Silversea Cruises Renews Agreement with Relais & Châteaux

Silversea Cruises, the super luxurious cruise line, have announced that they will be renewing its culinary and marketing partnership with Relais & Chateaux throughout 2009, the prestigious international association of boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants.

The partnership is now in its eight year and will be highlighted by the creation of new signature dishes for La Collection du Monde, a sampling of specialty dishes featured regularly on all Siversea cruises. The sampling of specialty dishes is a collaboration of Jacques Thorel, Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux of L'Auberge Bretonne (La Roche-Bernard, Brittany) and Silversea's own master chefs.

There will be a number of other enhancements such as new wine-inspired menus for Silversea’s Wine Restaurant by Relais & Chateaux and the development of programs to ensure the highest quality gourmet dining experience for guests. In addition both of the companies will be working together to design a range of unique shore excursions that will have a culinary and wine focus.

The Culinary Arts program is the foundation stone of the alliance and is the perfect opportunity for Relais & Chateaux to showcase the culinary talents of their Grand Chefs. Informative and entertaining cooking demonstrations will be hosted by the Relais & Chateaux guest chefs and in addition the enriched Culinary Arts voyages will feature trips to international marls, food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes and a five-course grand gourmet dinner.

"We are very pleased with our Relais & Châteaux alliance," said Silversea president and CEO Amerigo Perasso. "Our two organizations share a passion for quality and excellence achieved through exacting standards and this partnership allows us to work together to create new and innovative programs that will further enhance the cruise and dining experience for our guests."

For Jacques-Olivier Chauvin, CEO of Relais & Châteaux, "Our partnership with Silversea continues to be an excellent arrangement for us as both organizations are strongly committed to presenting a level of luxury, charm and hospitality that is unsurpassed. We look forward to continuing to work together."

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 475 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.