PBS Chef of ‘Christina Cooks’ to Sail on Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam August 8

SEATTLE, April 8 /PRNewswire/ — Christina Pirello, television personality, author and chef, is scheduled to sail as part of the guest-enrichment program on the Aug. 8, 2009, Alaska voyage aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam.

During her cruise, the epicurean expert will perform cooking demonstrations for guests in the ship’s state-of-the-art show kitchen, conduct seminars and tastings, and participate in question and answer sessions.

Pirello discovered the value of healthy eating when, at age 26, she cured herself from Leukemia. She’s an expert chef, author and Emmy Award-winning television personality who is passionate about eating a plant-based diet to prevent cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other health-related epidemics. She also believes that a plant-based diet will help you look and feel younger and more vibrant.

Pirello is the host of two television shows: “Christina Cooks!” premiered in 1998, is currently in its ninth series and airs on more than 150 public television stations nationwide and on CN8 The Comcast Network. “Christina, Naturally” premiered in 2007 and airs on CN8 The Comcast Network.

With a Masters Degree in food science and nutrition, she has a broad knowledge of the science of nutrition. In addition to being the keynote speaker for the U.S. Defense Department’s food service convention (Defending the Health of Our Nation’s Defenders), Pirello has been a regular guest on television shows like “The Early Show” on CBS, “Home Matters” on The Discovery Channel, “Women’s Day TV” on The PAX TV Network and “In Food Today” on the Food Network.

The dynamic chef also is the author of several books, including “This Crazy Vegan Life,” “Cooking the Whole Foods Way,” “Christina Cooks: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Whole Foods but Were Afraid to Ask” and “Cook Your Way to the Life You Want.”

The Vancouver, British Columbia to Ketchikan, Alaska, cruise calls at Tracy Arm, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska with Glacier Bay scenic cruising.

Holland America Line launched its innovative culinary guest-enrichment program in 2005. Each of the line’s 14 ships features a Culinary Arts Center. A first-class “show kitchen at sea,” the Culinary Arts Centers presented by “Food and Wine” magazine resemble the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs and offer culinary demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes aboard every Holland America sailing.

Each facility features a theater-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from the masters. In partnership with “Food and Wine” magazine, Holland America Line has scheduled approximately 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2009. On cruises that do not have a celebrity chef on board, classes and demonstrations in the show kitchen are scheduled with Holland America’s own expert chefs.

Holland America Line also offers a youth Culinary Arts Center activity program to teach kids and teens how to cook. The program incorporates dishes from breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in complimentary 45-minute-long classes. Kids under eight years old learn to make theme cookies, fruit roll-ups, ice cream sandwiches, salad people art and scones. Kids eight and over make soft pretzels, granola bars, pita chips and hummus, and saltwater taffy. Teens also can attend adult culinary demonstrations.

Holland America Line ships are the perfect setting to showcase award-winning guest experts. In addition to the enrichment experience provided by the culinary stars on board, passengers can dine in a variety of venues, including everything from a quick bite poolside to a formal five-course affair. Every ship features an elegant main dining room, a sophisticated Pinnacle Grill where guests can sample Sterling Silver beef and fresh seafood, the casual indoor-outdoor Lido Restaurant, and the Terrace Grill on deck for lunchtime fare.

For a full schedule of Holland America Line’s Culinary Guest Program, visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Enrichment.action and click on the Culinary Arts Center tab.

For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

– www.hollandamerica.com –

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

World’s Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

    CONTACT:  Rose Abello, John Primeau
    PHONE:    800-637-5029, 206-262-5870
    FAX:      206-262-5934
    EMAIL:    pr@hollandamerica.com

SOURCE Holland America Line