MSC Cruises announced that it has partnered with acclaimed chocolatier and pastry chef, Jean-Philippe Maury, to bring his culinary genius aboard the cruise line’s ships. This latest announcement reflects MSC Cruises passion for food and commitment to provide world-class dining experiences for its guests through the highest quality partnerships and the addition of even more varied options and features.

“We constantly look to surprise and delight our guests with new and authentic culinary experiences. Jean-Philippe Maury is a world pastry champion who embodies passion, elegance, innovation and excellence – the same characteristics that distinguish MSC Cruises,” said Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises. “We partner with the world’s leading brands and individuals who lend us best practices in their fields to create unique and unforgettable experiences for our guests. Jean-Philippe’s artistic culinary creations are an exciting addition to the authentic Mediterranean and international culinary offerings already found across MSC Cruises fleet.”

As part of the first phase of the partnership, MSC Cruises is already working with Maury to roll-out new choices aboard MSC Divina, one of MSC Cruises’ ultramodern ships now sailing year-round from Miami to the Caribbean. This will result in new dessert offerings within the ship’s buffet, specialty restaurants and the MSC Yacht Club, the ship-in-ship luxury concept exclusive to MSC Cruises. Guests can expect his unique touch will add flair and some delicious culinary twists on original recipes. Following the introduction of Maury’s products on board MSC Divina, MSC Cruises will introduce his menus and creations across other ships in the fleet.

In the second phase of the partnership, Maury will have a permanent and high-profile presence on the first of MSC Cruises next-generation ships, MSC Meraviglia. Part of the unprecedented, $5.9 billion investment plan launched last year, the four Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus generation ships will be the largest and most innovative cruise ships ever built by a European-based cruise line. Onboard guests will be able to enjoy a chocolate atelier with an open kitchen and watch the chocolatiers create masterpieces that seduce the palate and eye as well as sample Maury’s specialty pastry and bakery menus. Maury will also work with MSC Cruises to create a gourmet ice cream parlor and creperie located within the impressive indoor promenade, a convivial indoor space filled with shops and boutiques and encapsulated by the longest LED dome at sea.

Sales for MSC Meraviglia opened in June 2015. The ship will debut in June 2017 with an inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean.

"I am truly honored to partner with MSC Cruises in this new exciting adventure. Creativity and passion will lead us to the next level of excellence,” says Jean-Philippe Maury, Best Pastry Chef in France (Meilleur Ouvrier de France 1997) and gold medal winner at the World Pastry Team Championship (2002 and 2004).

Maury held the position of executive Pastry Chef at The Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas in 1998 and then Aria Hotel in 2009. Today, he is managing in partnership with MGM Resorts International his two shops Jean Philippe Patisserie, one of which houses the world’s tallest and largest chocolate fountain. Last summer, he opened an innovative dessert concept in San Diego, called iDessert.