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For More Information:
Windstar Cruises Public Relations
Amanda Graham
[email protected]
206.733.2970
Wagstaff Worldwide Public Relations
Sally Spaulding
[email protected]
970.429.4182
Windstar Cruises Announces New Private Event Host: ‘The Royal Chef’ Chef Darren
McGrady, Former Chef for Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, to Join
‘Idyllic British Isles’ Sailing on June 19
Seattle, April 29, 2015 – Windstar Cruises announces their newest Private Event Host, “Royal
Chef” Darren McGrady, as part of the global roll-out of the small ship cruise line’s new Private
Event program in 2015. Each Windstar sailing now boasts a unique and complimentary “private
event” with a region-specific experience, allowing guests the opportunity to connect more deeply
with the destination during their cruise.
Chef Darren was personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II; Diana, Princess of Wales; and Princes
William and Harry for 15 years. Darren will come aboard Windstar’s June 19 Idyllic British Isles
sailing as the Private Event Host, attending Windstar’s Private Event at Picton Castle, a 13th
century castle reserved for Windstar guests to explore while enjoying appetizers, sparkling wine,
and music from a Welsh choir.
Back on board that evening, Chef Darren will prepare a three course “royal feast” for guests,
taking time before each course to explain his selections and techniques while telling stories from
his time cooking at Buckingham Palace. Additionally, Chef Darren will host an afternoon tea on
board during the sailing, answering guests’ questions and sharing his favorite recipes and
cookbook.
Chef Darren is the second Private Event Host announced in 2015, with Olympic Swimmer Mark
Spitz serving as host of the Prickly Pear Beach Private Event on the Yachtsman’s Caribbean
Voyage in January. Mark conducted a series of swimming master classes for guests while they
also enjoyed a cocktail classes, beach BBQ-fare, and music.
Other Private Events in 2015 include a wine tasting and tour in Italy with traditional Sicilian
lunch; tapas and folk dance lessons; and an equestrian ballet and sherry tasting, among others.
Additional celebrity hosts for different Windstar sailing destinations will be announced in the
coming months.
“Having the ‘Royal Chef’ aboard our ‘Idyllic British Isles’ sailing is a perfect match,” said Hans
Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer. “Our Private Events are about enhancing the
guest experience and helping them more fully engage with the destination in a way that only
small ship cruising can offer. We look forward to hearing Chef Darren’s stories from his time
cooking for the Royal Family, and more importantly, tasting his creations.”
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for its intimate yacht style
experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three
recently renovated sailing yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise to 52 nations, calling at
155 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Asia, South America, and
Central America. In May 2014, Windstar launched Star Pride, the first of three newly acquired
power yachts. In May 2015 the company launches Star Breeze and Star Legend. The power
yachts, with a capacity of 212 guests each, will double the size of Windstar’s fleet, making the
company the market leader in small ship cruising with 300 or fewer passengers, with a total of
1,242 berths Windstar was recently named Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 small ship cruise line in
the world.
For more information including rates and itineraries, contact a travel professional or call
Windstar at 800.258.7245, or visit www.windstarcruises.com.
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