Carnival Cruise Line Names Emeril Lagasse as Chief Culinary Officer

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has been named as Carnival Cruise Line’s chief culinary officer. The appointment expands the relationship between the cruise line and the chef, which has already seen the placement of a Lagasse-helmed restaurant onboard each of its Excel-class cruise ships. A third Emeril’s Bistro will also be onboard Carnival Jubilee when it launches next year.

“Food is key to the fun of a Carnival cruise,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Emeril’s restaurants on our two new ships have been a great addition to our dining offerings and guests rave about the food, which will also be on Carnival Jubilee come next December.”

As chief culinary officer, chef Lagasse, a James Beard Award winner, will support Carnival’s team of chefs with guidance on food trends and techniques, as well as advise on future menu items and dining concepts.

Starting in 2023, Carnival cruisers will also see his input via “Emeril Recommends” picks on the main dining room menus.

“I’ve been creating and operating restaurants for many years but developing my restaurants with Carnival and learning about the cruise industry has been an exhilarating experience,” chef Lagasse said. “I love Carnival’s focus on food and fun and the many great dining options they offer their guests.”