Jamie Oliver takes to the high seas with Royal Caribbean International
Jamie Oliver has become the latest British chef to launch a restaurant on board a cruise ship following an agreement with global brand Royal Caribbean International.
Jamie's Italian will feature on two new ships: the Quantum of the Seas, which is set to launch in the autumn from New York, and the Anthem of the Seas, due to set sail from Southampton in spring 2015.
Royal Caribbean, which has 21 ships, intends the addition of Jamie's Italian to its restaurant portfolio to reflect the company's plans "to completely reimagine dining at sea", replacing the traditional captain's table style of eating.
Oliver said that he was "thrilled" to partner with Royal Caribbean for his first venture at sea.
"Royal Caribbean shares my approach to food and dining, which is to serve simple, fresh ingredients in a warm, inviting ambience," he said. "I couldn't be more excited to bring my love of Italian cooking to their guests with Jamie's Italian. It's going to be brilliant!"
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice-president, operations, Royal Caribbean International, explained: "Jamie Oliver is known for pushing the boundaries within the world of food and Royal Caribbean has a history of pioneering many firsts within the holiday industry.
"With Jamie's Italian creating unique but accessible dining with food that is at its freshest and ethically sourced, we are able to guarantee guests will only be served the freshest Italian dishes possible while on holiday with Royal Caribbean. This is just one element of a revolutionised dining concept to ensure the options we have on board reflect what today's modern family looks for from their holiday."
Launched in Oxford in 2008, Jamie's Italian now has 36 restaurants in the UK as well as overseas outlets in Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, Ireland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden and Turkey.
Oliver follows in the footsteps of the likes of Marco Pierre White and Gary Rhodes who have operated restaurant on board P&O cruise ships. The new P& O flagship liner, the Britannia, which is set to launch next year, will feature involvement from White as well as James Martin, Atul Kochhar and Eric Lanlar
