Iron Chef Zakarian to cook aboard Norwegian Breakaway

FRIDAY, JULY 6: Norwegian Cruise Line had two big announcements regarding the inaugural season of the Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda involving the ship’s food and entertainment.

Foodies are well aware of the star power of the Food Network’s Geoffrey Zakarian.

The newest Iron Chef has been hired to create and oversee a seafood restaurant, Ocean Blue, when the ship launches next May.

The restaurant will be a ‘luxury’ seafood dining experience.

Chef Zakarian will also be in charge of The Raw Bar, an adjacent bar highlighting crustaceans and wines by the glass; and Ocean Blue on The Waterfront, a more casual dining option serving fun and easy fare.  

On select sailings, Chef Zakarian will also host meet-and-greets with Norwegian Breakaway guests, along with in-person cooking demonstrations and intimate cooking experiences for smaller groups.

He said: “It is an unbelievably exciting prospect to create a concept for such a groundbreaking ship.

“I am nostalgic at heart, so the thought of making a modern experience that harkens to the age of steamship travel is just terrific.

 “I am planning, preparing and recruiting for this restaurant the same as if I were opening on land, and truly, I have been humbled and inspired by Norwegian’s vision to elevate hospitality on the seas.”

Kevin Sheehan, NCL CEO, said: “Working with Geoffrey is like hitting the culinary lottery.

“In this case, not only do we win big, but so do our guests on Norwegian Breakaway who will get to experience his world-class cuisine in three dining outlets on the ship.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Geoffrey on board with us and add yet another New York element to Norwegian Breakaway.”

The other big announcement is the ship will have as one of its feature shows the five-time Tony Award nominated musical Rock of Ages. The movie version of the show is out in theatres starring Tom Cruise.

Cruising out of New York, the Norwegian Breakaway will help harken the Broadway roots with Rock of Ages.

Songs from the musical are sure to help relieve memories for those children of the 80s with Every Rose Has Its Thorn, I Wanna Know What Love Is, Here I Go Again, and Don’t Stop Believin.

The other entertainment on the ship looks outstanding — the main shows include Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy.

NCL also introduced all of entertainment acts and venues that will debut on the ship, including the famed comedy troupe The Second City and Howl at the Moon at Headliners Comedy Club and New York’s own Slam Allen in Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club.