By
Rebecca Gibson |
Chinese celebrity chef Jereme Leung is to help create new dining options and menus for MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica when she arrives in her new Shanghai homeport in May 2016.
Renowned as one of Asia’s best chefs, Hong Kong-born Leung has been appointed as part of the cruise line’s new partnership with China-based tour operation CAISSA Touristic Group.
Leung will create Jia Yao, an oriental fusion restaurant offering fresh specialities from around China, including his trademark ‘hot pot’ and other signature dishes. He will also train MSC Lirica’s chefs so they can master his trademark traditional cooking methods. Front-of-house staff will also undergo specific training around the cuisine and clientele.
“We’re really excited about having Jereme Leung at our side in this venture,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC’s chief executive. “He has a deep knowledge of Asian cuisines that extends well beyond China’s borders, which is why he’s also instrumental in the development and delivery of other onboard menus and dining concepts, including the Kaito sushi restaurant; the 20-hour-a-day Chinese and international buffet and La Bussola, which will serve dishes from across Asia and around the world, plus a Chinese tea bar.”
MSC and CAISSA will also introduce a Cruise Ambassadors team, which will provide guests with 24-hour access to information about onboard amenities, facilities and services. The Cruise Ambassadors, who will speak Mandarin as well as English, will also be able to supply information about ports of call and handle guests’ restaurant, entertainment and shore excursion bookings. If guests wish, their Cruise Ambassador can join the group for the dinner, show or excursion.
“It is bold innovations like the Cruise Ambassadors that we believe will really make the difference to our Chinese guests, and keep them coming back to MSC Lirica,” Onorato said.
MSC Lirica will be staffed by an industry-leading ratio of Mandarin-speaking personnel, with as many as 80% in some departments. Staff will be recruited and trained through Chinese schools of excellence, while managers will also undergo on-the-job training onboard other MSC ships.
Other onboard highlights will include a casino with Chinese favourites and classics, plus a private baccarat and sic bo room, as well as boutiques selling high-end European brands.
“What makes this partnership stand out from other traditional agreements between China-based tour agencies and cruise lines is the emphasis that will be placed on the training of the entire onboard staff to ensure guests receive the best-in-class MSC Cruises’ experience and service, as well as the degree of the adaptation of the ship’s hardware and software, like facilities renovation, service design and operation and more, to fit the customs and tastes of Chinese guests it is designed to serve,” said Chen Xiaobing, CAISSA Touristic’s president.
MSC Lirica will sail mostly three- and four-day itineraries from Shangahi, calling at ports in South Korea and Japan. Longer options will also be available.