Michael Schwartz Newly Named Quantum Experience Advisor For Culinary

MIAMI, April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International and The Genuine Hospitality Group are proud to announce James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schwartz as the latest Quantum Experience Advisor for Culinary. Known for his fresh, simple and pure approach to food and drink, Michael will help influence food and beverage experiences aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated cruise ships set to debut in November 2014 and April 2015, respectively. Michael's new role comes in addition to the latest announcement of the introduction of Michael's Genuine Pub on Quantum-class ships, the first American gastropubs at sea, announced last week at Royal Caribbean's culinary reveal in New York City. As Quantum Experience Advisor for Culinary, Michael joins athlete and adventurer Dhani Jones, Quantum Experience Advisor for Sports and Fitness and HGTV-star Genevieve Gorder, Quantum Experience Advisor for Design.

"We are very much looking forward to continue working with Michael in his new role as a Quantum Experience Advisor, where he will help us deliver culinary WOWs aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice president, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "Our onboard culinary program has always emphasized fresh, natural ingredients, and Michael's culinary philosophy will be a perfect complement as we work together to serve up never-before dining experiences at sea aboard the Quantum Class."

For Quantum Class, in addition to Michael's Genuine Pub, Michael will help create memorable onboard experiences for guests, like developing new twists to the Chef's Table, food and beverage pairings, and programming for guests onboard. Michael is further building on his work with Royal Caribbean, having designed seasonal tasting menus for the cruise line's Oasis-class fine dining restaurant, 150 Central Park, as well as helped select and integrate fresh, high quality ingredients into 150 Central Park's supply chain.

"I'm very pleased to be named a Quantum Experience Advisor and become even more engaged with the Quantum Class," said Michael. "With the new Michael's Genuine Pub and other Dynamic Dining options onboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase how good food and good drink can help enhance a Royal Caribbean Quantum-class vacation."

Michael's approach is simple, as he believes that the secret to good food is...good food. He has shared his passion for where food comes from since the 2006 debut of his flagship Miami-based restaurant, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, and has been recognized by his peers and the diners that flock to his restaurants for his commitment to community and responsible, seasonal food sourcing. In 2012, Michael introduced his own craft beer, Michael's Genuine Home Brew, an American Ale brewed with Florida-grown brown rice and sugarcane, which will be a featured selection in Michael's Genuine Pub.

Michael's Genuine Pub will be among the new Dynamic Dining experience, just-revealed last week for the Quantum Class that will offer guests more choice and flexibility than ever before. With Dynamic Dining, guests are empowered to decide when, where, and with whom to dine – as well as how to dress every evening – among a landscape of 18 world-class restaurants as varied as dining in the world's most cosmopolitan cities. For more information about the new Dynamic Dining experience, please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com/DynamicDining.

Michael began his career in Philadelphia, and earned his culinary chops in kitchens from Los Angeles to New York City, until settling in Miami in the early 1990s. Michael's recipes and restaurants have been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, TODAY Show, CBS Early Show, and more.

Quantum ships span 18 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. Quantum of the Seas will sail out of the New York Harbor from her homeport of Cape Liberty on 7- to 12-night itineraries during the winter 2014/15 season. Anthem of the Seas will call Southampton, UK, home in April 2015 and offer cruises to the Mediterranean. More information on Quantum class is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas. Media can find more details, images and videos at http://bit.ly/1juU0Y6.           

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.

Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanInternationalPR.tumblr.com and RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. Travel professionals should go to www.LoyaltoYouAlways.com; call (800) 327-2056; and follow Facebook.com/VickiLovesTravelAgents. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter @RoyalCaribbean.

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SOURCE Royal Caribbean International