Celebrity Cruises are tempting travelers’ taste buds with its “Savor the Caribbean” series, which feature celebrity chefs.For the third year running, the cruise line is pairing some of the hottest chefs with one of the industry’s highest rated ships—Celebrity’s Infinity.

The “Savor the Caribbean” series will take place onboard Infinity’s seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from January 15 through March 12, 2006, with a host of celebrated chefs.

Allen Susser, whose namesake restaurant “Chef Allen’s” has been hailed as “the best restaurant south of New York,” will be featured on Infinity’s March 12th itinerary. Susser was also recently named “Best Chef in the Southeast” by the renowned James Beard Foundation.

Headlining the February 26 cruise, Wilo Benet will illustrate his passion for mixing art and food. His restaurant, “Pikayo,” in Puerto Rico’s Museum of Art, has been named “San Juan’s best eating place” by The New York Times, and selected by Conde Nast Traveler as “one of the 100 most exciting new restaurants in the world.”

Giancarla Bodini, chef de cuisine at “Escopazzo” since its debut in 1993, will be the star chef on the January 29 itinerary. Known for mixing her Latin roots with her love of Italian culture, Bodoni has created an eclectic mix of flavors earning her and “Escoppazo” a “Critics’ Choice” rating by Food and Wine magazine.

Brian Katz, chef at St. Thomas’ “Old Stone Farmhouse,” has been twice voted “Best Chef” in St. Thomas. The restaurant also has been honored as “Best Gourmet Restaurant” in St. Thomas, and in 2003, was awarded the “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator. Katz will be star “Savor” chef on Infinity’s February 12 itinerary.

Edgar Leal developed his culinary style while working in restaurants in his native country of Venezuela, as well as in Spain, Chile, Monaco, New York and Miami. Leal will be the star chef onboard Infinity’s January 15 cruise. His new restaurant, “Cacao,” was recently named one of the best new restaurants in Miami by the Miami Herald and Florida Trend magazine.

Additionally, guests can book shore excursions that blend the island’s culture with its food. For example, in St. Thomas, guests can participate in an intimate cooking class hosted by Chef Brian Katz at the 215-year-old plantation-turned-restaurant, the Old Stone Farmhouse.

While in San Juan, guests can enjoy a tour of Puerto Rico’s Museum of Art, followed by a four-course “taste of Puerto Rico” meal specially prepared by Chef Benet. Upon return to Fort Lauderdale, they can book an excursion combining both a brunch and learning experience with Chef Allen Susser at his namesake restaurant, Chef Allen’s.

Shore excursions can be purchased online up to 10 days prior to sailing, as well as onboard, if space remains available.

Meanwhile, onboard Infinity, guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations by the featured chef, a Bacardi Caribbean-themed party, wine and rum tastings, and lectures.

Departing Fort Lauderdale on alternating Sundays, Infinity will call on Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Nassau, Bahamas.
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