Without a doubt, one of Silversea’s strongest selling points is their fine wines and cuisine; they are absolutely superb. The diversity and excellence of their dining options is due in large part to their relationship with the prestigious Grands Chefs Relais & Ch├óteaux, who not only influence their culinary offerings but also work with them to present the very popular L’├ëcole des Chefs cooking school.
In response to the demand for their L’├ëcole des Chefs cooking school, Silversea has included it in four additional voyages this year. The program, hosted by Silverseas culinary trainer and French cooking expert David Bilsland, incorporates hands-on instruction and entertaining events.
The curriculum is composed of basic kitchen skills (like knife handling and culinary terminology) as well as instruction in sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions, tasting opportunities and “Take It Home” recipes for entertaining at home.
Itinerary permitting, the line will also offer a “Market to the Plate” option that includes an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a “Culinary Outing.” (Guests participate in an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue to experience a unique culinary exploration.)
The new L’├ëcole des Chefs voyages for 2011 are:
NORTHERN EUROPE
Voyage 4122: Silver Whisper departs Stockholm July 23 on a 7-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Tallinn, St. Petersburg (3-day/2-night stopover) and Helsinki.
Voyage 1121: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 30 on a 17-day roundtrip sailing with calls in Alesund, Geiranger, Helleysilt, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag (North Cape), Murmansk, Archangel (overnight visit), Hammerfest and Kristiansund.
FAR EAST
Voyage 3126: Silver Shadow departs Incheon (Seoul) September 23 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong with calls in Qingdao, Shanghai, Jiangyin, Nanjing and Xiamen. Highlights include cruising the Yangtze River and overnight stays in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Voyage 3127: Silver Shadow departs Hong Kong October 5 on a 12-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Kuantan. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.