Chefs Making Waves Returns To The High Seas Out Of The Port Of Miami This May

Forbes

21-04-2025

Chefs Making Waves takes over Norwegian's Gem
Back for its second sail, the Chefs Making Waves food and wine festival at sea – presented by Sixthman, Agency 21 Consulting, and EBG – is gearing up for its first of two 2025 voyages. Setting sail from the Port of Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line, this adventure features two sea days and a stop in Cozumel taking place from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, 2025.
This intimate culinary festival is the ultimate getaway for those with an appetite for unique opportunities to taste and learn from some of the industry's most acclaimed culinary talents. Featuring a wide array of events ranging from walk-around tastings, cooking demonstrations, curated dinners, late-night themed parties, mixology classes and more, passengers will get the chance to learn from some of the best.
The epic line up includes: Richard Blais, Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathan Waxman, Geoffrey Zakarian, Claudette Zepeda, Lindsay Autry, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Michael Schwartz, Nyesha Arrington and more.
'Talent is always going to be best in class, as evident by having a fresh new line up including such amazing names as Geoffrey Zakarian and Tom Colicchio," says Brett Friedman, CEO of A21. Furthermore, we are dedicated to improving food integration with our host talent and greater options for guests to enjoy.'
New to this year's culinary cruise, guests can look forward to restaurant takeovers at any of the ship's four restaurants and two dining rooms . Each restaurant will be paired with a duo or trio of chefs who will create various menu items to be served in a coursed-out line-up. Plus, the ship's buffet will feature special bites curated by the visiting celebrity chefs.
"The only thing better than cruising the high seas, is cruising with a bunch of the best chefs in the country, " says Michael Schwartz, James Beard winner and founder of Genuine Hospitality in Miami. 'You get to see a whole different side of them — hopefully not the sea sick side!' Find him taking over Orchid Garden's menu with Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais.
Passengers who want to enhance their skills in the kitchen can pop into any of the live culinary demos to watch as the guest chefs and mixologists dish out their secrets and tricks. The voyage will also feature several onboard experiences, such as The Secret Sauce Speakeasy, presented by Justin's House of Bourbon, offering guests spectacular onboard immersive tasting experiences.
Demos, dinners, and activities galore at Chefs Making Waves
'We try to program our guest experiences from morning, afternoon, dinner and through the evening,' says Friedman. 'We know that access to talent and the ability to meet and engage with them is important, so we focus on multiple moments where our guests may meet, participate and interact with our various personalities.'
Post-dinner events include interactive culinary games for the entire group to enjoy, including Robert Irvine Live: Culinary Chaos, where guests will be given the opportunity to throw their name in the Culinary Chaos lottery and be chosen to join Robert on stage.
Celebrity chef Robert Irvine is looking forward to his second year at Chefs Making Waves saying the floating festival has quickly become dear to him. 'First of all, I'm a Royal Navy veteran and I learned to cook aboard a ship, with a wonderfully memorable part of my early career unfolding aboard the Norwegian Crown, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's great standard-setting ships,' shares Irvine. 'Secondly, the collection of culinary minds at Chefs Making Waves would make it an incredible event even if it were held on land in a hotel ballroom. The fact that it takes place on a scenic cruise aboard the Norwegian Gem — one of the most gorgeous ships in NCL's fleet — takes it into the stratosphere. It creates memories that last a lifetime. I couldn't be more excited for it.'
Robert Irivine & Maneet Chauhan
Chefs Making Waves takes the food festival experience to the next level, by allowing the chefs full reign of the ship. Just like on a regular cruise, this bustling weekend will feature plenty of non-food focused activities — but instead of being overseen by your typical cruise staff, the chefs are taking over leading activities that are true to who they are both inside and outside the kitchen allowing guests to really get to know the chefs behind some of their favorite restaurants and television shows.
Super fit Miami-based Giorgio Rapicavoli, owner/chef of Luca Osteria and Eating House, loves his gym time just as much as he enjoys being in the kitchen making him the perfect host for this year's Chops-Fit Class (a Crossfit-inspired workout) and the Neon Dash sunset fun run. 'This will be my second year being a part of Chefs Making Waves, and not only do I get to cook with other chefs that I admire, but I also get to share my true passion which is fitness,' says Rapicavoli. 'Between teaching the Chops-Fit class and getting to lead the fun run, Chefs Making Waves is allowing me to share my passion for making healthy lifestyle choices. I'll also host a chat about incorporating delicious foods into your daily routine — which is something that's really important and I never take for granted.'
Guests who prefer to opt out of the fitness routine and sleep in will have the chance to attend Bloody Mary Bingo presented by Bacardi for refreshing beverages and breakfast fun.
For those looking for something a little more lively and party inspired, leave it to Food Network's Chopped judge and Tournament of Champions champ, Maneet Chauhan. Find her behind the DJ booth during the Silent Disco or leading the charge during the Salsa and Salsa class during the Cozumel stop. 'I think I manifested it last year by jumping in and taking over the music aboard the first Chefs Making Waves,' says Chauhan of her new events. 'I'm just so excited to be back and I love any chance I have to dance and have fun. I know this event will be full of those moments.'
Catch Scott Conant on stage during his Saucy Gnuds demo
This is the perfect festival for those who really want a chance to connect with their favorite chefs. Casual and relaxed, Chefs Making Waves gives attendees the ability to interact and socialize with the talent in ways you typically can't. 'The accessibility to the chefs is unlike any other event out there,' says Friedman. ' They are incredibly visible and engaging with the consumers on board. They are at the bar; they participate in the dueling pianos; they are in the casino. It's rare to have such access.'
In full cruise fashion, the booking of your stateroom includes all programming, plus and a complimentary Premium Plus Beverage Package that includes top-shelf cocktails, spirits, beer, champagne, and wine by the glass, unlimited soft drinks and juices, unlimited still and sparkling bottled water, Starbucks® coffee, specialty drinks, and energy drinks.
Cabins are selling fast, but are still available for this exciting food-filled cruise. Can't make this one? Check out the Boston voyage happening this October. For more information, visit www.chefsmakingwaves.com.