Exciting the taste buds with a ‘Gastronomic Tour of Skye’

You wouldn’t necessarily think of Skye in the remote reaches of Scotland as a centre for gastronomy - but think again.

Setting the benchmark for luxury cruising, Hebridean Island Cruises has just launched a brand new itinerary for 2010 – A Gastronomic Tour of Skye.

Complementing the stunning scenery of this western region of Scotland Hebridean Princess will visit two of Scotland’s most renowned restaurants, The Three Chimneys and the Cuillin Hills Hotel, and experience a cookery demonstration in the Michelin star awarded Kinloch Lodge by best selling cookery writer Claire MacDonald..

Gastronomic delights continue onboard as the Hebridean Princess sources her food from local suppliers. All the fish is sourced from Scottish waters, the meat is supplied by H.D. Ferguson Butchers of Lochgilphead and unlike many cruise ships which source cheese from the continent, Hebridean Princess shops for hers locally, featuring Lanark Blue and Isle of Mull Cheddar among others.

A food lover’s paradise, this cruise will culminate in the Gala Dinner on the final night - a 6 course feast showcasing some of the best Scottish food, including at taste of Haggis, accompanied by Robbie Burns’ Address to the Haggis, delivered by the Captain. This cruise provides a unique Scottish gourmet experience not to be missed.

A Gastronomic Tour of Skye – departing 15th May for 5 nights, fares from £2,330pp

Carrying just 49 guests, the luxurious Hebridean Princess offers the highest standards of 5* accommodation and has an enviable reputation for exceptional service and a dedicated crew of 38. She has thirty spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, 11 designed especially for the single traveller.

For more about cruise line food and wine, visit the Prow’s Edge Cruise Magazine CAPTAIN’S TABLE pages featuring more than 20 cruise line chefs and their favorite recipes.

For more information about Hebridean Island Cruises visit the official web site at: www.hebridean.co.uk/

CELEBRITY CHEF JACQUES PÉPIN SHARES A RECIPE FROM THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE WITH PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE

Who hasn't heard of Celebrity Chef, Jacques Pépin! Host of award-winning cooking shows, author of more than 20 cookbooks and has served as personal chef to numerous heads of state.

As the Executive Culinary Director for Oceania Cruises, Pepin has brought his legendary cuisine and unique artistry to the gourmet restaurants onboard Marina’s sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

Today he shares one of his recipes with Prow's Edge passengers at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-chef-jacques-pepin.html - a Tomato and Zucchini Salad.

It is, says Chef Pépin, "A very simple traditional French dish that is exceptional when made with fresh seasonal tomatoes."

Today, Oceania Cruises has announced the introduction of a new online portal that will let booked guests make advance reservations for specialty restaurants from the comfort of their home.

Oceania Cruises’ three 684-guest vessels – Regatta, Insignia and Nautica – offer a choice of four different dining venues, all of which come under the watchful eye of renowned master chef, Jacques Pépin. Guests can choose from The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana and Tapas on the Terrace.

The new online “Dining Reservations Calendar” conveniently includes the times the ship is in port, as well as any pre-reserved shore excursions to assist guests in selecting the ideal dining times. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of sailing, once final payment has been received, and will remain available until 10 days prior to departure.

Take a look at the Captain's Table section of Prow's Edge at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-captains-table.html for recipes from all the world famous chefs working with the cruise lines to establish better cuisine on cruises.