Culinary Arts Center

The Culinary Arts Center program, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is a groundbreaking program that integrates guests' love for fine food and wine with a unique and entertaining experience. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and tastes of the ports of call you will visit. Sample fine wines from around the world or learn to make a new gourmet dish in a hands-on cooking class taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.

The Culinary Arts Center also features:

• An innovative theatre-style venue with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen
• Multiple large plasma video screens so you don't miss the fine details (or you can watch the broadcast from the comfort of your own stateroom)
• Cooking demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes by our own award-winning chefs and their culinary staff
• Wine and cheese experts hosting special wine tastings and food pairing seminars
• Special guest chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors who appear in the pages of Food & Wine magazine
• Book signings, Q&A sessions, market tours in selected ports of call

Explorations Café

Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia. Additional highlights include:

• Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops)
• Destination-related content provided by The New York Times, as well as unique travel-related New York Times crossword puzzles
• Large jigsaw puzzle tables
• The Explorations Speaker Series on longer voyages, feature guest lecturers and discussions on varied topics related to the history, culture and cuisine of ports of call

Explorations Speaker Series

Cruises ten days or longer have a guest speaker on board who provides lectures about the culture or geography of the ship's itinerary. Selected itineraries have a bridge director who leads games and provides instruction.