If you’re interested in satisfying not just your palate but also your curiosity for new flavors and recipes, try a Food and Wine Cruise on board the elegant ships of MSC Cruises and let yourself be tempted by one thousand and one suggestions, each more appetizing than the last.
A paradise for aspiring chefs and tasters is waiting on board the MSC Cruises’ ships.
The cruise program includes culinary demonstrations led by professionals who will teach guests how to prepare specialties from Italy and the countries visited during the cruise. Also unique are the “chef’s advice” sessions, when experts give tips on how to cook perfect pasta, rice, meat, fish and keep foods fresh. Don’t forget that on board MSC Poesia, fans of Asian culinary arts can participate in Sushi cooking lessons led by specialized cooks.
Even wine lovers will find ample opportunity to delve into their passion through wine tastings, featuring high quality wines, while retracing the map of Italian wine cities, learning the techniques of wine-food matching, and rediscovering distinctive regional gastronomic specialties. The bartender will reveal the secrets and perfect portions for concocting international cocktails. Guests will also receive a special “wine dictionary” that will help them to broaden their knowledge of the fascinating world of wine.
Liquor and cigar enthusiasts can enjoy a special moment in the Cigar Room, where they can enjoy a cigar while learning the art of its production.
Particular attention will be paid to the art of hospitality, with lessons on how to serve food and drink, set the table, create centerpieces and place cards, as well as how to decorate cakes and dishes.
The program also includes fun competitions and games on culinary themes: memory quizzes on drink names, international dishes and ingredients alternate with creative ways to test aspiring cooks.
A grand celebration will take place every evening, with a variety of delicious menus to choose from served by the on-board restaurants, which include light and vegetarian dishes, desserts sweetened with fructose for diabetics, and kosher specialties upon request.
There is nothing left to do but sail on one of MSC Cruises’ Food and Wine Theme Cruises and feel the excitement of a cruise you can taste. All rates quoted are cruise-only, per person, double occupancy, with government fees and taxes additional, based on availability. As with all MSC Cruises, children under age 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.
MSC Poesia
Departs from Naples on Jan. 8, 2009 and from Genoa on Jan. 9 for an 11-night cruise with stops in Katakolon, Piraeus, Rhodes, Alexandria, Limassol, Marmaris and Iraklion before returning to Naples and Genoa. Rates begin at $1,049.
MSC Armonia
One departure from Buenos Aires on Jan. 24, 2009 for a 9-day cruise through Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Stops in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela and Punta del Este, before returning to Buenos Aires. Rates begin at $1,229.
MSC Lirica
One departure from Amsterdam on Aug. 28, 2009, for 11 days between the North Sea and Mediterranean, with stops in Bremerhaven, Dover, La Coruña, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Málaga, Palma de Majorca and arrival in Genoa. Rates begin at $1,149.
MSC Melody
One departure on Oct. 9, 2009 for an 8-day cruise with stops along the pearls of the Italian peninsula: Portofino, Toulon, Olbia-Costa Smeralda, Tunis, Catania-Taormina, Salerno-Amalfi Coast, Ajaccio and return to Genoa. Rates begin at $899.
MSC Splendida
A 12-day itinerary on board the new and fabulous MSC Cruises flagship. Depart on Nov. 26, 2009 from Naples and Nov. 27 from Genoa with stops in Katakolon, Piraeus, Rhodes, Alexandria of Egypt, Marmaris, Iraklion, Messina, Naples and return to Genoa. Rates begin at $1,099.
