Princess Cruises Debuts "Chocolate Journeys" in Partnership with World-Renowned Chocolatier Norman Love

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., July 29, 2014 /CNW/ -- Princess Cruises today announced a delectable new partnership with internationally acclaimed master chocolatier and pastry designer Norman Love. "Chocolate Journeys," the line's new onboard chocolate experience will entice guests with an impressive array of onboard chocolate offerings among which are custom-crafted desserts, chocolate and wine pairings, and exquisite chocolate bites created by one of the top names in artisan chocolate. 

Since debuting Norman Love Confections in 2001 after a notable career as a pastry chef for many luxury resorts, Love has since received wide-spread recognition for his hand-crafted, chocolate-making artistry including being named as one of the "top 10 chocolatiers in North America" and creating "the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation."  His sea-going chocolate creations will debut this fall aboard the new Regal Princess for her inaugural Caribbean season, and will continue to roll out to the rest of the Princess fleet throughout the next year.

"Around the world there's incredible passion for chocolate, as evidenced by ever-growing consumption and the plethora of specialty varieties," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "So we're excited to partner  with one of the best chocolatiers in the world to bring some additional moments of decadence and delight to our guests with truly amazing chocolate experiences that we know they'll love!"

Swartz added that she believes the partnership with Norman Love was meant to be, because of the line's close association with the iconic TV show "The Love Boat" and Princess' reputation for romance. "Based on his name alone this is a perfect match," she said.

In a recent national survey conducted by the cruise line about people's passion for chocolate, Princess found that 58 percent of women would choose chocolate over sex; 69 percent surveyed have frequent chocolate cravings; 53 percent surveyed would turn to chocolate over a friend when feeling sad;  two thirds surveyed (67 percent) eat chocolate more often when they're happy than when they're stressed; 81 percent agree that chocolate improves their mood; and 84 percent would like to receive chocolate as a gift.

"One thing is for certain, chocolate makes people happy," said Love. "So what I create and what Princess Cruises offers its guests are quite similar – what could make people smile more than savoring decadent chocolate creations while enjoying their cruise vacation?  I think we have a winning combination."

Love has personally trained Princess Cruises' pastry team to deliver this unprecedented chocolate experience across the company's fleet of ships.

"Chocolate Journeys" will offer Princess' guests the following sweet experiences:

Decadent Desserts – Norman Love has produced 15 chocolate dessert designs for Princess Cruises that will be offered on a rotational basis in the ships' main dining rooms, specialty restaurants (Sabatini's and Crown Grill) and Chef's Table experience. Examples of the desserts include a Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Mousse and Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Pistachio Dome with Almond and Pistachio Nougatine, and a truly unique Chocolate Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream and Espresso Gelato that shouldn't be missed. (Complimentary in main dining rooms. Specialty restaurants carry a cover charge.)

Chocolate & Wine Pairings – In Vines, Princess' signature wine bar, wine and chocolate enthusiasts alike can sample Norman Love's exquisite Black™ Single Origin Dark chocolates paired with specific wine varietals designed to enhance the tasting experience, all selected by Love. (Extra charge)

Captain's Welcome Reception Treats – Guests will be able to toast the start of their cruise with a glass of bubbly along with "Chocolate Love Pop" truffles created by Love, at the signature welcome reception hosted by the Captain. (Complimentary)

Chocolate Libations – Throughout the ships' lounges and bars, guests can splurge on a number of decadent chocolate drinks including a Chocolate Salted Caramel Hard Shake, Chocolate Bacon Bourbon Bliss or a Chocolate Chile Margarita. (Extra charge)

Chocolate Dessert Demonstrations – Princess pastry chefs will treat guests to entertaining and informative demonstrations so they can learn some simple tips for creating tasty chocolate treats for their family and friends back home. (Complimentary)

Chocolate Petits Fours at Formal Night – Chocolate bites designed by Love will accompany the dessert menu presented to guests following the formal night dinner, for guests to enjoy as they peruse the evening's sweet endings.

Norman Love Renowned Boxed Chocolates Available for Purchase – Passengers wishing to bring some of Norman Love's exquisite chocolate confections home to family or friends (or to enjoy themselves during the cruise) will be able to purchase these extraordinary creations in the onboard shops.

Chocolate Spa Treatments – Because chocolate is not only for eating, the ship's Lotus Spa will offer guests the opportunity to relax with the aroma of pure bliss by offering a Chocolate Indulgence Body Treatment combining a chocolate renewal scrub, whipped chocolate body mask and chocolate massage oil. (Extra charge)

Additional information about Princess' new Chocolate Journeys experience can be found at www.chocolatejourneys.com.

Methodological Notes:
The Princess Cruises Chocolate Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between July 18th and July 23rd, 2014, using an email invitation and an online survey. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 3.1%.

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

About Norman Love:
Norman Love is the award-winning master chocolatier who has been lauded 13 times by a leading consumer ratings magazine including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolate, and most recently as a Best Buy for Special Chocolate for Valentine's Day 2014. In June, 2014, Love was selected as the only American pastry chef to speak at the inaugural World Pastry Stars event in Milan, Italy. Love regularly appears on numerous television shows including the Food Network as a guest judge and also appeared on Julie Child's classic show, "Baking with Julia" on PBS. His company, Norman Love Confections, creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from the Fort Myers, Florida corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. His chocolate salons are stylish retail shops with an intimate ambience in which customers may purchase chocolates or linger over house-made pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies. For more information, visit www.normanloveconfections.com.

Newsroom:
Additional media information is available at princess.com/news.

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SOURCE Princess Cruises