Tasmainian homecoming – Massimo Mele

The gourmet destination of Tasmania has just become even more appetising, with news that award-winning chef, Massimo Mele will be cooking up a feast onboard three Carnival Cruise Line cruises to the Apple Isle next year.

Guests on the five-night cruises will have the chance to enjoy an exclusive onboard cooking demonstration and lunch with Massimo or attend one his special cooking masterclasses as they sail to Tasmania.

And as an added treat, holidaymakers on Carnival Spirit’s January 24 cruise to Tasmania will also have the option of enjoying a memorable Australia Day lunch in Hobart hosted by Massimo and his mother, Maria.

Born in Tasmania, Massimo is a past winner of the People’s Choice Award in the Lexus Young Chef of the Year competition and has appeared on a number of television cooking programs in Australia. Having headed up the superb modern Italian restaurant La Scala on Jersey in Sydney, Massimo is now planning an exciting new venture for 2016 while focusing on creating unique food events around Australia.

Announcing Massimo’s appearance on the three Tasmanian cruises, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the chef’s presence would add even more flavour to the itineraries.

“Our cruises to Tasmania have been a real winner with families and couples alike so we’re thrilled to be bringing the destination onboard by partnering with Massimo to celebrate the island’s renowned fresh local seafood and produce,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Massimo said he was looking forward to the cruises to his birthplace.

“Tasmania’s a beautiful place to visit and it offers some sensational food and wine so I can’t wait to share my cooking and my knowledge of the local produce on these three cruises,” Massimo said.

Guests on the cruises will spend a day in Hobart, where they can explore the city’s historic Battery Point district, visit the amazing Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and relax by the waterfront as they sample some of Tasmania’s famous seafood as well as its fine wines and beer.   The cruises will also take travellers to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia.

Massimo Mele will be onboard Carnival Spirit’s January 24 and January 29, 2016 cruises to Tasmania as well as Carnival Legend’s April 5, 2016 cruise. 

Fares start from $699 per person for Carnival Spirit’s five-day cruise departing January 29, 2016.

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