Celebrity Cruises has rolled out two big announcements regarding its entertainment lineup: an extension of the "Top Chef at Sea" program through 2016 and a schedule of 18 shows in 18 months.
Developed in partnership with Bravo, the new "Top Chef Signature Sailing" in 2015 will set sail November 14 onboard Celebrity Reflection. Onboard guests will join with six former "Top Chef" competitors, including:
- Nina Compton: Top Chef New Orleans runner-up
- Tiffany Derry: Top Chef D.C. and Top Chef All-Stars contestant; Owner of TD Concepts, Inc.
- Ash Fulk: Top Chef Las Vegas contestant; Culinary Director at Hill Country Hospitality in NYC
- Gregory Gourdet: Top Chef Boston runner-up; Executive Chef at Departure Restaurant + Lounge in Portland, Oregon
- Doug Adams: Top Chef Boston finalist; Chef de Cuisine of Imperial and Portland Penny Diner
- Chris Crary: Top Chef Texas contestant; Executive Chef of Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails in Los Angeles
New during this year’s Top Chef Signature Sailing, vacationers can choose from an array of local destination experiences hosted by a featured cheftestant. The chef-hosted shore excursions will be available for purchase soon.
The signature sailing also will feature new duel-style cooking demonstrations onboard where cheftestants will battle each other while answering fans’ questions, with the winning dish chosen by the audience. Also onboard and back by popular demand, foodies can enjoy experiences with the chefs by booking private cooking classes and private dinners to hone their skills and get advice.
In addition to the Top Chef Signature Sailing with alums, Celebrity will continue to offer interactive Quickfire Challenges and “Top Chef”-inspired menu evenings on its modern luxury vacations onboard nine ships, for all sailings departing through June 2016. Quickfire Challenges will put guests in the spotlight to get a taste of the pressure the cheftestants experience on the show. Plus, guests can enjoy a selection of the dishes from the series at “Top Chef Night” in the main restaurant.
18 Shows in 18 Months
Celebrity has also announced an entertainment schedule of 18 shows in 18 months, all of which include elements of drama, dance, comedy, musical theater and concert-style performances. Shows will include Elyria, an energetic, late-night production. The new production will launch onboard Celebrity Constellation in April. iMagic, available onboard Celebrity Summit, is a modern luxury interpretation of the wonder of illusions. It uses technology such as holograms, lasers and iPads, to tell the story.
Celebrity is collaborating with artists on the show that include William Baker, who has created and directed global tours and music videos for some of the biggest names in popular music; and Steve Anderson, a musical director, producer and writer for world-renowned artists.
In addition to the 18 shows, Celebrity will offer up to 10 entertainment experiences on every ship. Side Show is an interactive and vintage circus theme party. Reigning Rocks will blend the elegance of royalty with the glam of Brit Pop, and Night of the Dragon will feature Asian culture mixed with pop music.