Yes, Top Chef: The Cruise is a real thing that is happening, and today from the scurrilous bowels of the Celebrity Cruises/Bravo terrordome comes the news that even more cheftestapants have been added to five-day Caribbean cruise. Welcome aboard Richard Blais, Yigit Pura, Paul Qui, and Fabio Viviani.
In addition to the roster update, new exciting events have been announced including Q&A sessions, an "evening dance party" DJ'd by Hubert Keller, and a nightmarish and "exclusive" Dining in the Dark dinner. According to a press release, that dinner will allow passengers to "put their taste buds to the test" and "enlighten the senses." Here's a promo video — in which Tom Colicchio actually says, "All chefs on deck" — and the press release:
Video: All Chefs on Deck!
"Top Chef: The Cruise" Adds New Chef'testants And Announces First Onboard ActivitiesRichard Blais, Yigit Pura, Paul Qui and Fabio Viviani Round Out Impressive Roster of Talent Aboard Celebrity Constellation, April 11-15, 2013
NEW YORK, September 12, 2012 -- The recently announced "Top Chef: The Cruise" is gaining momentum with the addition of four new chef'testants to an already impressive roster of Top Chef Alums. "Top Chef All Stars" winner Richard Blais, "Top Chef Just Desserts" season one winner Yigit Pura, "Top Chef: Texas" winner Paul Qui, and "Fan Favorite" winner Fabio Viviani join hosts Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, along with 11 previously announced Alums, on this first-ever culinary journey setting sail April 11, 2013 from Miami, Florida. For sneak peek of the cruise visit: http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-9/videos/all-chefs-on-deck
During the voyage, guests will have a chance to participate in interactive events and onboard activities. Guests will have the ultimate "Top Chef" experience with behind-the-scenes kitchen tours, and a chance to experience what it's like to be on the hit competition series by watching and participating in live "Quickfire" challenges. Fans will also have the chance to ask their burning questions to the judges, Masters and chef'testants, who will participate in a Q&A session. Additionally, DJ and Top Chef Master, Hubert Keller will host an evening dance party, and passengers can put their taste buds to the test with an exclusive "Dining in the Dark" experience that will surely enlighten the senses.
Last month, Bravo Media, Celebrity Cruises, Magical Elves and Rose Tours announced the inaugural launch of "Top Chef: The Cruise" aboard the modern, luxurious Celebrity Constellation. Taking place from April 11-15, 2013, the one-of-a-kind culinary vacation experience invites fans of the Emmy-winning "Top Chef" reality competition series the chance to break bread and rub elbows with the show's judges and chefs.
Blais, Pura, Qui and Viviani join previously announced hosts, Colicchio and Simmons, and past chef'testants of "Top Chef," "Top Chef Masters" and "Top Chef Just Desserts," Hubert Keller, Tim Love, Jennifer Carroll, Tiffany Derry, Chris Hanmer, Michael Isabella, Spike Mendelsohn, Hosea Rosenberg, Angelo Sosa and Casey Thompson. With the most recent chef additions, fans of the franchise will be treated to the entire cast of Bravo's upcoming docu-series "Life After Top Chef," Blais, Carroll, Mendelsohn and Viviani, premiering October 3 at 10pm ET/PT, who will be onboard the cruise.
The culinary journey aboard the Celebrity Constellation sails roundtrip from Miami, Florida, with stops in Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico. Staterooms are on sale at www.topchefthecruise.com. Additional information can also be found at the site.
· Top Chef: The Cruise Is a Real Thing That Is Happening [-E-]
· All Top Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-]