Dream Cruises’ signature culinary program “Taste the Dream – Wine and Dine at Sea” returns this year, with two internationally-renowned celebrity chefs and menus. Titled “A Taste of the Palace”, the program will feature regal menus by Chef Darren McGrady and Chef Ivan Li.
Chef Darren McGrady was the former British Royal Family chef to Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as Princes William and Harry. Chef Ivan Li − of Family Li Imperial Cuisine − hails from a family of imperial high court officials who served the Qing dynasty courts in China.
Both chefs will be making their debut on board the Genting Dream and World Dream cruise ships. From October 2019 to January 2020, The Palace guests booking the “Taste the Dream – Wine and Dine at Sea”package on either ship will enjoy a series of complimentary offerings.
These include exclusive regal menus curated by both chefs, as well as admission to thematic performances and activities − such as Peking opera, a British garden tea party, a fascinator-making workshop and a tribute concert to The Beatles. The all-inclusive, all-suite luxury private enclave of The Palace also features European butler service and exclusives privileges.
“Taste the Dream – Wine and Dine at Sea is the signature culinary program of Dream Cruises that redefines haute cuisine at sea with the best of the East and West,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines. “The program debuted last year with sailing-inspired thematic collaborations helmed by the region’s top celebrity chefs, which were well received by discerning guests.”
He added, “This year, we are delighted to present “A Taste of the Palace”, where our guests will indulge in an immersive experience of regal gastronomy at sea.”
During these special sailings, all cruising guests of Genting Dream and World Dream will also have the opportunity to taste a selection of regal recipes by Chef McGrady and Chef Li. Their creations will be served in the inclusive restaurants on-board, with vegetarian options available. Passengers can also savour beverages favored by Queen Elizabeth II, available at Bar City on both cruise ships.
Both chefs will be holding meet-and-greet sessions as well, at which they will share stories of food and drink in the imperial courts of the East and West.
Chef McGrady embarks on Genting Dream from Singapore for a 3-night cruise on November 11 to 13. This will be followed by two back-to-back World Dream sailings from December 29 to January 3, with departures from the dual-homeports of Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
Chef McGrady presents two seasonal degustation menus, featuring some of the Royal family’s favorite dishes. Among these are Princess Diana’s favorite courses: tomato and dill mouse, stuffed aubergine with a roasted rosemary bell pepper sauce, as well as Chef McGrady’s bread and butter pudding, which the Princess raved to friends as the best in the world. Other highlights are Gaelic steaks (one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite entrees) and English treacle tart − the favorite dessert of Princes William and Harry.
As for Chef Li, he makes his debut with World Dream in October, presenting three tasting menus from Family Li Imperial Cuisine. From October 13 to 20, cruisers who embark on World Dream’s 5-night and 2-night cruises (departing from Hong Kong and Guangzhou) will be treated to iconic dishes from the Qing dynasty court.
Such delicacies include Tofu of Jade –a green pea mash created especially for Empress Cixi − and Chinese-style Leopard coral grouper confit, a slow-cooked fish course favored by Qing dynasty emperors.
