By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Celebrity Cruises is to upgrade its onboard experience after partnering with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
As part of the partnership with ABT, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive performances on selected ships, join the dancers for seminars and ballet barre classes, and go on excursions to performances in port.
“American Ballet Theatre’s mission is to bring the best of ballet to the widest possible audience,” said Kara Medoff Barnett, executive director of ABT. “We are thrilled to redefine ‘widest’ to now include audiences at sea. This partnership will allow ABT's remarkable dancers to see the world and will invite Celebrity’s guests to discover the magic of ballet.”
Founder of an award-winning global restaurant group, including DANIEL and Café Boulud, chef Daniel Boulud is joining culinary forces with Celebrity Cruises and Cornelius Gallagher, the brand’s own Michelin-starred chef and associate vice president of Food and Beverage Operations.
“I’m excited to embark on this partnership with Celebrity Cruises as we share a common passion for excellence, personalised service and creative cuisine for our guests,” said Boulud. “I’m constantly inspired by the local markets in other destinations when I travel around the world and those influences always make their way on to my menus. I look forward to offering cruise guests a taste of my cuisine that complements Celebrity’s global offering.”
Boulud will design signature dishes for Luminae, Celebrity’s exclusive restaurant for suite-class guests and introduce Chef's Table, which offers a private galley tour and five-course dining experience. The partnership will also create a mentorship programme where up-and-coming chefs can learn in Celebrity's kitchens and in Boulud's.
“Our guests know to expect something unique, upscale and unexpected each time they step onboard,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “By partnering with ABT and the world's leading culinary authority, Daniel Boulud, we are creating experiences that won't just meet those expectations — but shatter them.”