Holland America Line Partners With Legendary Le Cirque Restaurant

SEATTLE, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line is adding another famous partnership to its innovative culinary program as it enters into an exclusive agreement with the illustrious Le Cirque restaurant to offer "An Evening at Le Cirque" in the Pinnacle Grill aboard its fleet of 15 ships.

Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is working with Le Cirque's Executive Chef Craig Hopson to re-create the legendary eatery's whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience on board — from serving the cuisine on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant's famous creme brulee.

"Le Cirque epitomizes the best of the best, further expanding our culinary program with innovative partnerships and world-renowned names," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "To be able to extend one of the most exceptional dining experiences in the world to our guests is another exclusive element that we're excited to be able to offer, and even the most discerning foodie will be impressed."

On virtually every voyage, the Pinnacle Grill will be transformed for at least one night into a Le Cirque–like atmosphere. On those special evenings, menu offerings, wine selections, table decorations and the restaurant setting will be tailored to create an authentic Le Cirque dining experience that is sure to impress both the eyes and palates of Holland America Line guests. Reservations can be made for "An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill" for a charge.

Not only will guests have the opportunity to dine on unique Le Cirque dishes including Lobster Salad "Le Cirque," Sweet Corn Soup and Cote de Boeuf, they also will be able to learn how to cook a dish or two during special Le Cirque demonstrations in the on-board Culinary Arts Center.

"My family and I are excited to enter into a partnership with a cruise line that has such a celebrated and highly regarded reputation," said Sirio Maccioni, founder of Le Cirque. "I recently sailed with Holland America Line and was very impressed with their cuisine, impeccable service and high level of hospitality. I look forward to putting my own culinary touch on the dining experience and sharing Le Cirque with Holland America Line guests."

Additional enhancements to the program include screenings of the HBO documentary "Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven" on in-stateroom television, as well as the opportunity to purchase a Le Cirque creme brulee dish and Le Cirque founder Sirio Maccioni's book, "Sirio: The Story of My Life and Le Cirque."

A recipient of the coveted James Beard Award for restaurant of the year, Le Cirque has been ranked among the best in the world for decades by food experts, celebrities and high society.  Le Cirque restaurants are located in New York, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic and its founder, Sirio Maccioni, is a legend and one of the industry's most-respected restaurateurs.

While the restaurant attracts many celebrity customers, Le Cirque and Maccioni also have helped launch the careers of many illustrious chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Christophe Bellanca, Alain Sailhac, Rick Moonen and Holland America Line Culinary Council Member Jacques Torres.

For more information on Holland America Line cruises and fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Editor's note: Images are available at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal /WkZe-1mE-B5N.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)] 

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises 354 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. 

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. 

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com

SOURCE Holland America Line