations, including taste testings, recipes, and hands-on cooking classes, was well as a reality TV style ‘Battle of Solstice Chefs’.

So far, chef Cat Cora of Iron Chef and Aaron Sanchez of Chefs vs. City has been booked, with other food celebrities to be announced soon.

The 2,850 passenger Celebrity Solstice’s dining room is probably one of the prettiest dining rooms at sea. Designed by Adam Tihany of Le Cirque, it features a striking two-deck high glass wine tower.

As well as being able to participate in invitation only events on board, those who book the special Food Network at Sea cruise package will be able to savor all the following:

• VIP pierside check-in
• Red carpet “welcome aboard” reception
• “Dine-around” experience featuring samplings of favorite Food Network recipes
• Access to the Food Network VIP Lounge and screening room
• Caribbean cocktails on Celebrity Solstice’s Lawn Club
• Pre-paid gratuities and special turndown gifts

This, by the way, looks to be the first of many such Food Network at Sea cruises. Plans are already underway for future food themed cruises in 2011-2012.

(Photo credit: Liz Lewis)