Here's something of note: Crystal Cruises has announced that in addition to its certified Court of Master wine sommeliers, new "cheese sommeliers" will join the crew for all 2008 voyages.The certification of these culinary professionals is actually pretty serious business. Master Sommelier Robert Bath, one of only 124 people in the world to hold this title, is overseeing the certification of Crystal's wine sommeliers. Bath was the creative force behind the acclaimed wine program at the lauded French Laundry.
Cheese Sommeliers will be certified by Professor Gerhard Ebner of the International Cheese Academy at the Hotel and Tourism School in Bad Gleichenberg, Austria.
Certification for Crystal's cheese and wine sommeliers takes more than 60 hours of schooling and five-and-a-half hours of testing.
From Le Riopelle de l'Isle, a rare triple cream cheese from Isle-aux-Grues (Goose Island) in Québec, to the mildly spicy Saint Albray from the French Pyrenees, the cheese sommeliers will be expanding Crystal's selection of regional and artisanal cheeses, and can offer insights on sampling suggestions; the harmony with wines and spirits; and information on the history, manufacturing, and fine distinctions of each cheese. And don't forget that Crystal ships maintain a 25,000-bottle wine cellar with more than 350 labels.
It will be interesting to see what new additions are made to Crystal's culinary offerings in 2008 and beyond. For more information, visit Crystal Cruises' website.
Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises.
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