The inaugural Food Network Travel voyage aboard the Celebrity Solstice departed Fort Lauderdale on August 22, 2010. The Food Network at Sea sailing marks the first of these exclusive culinary travel itineraries available to travelers with a passion for travel and fine cuisine.
The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise is sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Aboard the ship, Food Network Travel guests are enjoying exclusive access to mingle with Food Network chefs: Iron Chef Cat Cora of Iron Chef America and Chef Aarón Sánchez of Chefs vs. City.
Nancy Engler, Food Network Travel guest, stated, "So far we're having a great time. I made my first potstickers today. I watch the Food Network all the time; I have for years. Ordinarily we wouldn't cruise the Caribbean, but we booked the cruise because of the Food Network event. We feel we've already gotten our money's worth on the first full day of the cruise!"
On Sunday, participants enjoyed a ‘By Invitation Only' Bon Voyage Party where guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and took photos with Food Network stars Aarón Sánchez and Cat Cora. On Monday, participants joined interactive cooking demonstrations cooking up delicious appetizers such as crostini & truffles and dumplings & potstickers.
Food Network at Sea participants did a ship galley tour, followed by a cooking demonstration by Iron Chef Cat Cora. The cooking demonstration was well-attended, and Cora was a real crowd-pleaser, taking questions as she prepared four dishes for the attendees.
All attendees were presented with a complimentary copy of Cora's new book, which she signed afterward. Cora also posed for photos with each attendee.
After having their book signed and photo taken, Lukeisha and McNeil Paul, from New York City, remarked: "It's really great to be able to get so intimate with the chefs. We're huge fans of the Food Network, and this is a great chance to see them everyday."
The Pauls say they've learned a lot already, and participated yesterday in the crostini and truffles cooking class. "We were competing against each other for presentation," Lukeisha said. Who won? "I think we both did a great job," she answered diplomatically.
After lunch, Celebrity Solstice docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, just steps away from the old town. Tonight, Food Network guests are invited to Caribbean cocktails and a Food Network BBQ at the Lawn Club, which features real grass on the top deck of Celebrity Solstice.
Plans are underway to offer a range of additional exclusive Food Network programs in 2010 and 2011. These experiences will include other trips with Food Network stars, and trips tied to specific Food Network culinary trends or topics.
For consumers interested in booking a future trip, please visit www.FoodNetwork.com/Travel.
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