MSC World Cruise Features 9 Top Chefs

Spanish chef Ramón Freixa

\(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland, (December 3, 2018) — MSC Cruises — the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and market leader in Europe, South America and the Gulf — today revealed the all-star cast of uniquely international chefs on board its first ever World Cruise in January 2019. Delivering a one-of-a-kind gourmet dining experience on board, the line-up includes current as well as former Michelin-starred chefs, chefs of the year, award-winning cookbook authors as well as recipients of other international culinary recognitions.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises CEO commented, “At MSC Cruises, we are passionate about delivering a high quality, international dining experience for our guests. The 2019 World Cruise top chef program is taking this commitment to yet the next level. For us, an MSC Cruises vacation is not only about the discovery of new countries and cultures but also marrying that with an unforgettable experience while on board. By bringing together a uniquely international all-star cast of some of the world’s leading chefs to create these dedicated dining experiences, we will truly immerse our guests in the cultures and the flavors of many of the incredible destinations that they will visit along their journey on MSC Magnifica.”

MSC Magnifica will depart for her epic 2019 World Cruise on January 5, 2019 from Genoa, Italy, and guests on board will be in for a true gastronomic experience, circumnavigating the globe through both the cruise itinerary and uniquely international on-board dining. Bringing flavors and inspiration from their native countries and beyond, this impressive group of all-star chefs will create their own special dishes for MSC Cruises guests while also joining for a portion of the cruise. The roster includes chefs from every corner of the globe representing some of the world’s most popular cuisines, including:

-          Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Ramón Freixa
-          Decorated Indian-American chef, Vikas Khanna
-          Award-winning Italian chef, Carlo Cracco
-          Two-time World Champion in pastry, French chef Jean-Philippe Maury
-          Restauranteur, cookbook author and chef, Roy Yamaguchi
-          Expert in all four schools of Chinese cooking, Chef Jereme Leung
-          Veteran chef and restauranteur, Brazilian chef, Allan Vila Espejo
-          MasterChef Colombia jury member Chef Jorge Rausch
-          And, Sydney Morning Herald’s “Chef of the Year,” French-Canadian chef, Serge Dansereau

Each acclaimed chef will develop a three- or four-course menu for guests to savor during a dedicated evening, each reflecting the chef’s own particular skill and flair. For his exclusive evening on board, Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury will instead prepare a decadent dessert. Most of the chefs will embark on board with a select team for a portion of the cruise, working with the on-board chefs to prepare their personalized creations. During these uniquely exclusive meals, the chefs will be able to greet and interact with guests in person while they enjoy their dishes.

Details and dates of the 2019 World Cruise top chef program:

Barcelona, Spain – January 8, 2019

Spanish Michelin-starred Chef Ramón Freixa will extend his existing collaboration with MSC Cruises with a menu on the evening of January 8, featuring delightful Duck Royale with cream of foie gras and other Mediterranean flavors, such as sautéed scallops and a white chocolate mousse with champagne jelly.

At sea – January 15, 2019

The next chef to be featured on board MSC Magnifica will be Brazilian star Chef Allan Vila Espejo. Giving guests culinary insight into his rich culture, he will present his full signature four-course menu for a Brazilian-themed dinner on January 15.

Cartagena, Colombia – January 24, 2019

A MasterChef Colombia alum, Chef Jorge Rausch knows the ins and outs of what it takes to put together a masterful meal. Sharing his Colombian roots, Chef Rausch has designed a meal experience that will feature octopus and shrimp ceviche, white fish Boronia and his own spin on a local dish, Posta Negra Cartagenera tipo Rausch — braised pork rib cooked in tamarind and panela, with plantain and coconut rice.

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Chef Roy Yamaguchi

San Diego, U.S. – February 5, 2019

Considered by many to be one of the best pastry chefs in the world, French-born chef, Jean-Philippe Maury will embark in San Diego, home to his latest venture iDessert. The leading pastry chef and chocolatier will tempt guests’ taste buds with his dessert creation, unveiling a chocolate “CroustiChoc” that anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy.

Honolulu, Hawaii – February 17, 2019

Japanese-American chef, Roy Yamaguchi brings his signature pan-Asian flavors to MSC Magnifica with a mouth-watering dedicated menu, including Misoyaki butter fish, lobster and shrimp char-sui fried rice, grilled teriyaki double pork chop with Hawaiian chimichurri sauce, and a vanilla panna cotta with magnolia ice cream for dessert.

At Sea – March 20, 2019

Renowned Sydney-based chef, Serge Dansereau will join MSC Magnifica in mid-March, where he will captivate guests with a quintessential Down Under menu of yellowfin tuna tartar, Lamb loin, potato gratin and a chocolate gateau with lemon curd and topped with hazelnut crumble.

Singapore – April 2, 2019

Acclaimed Chinese chef, Jereme Leung has worked with MSC Cruises for the past three years and will once again delight guests with a delicious menu featuring three courses including an Asian medley of winter melon soup, Curry chicken and Cheng Teng dessert.

Male, the Maldives - April 10, 2019

Indian sensation Chef Vikas Khanna joins the ship for the last leg of her journey, serving a flavorful menu inspired by his home country, including Carom fried fish with tamarind date chutney and kale salad, Mumbai coconut lemon and spinach soup and Masala chicken roulade with figs. To top it all off, a Saffron yogurt pudding will be served with spiced, roasted apples and fennel biscotti.

Finally, Italian chef, Carlo Cracco — another long-time MSC Cruises partner — will join the ship as the final chef in this incredible line-up, as she makes her way back to through the Mediterranean and returns to Italy. The details of the final, one-of-a-kind dining experience featuring Carlo Cracco are forthcoming.

Between each of these specially-designed experiences, MSC Cruises’ own star Corporate Chef Francesco Laforgia and Corporate Pastry Chef Bruno Zaza will prepare an unprecedented 237 different menus for the main restaurants, including thematic dishes tied to the ship’s itinerary, and in the Sahara Buffet.

The next MSC World Cruise in 2020

While the 2019 World Cruise is long sold out, for those who wish to join the ship for her next journey around the globe, a few choice staterooms are still available on the 2020 World Cruise departing January 5, 2020.

​The 2020 World Cruise will visit 43 destinations across 23 countries, with many brand new and exotic destinations including, among others:

·         Ushuaia, Argentina: The most southern city in the world, this Argentinian fishing village offers stunning water scenery with often snow-topped mountains.

·         Rapa Nui, Easter Island: This storied island is famed globally for its unique collection of carved-stone figurines dating back to the 13th century.

·         Darwin, Australia: Located at the northern tip of the country, the region allows guests to experience the true Australia, with beaches, lagoons, sports and local wildlife in close proximity.

·         Valparaiso, Chile: Recognized for its small, bright-colored houses on its coastal hills, Valparaiso offers visitors spectacular views out to the Pacific or exploration in the city, marveling at photo-worthy walls of art

·         Mumbai/Bombay, India: The bustling city of Mumbai (previously called Bombay) offers endless tastes, scents and sights around every corner.

·         Salalah, Oman: With multiple waterfalls, exotic lush flora and unusual animals, Salalah is an unforgettable destination.

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